ColorTyme and the Most Expensive Television Set in America

During my time as director of franchising for ColorTyme there has been one question that always seems to come about when speaking with aspiring rent-to-own franchisees. "Where does the name 'ColorTyme' come from?"

Well, the answer to that question begins with Curtis Mathes' famous slogan: "The most expensive television set in America, and darn well worth it!"

In the late 1950s, George Curtis Mathes, Jr.'s corporation entered the television manufacturing market, and soon began producing a line of color televisions. Over the next twenty-odd years color televisions began popping up in households across America, but it wasn't until the early 1970s that the color television started to overtake the longstanding black and whites in living rooms. Just like today's flat screen televisions, the new technology was expensive, so it took a while for retail prices to drop low enough that an average American family could afford to have a color television in their home.

However, Curtis Mathes wasn't looking to compromise the quality of his product to meet ideal selling prices. When Curtis Mathes began manufacturing televisions he had one major goal in mind; to have the most well-built, reliable and expensive television on the market. He did. And, they were. The televisions were so well built that each set had a four year warranty, which was unheard of at the time - and today for that matter. But, if consumers wanted the best they were going to have to pay for it.

So, by the end of the 1970s Curtis Mathes had perhaps the finest color television set in the world, but because of its price tag most Americans couldn't afford to purchase it. That's when Willie Talley stepped in and partnered with Curtis Mathes. Willie had an ingenious concept, " ColorTyme." Willie believed at the time that it was "tyme" for all households to have "color" television...hence ColorTyme. While he didn't expect the name to become so quickly dated, it has stuck over the years.

Willie's idea materialized in Athens, Texas in 1979, where the first ColorTyme rent-to-own store opened. With the store's opening came the opportunity for every average American family to purchase the finest color television available. Curtis Mathes didn't have to sacrifice quality, and any American household could now afford to move from the era of black and white into the time of color.

A year later, Willie and his partner purchased ColorTyme from Curtis Mathes. In 1982, the concept was transformed into a franchise. And, even though Curtis Mathes no longer owned any portion of the ColorTyme concept, the company opted to implement the successful rent-to-own strategy in Curtis Mathes retail stores, which can be seen advertised in this 1984 commercial.

Today, ColorTyme is the nation's oldest franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores. Thanks to the most expensive television set in America.

Where Renting is Cheapest in America

With the recent economic crisis many land lords have struggled to pass on their dominions to others. As a result, most would think that rent would start to rise in order to pay the bills and the landlord's debt.

However, the opposite has proven to be true. Some of the areas that have struggled with selling prime rental locations have also provided some of the lowest rent to renters for various types of rental homes.

Statistics show that 29 of the nationwide markets have seen rising rates in rental vacancies. These 29 regions include some of the most sought after rental locations such as Las Vegas, Palm Beach, and Orange County.

Currently, there are at least 350,000 rental homes on the market throughout the nation. Many people who are trying to sell have decided to alter what they offer by transforming condos into rental units.

Rentals are an ideal option for many people who are currently unable to buy a home. The landlords also see altered rentals as an ideal solution to waiting out the financial crisis' many are experiencing without having to pay for maintenance.

For those who are looking to rent there are some great deals available today because of the economic crisis. The first ideal place is in Wichita, Kansas.

In this location, renters can find a 600 square foot home with one bedroom and a large kitchen. The home is also equipped with a washer and dryer.

The total rent is only $470 per month. This number includes the fees for golf and country club participation.

This total also knocks off much of the price for a membership at the local fitness center and services at the tanning parlors. Wichita is also a fun, little town with some interesting history.

For example, the well-know 'Dennis the Menace' lived in this town. Pizza Hut also originated here with the first Pizza Hut situated on the Wichita State campus.

This pizza hut is an ideal place for students gather, study, and talk. Wichita also features about 250 days of sunshine every year.

Another ideal location is currently found in Oklahoma City. For only twenty dollars more than Wichita County per month, a renter can get a 900 square-foot home with a fantastic gym.

Oklahoma City is also one of the top cities featured for providing the cleanest air in America. This city is the home of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and it is not uncommon to see real cowboys roam the outskirts of town.

A fun fact about Oklahoma City is that the mayor recently encouraged the 1 million people living in the city to lose one pound for a collection of a city 1 million pound weight loss. Oklahoma City has some great opportunities for those who move there.

The next bargain for renters is found in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here renters can find a brand-new, 600 square foot one bedroom home with a duck pond for $520 per month.

This apartment is also situated near elegant golf parks and country clubs. Tulsa is home of one of the largest pizza/amusement parks in the entire world.

The park offers unlimited rides and bowling and the pizza restaurants offer all-you-can-eat buffets. Outside of Germany, Tulsa hosts the biggest Oktoberfest in the world.

Knoxville, Tennessee also features some great deals for renters. For only forty dollars more than Tulsa per month a renter can obtain a one bedroom home located in the woods that is equipped with a balcony, a nearby pool, a tennis court, and a playground.

The beautiful surroundings of this location are very difficult to find elsewhere for such a fantastic price. Knoxville also has its fun quirks.

For example, Davy Crockett's rifle, Old Betsy, lives in this town. Boating is also very popular in Knoxville and many people like to take peaceful vacations down the river.

There are many grand opportunities available to renters now because of the economic crisis, which would not have been available a few years ago. It is important that renters are aware of these opportunities and take advantage of them, before it is too late.

Can This Happen in America?

It's the summer of 2012, and congratulations, you just received that promotion and the raise that goes with it. You and your wife are expecting your first child making the eighty year old bungalow you purchased four years ago seem small today.

You decide you want to sell your home and find a new home that will comfortably fit your growing family for the years to come. You're happy, and excited about the future.

You call your Realtor that sold you your home to now help you sell. The agents asks you, do you have your EPA license to sell yet?

You ask what's that? The agent explains the Cap and Trade legislation passed in 2010 requires all homeowners to get a license from the EPA before you can transfer the title to a new owner.

You ask how do you do that? The agent tells you to hurry and get on the waiting list because it's taking EPA four to six weeks to schedule an appointment to perform their audit.

You ask, what type of audit? The agent says, an energy audit. Your insulation, windows, doors, roof, furnace, air conditioner, hot water heater, and appliances must meet EPA required efficiency levels before you can sell.

Your heart sinks. The excitement of moving is disappearing. Your furnace works fine, but is 35 years old. The air conditioner works well too but is fifteen years old. The windows are the original, but have storms and screens. Will that be enough? You have no idea about the insulation. Your appliances, and water heater are only five years old, so they should be OK.

You schedule your energy audit, and bad news. You have to add insulation, replace your furnace, air conditioner, and windows before you can qualify for your EPA license to sell your home. The $350 fee for the audit must be paid now, and the $250 fee to EPA to reinspect must be paid upon return.

The insulation bid didn't turn out too bad, only $1,100. The furnace and air bid, with combo discount, is $4,800. The windows are another issue. Due to the age of your home every window must have a lead paint test before a bid can be calculated.

The charge for testing your fourteen windows comes in at $700 ($50 apiece). Bad news, there's lead paint. Due to the new lead paint remodelers law that went into effect way back on April 22, 2010 the cost per window is now $800 instead of $200.

This is because the contractor must encapsulate the entire interior room where each window is being replaced, and for six square feet around the exterior of each window before they can be removed. Failure to do so by the contractor is punishable by an over $10,000 fine per window.

You and your agent get back together to discuss listing your home so you can make that big move. You review the list of improvements the government is requiring before you will be allowed to sell your home. After paying $1,050 for fees and testing here's your totals; windows $11,200, insulation $1,100, furnace and air $4,800 for a total investment of $17,100 before the government will allow you to sell your home.

You ask the agent if you spend the money will you be able to recover the cost in your sale price. The agent says, regrettably no. Due to the slower market, and diminished demand for homes caused by all the new government mandates, prices have fallen. The probable sale price of the home you paid $110,000 for four years ago is at best $115,000.

The agent says, of course that's before any selling fees come out of the sale price. So, what's your payoff? You say we used FHA and only put 3.5% down when we purchased so our payoff is $101,280.

The agent does some quick calculations, and asks; do you have the money to pay for the $17,100 it will take to get your EPA license to sell? Because IF you sell for $115,000, after your mortgage is paid off, property taxes are prorated, brokerage fees paid, and other expenses you will net $2,220 from the sale.

You and your wife decide that second bedroom is plenty big for the baby when she or he arrives.

Can this happen in America? The EPA lead paint rules already are in effect. The EPA license to sell your home is contained in the bowels of proposed Cap and Trade legislation.

My apologies to you Climate Change believers, but Climate Change is at best a gross exaggeration, and at worst a fraud, and surely is being exploited to use as a tool to grant more government power and control over every Americans life.

The insanity must stop. Take a stand against economically devastating, liberty stealing Cap and Trade legislation that is based upon a ruse.

Please don't call this potential reality fear mongering. You on the left and in the media do so every time when the truth is exposed, just as you did with other disastrous legislation like Obamacare, which is proving daily to be the reality you claimed was simply, fear mongering. Get your head out of the ideological sand.

Advertising MADE IN AMERICA: How Important Is It In Your Ads

This is related to the "Saving The Environment" appeal. There are people who will buy a brand (assuming they want to buy anything) because it is made in America. This article isn't judging how we should feel about our country. This is about how we can us Made In America in our marketing.

Personally, I would use it as part of a headline...not as the entire appeal.
You want your ad to appeal to the widest niche you can find.....and people who buy just because the product is made in America is a small group. There are lots of people who are attracted to products more because they are Made In America, but as a single reason for buying, the appeal is limited to a small percentage of the population.

We sell vacuum cleaners. Lots of them. Some are made in America and some aren't. When selling, I always mention the "Made in America"" feature when I can, but if I don't get any immediate feedback on it, I stop talking about it.

If the customer says "Made In America? Now you're talking!"...I'll talk about the quality of the product.
I'll be talking about quality...but he'll be hearing "Made in America Quality" which is just fine with me.

But what if your product is made out of the country? Was it designed in America? Will it be serviced in America? Isn't it shipped across the country by American truckers? If you find out that many of the parts are actually Made In America, but the product is shipped overseas for assembly, you can say that. It is almost the same thing. Made In America actually means "assembled in America". So you can always mention what part is made in America.

Back to ads. If your product is made in America, I would certainly mention it in your ads, but as a single reason to buy it usually won't carry the sale. That's why we mention it in our ads, but include lots of other reasons to buy. We want the best return on our advertising dollar, I'm not making a political statement.

I have an acquaintance that puts, on his door, a sign that says that he is a Republican..
He is turning off about 50% of his customers before they walk in his door. Republicans aren't going to buy more from him, just because they agree with his politics, and Democrats will generally be turned off from the sign. So it's not a way to generate more money. Now, if you are selling online, or by mail, and your customer base is heavily one political party or the other, it will help to mention your views. In fact it's a way to bond with your customers. But in retail? Never do it.

This is not a political article, it's a marketing article. The moral of the story is to use what works, not what we wish would work.

Remember, people think about their problems and needs about 99% of the time (you and I do it too). If you appeal to their wants first...you'll have a chance at getting their attention, and their money.

Local Small Business And Advertising MADE IN AMERICA

This is related to the "Saving The Environment" appeal. There are people who will buy a brand (assuming they want to buy anything) because it is made in America. This article isn't judging how we should feel about our country. This is about how we can us Made In America in our marketing.

As a local small business advertiser, I would use it as part of a headline...not as the entire appeal.
You want your local advertising to appeal to the widest niche you can find.....and people who buy just because the product is made in America is a small group. There are lots of people who are attracted to products more because they are Made In America, but as a single reason for buying, the appeal is limited to a small percentage of the population.

We sell vacuum cleaners. Lots of them. Some are made in America and some aren't. When selling, I always mention the "Made in America"" feature when I can, but if I don't get any immediate feedback on it, I stop talking about it.

If the customer says "Made In America? Now you're talking!"...I'll talk about the quality of the product. If he talks about foreigners taking American jobs, I'll politely listen.
I'll be talking about quality...but he'll be hearing "Made in America Quality" which is just fine with me.

But what if your product is made out of the country? Was it designed in America? Will it be serviced in America? Isn't it shipped across the country by American truckers? If you find out that many of the parts are actually Made In America, but the product is shipped overseas for assembly, you can say that. It is almost the same thing. Made In America actually means "assembled in America". So you can always mention what part is made in America. If the prospect really wants the product anyway, it will be enough.

Back to advertising. If the product you are marketing is made in America, I would certainly mention it in your advertising, but as a single reason to buy it usually won't carry the sale. That's why we mention it in our advertising, but include lots of other reasons to buy. We want the best return on our advertising dollar, I'm not making a political statement.

I have an acquaintance that puts, on his door, a sign that says that he is a Republican..
He is turning off about 50% of his customers before they walk in his door. Republicans aren't going to buy more from him, just because they agree with his politics, and Democrats will generally be turned off from the sign. So it's not a way to generate more money. Now, if you are selling online, or by mail, and your customer base is heavily one political party or the other, it will help to mention your views. In fact it's a way to bond with your customers. But in retail? Never do it. His fellow retailers love the idea when he tells them, but it's an idea that will cut your business in half.

This is not a political article, it's a marketing article. The moral of the story is to use what works, not what we wish would work.

Remember, people think about their problems and needs about 99% of the time (you and I do it too). If you appeal to their wants in your advertising first, you'll have a chance at getting their attention, and their money.

Points to consider when buying property in America

Once after the home sales turned down from eth economic fall period in 2006, European investors hence found new options to use their investments in similar apartments like apartments in charlotte, Texas.
Investment in US means decent economy, low crime with good schools nearby. The real estate is intrigued to know if the investment market continues to be profitable or not ? If you are serious about property investment, then you must have heard of the following:
Family home investment is a profitable indulgence since it caters to the need of a large number of audiences and causes less problems to the people involved. If you are looking for a property in the US, then you should aim for a place which is free of hassles rather than complicated with problems.
You can confirm this from the number of people immigrating into the country. Florida, Texas, Arizona and California are among the hottest markets according to the US government. You can consider to put the apartments in Scottsdale in Arizona on rent. To avoid any major mistakes in the process of a long term investment, you should follow the above mentioned guidelines and should indulge in long term and profitable investment.
If you want secure investments then Condos or town homes are best option as it prevents the area of the buildings or land and there is no lawn to clean from snow every time. In case you are in need of economies for sale then Multi Family is a good option since they give no hassles regarding management and promises handsome returns when you sell them. Prudent investors have take into account the buying of property as a perfect long term investment. There are increasing foreign and rental demands and regular rentals with great wealth generating opportunities in long term investments. You can buy property for rent like Tulsa apartment that promises to remain a trend .
Before you take your first step into real estate, it is good to understand the nuances of personal investment in real estate. With a lot of information coming your way may be tripped off which can be the reason why seasoned investors too are puzzled regarding things about investments. For the aim of quick returns it is good to do flipping. Buying and hold in recent Colorado springs apartments will be great as the tenants only pay all eth cost and the investment is always increasing Colorado springs apartments is a great option because here it is the tenants who pay the rent and there are good chances of the investment increasing.
All investments in America are mostly rewarding and have respective many benefits. The investors should take the right decisions and act prudently and choose the property wisely.
It is not surprising that States continues to get foreign easy investments. There is no shortage of deals in market as more and more distressed parties are being sold all over and outsiders are making it big with huge money ridden due to many long term investment plans. The main motivating factor is the good return that the investments promise. The investors should be careful of pulling out a good deal especially when a broker's role is not involved. If the need and requirements are clear then some options of investment with returns will Oklahoma City apartments which are places for staying and putting on rent also is perfect.

Air conditioner market in 2009 observed the major brand marketing strategy - energy-saving air-condi

High efficiency in achieving the same 2009 air conditioner market leading brand marketing strategies observed From 2009 opening of the waning year freeze the hot season to season Sell China 39 s air conditioner market by the quot winter quot leap into the quot Summer quot While turning a weather market factors but Financial Crisis wave the country 39 s policy after another has played an important role in support Major brand product line with the national Energy Progress of implementation of subsidy policies in many changes to get rid of inventory whether new or stationed themselves at constant speed or frequency of the dispute efficient and will undoubtedly become the key to the whole market around and this impact will extend to year 2010 frozen or even far Major brand in the air conditioning market product mix changes in time what kind of adjustments are made Gree deep plowing spy 2009 8 months Gree Electric Appliance 000651 SZ released the semi annual report showed that inventories as the company increased the intensity of digestion and the risk of payment to give up a large export orders resulting in the first half year revenues 19 89 reduction for 19 99 billion yuan However due to decreased material costs as well as substantial growth in sales of new products in the first half net profit rose 29 18 percent to 1 231 billion yuan In the air conditioning market as a whole is weak Gree gratifying to hand over the report card market share continues to increase industry leading position further strengthened Gree concerned that satisfactory performance does not stop there in August 2009 the Ministry of Commerce announced the National Appliances to the countryside Air conditioning products statistics Gree proportion to sales as high as 50 43 of the share of retaining its position as the first a single month sales of 802 million yuan The source said the 2009 freeze year Gree continue marketing in the 23 stores only in the Beijing area the urban rural distribution Gree store has reached a 1 1 ratio 2010 year has started freezing Gree will continue to promote store the depth in order to create better conditions Jiu Jiadian recovery 2009 3 months Daikin Gree high profile joint venture announced the introduction of G Matrik technology and DC inverter air conditioning Currently Gree products in the sales conversion more than 40 models the average price higher than the 3 000 yuan wall machine Guiji average price of 5 000 yuan Among them the model KFR 26GW K 32556 FdB3 Gree Green Greenville series Kingpin inverter air conditioner models Annual air conditioning industry since 2008 frozen left a huge inventory 2009 freezing the first half of the year digestion of high energy stocks has become a major brand of unified action Gree is no exception Before June 2009 Gree more than 200 models of constant speed machine nearly 40 to 2 000 yuan low end products these products are mainly sold to the high energy consumption model currently in the market has basically been discontinued Currently nearly 100 types of product layout in 2000 to 3 000 yuan price segment is Gree 39 s main products many of which model is the introduction of energy saving in the country Projects that benefit the Efficiency after listing 1 and 2 products It is worth mentioning that after the introduction of the national energy saving projects that benefit Gree air conditioning for the record of energy efficient products more than 800 models battle is very strong Frozen in 2010 after the beginning of the year Gree has not slowed the pace of new product introduction and efficient only in September 2009 on the record of 48 types of products including energy efficiency a 13 2 35 In efficient products Gree 39 s main marketing model is priced at 2100 yuan per KFR 23GW K 23556 D2 N2 source of cool series The new listing price of 2 500 yuan in the KFR 23GW K 23556 E2 N2 auspicious series is expected to be the year 2010 Griffith 39 s main selling frozen models America the conflict into the frequency area Midea 000527 SZ in August 2009 revealed the 2009 mid year report performance the report shows the United States and parts of air conditioning for the first half of 2009 income 18 487 billion yuan down 14 31 but Operating costs fell 17 58 making up 3 05 gross margins as high as 22 58 .