INSTALLER INITIATIVE

RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF KITCHEN INSTALLERS

The Installer magazine talks to Steve Rutter, Marketing Operations Manager, Franke UK, about the company's recently re-launched 'Fit Franke First' initiative.

What is Fit Franke First and why was it launched?

Fit Franke First is an initiative that provides easy-to-access online resources to help enhance an installer’s skills and knowledge, while aiming to save them time and money. We launched it because we know installers play a key role in delivering professionalism across the kitchen industry. We also recognise the importance of their custom, so we want to give as much support as we can. Offering resources through a website means they’re available 24/7.

What makes it relevant for installers?

Installers want a hassle-free installation, done right first time and every time. We first launched Fit Franke First in 2014, to provide a series of short training and information videos covering popular topics on installing sinks and taps. Through Fit Franke First, the videos were easy for installers to find and to access, because they were all in one place. A range of techniques were covered, starting with the basics and building up to more specific and complex subject matters. We’ve taken the level of information a step further now and extended the website so 

that installers benefit from rewards and exclusive offers, brochures, installation guides, templates, technical support, spares and business advice articles. We are continually monitoring the site and refreshing the content, so there will be something new with each visit.

What benefits do installers get from the scheme?

Registration for Fit Franke First is free and we have streamlined the process so that it’s also quick and easy. As an extra incentive to sign up, we have prizes up for grabs throughout the year ranging from power tools and fuel cards to a luxury holiday. Every installer has the chance to win a prize when sending the details of their Franke product purchases. All they have to do is visit the website www. fitfrankefirst.co.uk with the details of their purchase and they will be instantly entered into a prize draw. It’s an added bonus really, as the main benefits of the scheme are those areas that help installers with their business day-to-day.

What sort of response have you had?

The response so far has been very positive. The most popular areas of the site are the installation guides, as they are the practical resources installers need day in, day out. It’s encouraging to see that they’re already making good use of the tools available. We’re very pleased with interest so far. We are promoting the relaunched website across various media at the moment including an extensive email campaign to installers to inform them of the extra content available, and we can see a sharp increase in the amount of views already.

What feedback have you had?

Feedback is telling us that installers like the immediacy of the Fit Franke First website. We have just completed some research in partnership with the iKBBI and know that 50% of installers now regularly use their mobile phone or tablet to complete a wide range of tasks, so they value the ease of access to the resources they need while they’re out and about, through the website.

We will be asking our Fit Franke First members for feedback regularly so that we can adjust the website to be as useful and relevant as possible going forward.

www.fitfrankefirst.co.uk

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