Window Tinting- Word On The Street
Being part of this wonderfully exciting business we keep our ear to the ground to see where this business is headed. You really can't be Advanced Film Solutions if you keep your opportunities limited. Is 2008 the year of the recession; or will we astonish the world with our resourcefulness?
Here comes 2008!!
Or??
So for the consumer and professional; here's what we think is going on!
1. Tax incentives that are expired for 2007 will be extended for new homes and commercial buildings in 2008.
2. Florida residents are facing a tough economy in 2008. The Governor is trying hard to improve the insurance situation and the local governments are suffering through a reduced tax base. Homeowners are looking for relief and a reduced tax assessment based on the now lower home value depreciation.
3. Silver Spectrally-Selective Films that require edge sealing are still not part of our Advanced Film Solutions portfolio. This covers all manufacturers like V-Kool, Spectra-Select- Hilite, or Drei and Acht Films. These films are fine for arid climates like Arizona and New Mexico but we will certainly not risk them in the humid climates like Florida. There is speculation of a "next generation film" but thus far nothing tangible. The Vista ceramic and Huper Optik Ceramic films DO NOT corrode in humid climates!
4. There are new product entries in IR Adhesive films notably being lead by Korean manufacturers. These films are "on paper" extremely interesting and we will be researching them further. We would highlight Geoshield as a solution of interest to many window film people. We anticipate several other IR adhesive film introductions in 2008-2009.
5. World price increases for petroleum based products may drive film prices higher. This will become a corporate issue that has to be addressed in early 2008. The oil per barrel cost is +$100.
Many of the film manufacturers have established their current prices based on historic costs that are putting them near or in the red ink. At the very least, manufacturers need to conduct product rationalization to eliminate SKU's that do not move or are dead and excess. I would predict that the major players in window film manufacturing will be considering mergers or acquisitions in 2008.
6. The commercialization of photovoltaic or photochromatic technologies is still in the embryonic stages. Films that can incorporate solar energy and allow a window to produce in home electricity are unfortunately still in the future.
7. Commercial Account emphasis and selling strategies will be discussed internally by the various manufacturers in 2008. Many window film manufacturers are facing tougher times as they lose margin or market share against low price film alternatives. Several manufacturers are already implementing direct sales tactics to focus on the commercial sector and attempt to drive the specification. It will be interesting to see the backlash from their channel partners or the profitability of implementing these direct sale programs.
8. We note that there are several private label type companies who are reselling a manufacturers film under a unique important sounding name. Personally we are disinclined to participate in any of these "creative" marketing strategies particularly if their name starts with SHATTER- anything (gard, safe, etc.)
9. It's a no brainer but the Yellow Pages are DOA and most window tint shops recognize how much these companies have lost in their value and reach in the last few years. The Internet is rapidly eclipsing their value.
10. CP Films will be the first window film manufacturer to obtain the NFRC Certifications.
Print media is also facing a tougher year in 2008 as many advertisers take a far more cautious approach in 2008.
Here comes 2008!!
Or??
So for the consumer and professional; here's what we think is going on!
1. Tax incentives that are expired for 2007 will be extended for new homes and commercial buildings in 2008.
2. Florida residents are facing a tough economy in 2008. The Governor is trying hard to improve the insurance situation and the local governments are suffering through a reduced tax base. Homeowners are looking for relief and a reduced tax assessment based on the now lower home value depreciation.
3. Silver Spectrally-Selective Films that require edge sealing are still not part of our Advanced Film Solutions portfolio. This covers all manufacturers like V-Kool, Spectra-Select- Hilite, or Drei and Acht Films. These films are fine for arid climates like Arizona and New Mexico but we will certainly not risk them in the humid climates like Florida. There is speculation of a "next generation film" but thus far nothing tangible. The Vista ceramic and Huper Optik Ceramic films DO NOT corrode in humid climates!
4. There are new product entries in IR Adhesive films notably being lead by Korean manufacturers. These films are "on paper" extremely interesting and we will be researching them further. We would highlight Geoshield as a solution of interest to many window film people. We anticipate several other IR adhesive film introductions in 2008-2009.
5. World price increases for petroleum based products may drive film prices higher. This will become a corporate issue that has to be addressed in early 2008. The oil per barrel cost is +$100.
Many of the film manufacturers have established their current prices based on historic costs that are putting them near or in the red ink. At the very least, manufacturers need to conduct product rationalization to eliminate SKU's that do not move or are dead and excess. I would predict that the major players in window film manufacturing will be considering mergers or acquisitions in 2008.
6. The commercialization of photovoltaic or photochromatic technologies is still in the embryonic stages. Films that can incorporate solar energy and allow a window to produce in home electricity are unfortunately still in the future.
7. Commercial Account emphasis and selling strategies will be discussed internally by the various manufacturers in 2008. Many window film manufacturers are facing tougher times as they lose margin or market share against low price film alternatives. Several manufacturers are already implementing direct sales tactics to focus on the commercial sector and attempt to drive the specification. It will be interesting to see the backlash from their channel partners or the profitability of implementing these direct sale programs.
8. We note that there are several private label type companies who are reselling a manufacturers film under a unique important sounding name. Personally we are disinclined to participate in any of these "creative" marketing strategies particularly if their name starts with SHATTER- anything (gard, safe, etc.)
9. It's a no brainer but the Yellow Pages are DOA and most window tint shops recognize how much these companies have lost in their value and reach in the last few years. The Internet is rapidly eclipsing their value.
10. CP Films will be the first window film manufacturer to obtain the NFRC Certifications.
Print media is also facing a tougher year in 2008 as many advertisers take a far more cautious approach in 2008.
Posted by Mike Feldman at 1/13/2008 10:01 AM 
Categories: Recent window film news, Consulting Coaching
Tags: window tinting word on street 2008
Categories: Recent window film news, Consulting Coaching
Tags: window tinting word on street 2008
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