Products
Not all taps are created equal, so seeing the functionality, as well as the aesthetics first-hand, makes all the difference
Jo Sargent, sales and marketing director, Franke
" 1
consumer disappointment. Plus, like any category that has experienced rapid growth, vital knowledge from complementary sources such as installers is still growing.”
Customer service How retailers overcome this consumer confusion is not entirely clear, except to say that it’s important
that they stick with reputable brands, that know what they’re doing in this area. On that note, we asked what makes a retailer choose one brand over another, and Qettle’s Rowe
recommends that “retailers align themselves with a brand that not only offers dedicated tap, system and filtration expertise, but who will enable them to offer a multi-functional tap option to not just a small percentage of customers with deeper pockets, but to all customers. Most importantly, retailers should be able to do this while still earning a profit for themselves. For Quooker UK’s MD Stephen Johnson, it’s all about customer service. “Retailers know that when
they sell a Quooker, while it may be at the higher price bracket, they are giving customers a world- class product that will last and that boasts truly remarkable innovation,” he says. “Quooker retailers can have the peace of mind that their customers will be looked after post-purchase.” Franke’s Sargent says it’s important for retailers to assess options and make an informed brand
choice. “Beyond the aesthetics, price and functionality of the product, which can be very seductive,” she says, “consider longevity, performance, surety of supply, warranties and reliable customer after care from a brand you can have confidence in. Aftercare is very important because once the tap has been installed, the ongoing relationship is then between the consumer and the brand to maintain the longevity of it through annual servicing.” Abode’s product manager Dan Biddle also puts an emphasis on the importance of strong
relationships with shared values and consistent support, and he urges retailers to “do their homework so that they can capitalise on the expertise of leading brands, and piggyback on their marketing campaigns”. Finally, Blanco brand communications manager, Tamsin Mills says: “Blanco’s
reputation for precision engineering, timeless design and functionality makes it a trusted choice for both retailers and consumers seeking style and performance in their kitchen solutions.” On the question of whether it’s important to have a working model to demonstrate in
the showroom, our contributors, unsurprisingly, all agreed that this is pretty crucial. “You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive,” says Franke’s Sargent, “not all taps are created equal, so seeing the functionality first-hand makes all the difference.”
kbbr
Top five features at a glance
Convenience and speed
2 3 4 5
Bags of functionality Safety features to prevent scalding
Sustainability and efficiency
Trend-led aesthetics
above Franke’s premium Mythos Water Hub multifunctional 6-in-1 tap is designed to dispense filtered chilled, ambient, sparkling and 100°C instant boiling water alongside standard hot and cold water
left InSinkErator’s 4N1 Touch tap in a Brushed Copper finish is new for 2025
32 kbbreview March 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
