News Whirlpool to introduce delivery surcharge for indie retailers


Whirlpool is planning to introduce “a nominal delivery surcharge” for all small trade units going to independent electrical retailers. ERT was made aware of the plans – which apply to all dealers served by “Hotpoint Home Solutions”, as of 1 March – and one dealer that we spoke to said this is “a direct attack on the independent retailer”. The appliance manufacturer stated that a £3 “flat rate” charge will be added per unit at the point of invoice, irrespective of the number of units being delivered and the frequency of deliveries. However, there will be no charge if a full container of products is ordered. ERT understands that this involves the whole Whirlpool group, including the Hotpoint and Indesit brands. Retailers received a letter from Whirlpool late last month updating them on the


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plans. Some then contacted ERT exclusively to express frustrated views, saying that this is “a real, real issue” given the total cost that would be added on when product is regularly ordered.


One dealer said that the big name multiples will not receive any additional charges. “The charge only applies to those not taking in direct containers, which is most of the independent sector,” they said.


That same small business owner added: “The fact that Whirlpool is charging


retailers for this while they offer free-of-charge delivery to its own website customers is a further slap in the face for independents.” Sharing his views on the subject, Retra CEO, Howard Saycell, asked: “Why


are manufacturers trying to put independent electrical retailers out of business?” He referred to “many brands” investing in B2C sales and now Whirlpool’s delivery charge aimed directly at small retailers. Mr Saycell told ERT: ““Retra would like to express its deep concerns about


the introduction of this £3 per box surcharge. This will not affect anyone of sufficient scale that can order by the container load; it definitely feels like a direct levy on small independent electrical retailers.


“If the brand needs to raise additional money then it should have incorporated


that into its trade price increases; this would at least be reflected across all its channels and the high street selling price.”


Following the announcement, Whirlpool has since informed retailers that SKU


prices will also be increased from 1 April. In another letter it said it wanted to find an “optimal balance between product innovation and category growth” as well as evaluating cost inflation pressures. When ERT approached Whirlpool to find out more about its delivery plans, a spokesperson said: “It is important to be clear that we have absorbed the full cost to serve for many years. “In the last few years there have been a number of significant cost impacts for businesses including costs across the supply chain. These include fuel and electricity costs and increases in wages due to strong inflation, which have impacted our sustainability as a delivery network.” The manufacturer added that this small nominal surcharge “reflects a small part of the actual cost” to help ensure it can continue to provide “excellent levels of flexibility” to serve its customers. If you would like to share your views, get in touch with ERT’s Editor on: jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk. And watch out for further updates as this story develops.


TRIC Awards return for 2023 with new President


TRIC has announced that the TRIC Awards 2023 will return to Grosvenor House on Park Lane in London this Summer. On Tuesday 27 June 2023, the elite of the TV, radio and online industries will come together to celebrate the most loved shows and talent. Presenting the show will be the newly-appointed


TRIC President, Rob Rinder – barrister, turned author and broadcaster. He began his career in TV starring in his reality court show, Judge Rinder, on ITV; he has also guest presented Good Morning Britain since last year.


Now Rob co-hosts Amazing Hotels, Life Beyond The Lobby for the BBC as well as documentaries including My Family, the Holocaust and Me. TRIC (The Television and Radio Industries Club) will be celebrating 54 years of the TRIC Awards this year, recognising the very best TV, radio and online


shows, as well as Britain’s star talent. The Awards will be presented in front of a live audience and will again be streamed online for fans to tune in and watch all the action.


And every year TRIC choses two new charities to support during the event – this year it will be Parkinson’s UK and the 45 Aid Society. TRIC Chair, Dan Todaro, said: “What a pleasure it is to welcome Rob Rinder as our new President in 2023 and to host the 54th TRIC Awards. We look forward to working with him to create our spectacular events and raise funds for good causes on behalf of those in broadcast media on TV, on radio and online.” The voting long lists for this year’s Awards categories will go live in April. Votes will be cast by members of the public as they choose their most loved shows and stars from the world of comedy, drama, reality TV, radio, news and sport.


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