Ex-Brandsmart employee
Hello just joined 1/27/2005. I worked for Brandsmart for 10 years. This thread caught my eye as I have been reading all the post for Voom as of late due to my new career, installs. To end some of the speculation and provide some facts let's start out with the install division.
Brandsmart does do the installs. They have a in house company called Florida Custom Sales that provides the installation. They do there own service calls if applicable, but I have been on few that Brandsmart installed and Installs Inc serviced the customer afterwards. Bottom Line FCS is owned an operated by Brandsmart from Hollywood, FL.
Rebates:
Brandsmart is the best in the business when it comes to value, rebates are just a way to get the advertising. The $300 rebate they offered was incoporated from Voom paying them the $300 kickback. Brandsmart will try anything as long as it works. Voom has had it's ups and downs inside the stores. Some months strong, some stunk, new company (voom)what can you expect? The $1 install helped considerably with sales but I don't think it helped with the direction Brandsmart wanted. Brandsmart wants, like any other company quick results or they they have to cut their losses. What I have seen in the past is if it's not profitable get out, Rainbow selling to Echostar would make any multi million dollar company think twice. The buyers and Executives at Brandsmart know what they are doing, they are the best in the business. This, though, does not signify doom for voom, just might not be working with Brandsmart. They don't carry direcTv, you don't see them going out any time soon.
Stores: They only have 5 stores in Florida, South Dade to West palm Beach. One in Atlanta with hopes of opening more soon. Although they make enough with these 6 stores, any losing venture right now is not in the cards as of yet.
On the flip side, I have seen them do this several times. although the rebate is gone, It doesn't mean voom is gone 9from them or from us). At least I hope not, means more work for me