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Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor has been involved with the Internet since 1980 and is widely recognized as an expert on both technical and business issues. He has been published over a thousand times, launched four Internet-related startup companies, has written twenty business and technical books and holds both an MBA and MS Ed. Dave maintains four weblogs: The Business Blog at Intuitive.com, Ask Dave Taylor, Dave On Film, and Attachment Parenting Blog. Dave is an award-winning speaker, sought after conference and workshop participant and frequent guest on radio and podcast programs.

For Sale: The "Firedog" Brand

Imagine my surprise when I saw the following graphic in the middle of my evening update from TWICE, the consumer electronics industry publication:

firedog sale banner

It's not a terrible ad for industry insiders, but still, a bit of a surprise. Check out where it leads:

streambankllc.com/engagements/firedog.html

As the site explains:

  • Brand Strength
    • Number 2 market position
    • Multi-service offering under one brand
    • National footprint with coverage of over 80% of the US population
    • Market-leading customer satisfaction scores
    • Generated over $272 million of sales in F2008
    • Achieved 28% revenue growth and more than doubled EBT in F2008 vs. F2007

  • Current Offerings
    • PC Services - PC repair services, new computer set-up, remote service plans, and networking support
    • Repair In Home/Depot - In-home TV repair, warranty/OEM repair services, and service depot
    • Home Theater & Audio Services - Flat Panel installation, surround sound/ home audio, TV Projector mounting, custom A/V solutions

  • Future Potential
    • Significant opportunity for growth within the $26 billion consumer electronics services market
    • Unlimited brand potential to go beyond consumer electronics

Really, rather interesting. If they're doing so well, though, with $272 million in sales in 2008, why are they in bankruptcy in the first place?

You interested in the company? It's not too late to bid! You can learn more about the auction here: Firedog Intangible Asset Sale.

Posted by Dave Taylor at June 17, 2009 11:09 PM

Comments

Good for you for pointing out how much they make and questioning why they're in bankruptcy. There should be a lot more wondering done about such occurrences!

Posted by: Jen on June 18, 2009 12:15 AM

This was Circuit City's brand. I remember sales clerks at Circuit City: 'Do you need installation help with that, you can purchase FireDog support'. I used the service once, but it was actually for a car alarm in a Southern California store. They practically pushed it on everything sold at circuit city that required installation support.


I really never figured out the spin-off, especially when I only saw FireDog services/stores in kiosks inside circuit citys. Electronics stores do charge extra for installation, but I'd never seen a separate brand like this. Perhaps they already knew the 'circuit city' brand was in hot-water long before it fell apart.

Posted by: Daniel on June 25, 2009 1:19 PM

Hey Dave,
It's interesting how they stress the brand. I remember a guy trying to sell me a newspaper once at twice its value due to "name recognition"...but that was before the Internet and it makes me wonder. In a world of keyword marketing and brand recognition, is a brand worth more than a business? Think the new music business selling personal appearances and memorabilia instead of music since it's often free for download. Will marketing a worldwide brand and selling it to those who want to do business under it become a realistic industry in the future?

Posted by: Shawn on June 25, 2009 10:55 PM

more on firedog sale here:
http://www.cepro.com/article/firedog_assets_for_sale_opportunity_for_ce_pros/D1/

Firedog's client list is "enormous," says Birlem, who is working to track down the exact number..

But not so fast, she cautions. Lawyers currently are reviewing the rights of former firedog customers.

"The sale is subject to a privacy omnibus," Birlem explains. "Someone will manage that policy. The court will review the privacy clauses and determine how the database can be used."

Those issues will be hammered out before the auction.

According to a Streambank document (pdf), firedog enjoyed strong customer loyalty. Eighty-nine percent of customers were highly likely or likely to recommend firedog service to friends.

The other 11 percent of customers were indifferent or unlikely to recommend the service.

The caveat: it is unclear where this research came from – firedog itself or a neutral third party.

Posted by: Julie J on July 7, 2009 11:25 AM

I bought a FIREDOG car alarm system and it stopped working. I am writing the better business bureau about shoty work done on my car.. I want a refund.

Currently I am sueing Firedog / Circuit City.

Posted by: Joyce Sulton on September 16, 2009 9:14 AM

I had a Firedog system installed in my car in March. Now, it has messed stopped working, so my car won't even start.

Posted by: Linda Sharp on November 13, 2009 3:35 PM

Linda, sounds super frustrating. I think you might call a few car stereo installers and see if one of them can just remove the entire firedog system from your vehicle. Good luck!

Posted by: Dave Taylor on November 13, 2009 4:22 PM

It was Circuit City's brand.

Posted by: james on March 8, 2010 5:23 AM
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