discussions

guidelines

meet the moderators

Refine Display
Discussion Categories
lawn & garden topics
Start a

LockedWhy buy a generator?

posted on November 02, 2009 at 01:29PM Inappropriate?

When a big storm hits and power goes out for a couple days people flock to the store to pick up a generator to keep things running smoothly around the house.

Aside from that - what other events or activities do you use your generator for (or know people that do)?

replies: 12 latest post: December 29, 2009 at 09:38AM by wacrawford
Displaying all 12 posts
posted on November 02, 2009 at 01:51PM
 

Here in hurricane alley, a generator is becoming almost mandatory. When Katrina hit, we were without power for 3 days, when Gustav hit, we were in the dark for 5 days. Those were the longest days of my life.

Some folks use their generator when they go camping (yeah, that's really roughing it). Ham radio operators use them to power their gear in remote areas during field days, competitions, or when providing emergency communications. Hunters use them at their hunting camps which may not have commercial power. Finally they are handy if you are at a construction site that has no power.

posted on November 02, 2009 at 05:22PM
 
In response to SHC-StevenK's post from November 02 2009 01:29PM
SHC-StevenK said…

When a big storm hits and power goes out for a couple days people flock to the store to pick up a generator to keep things running smoothly around the house.

You left out the most important part: And when the power comes back, they flock to the store to return the generator because now they don't need it, and then they get upset that we don't allow for free rental of generators. :)

Generators are really handy for worksites, where electricity is not provided. They're also good for hunting cabins, which usually don't have any connections to electricity or natural gas.

posted on November 02, 2009 at 05:26PM
 

There is another reason to own a generator? We had a MASSIVE ice storm in January. 15 days with no electricity...enough said.

posted on November 02, 2009 at 08:26PM
 

One Customer was looking for a small generator for his baseball pitching machine.

That would also qualify a tennis ball launcher.

Then there's power out to a shed.

Put in the trailer of a riding mower, a small generator would make a great remote power supplier to electric yard and garden tools.

One person uses an electric generator to demo 120 volt tools, he sells at Flea Markets.

posted on November 03, 2009 at 05:26PM
 
In response to SHC-StevenK's post from November 02 2009 01:29PM

Steve - Don't forget two dun activities where generators are used - Camping and Tailgating! Mike Hargrave, Online Buyer for Sears Power Lawn & Garden.

posted on November 03, 2009 at 08:06PM
 

Are there any opportunities to promote the purchase of generators for these types of activities?

And are people inclined to buy generators before a storm hits or do they typically wait until the power has gone out?  I would assume the vast majority of people are reactive rather than proactive.

posted on November 05, 2009 at 05:15PM
 
In response to SHC-StevenK's post from November 03 2009 08:06PM

I absolutely think there are opportunities to promote for "non-storm" activities. The most flexibility would be on the internet.

As far as what stimulates a purchase, nothing beats your power being out, so yes it would be reactive. However, memory is also powerful. Folks in an area susceptible to storms, especially where and one hit last season, would probably listen to a promo message more intently. 

posted on December 03, 2009 at 01:14PM
 

To StevenK's point, there is usually a rush to pick up a generator when a storm is approaching.  Who wants to be without power for a few days, not me.  I'm not sure if all our customers know this or not, but we have generators available year round, not just on a seasonal basis.  Also, as MikeH may have mentioned before, we have an expanded generator assortment online.  If you haven't cheked them out yet, I advise you to mosey on over and do a search.  

posted on December 03, 2009 at 04:33PM
 

We need more generators in the store.  Most people do not want to spend $200+ on oversized shipping/delivery when they can go to their local hardware/tool store and pick one up in stock there.

posted on December 03, 2009 at 07:03PM
 

Aside from the motor, how heavy is the actual electrical generation part of a generator?  I wonder if you could build a generator into a lawn tractor.  Drive your lawn tractor to the area you want to work, park it and leave the motor runnng, throw a switch and it becomes a generator.

I think the main problem with the casual use of generators by homeowners is the same as they have with the casual use of air compressors.  The things are so darn noisy.

 

posted on December 04, 2009 at 01:41AM
 

A small Honda-powered generator would be GREAT for occasion camping trips, flea-market power tool demos and could be taken anywhere on the property using your riding mower's trailer.

There are a selection of small generators on the Sears.com site.

posted on December 29, 2009 at 09:38AM
 

I do a lot of home improvement projects around the house. Both inside and outside for myself and neighbors. I would pull extension cords everywhere never worrying about the power consumption from my home or my neighbors.

Hurricane Katrina made me rethink a lot of things. I have two generators. When I have a small or large improvement job, I don't plug into the house, I use a generator for my power tools. It saves on the power bill and it saves on the enviroment. It also helps to keep the generator in good running order. Keep the oil changed, fresh fuel, and run occainally your generator will be there for an emergency. THAT'S WHEN YOU WILL REALLY NEED IT.

Willie C. Gulfport,MS 

LockedThis topic has been locked.