Incentive - June 2009 - (Page 61)

AWARDS Power & Hand Tools: Building Down Up When Economy’s By William Ng D emand for power tools and hand tools is ratcheting up as the deep economic recession continues and pennywise homeowners look to save money by working on house projects themselves instead of hiring outside help. As a result, power tools are increasingly redeemed as awards, and tool manufacturers have introduced “intelligent” products designed to make jobs easier for the amateur handyman. When the economy slows down, says James Berliner, president of Power Tool Incentives, in Matteson, IL, “people not only tend to do projects that they would normally hire out, they tend to spend more time around the house instead of traveling, so [home] projects that had been on the back burner are moved forward.” In the motivational products market, cordless and multi-tool sets— known as combo kits—using lithium ion battery technology are booming in popularity. Lithium ion batteries have several advantages over traditional nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries. “Lithium ion is a great upgrade because the battery packs are lighter, charge faster, and hold their charge longer,” says Larisa Mendenhall, director of individual awards for ITA Group, based in West Des Moines, IA. “This has advantages for both men and women tools become easier to use. They are lighter yet have more power.” Berliner, who represents Bosch Tools and Skil, says both manufacturers have introduced latestgeneration lithium-ionpowered products and combo kits. Another brand that Power Tool Incentives carries, Dremel, has been offering tools with lithium ion batteries in the last few years, he says. “Lithium ion is a little more pricey than NiCd, but the power and weight advantages and the ability to hold charge justify the difference.” At a time when the economy is constraining or forcing back incentive programs, the tools category has remained steady for Top: More homeowners take on do-it-yourself projects instead of hiring contractors when the economy slumps and budgets tighten; Left: Black & Decker’s 12-volt Smart Select Drill adjusts power and speed by itself depending on the type of project incentivemag.com | June 2009 | Incentive | 61 Bosch Tools http://www.incentivemag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Incentive - June 2009

Incentive - June 2009
Contents
Editor’s Note: Motivation 2.0
Headlines
Cover Story: 8th Annual Industry Roundtable
Interview: Roger Dow
Research: Sales IQ
Marketing Trips to Success
HR Guide to Incentives
Strategies: In the Loop
Primer: Cash Is Secondary
Case Study: Centennial Comm. Connects With Gen Y
Travel News: Where To Go
Captivating Colombia
South Africa Beckons
Potentials: Here and Now
Electronics: Thin and Green Are the Trends
Power & Hand Tools: Building Up When Economy’s Down
Concern Grows Over A Genuine Scare: Luxury Counterfeits

Incentive - June 2009