China's Haier eyes U.S. living rooms

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Right now, Haier has a long way to go to become a global brand. It does not have deals in place with major electronics chains like Best Buy for its TVs. It doesn't even have many deals with large, independent retailers. Instead, it sells its TVs through Web sites like PC Universe.

Getting into the phone business presents challenges, too. Carriers in the U.S. typically only want to resell phones from the big brands. If and when networks become unlocked, Haier will gain its chance to break into the U.S.

In the meantime, it has concentrated on Central and South America. Although networks are locked in those countries, the carriers are more open to new brands, Hasenfus said. In Venezuela, the company is marketing its more upscale phones, like the shiny Sterling. Its distributor went through 10,000 of the high-end phones in the first month, the company said. By contrast, in Guatemala and Mexico, Haier is aiming for the low-end market.

"They want phones that cost $20, $25," Hasenfus said. "Sixty-five percent of the market for Latin America is for low-end phones."

More importantly, the company will have to overcome the perception of products designed and made in China. (Western companies get products manufactured in China, but they oversee much of the design and engineering.)

"You really know how to ask a question where it hurts," Kan joked. But watch and wait, he urged. The panels on the company's LCD TVs are from Samsung and LG, so there's a good chance Americans will find the quality acceptable. The company is trying to establish further partnerships, and many reviews so far are generally positive.

Still not convinced a company based in China is ready to go mainstream in America without a Lenovo-IBM type deal? Go into the Cellar at Macy's, where the department store sells appliances as lifestyle accessories, and look closely at a few of the coffee and panini makers. Then go to electronics and examine the DVD players.

You might recognize a name.

[ronch79]

Haier mistreats employees

I read in a magazine years ago how Haier mistreats its employees. For instance, in the refrigerator factory, a worker who commits a mistake making a fridge will be made to be embarrassed and scolded in front of his/her co-workers the next working day. Sure, they may change their ways, but a company does that only to make themselves look cool to the people and increase sales. I don't trust Haier. Not ever.

[RompStar_420]

China sucks!

I have completely stopped buy anything made in China, unless I made a mistake and didn't look at a label. For LCD TV's, Phillips does a pretty good job and they are a US company.

I no longer trust China, simple as that.

I am sure there is plenty of good people there, the local public, but the government is far forse in China when compared to Russia, as bad as they are.

[regulator1956]

Years Ago

"I read in a magazine years ago how Haier mistreats its employees. For instance, in the refrigerator factory, a worker who commits a mistake making a fridge will be made to be embarrassed and scolded in front of his/her co-workers the next working day."

Years ago, almost every USA company mis-treated their employees. Now, very few do. Companies change because the managers are replaced over time.

Also, I like the idea that bad workers are pushed to perform better. I don't agree with that method, but quality is important.

[danielz40]

Haier

You're kidding. How do you think the employees of Enron feel? Or those of Tucson Electric Power that lost their life savings because management made an unwise acquisition and screwed over its employees? Or any of hundreds of companies here in the US that do worse than "embarrass it's employees"? Get real, you're idea of mistreating employees is warped when compared to what Americans do. Ask any of America's 17,000 sex slaves. We ain't that innocent.

[katznaperr]

Our Haier Washer Lasted Just 6 Months

Three years ago my wife and I lived in an apartment and we got a Haier portable washing machine to clean my wifes nursing scrubs. The thing was a total piece of junk. It leaked like crazy and after only six months the drum broke off and could not longer spin. The warranty was worthless because I could never find a real person to talk to and they never answered my e-mail with anything but automated responses. I'd never buy that brand again.

[bigandcute]

Improvement

So that was 2005 ? If you read Haier history line, from 2006, Haier's quality already saw a big improvement since their quality is now heavily emphasized.

[pwoon]

Haier is great

I bought a portable Haier air conditioner 3 years ago, and it's working like a champ.

[bigandcute]

Haier min fridge

My friend is running a hostel and most of the fridges are Haier mini fridges, now they are 5 years-old and yet still running well.

[bigandcute]

Haier quality is indeed greatly improved

Haier's quality has improved alot in recent years, their products are greatly welcomed by Comet, I don't know about their other products but their fridges work for really long, my friend is running a hostels with full of Haier mini fridges and the last for up to 5 years now and still running.

[abhi_jais]

Another Crap From China

Guys, just go to any electronic store and see the diffrence between the Haier TVs and other brands like Sony, Samsung and Visio. Although Haier stuffs are a lot cheaper then other brands. But belive me their picture quality is pathetic.

I won't suggest anyone to buy Haier electronics.

[marvinsmate]

I bought a haier washer from comet and it was a complete waste of money. it would not spin, kept saying unb. I had two of these in a month and it was the same. I had to pay more to buy from a better company. I am really angry. I will never buy Haier again!

[ohshmate]

I like Haier products,almost all my appliances is Haier brand,the quality is very good,all these products include TV,fridges,washer and so on works fine,and up to 6 years now and still runing,no any fault.