Friday, September 30, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar
ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar
Fitness activities you can do in the office, at home, while relaxing or taking a little exercise your busy time, this tool will be very helpful because kesedarhanaanya, easy to carry everywhere.
Features:
95 of 99 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Does what it is supposed to do, but instructions are lacking, August 4, 2010
By
Zoey Cole "Zoey Cole" (Charleston, SC, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar (Sports)
I bought this to use with the P90X workout series, but I haven't started the workouts yet. I have been using the pull-up bar though and it does feel sturdy. I am a 175lbs male and I workout fairly regularly. Although the bar seems very stable, the grips are cheap and after the first day of usage, one of the grips tore. I am thinking of simply removing them and wrapping the ends of the bars with white athletic tape to provide a non-slip grip.
I do have a couple gripes about the "instructions" (I use that word very loosely), that came with the bar. First, the front of the box says "No need for screws, bolts or fasteners." The first thing I pull out of the box: Screws, anchors, and door brackets. There wasn't any instructions on when you would need to use these or when it would advise it to be safe to not use them. The instructions simply show you how to use the door brackets when mounting the bar. Secondly, there are 10 long screws in total, 8 which the instructions simply label as "D" and the remaining 2 which it labels as "E." The pictures in the instructions are horrendous so you can't tell the difference between D and E. After staring at the screws way too long, I finally figured out the 2 "E" screws' threading don't go all the way to the head of the screw. Phew! Next issue is that there is only a picture to tell you how to put the various segments of the bar together. I finally just looked at the picture on the box, which seems to have had its copy written by a 3rd grader who couldn't figure out which way they wanted to spell and capitalize the word chin-up, and determined the proper fitting. If the two U-shaped handles are facing you, piece #1 goes in front of the two pieces labelled #2, the #3s goes into the ends of the #2s, #5 goes on top of the joined #2/3 pieces, and the two #4 pieces go on top of the two #3 pieces.
If your door frame is made from a softer wood, I would still recommend putting something between the long bar that goes across the door opening and the frame to prevent it from making an impression (or a circular impression by the end of the U-shaped handle if that is resting on the door frame). I simply took a clean cut of the box, folded it in half, and put that between the frame and the unit. This seems to work well for me.
Overall, I think this is a great product that was just rushed into packaging to make a quick buck off the P90X craze, and if they put just a tad more effort into the instructions (how am I supposed to use this for push-ups and crunches?), then it would have given a much better first impression on its quality. I'm giving it three stars because once you get past the items you're going to throw away after the first day, it's a solid piece of equipment that I do actually like using, but they could have done a better job on the grips.
19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Complete Chinese Garbage!, January 2, 2011
By
Jazzzman - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar (Sports)
This is my first review on Amazon.com. I was so disappointed with this thing that I had to share my experience with others who might be fooled by the positive reviews here. I bought this to replace my Iron Gym bar which wore out after less than a year of moderate use. (The rubber handles shredded). I thought the Iron Gym was junk but this is even worse. At lease with the Iron, the cross bar that spans the doorway horizontally was a single piece of tubing. This horizontal tube and the two vertical bent cross-tubes are most important for weight bearing. Given the extended and wider handles of the Easy Gym unit, you'd think they would keep that single tube design - NOPE! The vertical cross-bar of this unit is actually three separate tubes that interlock via a poorly fitting and poorly machined tongue-in-groove design. When you insert the tube, you twist to "lock" the two pieces together. Unfortunately the so-called lock doesn't really lock and you end up with two weak links where the bars connect. As I was installing the wall support brackets, I lifted the unit from one side of the vertical support. Guess what? The whole thing fell apart in my hand! Obviously one of the interlocking pieces where not "properly" locked. I had to loosen the bolts and try again. This time triple-checking to ensure the parts locked by inserting and twisting with extra torque. This time the rubber end tore in my hand as I twisted the unit! Talk about low quality :( I reassembled and ensured the unit was as secure as possible given the flimsy design. Finally having drilled the bracket holes and mounted everything, I tried it out - OMG the whole unit sagged under my 190 pound lift using the horizontal handles. I then tried the extended handles and felt the entire unit bend and strain. I was literally scared to bend my knees in fear the unit would collapse! Now given the low price ($22) I paid, I wasn't expecting too much and knew I was taking a risk. But even I was shocked at how cheap and poorly designed this thing is. I am know back in the market and will pay more to find a solidly built bar. having learned my lesson. Please don't wast your time and money; and to ProSource - shame on you for selling this garbage.
Fitness activities you can do in the office, at home, while relaxing or taking a little exercise your busy time, this tool will be very helpful because kesedarhanaanya, easy to carry everywhere.
Features:
- High-grade steel chin-up/pull-up bar
- Portable, multi-functional bar
- Works out back, chest, shoulders, arms, shoulders, and abdominal compound muscles
- Heavy-duty construction with ProSource technology for comfort grips
- Multi-grip positions allow you to work muscles from different angles
- Does not require mounting; bar slips on and off doorframe easily
- Maximum Weight: 300 pounds with sturdy door trim
- Includes optional wall brackets (not required)
Product Description
The best, fully functional, all-in-one pull up, chin up bar on the market today. Home pull up bars are great for developing back and arm muscles, particularly biceps and forearms. Our professional exercise bar provides maximum durability while engaging in any of these intense exercises. It is made of high grade steel to ensure support, while our comfort grips provide the greatest degree of comfort. This bar can be used with and is ideal for the most popular extreme workouts available today. It is also incredibly beneficial for regular strength training to help you build and tone your muscles. Works best on your back, chest, shoulders, arms, and abdominal compound muscles! This portable, multi-function chin up bar is an easy and inexpensive way to tone up your muscles and get that beachbody you always wanted. Helpful Customer Reviews95 of 99 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Does what it is supposed to do, but instructions are lacking, August 4, 2010
By
Zoey Cole "Zoey Cole" (Charleston, SC, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar (Sports)
I bought this to use with the P90X workout series, but I haven't started the workouts yet. I have been using the pull-up bar though and it does feel sturdy. I am a 175lbs male and I workout fairly regularly. Although the bar seems very stable, the grips are cheap and after the first day of usage, one of the grips tore. I am thinking of simply removing them and wrapping the ends of the bars with white athletic tape to provide a non-slip grip.
I do have a couple gripes about the "instructions" (I use that word very loosely), that came with the bar. First, the front of the box says "No need for screws, bolts or fasteners." The first thing I pull out of the box: Screws, anchors, and door brackets. There wasn't any instructions on when you would need to use these or when it would advise it to be safe to not use them. The instructions simply show you how to use the door brackets when mounting the bar. Secondly, there are 10 long screws in total, 8 which the instructions simply label as "D" and the remaining 2 which it labels as "E." The pictures in the instructions are horrendous so you can't tell the difference between D and E. After staring at the screws way too long, I finally figured out the 2 "E" screws' threading don't go all the way to the head of the screw. Phew! Next issue is that there is only a picture to tell you how to put the various segments of the bar together. I finally just looked at the picture on the box, which seems to have had its copy written by a 3rd grader who couldn't figure out which way they wanted to spell and capitalize the word chin-up, and determined the proper fitting. If the two U-shaped handles are facing you, piece #1 goes in front of the two pieces labelled #2, the #3s goes into the ends of the #2s, #5 goes on top of the joined #2/3 pieces, and the two #4 pieces go on top of the two #3 pieces.
If your door frame is made from a softer wood, I would still recommend putting something between the long bar that goes across the door opening and the frame to prevent it from making an impression (or a circular impression by the end of the U-shaped handle if that is resting on the door frame). I simply took a clean cut of the box, folded it in half, and put that between the frame and the unit. This seems to work well for me.
Overall, I think this is a great product that was just rushed into packaging to make a quick buck off the P90X craze, and if they put just a tad more effort into the instructions (how am I supposed to use this for push-ups and crunches?), then it would have given a much better first impression on its quality. I'm giving it three stars because once you get past the items you're going to throw away after the first day, it's a solid piece of equipment that I do actually like using, but they could have done a better job on the grips.
19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Complete Chinese Garbage!, January 2, 2011
By
Jazzzman - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: ProSource Heavy-Duty Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up/Pull-Up Bar (Sports)
This is my first review on Amazon.com. I was so disappointed with this thing that I had to share my experience with others who might be fooled by the positive reviews here. I bought this to replace my Iron Gym bar which wore out after less than a year of moderate use. (The rubber handles shredded). I thought the Iron Gym was junk but this is even worse. At lease with the Iron, the cross bar that spans the doorway horizontally was a single piece of tubing. This horizontal tube and the two vertical bent cross-tubes are most important for weight bearing. Given the extended and wider handles of the Easy Gym unit, you'd think they would keep that single tube design - NOPE! The vertical cross-bar of this unit is actually three separate tubes that interlock via a poorly fitting and poorly machined tongue-in-groove design. When you insert the tube, you twist to "lock" the two pieces together. Unfortunately the so-called lock doesn't really lock and you end up with two weak links where the bars connect. As I was installing the wall support brackets, I lifted the unit from one side of the vertical support. Guess what? The whole thing fell apart in my hand! Obviously one of the interlocking pieces where not "properly" locked. I had to loosen the bolts and try again. This time triple-checking to ensure the parts locked by inserting and twisting with extra torque. This time the rubber end tore in my hand as I twisted the unit! Talk about low quality :( I reassembled and ensured the unit was as secure as possible given the flimsy design. Finally having drilled the bracket holes and mounted everything, I tried it out - OMG the whole unit sagged under my 190 pound lift using the horizontal handles. I then tried the extended handles and felt the entire unit bend and strain. I was literally scared to bend my knees in fear the unit would collapse! Now given the low price ($22) I paid, I wasn't expecting too much and knew I was taking a risk. But even I was shocked at how cheap and poorly designed this thing is. I am know back in the market and will pay more to find a solidly built bar. having learned my lesson. Please don't wast your time and money; and to ProSource - shame on you for selling this garbage.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Dvontz Genoa Bath Tub AF-GEN724026CE
Danze D490650BN Touch-Toe Bath Drain Conversion Kit, Brushed Nickel
Moen 101663ORB Kingsley 4-1/4-Inch Snap-In Shower Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Premier Tub Drain Trim and Two-Hole Overflow Cover D-302ORB
Two Stop-A-Clog Drain Protectors
Moen 90410ORB Tub and Shower Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Bathtub Pop-Up Style Suction Hair Trap
Moen 102763BP Tub/Shower Drain Cover, Black Opal
Moen 90410BN Tub and Shower Drain Cover, Brushed Nickel
OXO Good Grips Tub Stopper
Moen 101664BP Tub/Shower Drain Cover, Black Opal
KOHLER K-7272-CP Clearflo Slotted Overflow Bath Drain, Polished Chrome
Moen 101663AZ Kingsley 4-1/4-Inch Snap-In Shower Drain Cover, Antique Bronze
Premier 3.5" Deluxe Garbage Disposal Drain w/ Basket D-130ORB
Superior Tools 6020 Tub Drain Wrench, Fits 1/2-Inch and 3/8-Inch Ratchet
Pegasus 89507 Push Button Drain with Overflow, Heritage Bronze
Moen 101663ORB Kingsley 4-1/4-Inch Snap-In Shower Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Premier Tub Drain Trim and Two-Hole Overflow Cover D-302ORB
Two Stop-A-Clog Drain ProtectorsMoen 90410ORB Tub and Shower Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed BronzeBathtub Pop-Up Style Suction Hair TrapMoen 102763BP Tub/Shower Drain Cover, Black OpalMoen 90410BN Tub and Shower Drain Cover, Brushed NickelOXO Good Grips Tub StopperMoen 101664BP Tub/Shower Drain Cover, Black OpalKOHLER K-7272-CP Clearflo Slotted Overflow Bath Drain, Polished ChromeMoen 101663AZ Kingsley 4-1/4-Inch Snap-In Shower Drain Cover, Antique BronzePremier 3.5" Deluxe Garbage Disposal Drain w/ Basket D-130ORBSuperior Tools 6020 Tub Drain Wrench, Fits 1/2-Inch and 3/8-Inch RatchetPegasus 89507 Push Button Drain with Overflow, Heritage Bronze
American Standard 2461.002.020 Cambridge 5-Feet Bath Tub with Right-Hand Drain
this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Product Specifications
| Part Number: | 2461.002.020 |
| Color: | White |
| Material: | Americast |
| Item Package Quantity: | 1 |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight: | 240 Pounds |
| Length: | 60 inches |
| Width: | 32 inches |
| Height: | 17.75 inches |
Technical Details
- Durable Americast material with glossy porcelain finish
- Right-Hand outlet
- Integral apron
- Full slip-resistant surface
- American Standard - Style That Works Better
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
American Standard Cambridge Americast 5-Feet Right-Hand Bathtub, White no.2461.002.020. The American Standard Princeton bathtub is constructed of Americast, a material patented by American Standard that bonds a high quality enamel surface with a high quality metal and a molded reinforcement material backing, and is a lighter, more durable alternative to cast iron. It has a glossy porcelain finish and fully slip-resistant surface for additional safety. Right-Hand drain outlet. Americast Layered Construction American Standard improved traditional cast iron by developing Americast.... a remarkable alternative that's more durable, weighs half as much, and costs less to install. It even retains heat longer and emits less sound. Americast is American Standard's patented process that bonds a high quality porcelain enamel surface with an enameling grade metal and a molded reinforcement material backing. About American Standard Brands Great performance and great looks meet in our complete line of fixtures and faucets for bath and kitchen. Performance and reliability. Coordinated collections. Ingenious features. American Standard is Style that Works Better everyday.
Product Description
American Standard 2461.002 Cambridge 5' Bathtub, Right hand outlet, WhiteAt American Standard, it all begins with their unmatched legacy of quality and innovation that has lasted for more than 130 years. It is this tradition of quality and innovation that puts them in three out of five homes in America, as well as, countless hotels, airports, and stadiums. They provide the style and performance that fit perfectly into life, wherever that may be.They have a broad range of bath and kitchen products that are designed to marry style and function with innovative solutions, creating products that simply make life easier.American Standard 2461.002 Cambridge 5' Bathtub, Right hand outlet, White Features:; Americast construction; Glossy porcelain finish; Bathtub only; Right hand drain outlet; Nominal Dimensions: 1524 x 813 x 451mm (60" x 32" x 17-3/4"); Bathing Well Dimensions: 1372 x 660 x 432mm (54" x 26" x 17"); Right hand drain outlet* Image shown may vary by color, finish and or materialDvontz Genoa Bath Tub AF-GEN724026CE
this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping and free returns
Product Features
- The NEW way to bathe baby!
- Fits in any standard bathroom sink
- Conserves water, energy, and space!
- Cradles and protects baby allowing mom to wash with both hands
- Made from a soft, non-slip, PVC- and BPA-free material
Product Specifications
| Product Information | |
| Safety warning: | Baby should always be supervised by an adult. |
| Model number: | PUJ-TUB-WHITE |
| Target gender: | Unisex |
| Minimum weight recommendation: | 16 Ounces |
| Maximum weight recommendation: | 17 Pounds |
| Material Type: | EVA Foam |
| Number of items: | 1 |
| Batteries required: | No |
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 26.2 x 25 x 1 inches ; 5.3 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
Product Description
The Puj Tub is the easiest bath tub ever! Made from a soft foam that folds and conforms to almost any sink, the Puj Tub cradles and protects the baby during bath time. Hang or store the tub flat anywhere you would like...even on the back of your door and out of sight! The soft foam protects baby's skin from the cold hard sink, keeping baby feeling safe, warm and happy-just as if baby were being cradled in her mother's arms! Using the Puj Tub, mom and dad now have two hands free to bathe and everyone is enjoying bath time. The perfect gift for the new mom to have on hand when she brings her little bundle home from the hospital. The Puj Tub cradles and protects baby, allowing parents to wash with both hands. You no longer have to lean, bend, sit, or squat just to bathe your child. A MUST for C-section moms.Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
From the Manufacturer
The Contour Changing Pad is designed to offer baby ultimate comfort and their parent easy cleaning and comfort of mind. This pad measures 32" x 16" x 4" and fits almost any change table or dresser. Its high walls help prevent baby from rolling too far in either direction. A safety belt attaches over baby's mid-section and a security strap keeps the pad attached to the furniture. The top vinyl is PEVA and phthalate/PVC free, and double layered for maximum durability.Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 32.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
- Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
- Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
Product Features
- Changing pad made from PEVA vinyl and designed for ultimate comfort
- Contoured walls help keep baby on pad
- Safety belt straps baby comfortably and securely on pad
- Security strap keeps pad attached to furniture
- Quilted, double layered PEVA vinyl is durable and easy to clean
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers (Packaging May Vary)
Product Features
Size: 1 | Unit Count: 276
- Flexes for a snug and comfortable fit
- Pampers has 3 layers of absorbency versus 2 in the other leading brand
- Favorite Sesame Street characters on every diaper
- Ultra absorb core for outstanding leakage protection
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Important Information
Safety Information
Keep away from any source of flame. Pampers diapers, like almost any article of clothing, will burn if exposed to flame. To avoid risk of choking on plastic, padding, or other materials, do not allow your child to tear the diaper. Discard any torn or unsealed diaper, or any loose pieces of the diaper. To avoid suffocation, keep all plastic bags away from babies and children. If you notice gel-like material on your baby’s skin, don’t be alarmed. This comes from the diaper padding and can be easily removed by wiping your baby’s skin with a soft, dry cloth.
Ingredients
Pampers Baby Dry contain these mild ingredients which are gentle to the skin: Petrolatum, Stearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.
Keep away from any source of flame. Pampers diapers, like almost any article of clothing, will burn if exposed to flame. To avoid risk of choking on plastic, padding, or other materials, do not allow your child to tear the diaper. Discard any torn or unsealed diaper, or any loose pieces of the diaper. To avoid suffocation, keep all plastic bags away from babies and children. If you notice gel-like material on your baby’s skin, don’t be alarmed. This comes from the diaper padding and can be easily removed by wiping your baby’s skin with a soft, dry cloth.
Ingredients
Pampers Baby Dry contain these mild ingredients which are gentle to the skin: Petrolatum, Stearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 17.5 x 14.6 inches
- Shipping Weight: 13.7 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
- Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver
Philips Norelco 1150x/40 SensoTouch 2d Electric Shaver, Metallic Blue
Philips 110-220v Sensotouch Electric Shaver
Norelco 1180X/40 RECHARGEABLE CORDLESS RAZOR
Philips Norelco 1160XCC SensoTouch 2d Electric Shaver with Jet Clean System
Philips Norelco Rq11 Replacement Heads for SensoTouch 2d Electric Shaver, Silver
Philips Norelco 1250x/40 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver, Black
Philips Norelco 1250xcc/42 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver with Jet Clean System, Black
Philips Norelco 1280X/42 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver with Jet Clean System, Black
Philips Norelco 1290x/40 SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver, Black
Philips Norelco Rq12 Replacement Heads for SensoTouch 3d Electric Shaver, Silver
Product Features
- 3d has three-dimensional-contouring; extremely close shave in fewer strokes
- Adjusts seamlessly to every curve of the face and neck, minimizing pressure and irritation
- Combine channels to catch the longer hairs and slots to catch the normal hairs
- With holes to catch the shortest stubble
- With zinc liquid metal frame
Philips Norelco's best shave yet, the SensoTouch 3D gives you the ultimate shaving experience. Its GyroFlex 3D system has three dynamic parts that move independently, flexing outward, pivoting around, and tilting inward, following the natural contours of your face.
Also, the UltraTrack shaving heads catch every hair in just a few strokes with three specialized shaving tracks: slots for the long hairs, channels for the longer hairs, and holes for the shortest stubble. And the Patented Super Lift&Cut dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level. This razor gets the job done without leaving any stray hairs or stubble behind.
Comfortably Shaves--Wet or Dry
With the SensoTouch 3D, you can shave any way you want. The AquaTec seal gives you the option of either a comfortable dry shave or a refreshing wet shave with shaving cream or gel. And the low-friction SkinGlide shaving surface slides smoothly along your skin for a close shave without irritation.
Optimum Control and Precision
Designed for ease of use, the SensoTouch 3D has an easy-to-hold handle with an ergonomic grip for optimum control. The convenient trimmer offers skin-friendly precision for your mustache, goatee, or side burns.
Convenient Touch Screen Display
The SensoTouch 3D has an easy-to-use touchscreen display that shows exactly how many minutes of shaving time remain before the battery needs to be recharged. You can also check whether the battery level, charging status, and the cleaning indicator at a glance. There's even a replacement-head indicator that helps ensure every shave is a close shave.
Cordless, Travel-Friendly Design
The SensoTouch 3D charges in one hour and provides up to 60 minutes (or a maximum of 20 days) of shaving time. A display lets you know how much power remains in the lithium-ion battery and when you need to replace the blades.
The SensoTouch 3D is completely cord free, has a travel lock, and comes with a protective pouch, so you can toss it in your bag, briefcase, or suitcase when you're on the go. Additionally, the razor features a worldwide voltage function that adjusts automatically from 100 volts to 240 volts AC, making the SensoTouch 3D ideal for international travel.
The SensoTouch 3D 1290X/40 is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box
SensoTouch 3D 1290X/40, charging stand, soft pouch for travel and storage, protective cap, power cord, and cleaning brush.
Medica EasyStat Blood Gas Analyzer
Medica EasyStat Blood Gas Analyzer
Product Description
Features of the Medica EasyStat Blood Gas Analyzer: Measured parameters include PO2, PCO2, pH, Hct, Na+, K+, Ca++, and 14 calculated parameters. Data storage for 64 patient results with up to 93 results for each level. Software includes printouts of Levey-Jennings charts for quality control requirements. Small footprint; lightweight. Electrodes are completely disposable; no membrane maintenance or replacement is required. External source of gas not required. Sample Temperature Control: 37.0°±0.2°C. Ambient Conditions: 15—30°C (59—86°F), 500—800mmHg (max 15 PSI), 5—85% relative humidity, non-condensing atmospheric environment (21% O2). Analysis Time: The product referenced on this detail page is sold be Each.
Product Details
Shipping Weight: 17 pounds
The 2009-2014 Outlook for Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analyzers in the United States
Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers across the states and cities of the United States. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 7,700 cities in the United States. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's state and of the United States is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state and city, latent demand estimates are created for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.
This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in the United States). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers in the United States. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of the United States. For each state, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business.
This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in the United States). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers in the United States. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of the United States. For each state, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
WHAT IS LATENT DEMAND AND THE P.I.E.?The concept of latent demand is rather subtle. The term latent typically refers to something that is dormant, not observable, or not yet realized. Demand is the notion of an economic quantity that a target population or market requires under different assumptions of price, quality, and distribution, among other factors. Latent demand, therefore, is commonly defined by economists as the industry earnings of a market when that market becomes accessible and attractive to serve by competing firms. It is a measure, therefore, of potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) or total revenues (not profit) if the United States is served in an efficient manner. It is typically expressed as the total revenues potentially extracted by firms. The "market" is defined at a given level in the value chain. There can be latent demand at the retail level, at the wholesale level, the manufacturing level, and the raw materials level (the P.I.E. of higher levels of the value chain being always smaller than the P.I.E. of levels at lower levels of the same value chain, assuming all levels maintain minimum profitability).
The latent demand for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers in the United States is not actual or historic sales. Nor is latent demand future sales. In fact, latent demand can be either lower or higher than actual sales if a market is inefficient (i.e., not representative of relatively competitive levels). Inefficiencies arise from a number of factors, including the lack of international openness, cultural barriers to consumption, regulations, and cartel-like behavior on the part of firms. In general, however, latent demand is typically larger than actual sales in a market.
For reasons discussed later, this report does not consider the notion of "unit quantities", only total latent revenues (i.e., a calculation of price times quantity is never made, though one is implied). The units used in this report are U.S. dollars not adjusted for inflation (i.e., the figures incorporate inflationary trends). If inflation rates vary in a substantial way compared to recent experience, actually sales can also exceed latent demand (not adjusted for inflation). On the other hand, latent demand can be typically higher than actual sales as there are often distribution inefficiencies that reduce actual sales below the level of latent demand.
As mentioned in the introduction, this study is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved. In fact, all the current products or services on the market can cease to exist in their present form (i.e., at a brand-, R&D specification, or corporate-image level) and all the players can be replaced by other firms (i.e., via exits, entries, mergers, bankruptcies, etc.), and there will still be latent demand for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers at the aggregate level. Product and service offerings, and the actual identity of the players involved, while important for certain issues, are relatively unimportant for estimates of latent demand.
THE METHODOLOGY
In order to estimate the latent demand for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers across the states and cites of the United States, I used a multi-stage approach. Before applying the approach, one needs a basic theory from which such estimates are created. In this case, I heavily rely on the use of certain basic economic assumptions. In particular, there is an assumption governing the shape and type of aggregate latent demand functions. Latent demand functions relate the income of a state, city, household, or individual to realized consumption. Latent demand (often realized as consumption when an industry is efficient), at any level of the value chain, takes place if an equilibrium is realized. For firms to serve a market, they must perceive a latent demand and be able to serve that demand at a minimal return. The single most important variable determining consumption, assuming latent demand exists, is income (or other financial resources at higher levels of the value chain). Other factors that can pivot or shape demand curves include external or exogenous shocks (i.e., business cycles), and or changes in utility for the product in question.
Ignoring, for the moment, exogenous shocks and variations in utility across geographies, the aggregate relation between income and consumption has been a central theme in economics. The figure below concisely summarizes one aspect of problem. In the 1930s, John Meynard Keynes conjectured that as incomes rise, the average propensity to consume would fall. The average propensity to consume is the level of consumption divided by the level of income, or the slope of the line from the origin to the consumption function. He estimated this relationship empirically and found it to be true in the short-run (mostly based on cross-sectional data). The higher the income, the lower the average propensity to consume. This type of consumption function is labeled "A" in the figure below (note the rather flat slope of the curve). In the 1940s, another macroeconomist, Simon Kuznets, estimated long-run consumption functions which indicated that the marginal propensity to consume was rather constant (using time series data). This type of consumption function is shown as "B" in the figure below (note the higher slope and zero-zero intercept). The average propensity to consume is constant.
Is it declining or is it constant? A number of other economists, notably Franco Modigliani and Milton Friedman, in the 1950s (and Irving Fisher earlier), explained why the two functions were different using various assumptions on intertemporal budget constraints, savings, and wealth. The shorter the time horizon, the more consumption can depend on wealth (earned in previous years) and business cycles. In the long-run, however, the propensity to consume is more constant. Similarly, in the long run, households with no income eventually have no consumption (wealth is depleted). While the debate surrounding beliefs about how income and consumption are related is interesting, in this study a very particular school of thought is adopted. In particular, we are considering the latent demand for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers across the states and cities of the United States. The smallest cities have few inhabitants. I assume that all of these cities fall along a "long-run" aggregate consumption function. This long-run function applies despite some of these states having wealth; current income dominates the latent demand for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers. So, latent demand in the long-run has a zero intercept. However, I allow different propensities to consume (including being on consumption functions with differing slopes, which can account for differences in industrial organization, and end-user preferences).
Given this overriding philosophy, I will now describe the methodology used to create the latent demand estimates for blood gas and electrolyte analyzers in the United States. Since ICON Group has asked me to apply this methodology to a large number of categories, the rather academic discussion below is general and can be applied to a wide variety of categories and geographic locations, not just blood gas and electrolyte analyzers in the United States.
Step 1. Product Definition and Data Collection
Any study of latent demand requires that some standard be established to define "efficiently served". Having implemented various alternatives and matched these with market outcomes, I have found that the optimal approach is to assume that certain key indicators are more likely to reflect efficiency than others. These indicators are given greater weight than others in the estimation of latent demand compared to others for which no known data are available. Of the many alternatives, I have found the assumption that the highest aggregate income and highest income-per-capita markets reflect the best standards for "efficiency". High aggregate income alone is not sufficient (i.e. some cities have high aggregate income, but low income per capita and can not assumed to be efficient). Aggregate income can be operationalized in a number of ways, including gross domestic product (for industrial categories), or total disposable income (for household categories; population times average income per capita, or number of households times average household income).
Latent demand is therefore estimated using data collected for relatively efficient markets from independent data sources (e.g. Official Chinese Agencies, the World Resources Institute, the... --This text refers to the Digital edition.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)