DuChateau Floors Announces Zero-Tolerance Policy for Internet Sales B & M Noble Co. announced Tuesday it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for all online sales and all price listings of its DuChateau Floors brand. Further, all online promotion of the DuChateau brand must be expressly authorized by B & M Noble Co.
DuChateau Floors Announces Zero-Tolerance Policy for Internet Sales B & M Noble Co. announced Tuesday it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for all online sales and all price listings of its DuChateau Floors brand. Further, all online promotion of the DuChateau brand must be expressly authorized by B & M Noble Co.
Violations of the policies will result in the retailer's losing the rights to sell DuChateau Floors. "If the online reseller continues to use the DuChateau brand name in their marketing, search engine optimization, or any other online capacity without express written consent, they will face legal action up to the full extent of the law," B & M said in a release.
"Our company has experienced phenomenal growth over the last few years," said company co-founder Benjamin Buzali. "This success has been built on strong relationships with local retailers, and we decided it was time to take a stand and tell our retailers 'We have your back.'"
In the release, B & M, maker of the DuChateau and Ernest Hemingway wood floor brands, said it has always discouraged online sales; however, many resellers had found ways around the policy. Some, for example, would solicit online customers to call for a quote or to place an order. Moving forward, B & M will not permit this type of workaround, as Buzali says B & M's hard-wax oil European oak flooring "requires a personal sales approach."
"Because our floors are unique and new to many homeowners, we have always tried to reward our dealers by keeping sales in the showroom where they began," Buzali said. "This is why we have never had a 'dealer locator' on our website. We don't think it's right for a retailer to invest time educating the customer only to have them go online and 'dial for dollars.'"
Buzali continued: "Our floors … cannot be sold like a book or a CD. Purchasing a hardwood floor is a big decision, and we believe this decision should be made in a showroom with a qualified expert, not over the phone or online. Our distributors and dealers invest valuable resources in selling and supporting our product, and we believe this is the right decision to help them succeed."