Aug 19

Written by: Jeremy Glowacki
8/19/2009 3:28 AM 

I love it when a residential electronic systems contractor thinks outside the box. Instead of whining about the tough times that we’re all going through, Allendale, New Jersey’s Talk of the Town is finding inspiration in the federal government’s popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, launching it's own trade-in program for old TVs, stereos, and other old electronics collecting dust in consumer homes.

The program is much like the trade in and trade up programs offered by specific manufacturers, but this time it’s an integration firm driving the marketing concept and they’re being a little more creative with the tie in to current events.

"Almost everyone has old picture tube TVs, bookshelf speakers from their college dorm room, or a record player stored somewhere in their basement or garage," said Talk of the Town’s sales and marketing manager Greg Bastug. "This program lets you turn those old, unused pieces of equipment into some terrific cash value toward the latest in audio and video gear."

Running through October 31, the program requires consumers to bring in any old TV, receiver, speakers, or turntable and get an instant cash trade-in credit applied toward the purchase of any new high-definition LCD, plasma, or projector, AV receiver or processor, Blu-ray player, or two-channel/multi-channel speaker systems. "Depending upon what you choose to upgrade to, your trade in, no matter how old, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to you, " Bastug noted.

I was amazed to learn that the program even applies to furniture trade in. Talk of the Town offers several lines of theater and media room-style seating options, so consumers who wish to trade in an old sofa or loveseat, also will earn cash back toward new seating. For anyone wondering what an ESC would want with old furniture, this part of the deal is a little different. Talk of the Town does, indeed, offer trade-in cash, but instead of recycling the furniture, they will simply bring a customer’s old couch or chair to your curbside upon deliver and set-up the new seating.

Bastug noted that many of the manufacturer lines that his company carries also are offering sales incentives. "Classé, McIntosh, Meridian, Anthem, and ELAN are providing trade-up programs right now that can save some people big money," he said. "Our staff can help [customers] determine if [they] can take advantage of those offers, as well as any manufacturer rebates that may be available."

The Cash for Clunkers program is good toward any of the more than 50 name-brand products that Talk of the Town carries, including Sony, Samsung, Pioneer Elite, McIntosh, Meridian, Anthem, Paradigm, SIM2, B&W, Rotel, Integra, Denon, Cineak, and Bass.

Talk of the Town is located at 319 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ, 201.236.1006, www.talkofthetownvideo.com