Forum Thermomix

News => News about Thermomix => Topic started by: ElectronGuru on September 19, 2014, 02:48:08 am

Title: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElectronGuru on September 19, 2014, 02:48:08 am
Quote
Love it electronguru. Exactly right about engineers!

Totally agree with the way Americans cook  or rather don't cook. I do believe there will be more publicity and exposure with the TM5 in the US where it is not well known. Could even appear on Chefy shows like MasterChef and no doubt celebrity chefs doing their thing as the machine is in many restaurants .

It will be very interesting to see what happens and if it takes off with the good cooks in American homes.

Gert

Quote
Oh I do so hope Vorwerk will Sell the TM5 in the US. I miss having a tmx desperately. I think the major obstacle is the measurement issue, ie metric versus imperial. When I first got here (temporarily living in the US after relocating from Australia) I was asking for 200 grams of this or that and shop assistants looked set me blankly.  The non- use of metric is a huge hurdle to overcome. I'm constantly having to convert in my head, mikes to Kms, hrsms to ounce, Fahrenheit yo Celsius etc.

Quote
I see the hardest thing for Thermomix  getting into the US is the fact that Americans still use the imperial measuring system while the rest of the world is metric.
With the scales measuring in grams, some Americans will find that a stumbling block.


I've been giving these questions some thought. How would a successful US launch of the Thermomix look?

Measurement units are important and Americans will freak at grams and celsius. But the US is also a huge market. They already made a version just for Canada. A model with ounces and fahrenheit and the 110v the Canadian version already has, is a necessary no brainer. The challenge would come with recipes on the Internet. So ideally, the new digital version can be configured for either or both and easily translate between them.  

The history of our processed food obsession goes back to WWII. We needed to get edible food (lots of it) all over the place and it needed to be stable for weeks and months. The government hired companies to come up with processes that would achieve that. And through the war, they got really good at it and got really big selling it. After the war, their built in market disappeared so they went about creating a new market. They went about teaching us how to eat faster, eat instant. First they took over the shelves and freezers of grocery stores. Then they took over the shelves and freezers of restaurants. Today, its a rare American who doesn't eat something that was dried or frozen at least part of every day. And for many, its every meal, perhaps the entire meal.

So there's huge need for such an appliance here. But how will the people who can benefit most, know that Thermomix is the answer? It costs 3-4x that of the highest cost general use countertop appliance here. To get Americans to pony up, Vorwerk needs to show why its better than everything they already have, why it won't end up collecting dust in the corner along with the last 5 appliances they bought. And Americans are very intuition based. So adding to the challenge is that the Thermomix looks like a fancy blender. Breaking through the noise and objections, will require something like this:

Old fashioned
video showing the old process (lots of time and work) with the old results (healthy and tasty)
long list of steps and time per step and huge total minutes, showing knives and pans
long list of benefits, including fiber
short list of sugar / salt / transfats

New fashioned
video showing the new process (little time or work) with the new results (unhealthy and bland)
short list of steps and time per step with tiny total minutes, showing plastic and microwaves
short list of benefits
long list of sugar / salt / transfats

Thermomix fashioned
video showing the TM process (little time or work) with the new TM result (healthy and tasty)
short list of steps and time per step with tiny total minutes
long list of benefits, including fiber
short list of sugar / salt / transfats

Thermomix: old fashioned health at new fashioned speed


Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElsieD on September 19, 2014, 03:22:28 pm
Another problem relates to the cookbooks.  The measurements will all be in metric which for the average American, will make them next to useless.  So what recipes/instructions are they to follow?  I live in Canada and while we are officially a metric nation, imperial measurements are still used.  However, metric has been around long enough that as a general rule, most folks don't have a problem with it, including older farts like myself.  It is also interesting to note that while we can buy the Thermomix in Canada, we cannot buy all of the cookbooks or Thermomix related items such as the Thermoserve, I think it is called, which personally, I find annoying.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on September 19, 2014, 11:38:10 pm
ElsieD,  the Thermoserver is only available in Australia because TMX Australia bought the company or exclusive rights to produce this.  I stand corrected if this isn't correct.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElsieD on September 20, 2014, 02:54:07 pm
ElsieD,  the Thermoserver is only available in Australia because TMX Australia bought the company or exclusive rights to produce this.  I stand corrected if this isn't correct.

Thank you, that explains why we can't get it here.  Too bad for us.  :-\

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: CreamPuff63 on September 20, 2014, 03:53:06 pm
OMG I think if something takes off in Australia first it will blast off all over the world. As a young country with very little hierarchy and a strong multicultural influence, we are open and accepting to new ideas and new ways and people who are prepared to buck the system. We like to be different but we don't think we're different (I might copyright that phrase  ;))

It's insane that the whole world does not use the same measurement system! Gosh if we can all unite as one, it could be on food alone and forget all the religious stuff. Isn't it funny how families unite over the table and cultures are defined by the food.

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: obbie on September 20, 2014, 10:42:30 pm
cream puff that is so true, we all unite together over good food and wine,. ;D
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Bedlam on September 21, 2014, 12:12:31 am
OMG I think if something takes off in Australia first it will blast off all over the world. As a young country with very little hierarchy and a strong multicultural influence, we are open and accepting to new ideas and new ways and people who are prepared to buck the system. We like to be different but we don't think we're different (I might copyright that phrase  ;))

It's insane that the whole world does not use the same measurement system! Gosh if we can all unite as one, it could be on food alone and forget all the religious stuff. Isn't it funny how families unite over the table and cultures are defined by the food.



Here here
Title: Re:
Post by: Jamberie on September 21, 2014, 05:57:30 am
I went to a TM5 demo yesterday and as a part of the spiel there was a map of the world showing where thermomix is used across the world. I made a point of looking at the US and it was definitely coloured to show it is used there....I wonder if this is a sign that Vorwerk will be going into the US very soon.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 21, 2014, 08:44:18 pm
Well if they are showing  that tmx is being used in the US, then it's misleading and deceptive conduct according to the Trade Practices Act because it's not allowed to be sold here.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElsieD on September 21, 2014, 11:46:32 pm
I believe some folks in the USA have purchased them in Canada but as far as I know, they are not for sale in the US.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: meganjane on September 22, 2014, 01:43:13 pm
Just thought I'd let you know that the Thermoserver comes from China....

My DD got some boxes (for packing) from a friend who's neighbour works at Thermomix in Perth. They had 'Made in China' all over them.
Title: TMX in USA?
Post by: cecilia on September 22, 2014, 04:59:13 pm
I went to a TM5 demo yesterday and as a part of the spiel there was a map of the world showing where thermomix is used across the world.   .....

I have been told that the difference between this Flipchart and the previous one, is that previously the green coloured where Thermomix is found and the current map depicts where Vorwerk products in general are found. 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on September 22, 2014, 10:01:44 pm
Just thought I'd let you know that the Thermoserver comes from China....

My DD got some boxes (for packing) from a friend who's neighbour works at Thermomix in Perth. They had 'Made in China' all over them.

My 1.0L thermoserver says "Made in Taiwan". 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on September 22, 2014, 10:02:54 pm
I believe some folks in the USA have purchased them in Canada but as far as I know, they are not for sale in the US.

Yes and No.  There is a way to purchase one in the US if you look hard enough.   ;)  (I don't mean ebay either)
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 22, 2014, 10:29:57 pm
What do you mean exactly?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: floweryspring on September 26, 2014, 12:56:30 pm
What do you mean exactly?

I have just left America and owned a thermomix there. Bought it brand new. Warranty and all. Sold it for more than i paid!! They do not sell in US. Only Canada. If you have owned a thermomix before then you most definitely can own a thermomix now in US. Are you in east or west coast?

None of my American friends knew of thermomix. They were all SHOCKED at the price. It is safe to say that there is NO WAY an American would pay that much money for an appliance. I can only see it being popular in San Francisco, New York where space is limited in apartments and thermomix can replace all appliances. And even then the measurements will have to be changed and price come way way down!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on September 28, 2014, 03:48:18 am
What do you mean exactly?

If you want to purchase one in the US, contact me by DM.  I can provide you with contact information.  (Or just go through Canada like the other poster said)

I do agree that most Americans will not pay full price for a thermomix and most probably won't even if it is re-introduced back into the US market officially.  All of my friends love my thermomix until I tell them how much it cost.  You can buy three vitamix blenders here in the states for what my thermomix cost me.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 28, 2014, 05:50:47 am
There is no doubt in my mind that the TM 5 will be introduced to the US market along  with the Canadians in a few months. What price who knows . Vorwerk in no doubt we'll aware of the clandestine sales of the TM31 into the US and they would be silly not to tap that with a potential distributor or two  no doubt vying for the privilege.

The market may be bigger than people think. Not for the average household as in the rest of the world but do not underestimate the potential of the USA market. All it takes in an Oprah/Martha/Dr.Oz/Phil or any old two bit celebrity chef  to endorse it and people will be hocking their children to get their hands on it.

It is already in many US restaurants and I have heard/seen it has been demonstrated to Michelle Obama in the White House Kitchen. Not all  Americans eat crap from paper plates.

If ya  have a good look on the Internet  the TMX31 has been demonstrated from Yale to Miami. From Maine to Mexico.  Not a few People in NYC have managed to pop one in their tiny kitchens.  There are You Tube VDOs running amuck  in the wild where if you look close you will see some known Australian Thermomix consultants consulting among the foodie stars all over the USA. Quite funny really.  Hanging on the edges of the stage, sitting in the audience, doing a wee bit of demo-ing.  Some you may be familiar with.

You cannot hide those selfies once you post on the web girls!  Nothing is deleted and the time machine is your enemy!

For me I can't wait to have more US members. We have a few. And we have more than a few lurking. It will be a HOOT! Soon you will se a few American blogs pop up in anticipation of  a launch. Keep your eyes open if you are  interested. They will be placing themselves to get them Google points!  

Gert



 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 08, 2014, 06:51:50 pm
There is no doubt in my mind that the TM 5 will be introduced to the US market along  with the Canadians in a few months. What price who knows . Vorwerk in no doubt we'll aware of the clandestine sales of the TM31 into the US and they would be silly not to tap that with a potential distributor or two  no doubt vying for the privilege.

The market may be bigger than people think. Not for the average household as in the rest of the world but do not underestimate the potential of the USA market. All it takes in an Oprah/Martha/Dr.Oz/Phil or any old two bit celebrity chef  to endorse it and people will be hocking their children to get their hands on it.

It is already in many US restaurants and I have heard/seen it has been demonstrated to Michelle Obama in the White House Kitchen. Not all  Americans eat crap from paper plates.

If ya  have a good look on the Internet  the TMX31 has been demonstrated from Yale to Miami. From Maine to Mexico.  Not a few People in NYC have managed to pop one in their tiny kitchens.  There are You Tube VDOs running amuck  in the wild where if you look close you will see some known Australian Thermomix consultants consulting among the foodie stars all over the USA. Quite funny really.  Hanging on the edges of the stage, sitting in the audience, doing a wee bit of demo-ing.  Some you may be familiar with.

You cannot hide those selfies once you post on the web girls!  Nothing is deleted and the time machine is your enemy!

For me I can't wait to have more US members. We have a few. And we have more than a few lurking. It will be a HOOT! Soon you will se a few American blogs pop up in anticipation of  a launch. Keep your eyes open if you are  interested. They will be placing themselves to get them Google points!  

Gert
 

There could be enough demand there to support sales of the thermomix, but the whole concept of hosting tupperware style parties to sell the machines doesn't work very well with US culture.  If they bring the TM5 to the US, I would love to be a consultant but have a feeling it would be hard at first to convince American people to pay over $1,000 for a machine in their own home.  The first step is to establish a great reputation like a company such as Cutco Knives and the Vorwerx Thermomix has not done that despite the great quality product they produce.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on October 08, 2014, 10:20:17 pm
I agree Azure. The direct selling  is hardly ideal in the US. Be interesting to see what happens there. If sold in specialist homeware stores it could conceivably be sold much cheaper. Comsultants are "earning" $250+ with each machine here plus there are earnings on all levels from group  leaders to managers  right to the profits at the top. There are a lot of middle men and women to be paid out making the machine more expensive than  needs be.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on October 15, 2014, 09:16:08 pm
Sorry haven't kept up with this thread. I'm on the east coast  floweryspring - NC to be exact. I did try contacting the Canadian distributors and was advised they were not allowed to sell to US residents. Was most disappointed at the time. Hence, would still love to buy one but still not sure what you mean by "you can still buy one if you look hard enough"?? Please send me a PM to elaborate if you can. Thanks.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 16, 2014, 09:40:25 pm
Sorry haven't kept up with this thread. I'm on the east coast  floweryspring - NC to be exact. I did try contacting the Canadian distributors and was advised they were not allowed to sell to US residents. Was most disappointed at the time. Hence, would still love to buy one but still not sure what you mean by "you can still buy one if you look hard enough"?? Please send me a PM to elaborate if you can. Thanks.

I PM'ed you the contact info. 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElsieD on October 16, 2014, 09:59:36 pm
Do you ever come to Canada?  If you do, I may be able to help.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on October 16, 2014, 10:40:14 pm
I think there might be more TMX in America than people think.  I have a Blog and America is indicated on my stats info as where people are using my recipes. I am only small and pretty private compared with those who have big exposure.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on October 16, 2014, 11:13:46 pm
That is so true chookie. And your stats will soon be going through the roof with the launch of the TM5 in North America. I don't think it will be before  Christmas but will  be early in 2015   for sure. All those US member just have a bit of patience. LOL!

I am wondering if that model will have dual temperatures and dual measurements. Most scales have that these days. It really should not be a problem if you use the TMX for measuring as it is all relative but I think Americans  would be resistant. Of course the Temps would have to be c/f.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on October 17, 2014, 01:07:32 am
Thanks Azure111 and ElsieD. Yes, I defintely want to go to Canada, probably Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec initially.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ElsieD on October 17, 2014, 01:22:21 am
It live in Ottawa so if you were to come here, I can put you in touch with my Thermomix consultant who, I am sure, would be happy to sell you a machine.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on October 17, 2014, 12:13:33 pm
Thanks ElsieD. If there's any substance to the rumors, then the new model will be available in Canada and US soon perhaps so I am going to wait until early 2015 to see if this eventuates. I do miss having a tmx very much . I wonder if the Canadian market will start seeing secondhand machines for sale at great value like in Australia. Oh I wish I was still in Australia to be able to buy one of these secondhand tm31's.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: LillyPilly on October 30, 2014, 03:53:53 pm
Even if Voerwork can sell the concept, they will have to sort out their sales and distribution issues before they attempt to sell in America. Ignoring the whole TM5 launch drama, requiring payment in full before a lengthy, indeterminate wait for delivery and deliveries out of order with dates of sales could create some problems for them. Failure to respond to customer inquiries (see the official forum to read many, many examples) could ruin them where there is no previously established good will to ride on. It would make more sense for the company to repair its relationships and sort out its distribution problems in existing markets before attempting further expansion.

That said, mine is (hopefully) arriving within the next couple of weeks, and I couldn't be more excited 😍
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 01, 2014, 11:56:20 am

Quote
I think the major obstacle is the measurement issue, ie metric versus imperial.

Quote
I see the hardest thing for Thermomix  getting into the US is the fact that Americans still use the imperial measuring system while the rest of the world is metric.
With the scales measuring in grams, some Americans will find that a stumbling block.

A model with ounces and fahrenheit and the 110v the Canadian version already has, is a necessary no brainer. The challenge would come with recipes on the Internet. So ideally, the new digital version can be configured for either or both and easily translate between them.

I haven't posted here in a VERY long time, so "Hi!" I'm excited about the new upgrade.

I'd first like to point out that we in the States are NOT on the imperial system. The names of the units and conversions are often the same but the actual amounts aren't. We can't use older British recipes without converting.
As to metric vs. our customary units, I don't think that the use of grams would be such a big deal because everything is done in the bowl--who cares what the units are called? I do, however, think there'd be resistance to Celsius, even though that's done in the bowl as well. As Gertbysea posted, kitchen scales can be programmed between units by the push of a button if need be but that's not the case with our ovens, not to mention that we're programmed to think in terms of ambient temperature in Fahrenheit as well. I think your idea of being able to configure is brilliant but might be an excuse to add significantly to the cost of an already expensive appliance.

I'd also add that the business about the TM5's not-quite-perfect chip would result in extreme indignation here. In the not-too-distant past, Vitamix (the poster child for responsive customer service) had concerns about the blade assembly in their newest container. They contacted everyone, arranged for the containers to be picked up and delivered at no charge to the owners, added an extra year (i.e. 8 instead of 7) to their warranties, plus included a free cookbook. Bear in mind that the list prices of both models involved in the recall is considerably less than half the cost of a Thermomix; Vorwerk can't recall a lousy chip?? Americans who want a Thermomix will find a way to buy one but you can bet that they'll expect a lot of bang for their buck in the way of reliability and customer support.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 01, 2014, 12:26:04 pm
There could be enough demand there to support sales of the thermomix, but the whole concept of hosting tupperware style parties to sell the machines doesn't work very well with US culture.

Too true, and it's sad because it used to work very well. I could be wrong but it seems to me that our home-sales culture began to diminish when women started working outside their homes. A shame because let's face it: most of us are suckers for a product demo.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 01, 2014, 12:28:52 pm
Just thought I'd let you know that the Thermoserver comes from China....

My DD got some boxes (for packing) from a friend who's neighbour works at Thermomix in Perth. They had 'Made in China' all over them.

Yuck. But I still wish they were available in North America.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on November 01, 2014, 10:32:13 pm
Totally agree with you MacGuffin.  Americans get good service everywhere. This is sadly lacking in Australia. Here iyou get average service and then  only if you demand it.

I know that some people who complained loudly  about the length of time between ordering and delivery have been gifted cookbooks, Thermo servers, silicone mats etc. Those like myself who silently waited got nix. Now this does not worry me one bit  but it does concern me that the cost of these treats is born by the consultant. Don't for one moment think that HO is that generous. They will fight all the way to court to give nothing, fix no problems and will deny to the high court there is a problem.

The service for the machines on the other hand seem to be good. It is almost as if the servicing of the machines is outsourced to a very efficiently run ethical business. Amazing the contrast.


For ever $250 + the lowest on the totom pole consultant earns for ever machine they have to give back some to placate those complainers.

The ex factory price of the machine is much much lower as we know . The markup is huge. This may be a factor in selling in selling in the US. If it were available in say, William Sanoma, theoretically the price could be under $1000.  Who would be screaming then?

The Canadian machine is already being distributed. I do not know why it is not being reviewed . If you see any bloggers anywhere talking about or showing the machines please point this out to me .

superkitchenmachine on FB is cooking with hers obviously, as shown in her pics, but I wonder why she is not including the whole machine but just  "peek a boo" bits. Strange! 

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 02, 2014, 12:06:03 am
Totally agree with you MacGuffin.  Americans get good service everywhere. This is sadly lacking in Australia. Here iyou get average service and then  only if you demand it.

I know that some people who complained loudly  about the length of time between ordering and delivery have been gifted cookbooks, Thermo servers, silicone mats etc. Those like myself who silently waited got nix. Now this does not worry me one bit  but it does concern me that the cost of these treats is born by the consultant. Don't for one moment think that HO is that generous. They will fight all the way to court to give nothing, fix no problems and will deny to the high court there is a problem.

The ex factory price of the machine is much much lower as we know . The markup is huge. This may be a factor in selling in selling in the US. If it were available in say, William Sanoma, theoretically the price could be under $1000.  Who would be screaming then?

The Canadian machine is already being distributed. I do not know why it is not being reviewed . If you see any bloggers anywhere talking about or showing the machines please point this out to me .

superkitchenmachine on FB is cooking with hers obviously, as shown in her pics, but I wonder why she is not including the whole machine but just  "peek a boo" bits. Strange!

Ouch.  :'( I'm also the kind of person who'd prefer to keep mum and hope the right thing will be done. It's always sad when one's expectations aren't met. And it REALLY sucks that you're required to pay so far in advance. Businesses here don't charge your credit card until an advance purchase actually ships (which is, let's face it, only fair), although I think they'll put through a deposit right away (also only fair). What a bummer! I'm pretty sure that Vitamix demonstrators pay out of pocket for freebies and such but it's usually to sweeten a deal rather than to assuage an irate customer.

BTW, I think a better vendor here would be Pleasant Hill Grains. They carry some very high-end (and correspondingly high-ticket) appliances for very serious home chefs and seem to have exclusives (or near-exclusives) on a few of them, e.g. Häussler mixers. They're also extremely serious about customer support: http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/ . I don't think I've ever encountered a complaint about them.

Out of curiosity, do you happen to know if the bags for the TM31 will accommodate the TM5?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: courton on November 02, 2014, 12:08:57 am
Unfortunately, from what I have heard TMX will be sold through consultants inthe USA.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 02, 2014, 12:19:34 am
Unfortunately, from what I have heard TMX will be sold through consultants inthe USA.

Well, good luck with that. Demos at vendor sites or events is one thing but I think the days of at-home direct-sale parties have gone the way of the dinosaur here. In fact, I'm friendly with a Vitamix demonstrator and now seem to recall that they were going to launch home parties with incentives like exclusive colors and such. That was a few years ago and she never mentioned it again so I have to assume that "corporate" 86'd it as unfeasible. I think people here have become wary of such get-togethers.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on November 02, 2014, 12:44:20 am
And courton there are some Aussies seriously trying to get into the US market by way of friends rellies connections and who will win the distributorship and will here be more than one? lots of stuff happening in the back lots. Wheeling and dealing. Some Canadians too.

And oh yes MacGuffin those deal sweeteners  are pretty alien in the retail world in AU.You might get a twofer but the first one would be an inflated price so no gain really. And we could talk about delivery charges but I would have to get out my soap box for that discussion.

And talk about service. I bought a pair of silk trousers at a Liberty store in Los Angeles. Wore the once on the way Kansas City, Missouri. They started to fray at a seam. I returned them to a Liberty store there and I will never forget the words of the sales lady, she said " Oh my God, you should never have to put up with that" She whipped them out of my hands, grabbed another two pair of same with one a different  luscious colour and handed them to me. She could not be more sorry. No dockets, no receipt no nothing. took about 3 minutes and she was almost beside herself with worry that I was not happy. Happy I was. You bet. A new pair plus a spare no charge no hassle..

You would never get away with removing money from customers accounts without dispatching the goods in the US.

A US postal worker would never steal a parcel if they valued their job and I believe they do there but now that Aust Post is outsourcing and franchising you need know what is happening. My Aussie parcel post delivery guy is a gem but he has told me some interesting stories about stuff going missing. Hs says he guards the Apple products with his life. Always get to me but one came by TNT once and I had to physically go to the depot to search for my iPad. I was soooooooooo irate I insisted on searching the truck that I knew the thing was supposed to be on. No way lady  I was told. So you go check for it I said loudly. Lo and behold it was under the drivers seat. Must have slid right under. Yeah right!

Title: USA Thermomix
Post by: goldfish on November 02, 2014, 01:19:25 am
From what I've seen the tm5 bag is bigger... doubt you'd be able to fit the 5 into a 31 bag at all
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 02, 2014, 01:29:44 am
And courton there are some Aussies seriously trying to get into the US market by way of friends rellies connections and who will win the distributorship and will here be more than one? lots of stuff happening in the back lots. Wheeling and dealing. Some Canadians too.

And oh yes MacGuffin those deal sweeteners are pretty alien in the retail world in AU.You might get a twofer but the first one would be an inflated price so no gain really. And we could talk about delivery charges but I would have to get out my soap box for that discussion.

Lo and behold it was under the drivers seat. Must have slid right under. Yeah right!

I'm Karen, BTW. It was already another member's user name, so MacGuffin I became.

I can understand the Canadians; they're right upstairs on the same continent (and grid) and have been selling the Thermomix for quite awhile. But Aussies? My goodness, talk about grabby! Let Vorwerk start fresh with new distributors (e.g. PHG, Williams-Sonoma, or Sur la Table--they're not in anyone's pocket).

"Under the seat." I guess that's what the kids are calling it these days.  :o

Those deal sweeteners aren't for anything terribly expensive, so not such a big deal if indeed the demonstrators or phone staff actually pay for them out of pocket. The rep at Vitamix who sold me my second machine was so generous with the freebies years ago that I sent her a set of Le Creuset silicone spatulas (they were made in France then) in autumnal colors because she'd mentioned that fall was her favorite season.

Free shipping--now that's one of my favorite hooks because it's through the roof here, too. Quite a few vendors ship small appliances free and lots of others offer it above a certain purchase amount. There's an online vendor of vitamins and health products that offers a flat $5 shipping fee up to $49, then it's free. Great prices, too.

It makes me happy that the exchange of your trousers went so well! Service here really isn't what it was but things seem to be on an upswing of late. Has Trader Joe's made its way to you guys yet? Talk about taking care of customers!  :)
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 02, 2014, 01:30:43 am
From what I've seen the tm5 bag is bigger... doubt you'd be able to fit the 5 into a 31 bag at all
Good to know; thanks.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on November 02, 2014, 02:04:24 am
Gert that trouser swap amazed me. Here you would still be waiting for something to happen, as you know. Service is a thing of the past here. If someone gives us what is normal good service we are usually so surprised we tell everyone.

Hope you are feeling better Gert.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on November 02, 2014, 06:43:50 am
From what I've seen the tm5 bag is bigger... doubt you'd be able to fit the 5 into a 31 bag at all

That would be right. Bigger. Heavier and totally different shape.

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 02, 2014, 01:16:13 pm
From what I've seen the tm5 bag is bigger... doubt you'd be able to fit the 5 into a 31 bag at all

That would be right. Bigger. Heavier and totally different shape.


Gee, that's too bad. So those upgrading will have to spring for a new bag as well. :(
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Essie on November 09, 2014, 01:04:34 am
I find it interesting that you don't think the direct selling will work in the States as that is the home of MLM. All the big companies do it even Coca Cola has a line of products that they market this way. So the US is very good with this type of marketing and you can even study it at Havard.

As for all the layers of commission, don't worry about that aspect of a sale, you very rarely purchase direct from a manufacturer. You brand new car, goes from the factory, to the wholesaling division, then comes into australia where there is a master buyer, before it gets to the dealer who takes a cut as does the salesman, so that is also a lot of middlemen.,I have a friend that works for Toshiba selling medical equipment and it is the same, for each sale she gets a cut, as does her manager, as does the state manager, the Australian manager, the Asia pacific manager etc. I tried to purchase some makeup products via Myer and their wholesaler did not stock certain Revlon items, so I had to go to DJs who uses a different agent. I would have thought Department stores would go direct to the cosmetic company, but no. So middlemen are everywhere and their  commissions are everywhere.

Now Vorwerk can I please get the US distributorship? I am happy to help,out:)
...jokes aside I can't wait for my US contemporaries to get hold of the TM5 en masse. You folks are so creative!!!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 09, 2014, 02:50:55 am
I can't speak for Harvard but I highly doubt home-sales of expensive appliances would work in NYC. In addition, I'm sitting in an affluent suburb of Detroit as I type and just asked my cousin about such sales in this area. Apparently, there are a few companies that sell at such at-home get-togethers but she said she'd never spend $1500 at one and doesn't know of anyone else who would either. My gut tells me it won't work but I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Essie on November 09, 2014, 06:44:13 am
Hey MacGuffin, I take your points on notice. Apparently though 11 years ago the same thing was said about Australia which is why the product was not here already. I myself was in the same frame of mind for many years "spend how much on what?" But someone does and then more follow including those late to the party like me when money purchased a few weeks ago.

But seriously though, the U.S.have the best sales people, if you get a network marketing team to consult, they will find a way to develop a culturally appropriate marketing plan....and the sheer population numbers mean that you don't have to sell to everyone just a really tiny  percentage to make it worthwhile.. Remember Australia only has 20 something million and New Zealand 4.5 million  and that has been a viable business here. As a distributor I reckon I would have to sell one or two and the word of mouth will do the rest. As for cost, our price was set when the Aussie dollar was US50c. The distributor here did not drop the price when the Aussie dollar value doubled. Now with the U.S. Dollar strengthening I don't think it will be $2000, but similar to European pricing. Product placement on a cooking competition or Martha won't hurt either,..in fact I have the plan, can I have the distributorship???

I think the bigger issues are around metric verus imperial measurement (although the with new TM5 and the screen. I bet that is sorted), power supply etc and any trade agreements to bring it in. But I am sure they will find a way.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: LillyPilly on November 09, 2014, 08:56:12 pm
Make it aspirational. Get a celebrity chef to do the public demonstrations. Release a strictly limited number, when it's sold, you will have to wait for the next shipment (NOT like here where it was sold with none onshore). Price? The more you pay, the more it's worth.

I like the idea of making dual measurement machines for the American market. The thin edge of the metric wedge, 😎 mwahah.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 09, 2014, 09:49:56 pm
I like the idea of making dual measurement machines for the American market. The thin edge of the metric wedge, 😎 mwahah.
I have a science background and am very familiar with metric as a result. I still prefer standard for most things. It would seem I'm not alone. "Wedging" has been a fact of life here for quite a few years with no apparent "widening."
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: LillyPilly on November 09, 2014, 11:02:24 pm
MacGuffin, I still live in hope. Scaling recipes that use fractions is just so much more work. I feel like I need a slide ruler  ???
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 09, 2014, 11:25:08 pm
Hey MacGuffin, I take your points on notice. Apparently though 11 years ago the same thing was said about Australia which is why the product was not here already. I myself was in the same frame of mind for many years "spend how much on what?" But someone does and then more follow including those late to the party like me when money purchased a few weeks ago.

But seriously though, the U.S.have the best sales people, if you get a network marketing team to consult, they will find a way to develop a culturally appropriate marketing plan....and the sheer population numbers mean that you don't have to sell to everyone just a really tiny  percentage to make it worthwhile.. Remember Australia only has 20 something million and New Zealand 4.5 million  and that has been a viable business here. As a distributor I reckon I would have to sell one or two and the word of mouth will do the rest. As for cost, our price was set when the Aussie dollar was US50c. The distributor here did not drop the price when the Aussie dollar value doubled. Now with the U.S. Dollar strengthening I don't think it will be $2000, but similar to European pricing. Product placement on a cooking competition or Martha won't hurt either,..in fact I have the plan, can I have the distributorship???

I think the bigger issues are around metric verus imperial measurement (although the with new TM5 and the screen. I bet that is sorted), power supply etc and any trade agreements to bring it in. But I am sure they will find a way.
You can't depend on "the U.S. Dollar strengthening" because as soon as there's talk about how a strong dollar means a weaker [insert country/continent of choice], the powers that be take steps to weaken it (much to the chagrin of those of us who like to buy internationally). It invariably rises due to various market forces but it's not reliably stable for any length of time. You're talking like a hungry and hopeful would-be distributor who's eager to believe academic data that might not (and probably don't) reflect the reality of the US market. Even if "the U.S. have the best sales people" (and as someone who has sold, I'm not convinced that this is so), the sharp decline of in-home selling in the US indicates that it's a method that has lost favor here, and using it as an exclusive means to sell a high-ticket item probably won't work. I really do think the Thermomix could find a niche here but not exclusively through home sales, which is why I suggested that an established, adequately capitalized outfit like Pleasant Hill Grains, be given an initial exclusive if it's something that would interest them. Or, if one insists on demos, I believe The Bread Beckers, which caters to a serious cook/bake-it-yourself clientele who are willing to spend a lot on stand mixers (e.g. home-schooling families), might also be a good fit. They not only sell online but have a brick-and-mortar establishment from which, I believe, they host baking classes and such, that utilize the appliances they sell, on a regular or semi-regular basis. Hosting Thermomix get-togethers at their store might be right up their alley. Believe me, vendors like these know the American market a lot better than Harvard.

Incidentally, what do you mean by "power supply?"
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 09, 2014, 11:31:30 pm
MacGuffin, I still live in hope. Scaling recipes that use fractions is just so much more work. I feel like I need a slide ruler  ???
I don't find it work at all. If I want to reduce or increase a recipe, I still have to divide or multiply it, regardless of units or if it's weight or volume. But why do you hope? Are you in the US?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: LillyPilly on November 10, 2014, 12:56:07 am
Quote
But why do you hope? Are you in the US?

No, but US recipes do dominate the Internet. It is a refreshing change when I search for Thermomix recipes.

I find it more awkward to divide say, 2/3 c by 8 than to do the same with mls. Actually, it's the insistence on cup measures that makes things most difficult. If I'm writing out a recipe I write the volume measurements in ml because it is so much faster to scale up or down. It would be easier if the U.S. cup was 10 oz. Can you tell I count on my fingers 😄?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on November 10, 2014, 04:45:16 pm
There already is an authorized US theromimix distributor located in Florida (they repair and service existing TM21 that were sold in the US by Vorwerk years ago before they pulled out of the US market).  This info is easily found using google.  :)

I would imagine if anyone is to get distributor rights in the US, those folks will have to give up theirs.  I doubt they would give distributor rights to someone outside of the US too.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 10, 2014, 04:54:17 pm
I doubt they would give distributor rights to someone outside of the US too.
I'd have to second that.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on November 10, 2014, 10:20:32 pm
I am sure there will be more than one distributor and I would not be surprised at all if there was an Ausie connection and perhaps a Canadian connection as well as a European connection. Lots of people want in.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: courton on November 10, 2014, 11:21:07 pm
From what I have heard, German HO is going to be involved in the distributership themselves.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 10, 2014, 11:52:13 pm
I am sure there will be more than one distributor and I would not be surprised at all if there was an Ausie connection and perhaps a Canadian connection as well as a European connection. Lots of people want in.
Hard to say. Canada wouldn't surprise me because they've done a good job of establishing the Thermomix and they have a much better grasp of the way business is conducted here than anyone else, including Europe and Australia. That's the route Bamix took when they were convinced to enter the North American market. Ocean Sales had that exclusive for quite a long time.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on November 11, 2014, 04:45:35 pm
I just hope that Vorwerk decides to enter the mass US market again with the Thermomix, as long that happens I don't really care what distributor they use (although I am not too fond of one of the Canandian distributors). 

I love my TM31 and enjoy showing it to other fellow Americans although they often express shock at the price.  I honestly do think that the new TM5 will be successful in the US using a different selling method such as through stores like Williams Sonoma.

I would love the opportunity to work for Vorwerk here in the US because I would get a lot of statisfaction in showing other Americans how to use the thermomix and seeing how amazed they would be with it.

It really shouldn't be so difficult for Americans to get the thermomix.  It is ridiculous. 

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 11, 2014, 08:22:18 pm
I agree that it's ridiculous. And I suspect it WOULD be fun to show others and even make money on sales. I couldn't push it but helping to bring a product and someone for whom it's a fit is awesome.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on November 11, 2014, 08:35:49 pm
I agree that it's ridiculous. And I suspect it WOULD be fun to show others and even make money on sales. I couldn't push it but helping to bring a product and someone for whom it's a fit is awesome.

I wonder if there are any TM21 former American consultants that can chime in on the selling experience years ago.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MacGuffin on November 11, 2014, 11:00:48 pm
Were they sold by consultants? Does anyone know the story of Thermomix's short foray into the U.S. market?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on November 23, 2014, 07:44:15 am
Sorry I've no knowledge of the history of the TM21 in the US but I sure wish Vorwrk would hurry and just release the TM5 into the U.S because I want one. Even my hubby (who was dead against the purchase of TM31 originally) is missing the presence of a thermal cooker in the house!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on December 17, 2015, 03:21:56 pm
Well, they did it! Thermomix TM5 is now officially being sold in the US.

I am one of the very first Thermomix US consultants, and could not be more excited. The business model is the same here as elsewhere, we do demos in people's homes to show off the amazing capabilities. The US version of the TM5 toggles between metric and US weights, as well as using Fahrenheit temperatures.We have a US version of the Basic Cookbook and the Recipe Chip, all with US-style recipes.

The current launch is small (consultants mostly in the Los Angeles area) but the product can be sold anywhere in the US. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to me at melissa.thermomixus@gmail.com.

Happy Thermomixing!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on December 17, 2015, 05:34:15 pm
Welcome to the forum Melissa.
Congratulations on becoming one of the first USA Thermomix Consulants.(Consultants are now called Advisors here in the UK)  I wish you all the best on your Thermomix journey.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: ThermomixBlogger on December 17, 2015, 08:11:10 pm
Congrats to you Melissa! Some of us have been waiting YEARS to see Thermomix land for sale in USA  :) I can't wait to see our fave kitchen machine become more popular (across North America) as consultants like yourself master the challenge of educating Americans to this fun new way of cooking. WooHOO!!!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on December 17, 2015, 08:51:16 pm
Welcome to the Forum Melissa. That is very exciting.  There are some fab, very American recipes and some already on this Forum. Go for it and we will help with weight and temperature conversions where possible.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: judydawn on December 17, 2015, 11:56:46 pm
The forum welcomes you with open arms Melissa, congratulations to all those who have worked behind the scenes to finally get to this stage. I wish you every success with your new venture, please do keep in touch and let us know how people are accepting this new way of cooking. I'd love to see an index of your cookbook to see how our basic recipes differ.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on December 18, 2015, 01:02:33 am
Congratulations Melissa, on becoming one of the first consultants in the USA. We all love our machines and are thrilled that you have joined us.
As Judy said, please keep in touch. We would love to hear how things are going. We'd also love it if some of your customers joined our forum too. We have members from all over the world.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on March 03, 2016, 07:12:10 pm
Thank you all for such a warm welcome! I am super busy these days, trying to get the word out to people that Thermomix is here, and the reception I am getting so far is wonderful. Not surprisingly, most of my early customers are people who have seen or owned a Thermomix in another country and are as thrilled as I am that Thermomix has finally made it to the US.

I will definitely let all my customers know about this Forum. It has been a wonderful resource for me over the 6 years that I used my TM31 (purchased from Canada) and I know it will be just as wonderful a resource for my customers now.

JudyDawn, I am do have photos of the index for the US Cookbook and am attaching one of the pages. My understanding is that of the 170-ish recipes in the Basic Cookbook, about 110 are the same across countries, while about 60 are specific to each country. You guys wil have to tell me if that seems true to you!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on March 03, 2016, 09:41:05 pm
Good luck with all in the USA Melissa. I am sure you will be a very successful consultant. Let us hope when they produce new cookbooks for the US that Vorwerk takes notice of translating recipes from other countries. As an Aussie/Yank  I know they will embrace the technology but have little patience for recipes that contain unfamiliar or hard to find  ingredients and I really feel the "Betty Crocker" style of cooking is hard to compete with. Making things from scratch is a wee bit alien to the majority of cooks. Educating the palate to accept "real flavours" will be a test for sure.

I can't wait for the feedback from users regarding the recipes. Please keep is up to date or direct us to any reviews we would enjoy.

Gert

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: spersephone on March 04, 2016, 11:32:16 am
I read a lot of US magazines and sometimes see cooking shows. I am amazed at some of the really processed foods that are ingredients, such as instant whipped cream. I'm pretty sure we have them too, but not as many options. However, I'm disappointed by recipes that say add this can, this jar, this tube etc. I want to make things from scratch if it's feasible, unless I'm looking specifically for a shortcut. Different demographics I guess, but I wonder how difficult that will be for some who are unused to sourcing basic ingredients.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on March 04, 2016, 05:38:57 pm
I think your points about the American tendency to buy pre-made products are true, but I am very comfortable that this won't be a problem in terms of showing Americans the value of the Thermomix. That's the wonderful thing abut the Thermomix, it doesn't just solve one problem. Yes, it will sell to people who want more homemade, whole foods, but it will also appeal to people who want to save time, money, or counter space, like high tech gadgets (and there are tons of these folks!), people who hate to cook, people who love to cook, etc. And the numbers are on our side - there are 320 million people in the US (compared to about 23 million in Australia). So only a small percentage of the US population needs to care about making and eating fresh, whole foods to have a very big number of people to sell on this capability  :) And maybe when these folks start showing their friends and families how easy it is to make great, fresh food, we can even begin to change some minds!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on March 05, 2016, 01:14:54 am
Melissa. Go for it. We are all behind you. The stats are certainly on your side.
We will be very interested to see what recipes prove popular. My Blog gets quite a few hits from USA. Usually for recipes that are a bit unusual.
When I first developed a spice recipe for K FC ,( Kerrie Fried Chicken), it was very popular. Seems to have slipped off the radar a bit now.
I am fascinated by the number of recipes that have bought cookie dough as a base.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Title: USA Thermomix
Post by: spersephone on March 06, 2016, 11:21:52 am
That's true, your demographics are so much better than ours. TiVo failed here even though we have many enthusiasts, but not enough to make it viable. A small proportion of Thermomix lovers in US would dwarf our sales!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Bootobethin on March 07, 2016, 01:34:18 am
Yes it was a pity Tivo failed as it was a great device and easy to use.
Title: USA Thermomix
Post by: jeninwa on March 08, 2016, 03:53:40 pm
I agree TiVo was a great device, mine blew up a week or so ago. Not as happy with the new machine we bought to replace our TiVo.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: spersephone on March 09, 2016, 12:40:39 am
You can usually fix them! I replaced our hard drive recently, and in my mum's too. That's one of the best things about them. Good quality appliances tend to be worth the investment, which is why I'm happy to join the Thermomix club. I expect to get many years from it.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on March 09, 2016, 12:52:19 am
Er, what is TiVo please?  What thermomix club have you joined Sarah? 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: jeninwa on March 09, 2016, 01:13:21 am
It's a digital recording device, that could record two programs at the same time. it had lots of functions like rewind live tv.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: spersephone on March 09, 2016, 04:25:31 am

Er, what is TiVo please?  What thermomix club have you joined Sarah?

Haha, I just meant I've become an owner!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on March 09, 2016, 05:54:58 am
Thanks Jenny and I'm pleased you are an owner Sarah. I thought you may have joined Recipe Platform from Voerwork and I know Tenina is looking at starting up an Insiders Club.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: spersephone on March 09, 2016, 08:14:39 am
I have joined the recipe platform, but it isn't quite what I hoped it would be?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on March 09, 2016, 08:47:01 am
I have joined the recipe platform, but it isn't quite what I hoped it would be?
Our recipe platform is very "clunky" and not very easy to use.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on June 25, 2016, 03:37:58 pm
Hello all! It is Melissa again, Thermomix consultant in the USA.

I just wanted to give an update as things have continued to expand since the last time I checked in with this group. Thermomix continues it's "soft opening" here in the USA, which it began last November. Originally Los Angeles was the only geography served by consultants, but Thermomix has since expanded to San Francisco, and I suspect San Diego will be opening shortly. They have trained their first Team Leader group (I was honored to be a part of it) in anticipation of growing the size of the consultant base.

Thermomix has also recruited a small number of experienced Consultants in New York and Washington, DC, in preparation for opening these markets in the coming months. My husband and I will be opening the Washington, DC market, so if you know anyone in the DC area who is interested in a getting a Thermomix, hosting a demo, or in becoming one of the very first Thermomix consultant, please let me know.

I am happy to keep updating this group to the goings in the USA if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on June 25, 2016, 05:57:27 pm
We do have members from the USA and would love you to keep us up to date to what is happening with the Thermomix in your part of the world.

The very best in your new adventure in the Washington area Melissa.You and your husband must be very excited.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on June 27, 2016, 03:27:58 am
I am considering purchasing Melissa and sent you a PM this morning. Grateful if you could get back to me at your earliest opportunity.

Thanks
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on June 27, 2016, 06:03:42 pm
Cornish Cream - yes we are very excited, and thanks for the good wishes.

MEP- I answered you message, please let me know if you need anything else.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Grite on September 12, 2016, 02:20:32 pm
Melissa, can you describe how to become a consultant? Do you buy your own Thermomix? How much money do you -or can you- make?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on September 12, 2016, 03:20:47 pm
Grite,
Thermomix has chosen a phased launch in the US market in order to ensure the strong infrastructure needed to provide quality support. For that reason, at this time consultants are only being recruited in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Sometime later this year, Thermomix will be expanding into other US geographies, and they are currently collecting the names of people who are interested in learning more when they come to your area.
If you are interested, email me at MelissaAndMitch@ThermoLovers.com and I can send you an Expression of Interest Form which you can complete and email back to me. Filling this out will get you into our future consultant database so that when we expand to your area, you will be one of the first people they call. Filling out this form does not commit you in any way, but you may get a "thank you" phone call from a Thermomix manager.

For anyone in the LA or SF areas, completing an Expression of Interest form will get you invited to one of the local business opportunity sessions where you can learn more more about the Thermomix consultant opportunity.

Melissa
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 13, 2016, 06:13:51 am
"In order to ensure the strong infrastructure needed to provide quality support"

With due respect Melissa, but the above statement is a bit of a joke given not a single person from Thermomix, yourself as the consultant I bought my machine through included, has even bothered to contact me to "demonstrate" the benefits/use of the machine and/or enquire as to how I am going. I've taught myself thanks to having owned the TM31 previously and with the help of YouTube and the incredibly helpful members on this forum.

Based on my experience with this purchase, I think there should be a price differential (of a couple hundred dollars) for customers receiving the "full service" consultant support experience versus customers like me where the level of "consultant support" has been no better than ordering a product of Amazon.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 13, 2016, 10:05:23 am
Well said MEP. I feel Vorwerk with their  secretive unnecessarily complicated infrastructure will fail at successfully "launching" the Thermomix in the USA. They are ill prepared and seem to have no one in charge to make decisions. It has been tried in the past and failed. I think they have no idea how different the American Market is and how Americans expect to receive good service with no questions asked. If they are not initially going to use American tried and true recipes but rather adapt their own recipes they will also fail to capture the imagination of the American cook. European style recipes and even the Australian ones will just not work. Maybe for the second third or fourth cook books but not for the basic first up cook books.

Those good or adventurous cooks will be able to adapt but those new to cooking or those busy needing quick solutions will not be bothered unless they there is an advantage over the quick fixes so readily and cheaply available in the supermarkets.  How many Americans cook anything from scratch these days?  People who eat from paper plates and  styrofoam containers ain't gunna be interested in a $2000 machine. Every school has a well stocked and cheap cafeteria for students. There is no where near the interest in packing a good school lunch as there is here and possibly no financial advantage either.  There is a huge "Yummy Mummy" movement here with incredible cooks who are competitive .......almost combative. I think not so much in the States.

Anyway I am looking forward to the launch and to see how Americans take to the Thermomix. Most well known celebrity chefs in the US have this machine. Even Michelle Obama made sure  there was at least one in the Whitehouse. I fear it will remain a "chefie" thing unless the launch is aimed at ordinary housewives wanting to improve their diets and do some real cooking.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 13, 2016, 12:39:52 pm
Gert, some of my neighbors are fantastic cooks and do prepare food from scratch. I found this so refreshing. We also know MANY families who predominantly use paper plates instead of porcelain  and who buy  up to 90% of their food ready made (my in-laws included!). There is so much available that's ready made/ fully processed here it's unbelievable.

I debated for many months on the purchase of the tm5 and the recipe chip finally swayed me to yes. but alas the chip that comes with the tm5 in the US is imperial not metric. I tried to get a swap to metric version but no deal. Hence, the Basic Cookbook and recipe chip is completely useless to me. I've had to ask my sister to buy in Australia and post to me. Just one example of the complete lack of customer focus and flexibility/responsiveness in the Vorwerk distribution model.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 13, 2016, 01:16:04 pm
The amount of prepared food available is almost unbelievable for sure. The waste is truly believable including paper plates, plastic  cups and cutlery  used everyday and thrown out. Why do they have dishwashers? The rubbish bins are gigantic and overflow even with weekly collection. Makes me sad and angry.

I thought you could adjust the US machine to either Imperial or metric. Another learning curve  for you.

The lack of service,instant response and negativity will be a real problem.  I would like to think it would all be fine but they way they are going about it is ridiculous. Being able to buy it virtually on line will no consultant or face to face interaction will be their downfall. People will just use into make pre mixed shakes if they do not know how to really use the machine.

I cannot believe people eat from paper plates in their homes
today. Disgusting. Even here at my retirement lifestyle village they get cheap paper plates for the monthly BBQ even though we have China plates and a dishwasher. I put out the plates for people to use and they choose the paper. I don't bother going any more as it pisses me off. At least I instigated using the readily available cutlery. Can you believe some of these old farts actually washed and reused the plastic crap. Go figure???






Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 13, 2016, 02:09:45 pm
Gert, the TM5 itself can be set to imperial or metric but the recipe chip and cookbook is in imperial only. How difficult would it have been to include both measurements in the book really? The stupidity of it baffles me.

I couldn't agree with you more re the waste. Our bin goes out 10 to 20% full most weeks, yet some of our neighbors have up to five large garbage bags outside of the already bulging bin. My in-laws not only use paper plates but also wash plastic picnic plates to re-use. They even collect extra sets of plastic cutlery from restaurants/fast food places for use at home. We couldn't believe our eyes when we witnessed this for the first time. They wash these (cutlery only) in the dishwasher too.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on September 13, 2016, 10:22:39 pm
I am finding this discussion fascinating.  Thanks girls.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 13, 2016, 10:44:55 pm
I have actually taken my own plate and cutlery to places known for serving food on plastic or paper plates. If the hosts feel insulted then so do I to be treated so shabbily. Where you have no washing facilities then the alternative is perhaps acceptable.

I think your in laws have a problem!! Do they take the salt and pepper too?

  I believe the councils should charge households by weight of garbage per occupant. . Not the bottle bin though!!  Even in my day I was ashamed at how much food waste there was in my parents household not to mention other useable stuff just thrown out.

You will be starting a new push in your neighbourhood MEP. Keep it up.

And oh yes that was really stupid not to include metric in the cookbook and chip. They do it on scales. I think they will make a lot of conversion mistakes in print material. They should have employed Tenina!!!!


Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 13, 2016, 11:09:50 pm
LOL Gert, yes they do take the salt and pepper satchets too. My MIL is so " frugal" she shops at about 7 different supermarkets because of the prices on individual items. Eg. She will spend $3 on petrol just to save 10c on soft drinks (sodas) from a particular place. I have seen her ask for a doggy bag on a 3/4 eaten $3 taco! Drives me crazy, but I sit there and bite my tongue - hope I don't start bleeding one day.  ;D

My frugal MIL aside, I wonder how different the Basic Cookbooks are between the different countries. The US one is pretty standard, a lot of the recipes similar to the Australian Everyday Cookbook.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on September 14, 2016, 09:36:50 am
Thanks MEP and Gert I am enjoying this and learning so much. My mind staggers at using paper plates etc in the home! What cost!  Our bin goes out one third or so full each week too. The recycling goes out full every two weeks.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on September 14, 2016, 09:50:42 am
LOL Gert, yes they do take the salt and pepper satchets too. My MIL is so " frugal" she shops at about 7 different supermarkets because of the prices on individual items. Eg. She will spend $3 on petrol just to save 10c on soft drinks (sodas) from a particular place. I have seen her ask for a doggy bag on a 3/4 eaten $3 taco! Drives me crazy, but I sit there and bite my tongue - hope I don't start bleeding one day.  ;D

My frugal MIL aside, I wonder how different the Basic Cookbooks are between the different countries. The US one is pretty standard, a lot of the recipes similar to the Australian Everyday Cookbook.

The U.K. basic cookbook is slightly different to the Australian one MEP. We have both contents posted here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?board=52.0) on the Forum.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 14, 2016, 12:57:43 pm
Thanks CC. Whilst I haven't cross-checked recipe by recipe, a lot of the basics eg bread, pancakes, custard, brownies, risotto etc are there. My gripe I suppose is the metric versions are available, why can't they provide those to customers like me who are used to metric.

Cookie, one of my neighbors uses paper plates exclusively ALL the time. The first  time I saw this I thought what a great idea as they were going away on holidays so she didn't have to worry about washing a couple of dishes before leaving. However, subsequently I realized it was a standard for them.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 14, 2016, 02:37:35 pm
Interesting how Melissa USA was very responsive and active when she was in the business development mode, but then no response when honest, albeit critical, feedback is provided to demonstrate the complete lack of customer service and the rigid/inflexible Vorwerk business model is raised.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 16, 2016, 06:29:37 pm
On a more positive note about the US. KitchenAid is made here and they are a fraction of the Aussie price. They also make kitchen appliances and their dishwasher is the quietest I have ever heard. In fact, you don't even know it's on but for the little light. We have open plan kitchen, meals and family room and there's no noise impact.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on September 17, 2016, 03:38:02 am
DD was saying someone at her work has the KA thing that is similar to a thermomix. If either of my machines died I would look seriously at one of theirs.

We don't have a dishwasher ( except DH) but that one sounds perfect MEP.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 17, 2016, 10:45:54 am
Cookie, I was VERY interested in the KA thermal cooker too, but they're not available here in the US. KA itself is a very strong/dominant brand here with the kitchen mixer, fridges, stoves/hot plates and dishwasher. Perhaps KA executives know something about the American consumer that Vorwerk does not?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: judydawn on September 17, 2016, 10:50:46 am
Good point MEP.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 17, 2016, 10:59:00 pm
Cookie, I was VERY interested in the KA thermal cooker too, but they're not available here in the US. KA itself is a very strong/dominant brand here with the kitchen mixer, fridges, stoves/hot plates and dishwasher. Perhaps KA executives know something about the American consumer that Vorwerk does not?

 Nail on head me thinks MEP? Is Vorwerk doomed to fail in the US? Have you heard anything about the "official" launch? It must be near.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 17, 2016, 11:52:58 pm
Gert, what do you mean by the official launch? The TM5 has already been launched and available for purchase now. They have consultants in LA and Washington DC (Melissa USA is from there) but like I have said, consultant support has been NIL so not the same level of service as in Australia. However, given its such a new concept, Americans are going to need that demonstration more. Doomed to fail here in the US? Probability for this is certainly higher than in more established markets.

I also dislike the secrecy that surrounds the Vorwerk business model. Would love to know how much consultants get per machine sold.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 18, 2016, 12:39:20 am
MEP Vorwerk are planning an official launch possibly with bells and whistles as opposed to the soft launch almost by word of mouth while they figure it all out. Don't believe everything you hear or read about where the consultants actually are, how many there are and what they are paid. There is a sliding scale for each consultant depending on how many they sell. I published a list here somewhere some years ago and I doubt it has changed all that much but be assured every level gets it cut. The distributor, the state or regional manager, the group leaders and so on down to the consultant. Maybe someone here can remember which thread it was published in.

Years ago Vorwerk was the largest shareholder on Tupperware but when they failed to gain control of the company they sold their share and pulled out.They do have a lot of experience in direct selling but possibly no insight into the American way of filling their vast bellys and I include myself in that one!!! If I was still living in the US I would not buy a TX as there is a wealth of good quality pre prepared food on the market much cheaper than I could make it for and that includes Allen's lovely clam chowder. I doubt the ordinary home cook would get the concept of cooking in a blender.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 18, 2016, 12:46:24 am
Here is a quote from bubhub from last year.

"FI'm not a consultant but my mum is. She gets $300 and something per machine but the more you sell the more commission you make per machine. My mum doesn't usually sell many machines to friends. Most sales are word of mouth from people she's already sold them to. She also gets referrals from the area manager/head consultant (unsure of correct terminology) that come through the thermomix website. My mum really enjoys it. The only downside my mum mentions is being stuffed around by people (demos, machine drop offs etc) and dealing with unsatisfied customers."

Another.
"The better your sales, the more incentives you receive as a Thermomix consultant. These can range from new kitchen gadgets to cooking classes with celebrity chefs such as George Colombaris.

Thermomix works on a commission-based structure for demonstrators, with rewards offered on a monthly basis. Often the incentives – which are awarded on top of your commission – can be earned by selling as little as one or two Thermomixes per month."

Spend some time googling and you an find out all the "secrets". Some consultants are not at all descrete and there are a lot of pissed off consultants who spend time bagging Vorwerk and Grace Mazure,in particular, on line. I doubt the US will be any different and may be worse as Americans have a higher expectation of good
service than do Australians. We are often very much surprised if we receive good service here.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 18, 2016, 12:54:28 am
Oh, I haven't heard anything about a formal launch. That will be very interesting to see how, what, when, who and where. You're so right about availability of pre-prepared foods on the US. I wouldn't touch most of it though - too many chemicals and too much processing. Fresh food is very cheap here compared to Australia.

I agree with your sentiment re the ordinary home cook probably not going to get the concept of cooking in a blender, a costly one at that. Only time will tell. Perhaps it will be the same as elsewhere with the majority of consultants quitting after they have sold 6? machines and get theirs for free.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on September 18, 2016, 12:58:48 am
More recent MEP.

"You cannot buy a Thermomix from a shop. Similar to brands like Tupperware and Avon, they are sold by consultants, who work on commission, during in-home demonstrations. Consultants must hold a minimum of four demos a month and if they fail to make sales, they are let go.
“You’re not allowed to call it a party. It’s a demonstration,” said Sally*, 40, from the Sunshine Coast. “You’re not allowed to drink during the demonstration “but I wasn’t going to tell people they couldn’t drink a glass of wine,” she said.
There has to be a minimum of three households at the demonstration, which takes two hours and includes tasting different recipes like bread, pizza and risotto, to show off the machine’s 12 different functions.
She said if consultants cook anything outside the approved recipes, they get into trouble.
The company encourages them to serve food on plastic green plates, matching the brand’s signature colour. A consultant’s $350 start-up kit includes a dark green apron with the company logo to be worn during demos.
Customers don’t have to make a decision on the spot. It’s the consultant’s job to call you after the demonstration and try to close the sale. (News.com.au heard several examples of customers receiving multiple follow-up calls. “I eventually stopped answering the phone,” one woman said).
“If you sell one machine a month, you get $220 commission. Two a month, then $250 (per machine). If you sold seven machines or more in a month, then you got $360 per machine,” Sally said.
“In one month I got $5500, but I did 10 demos that month and I sold 13 machines. But in the month after that, the number of phone calls I had back and forth from people with broken machines, and having to take them back, it wasn’t worth it.”
BEING A CONSULTANT ISN’T THAT PROFITABLE
“The machine and the service I don’t have a problem with. It’s the company and it’s the structure,” said Ruth*, a 61-year-old Queensland woman who started consulting in 2011 and worked for Thermomix for two years.
“The more a consultant sells, the more all the rest of the people up the chain make. That’s why they push the consultant to do more, so that they get more.”
Ruth says she didn’t end up making any money during her time as a consultant.
“Between travelling and buying the ingredients, I really don’t think I made anything. I did my tax one year and my accountant just said to me ‘Forget it, you didn’t make any money’.”
While the consultant job is marketed towards stay-at-home mums, Sally says to make money, you have to treat it like a full time job.
“They promote it to mums by saying ‘You’ll earn some extra cash’, but you don’t get paid for the demonstration. You have to buy all the ingredients, it takes about an hour of food prep at home, you have to drive to their house. Between buying all the food, travel time and petrol, it’s just not worth it,” she said.
After two years, and 60 machines sold, Sally quit. “I thought, ‘You women are b*tches and I don’t want to be a part of this’. Thermomix has a large turnover of staff because you do it, then you see the light.”

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 18, 2016, 01:06:21 am
I have read that Grace Mazur is not so nice. On the faulty TMX FB site, people have stated she tried to silence people by making them sign confidentiality agreements before refunding money for machines that have caused injury to people. These guys refused to sign, went to the ACCC? and Grace had to refund without the signed confidentiality agreements. Very unscrupulous.

Very interesting reads you are finding and posting Gert. Well, it didn't cost my consultant any money for petrol or food and barely any time as I didn't have a demonstration. Money for jam for that sale. Plenty more of these tunes of sales here I would expect, but the whole business model may fail quicker as a result.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Jamberie on September 18, 2016, 04:05:44 am
I'm loving this thread! Gert, you always provide such good information!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on September 18, 2016, 05:13:33 am
KA , machine has slightly larger bowl but no scales. Still love my 5.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on September 18, 2016, 10:13:52 am
I like the TM5 too Chookie. It would have been nice to have a choice though. Given its strong brand and presence in the US, im very surprised that KA chose not not sell the KA cooker here.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on September 22, 2016, 03:12:43 pm
Please excuse my absence from the forum, and I am very sorry if I gave anyone the impression that I am not interested in providing information about Thermomix in the USA and giving best customer service that I possibly can. Between giving pre and post purchase demos, working with our customers to help them learn to use their TM5s (we have almost 250 so far), getting our website up, etc., I not been able to check back on Forum Thermomix as often as I used to. I will make sure to check in more often in the future.

MEP, I would love to contact you directly regarding your concerns but you have asked us not to do so. I am so sorry that you did not feel supported in your purchase and wish you would allow us to try and remedy that.

In terms of some of the discussion that has been going on, I am happy to provide what information I know. Keep in mind that as a consultant I am not necessarily in the loop regarding broader strategic decisions made by Thermomix USA and Vorwerk. But here is what I know:

LAUNCH: Thermomix USA is still in its "soft" launch phase which is limited to Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. The idea is to use these markets to learn more about the USA while setting up the infrastructure needed to support the larger country. Consultants were told late last year that the larger USA launch would happen this month, September. This has not happened, nor have we been given a date for when this launch will occur. Best I can tell, it is taking longer than expected to get the necessary infrastructure in place. Things that consultants and customers take for granted in other countries (financing/payment pans, host gifts/incentives, recipe platform, multiple cookbooks, etc.) are either not yet available or only recently being tested. I can’t speak to why it is taking as long as it is, but I suspect it is a combination of a new country with different business rules, a small core Vorwerk team in place here, and the sheer size of this country, which Vorwerk has not dealt with before. 

SALES: Despite only recruiting consultants in LA and SF, Thermomix can be purchased from anywhere in the country. In these cases, where the customer does not have a local consultant, the Vorwerk customer service team is supposed to act in that role. Without getting in specifics, let it suffice to say that this is still a work in progress.

STRUCTURE & COMPENSATION:  I believe that Thermomix will be structured in the US similarly to other countries, with the traditional consultant/team leader/branch manager/area manager construct. At this time we have nothing above the Team Leader. To answer GERTBYTHESEA’s comment, there is no USA distributor (it is not a distributorship), nor do we have area, regional or state managers. All we have so far is consultants (all but 3 of whom are in LA and SF) and a very small number of team leaders. I am not able to share the exact compensation, but from what I can tell, it is similar to many other countries in that it is based on a set amount per order, plus a bonus/incentive for selling more than in a single month.

UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN MARKET: I believe this is and will be Vorwerk’s biggest challenge here. It is easy to generalize about the “American market”, but the truth is that there is no single American market. The person buying Thermomix in California is not the same as the one buying it in Iowa. We have many people who don’t cook and resort to pre-made foods, but we also have millions of people who still make home cooked meals every day. With over 300 million people, we may be a single country, but we are very diverse. GERTBYHESEA’s comments about European recipes not being as attractive to Americans is very true, particularly in the central part of the country. I had a customer in Utah tell me that the recipes in the USA Basic Cookbook were “too weird”. However on the east and west coasts, international recipes are very sought after. Fortunately, Thermomix has been working on USA-specific cookbooks, and will be releasing 2 American cook “booklets” next month. They also have a larger USA cookbook (and I think recipe chip, but not certain) coming out in November.

METRIC VS IMPERIAL: The USA TM5 (like all new TM5s being manufactured now) can easily toggle between Metric and US Imperial weights and temps. The USA Basic Cookbook, however, is only in US Imperial. I suspect this was deliberate and designed to appeal to Americans who are not familiar with the metric system and want to see something familiar to them. It is a great long term strategy as it covers 95+% of the people who live in the USA, but it does not take into account the early adopters – people who are buying now. Most people who are buying Thermomix now are doing so because they already know about it from experience in another country. And in that country, you can bet they used metric! Which makes the American-focused used of Imperial less attractive to these early buyers. And this has been compounded because until very recently we were not even able to get international Thermomix cookbooks for our customers! It is funny because I purchased a number of metric Thermomix cookbooks from Canada and used them for a promotion we ran last month. (As I mentioned, Thermomix itself does not yet offer promotions but I know people like them, so wanted to be able to offer something.) All of the cookbooks are metric. When I sent the list of available cookbooks to the people who won them I received frustrated emails from some customers because all of the books are metric while others wrote me thanking me for making metric books available!

Please let me know if you have other questions and I will try and do my best to answer them.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on October 05, 2016, 03:10:23 pm
Just checking in - any other questions about Thermomix in the US? I did learn some exciting news recently, including the fact that Thermomix USA will be sending out its first newsletter this month. I am looking forward to seeing it myself!
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 06, 2016, 10:51:36 am
If it has any exciting recipes Melissa perhaps you could send us a link to it, or share it.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on October 07, 2016, 02:37:29 am
The newsletter just came out, and it features a Halloween recipe for Bloody Almond Fingers. I am attaching the recipe.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 07, 2016, 08:00:21 am
Thanks Melissa. They look quite revolting, but it guess that is what they are supposed to do. Do many people bake for Halloween over there?  It's not that big here, usually only local kids looking for some lollies for nothing.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on October 07, 2016, 06:10:49 pm
You are right, they are supposed to look revolting.  :)
Halloween is enormous in the US, a much-hyped holiday that is fed by the enormous retail industries that support it (candy, baked goods, Halloween decor, Halloween cards, Halloween costumes, even costumes for your pet! and so on...) For people who enjoy throwing Halloween parties, or for parents making Halloween treats for kids, the stuff ranges from adorable to "gruesome". If you go to to Pinterest and search for Halloween Treats you will see many examples of what I am talking about.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 13, 2016, 03:20:43 am
As some of you here may already know, I am an American thermomix user for several years but use the TM31.  I use mine quite a bit for many dishes and juicing so I have been happy with it.  I just don't see the thermomix taking off overall in the US though.  Most people that see mine get turned off by the cost of the machine.  I wish the US consultants luck though! 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: MEP on October 13, 2016, 09:27:49 pm
Most people, irrespective of which country they're from, are turned off by the price of the TMX Azure111! I know it took me a good six months of deliberating before I bought my TM31. DH was sick of my incessant talk and finally said "oh please put me out of my misery and just buy the damn thing."

Halloween is huge in our neighborhood. Houses (not ours) are decorated and because of safety, generally only securely-wrapped/sealed (tamper proof) lollies and chocolates are handed out. Certainly no home-baked goodies going around.

In fact, it's school policy that all foods intended for other children, e.g. Birthday cake, cupcakes etc, have to be store bought. You cannot bring in home baked goodies. No lamington drives here! Do they still do lamington drives? I remember them fondly from my Aussie school days.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 13, 2016, 10:06:03 pm
My mom was a school teacher for many years so I remember her telling me when her school implemented the "store bought" goodies only rule for the kids in her classroom.  There was a lot of upset parents but it was for the "safety of the children"...however I never was sure what the dangers (of homemade) were in the first place that can be eliminated by going store bought instead. 

I admit I had to look up what "lamington drives" are because I never heard of them.  I guess the closest thing to that is we used to sell candy bars to raise funds.

Sorry I brought this thread off topic.....I really do hope the thermomix takes off in the US but the marketing of it only works if the Thermomix has a good reputation (just like Cutco knives or Kirby vacuums). Most Americans don't know what it is.  People always ask me what "that thing" is when they are in my house and think I was dumb to pay that much for a "blender".  The same people react differently to my cutco knives and tell me how nice they are and don't even balk at the price of the knives.   
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: judydawn on October 14, 2016, 01:44:54 am
Have any of your house guests tasted anything made in 'that thing' Azure11?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 14, 2016, 12:47:37 pm
I've found this very interesting reading.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on October 14, 2016, 04:47:53 pm
I've found this very interesting reading.
Me too.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 14, 2016, 05:39:40 pm
Have any of your house guests tasted anything made in 'that thing' Azure11?

Honestly, other than my family members...I don't think any of my friends have.  You have a good point there.

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on October 17, 2016, 08:56:59 pm
I wanted to let you guys know that I just learned today that Thermomix USA is offering a trade-in promotion targeted to folks in the USA who already have TM31s or TM21s. From now until the end of the year, they will actually offer a trade-in of $215 for any TM21, and $335 for any TM31 (regardless of country it is from, or condition). That means if you have a TM21 or TM31, you can purchase your new TM5 for $1084 or $964, which is cheaper than I have ever seen it anywhere. I was surprised and excited to hear this news as I think there are people in the US who have thought about purchasing the TM5, but with a fully functioning TM31, don't want to invest in the newer model. That was certainly me last year! :-) If you know anyone interested, have them get in contact with me here at ForumThermomix or email at melissaandmitch@ThermoLovers.com. Thermomix USA just announced this today, so I should be getting the details on how to do the trade-in in the next day or so. They are also offering a free Thermomix cookbook for anyone who purchases this month as well.

How does this compare with promotions in other countries? We have not had promotions before in the States, so this is quite new to me, although I have heard lots of talk about promotions elsewhere. I'd be curious to know what you all think about this approach.

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 18, 2016, 04:33:07 am
No trade in options here Melissa. Some people sold their 31's to buy the 5. I kept mine and now use both.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Melissa USA Consultant on October 18, 2016, 02:32:33 pm
Isn't it great having a second one? I kept my TM31 as well. I don't use it much, but every one in a while it is a lifesaver. :-) I just can't seem to part with it. It's like an old friend.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 10, 2017, 05:46:15 pm
I know this is an old thread but I am wondering how the launch of the USA Thermomix is going?

The USA folks in charge of this launch seem to be really limiting themselves to a select few states like NY and CA which seems to be bad practice.  My guess is that they are initially selling where the money is because those are high income states.

I will continue to be the oddball American guy with his loved oldie but goodie TM31. :)

Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on October 10, 2017, 09:53:18 pm
Hopefully Azure Melissa is still working and can bring us up to date. Hopefully they are developing a suitable cookbook for the US market.

I am with you Azure on the TM31. Wish I had not given mine away. The TM5 is a great disappointment to me.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 10, 2017, 10:17:22 pm
Gert, I have never used the TM5 and have not had the opportunity to try one out.  I would love to though.

Although I bought the TM31 without a demonstration or even seeing one in person,  It wasn't an option before when I got the TM31 because they were not officially being sold in the US at the time.  Had to jump through hoops to even get a new TM31 delivered to my door.

Since you have used both TM31 and TM5, can you share with me what causes disappointment of the TM5?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: gertbysea on October 10, 2017, 11:44:50 pm
The time delay in the arms letting go of the lid drives me nuts. I have no need of the guided cooking and I think a lot of us cooks feel the same. It slows thing up if you do use it. Also the case is more fragile with many machines cracking . I am seeing and hearing of many many machines having to be repaired, adjusted and being sent back for this and that. That rarely happened with the 31.

I think the plethora of  repitious cookbooks have made very lazy cooks who cannot be bothered to think before asking the inevitable “hit me with your favourite recipe. Bonus points for no gluten, no citrus, no dairy, no spice etc etc".

Maybe it is just the non stop asking the same questions by the new "Thermie" lovers sends me over the top. Maybe we on the forum were sort of pioneers who actually helped each other with one one one help and tweaked  some pretty basic home cooking recipes. We had fun without the urgency and had the patience to develop some pretty good recipes and methods. Now every woman and her child is an instant expert and posting sub standard recipes in the recipe communities causing many people to feel like failures when they don't work out. We  learned our machines capibility inside out and had no need to ask endless idiotic questions. 

I am a tech lover and user but the chip and now the cook key,  to me, are of no value but then I knew how to boil water before I bought my first thermomix.

Gert
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: judydawn on October 11, 2017, 01:01:29 am
You are not wrong there Gert.  This forum was the best thing that happened for TM31 users when there was nothing else but the original Thermomix cookbooks but now every man and his dog has put out a recipe book or a blog. Progress in electronic and social media is not always the best for everyone.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cornish Cream on October 11, 2017, 11:35:37 am
I miss the “early days” when the TM31 was new and everyone was very helpful to each other. Without my TM I wouldn't have met such wonderful people who have become lifelong friends.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 11, 2017, 01:57:25 pm
I miss the “early days” when the TM31 was new and everyone was very helpful to each other. Without my TM I wouldn't have met such wonderful people who have become lifelong friends.
So true Denise.
I honestly find that so many people seem to think that you buy a thermomix and you can cook. Some of the questions people ask are absolutely stupid. It is obvious that they have very little cooking experience behind them.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Cuilidh on October 11, 2017, 07:40:50 pm
I totally agree with all my friends on here.  I am a 31 user and lover.  When I first got my 31 several years ago I knew no one else with a thermomix who I could talk to and this forum was my saviour!  Without the help and support of everyone on here I don't think I would have ever progressed beyond the very basic - often useless - Every Day Cookbook.

I have never been tempted by the TM5 and, in fact when it was released here, I bought a second 31 when they were all being sold off cheap('ish) for the new model.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: achookwoman on October 11, 2017, 09:47:49 pm
Thought I better have my say also!  What a community the early Forum was. So many helpful people willingly sharing info and recipes. Now, if you want recipes outside the Forum you are asked to pay for them.  I think this money grabbing culture is partly based in the Thermomix business model. The Cook key is the continuation of this philosophy.
Thermomix 5 or 31?  I have got used to the 5 now but like Gert hate the slowness. Also my machine has needed servicing twice already. The 31, once after 8 years.
I will continue to swim against the tide and post recipes free.
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: mab19 on October 11, 2017, 10:40:06 pm
Like others I love my TM31.  Mine was a gift and came with no lessons so I was very happy to find this forum and all the helpful members.  I certainly wouln't have made half the recipes I do now without their generous help.  If I need a recipe I just search on here and usually find what I want.   I have no desire to change to a TM5 and love my TM31. 
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: Azure111 on October 21, 2017, 11:08:57 pm
Judging from the responses here (Gertbysea and others), sounds like I really do need to keep my TM31.  Being in the USA, if it ever does break...I hope I will have access to someone who can repair it. 

As for the cookbooks, aside from the one I received with the machine...I have not bothered to buy any cookbooks.  In fact I have learned to adapt many of my existing recipes to the TM31.  I should start sharing some of them here.

Do the new cookbooks show instructions for both TM31 and TM5?
Title: Re: USA Thermomix
Post by: cookie1 on October 23, 2017, 01:15:52 pm
Most of the very new books are suited more for the 5 but can be done in the 31 too. If it can only be done in the 5 they usually say so.

We would love you to share some of your recipes with us Azure111