Tanita Scales and their marketing drivel

[SadieKate]

There are no Tanita scales to be found in this town so I'm doing my research on their site. Their regional sales director just gave me a bunch of useless vague mumbo-jumbo.

None of your posted brochures discuss the need or validity for the other data (bone mass, DCI, etc.). Where are those? Why should I buy a more expensive monitor when you haven't made a clinical case for the additional information?
Depending on the user, they may find the bone mass and DCI or Physique Ratings useful. These are all data features created by Tanita from the other data derived from the body composition reading, not to be taken as scientific data but as a way to monitor any changes in those data points. You don't have to purchase our most expensive products to get the same quality and accuracy as the rest of our products. They all vary in size, shape, and look and many come with multiple features that you may find useful.

Gosh, sorry that I asked you to go out of your way to tell me why I might find some of these features useful. Let me just hand you my debit card and PIN while we're at it.

Do you have anything on your website that would help a customer narrow down the appropriate scale? Sort of a product finder wizard?
Since we don't sell our product directly, it's up to the distributor sites or the consumer to narrow down based on the features they are requiring. We have them separated by body fat, body water, and full body composition, or weight only. Hopefully they will contact someone that can help them.

Gosh, if I had someone to contact, why am I emailing Tanita?

And lastly, put your MSRP on your website. Having to go through multiple clicks on every single model to determine the price is just going to make me go click on a competitor's web site.
Again, we don't sell directly from Tanita to the end user. They would have to choose the distributor they feel comfortable purchasing product from and make their selection from their site.

Yeah, I absolutely LOVED clicking on every single model several times to get to a commercial site (that supposedly has no direct sell agreement with Tanita, uh huh) just to narrow down which models are in my price range. Since the models are not listed in order of price, I had to look at every effin' one. And since not every distributor sells every model, doing my research on their site is only logical. Grrr.

She also directed me to a comparison chart that doesn't list all models which I specifically pointed out to her. I can just see her rolling her eyes about another consumer who actually wants some facts not just trust her "cuz we say so" approach.

Is there any other body fat/water scale manufacturer that get good reviews for consistency? I know the numbers are not going to be accurate, but I do want consistent because then I can track the trend. And are any of the body composition features of value? Again, just for trending purposes.

[GLC1968]

Don't you just love it when customer service is more about sales that actually serving the customer?

Omron is the brand of hand-held device that I've seen used at a couple of health clubs. A quick search shows that they do make a scale version - might be worth checking out.

[SadieKate]

Good heavens. The sales director and I have now exchanged five emails. I've now repeated the same two questions twice, each time with more and more detail, give her (him?) exact links to Tanita's own web site.

Your comparison chart does not list the models I've now mentioned twice before. See this link right here.

Apparently, the product expert is having a very difficult time understanding "None of your posted brochures discuss the need or validity for the other data (bone mass, DCI, etc.). Where are those? Why should I buy a more expensive monitor when you haven't made a clinical case for the additional information?"

The next round of emails may have to be done in graphic drawings and single syllable words.

I graciously provided a link to a European Journal of Obesity article posted on Omron's site which measures the accuracy of Omron and Tanita products(thanks, GLC).

[colby]

You might have to get out the crayons on this one

I am curious as to the results of your research, though... when you finally get there. :P

[SadieKate]

They finally sent me an excel file comparing the missing models.

And then --

As for the Bone Mass, DCI readings, etc. It's up to the consumer if they find this data useful. We use the many years of data to add these features for those who want to know. We don't try to scientifically prove their accuracy, however, we do have most of our supporting research and studies listed for you on our website under the tab called "Healthy Living". here's a link: http://www.tanita.com/en/supporting-research/

Can you imagine if you were wavering between two bikes in your LBS and asked if they thought one bike might be better than the other and why -- and the response was "it's up to you to figure that out"?

It's very interesting that Omron chooses to post an entire scholarly article while Tanita provides a bazillion pdf files but they are all just briefs of the original article, and none seem to address the additional readings like bone mass.

Those pesky consumers who want to make informed decisions . . . .

[ny biker]

I gotta say, if there are none available where you live and it's this hard to get the information you're looking for, then I would buy a different brand.

[Tuckervill]

That wasn't funny.

Karen

[SadieKate]

If you want a clinical study, which it appears you do from your posts here, I suggest you pay for an MRI. The scale might cost $150 and you’ll get a baseline of information that you can monitor. Otherwise, your other alternative is an autopsy. You choose

Hmm, interesting that this is your first post on TE. You named Jesse? Since you're paraphrasing right off Tanita's website, I gotta wonder.

I'll try again: I wasn't asking for a clinical study on me. I was asking for verification of Tanita's methodology and the reasons why the more expensive functions might be of value. Kind of like "why would I want the 4-cylinder, dual overhead cam engine rather than the 6-cylinder engine." Is that too difficult a concept for you?

BTW, the repeated statements, "Again, we don't sell directly from Tanita to the end user. They would have to choose the distributor they feel comfortable purchasing product from and make their selection from their site." Explain this:

1) Tanita has links directly to the Competitive Edge on their website
http://www.tanita.com/en/
2) That same page shows "what's on sale" and "special offers" at the Competitive Edge and not other distributors
3) That Tanita posts right on their Facebook page: We want to offer our Facebook Friends a special discount on a select group of our best selling products. Go to www.thecompetitiveedge.com/codes and enter Promo Code FB2009 for your Discounts, Free Shipping, No Sales Tax (except WA, CA, IL) and Enjoy... the benefits of having the Tanita Body Fat Analyzer in your own home for you and your famly!Read More
Codes

Yah, sure Tanita doesn't sell directly to the public.

Why the masking and obfuscation? Why not just answer honestly and helpfully instead just patting the customer on the head and hoping they'll go away? Educated customers who buy the right product for them can sometimes be your biggest and cheapest marketing ally.

Tanita might have a terrific product, but, boy, they have a lot to learn about customer relations.

[SadieKate]

If you want a clinical study, which it appears you do from your posts here, I suggest you pay for an MRI. The scale might cost $150 and you’ll get a baseline of information that you can monitor. Otherwise, your other alternative is an autopsy. You choose

By the way, ladybiker, I work with a clinical software company. We also deal with home health equipment.

Nobody in their right mind in our business would not ask for the same verification of methodology.

[maillotpois]

Wow - that was a pretty crazy/hostile response by the one post wonder. Sure, let's do an MRI and subject you to a several thousand dollar test and loads of unnecessary radiation as opposed to just getting you the right bathroom scale.

Weird.

I'm thinking a Tanita boycott is in order.

[Eden]

I thought it was pretty weird too.... anyone who bothers to create an account to post something that bitter seems like they must have ulterior motives, or be one serious troll.

[Possegal]

Except of course there is no radiation in an MRI like there is in a CT or x-ray. Though I'd love to see the pre-approval forms for insurance - I'd like an MRI to help me choose the right bathroom scale.

But yeah, if I didn't already own a Tanita scale (which I don't even like), I'd be ready to boycott them too. And if this weird post is from them, well even more so. How very bizarre - I'm looking for the right bathroom scale, or should I just wait until I'm dead and have the autopsy tell me all the important details. Very weird indeed! Is that really a line from their website? I don't even want to go there after hearing all the hassle SK is having with them. But thanks for the Omron recommendation. I have a pedometer by them that I love and have bought for many other folks.

[SadieKate]

Is that really a line from their website?

Yup, they comment that only an autopsy is 100% accurate.

All I wanted was for a few studies from a Univ or equivalent that said, "yup not perfect, but close enough for monitoring for a home user" and "someone who wants to do X would find such and such scale better because it does Y."

[Eden]

One to talk Ladybiker (if you are either) - you get onto a forum and anonymously post some things you probably would never have the guts to say to someone's face to a complete stranger (unless of course you've been emailing with them......) That last post was very nasty for no reason at all. If the topic - which happens to be poor customer service rather than the technology of the scale doesn't interest you, perhaps you should just not comment.

Why don't you introduce yourself to us. Tell us your real name, first only would be fine, and the area of the country you are from. Tell us what kind of bike you have and what kind of riding you do? hmmmmmmmmm?

I have a Tanita scale - I find it good enough. It is an older model and I can tell you it is not accurate. The readings can vary quite a bit depending on how hydrated I am, but it can track trends. I know the scales have been very much improved since I purchased mine, but your obnoxiousness makes me suspect you are with the company and sure is making sure that I won't ever buy another. If you aren't with the company well, you aren't doing them any favors either, but I'm sure wouldn't care.

[SadieKate]

I found it ridiculous that you couldn't satisfy yourself with the wealth of information available online.

You've missed the fact that the comparison chart for the models I was considering was not on the web site (or any place else that I could find on the internet) and Tanita had to email me an excel file.

Still, you chose to make that your first post?

I'm going off for a good laugh now.