ᐅ Rumor: Will the Ikea Faktum kitchen series be discontinued next year?
Created on: 8 May 2012 23:10
I
IKEA-Profi
Well.
Either the IKEA person didn’t read their employment contract properly or they were planning to change jobs anyway 😉
As I have mentioned elsewhere, it is simply IKEA’s business policy (and this is by no means a secret) to constantly change their product range.
In the end, everything is ALWAYS discontinued at some point.
It’s that simple.
When something is discontinued at IKEA, you can simply keep buying it until the stock runs out—after that, it’s gone for good.
The purpose of changing the product range is to create capacity for new products. It doesn’t make much sense to fill yourself up with “old stuff.”
Either the IKEA person didn’t read their employment contract properly or they were planning to change jobs anyway 😉
As I have mentioned elsewhere, it is simply IKEA’s business policy (and this is by no means a secret) to constantly change their product range.
In the end, everything is ALWAYS discontinued at some point.
It’s that simple.
When something is discontinued at IKEA, you can simply keep buying it until the stock runs out—after that, it’s gone for good.
The purpose of changing the product range is to create capacity for new products. It doesn’t make much sense to fill yourself up with “old stuff.”
Although I have only seen pictures, the new kitchen will be completely different and really has nothing to do with Faktum anymore.
So it’s either buy NOW or really wait another year.
That’s all I can and may say.Hello IKEA fans,
It’s a pity that we can’t see the pictures 🙁
This topic just really brought me down because I recently finished my kitchen planning and was about to get started (the room is being fully renovated).
One reason I chose IKEA was the transparent pricing (unlike the “kitchen studio mafia”) and also the idea that you could change the fronts after a few years. That idea is now off the table. You probably won’t even be able to get Rationell products for much longer.
Overall, I have no idea what to do now:
On the one hand, Faktum has some “flaws,” like the low cabinet height, etc.
Modifications with a “New Faktum” would of course be nice, especially since you could then assume that accessories released in the future will still fit. So that’s an argument for waiting.
On the other hand, comments here like “completely different” and “major changes, fewer SKU numbers…” sound almost scary. Fewer SKU numbers suggest the new system will have fewer components. But that will almost certainly make it harder to design a functional kitchen for the available space. That speaks for “buy Faktum now,” as does the good quality of Faktum. Who knows what’s coming …
Waiting until the 2014 catalog is out and then trying to quickly buy Faktum probably isn’t an option, because you won’t be able to find all the parts you need anymore. It’s a kitchen after all—you can’t just put a 20-inch (50cm) base cabinet where a 24-inch (60cm) one belongs. Also, I wanted a Personlig countertop, which you likely won’t get anymore.
Overall, I find it unfortunate that IKEA is communicating a lot internally about the new kitchen system—even to employees in German stores—but nothing to the customers. With shelves or a sofa, that’s no problem; we know IKEA always discontinues products. But when it’s something as fundamental as the entire previous kitchen system?
A kitchen isn’t something you just grab quickly, and for most people, buying a new kitchen is something they’ve saved for a long time—similar to buying a car. It would be fair to have some information to help make a decision. (Volkswagen, for example, announces early when a new Golf will come out.)
Besides, if I remember correctly, IKEA often advertised that Faktum fronts are interchangeable. So if there were information, customers who already have Faktum could prepare to order fronts now if they ever want to change them.
Overall: I’m feeling very frustrated and uncertain right now (you can probably tell from the length of this message).
Let’s see what I’ll do now. Maybe I should reconsider going to a kitchen studio after all. Too bad—I was really looking forward to your kitchen, Pari79.
N
Nayla_106813 Sep 2012 17:48Hello Ikea fans,
It’s a shame we can’t see the pictures 🙁
Pictures? Interesting! I only know of one where you can hardly see anything. Seems to vary from store to store.
What spoke in favor of Ikea for me was, among other things, the transparent pricing (unlike the "kitchen studio mafia") and also the idea that you could change the fronts after a few years. That idea seems to be off the table now. Also, it looks like you won’t be able to get Rationell products for much longer.
Let’s see what I’ll do now. Maybe I should consider going to a kitchen showroom after all. What a pity, I was really looking forward to your kitchen.
Oh, and in a kitchen showroom you can still order entire cabinets, fronts, drawers, whatever, years later? Sorry, but that comparison doesn’t hold up. You could also buy Faktum and find replacements on eBay easily, but with kitchens from a showroom, it’s more like playing the lottery.
Overall, I find it a shame that Ikea internally has already communicated a lot about the new kitchen system down to the employees in the German stores, but nothing has been told to customers. With shelves or a couch, no problem, you know Ikea regularly discontinues items. But for something as fundamental as the entire previous kitchen system?
Sorry, so far I’ve only received vague or no information. So even if I wanted to, I couldn’t tell customers anything. If there’s an employee with reliable info, I’d appreciate a private message!
A kitchen is not something you just pick up on a whim, and for most people buying a new kitchen is something they’ve saved a lot for – similar to a car purchase. It would be fair to have some info to be able to make a decision. (VW announces early when a new Golf is coming, for example.)
New Golfs come out all the time. I’m not telling you anything new that parts from the predecessor don’t fit the successor. No matter which company, there are always innovations somewhere. So why not after so many years at Ikea?
Moreover, if I remember correctly, Ikea often advertised that Faktum fronts are interchangeable. Accordingly – if there had been info – customers who already own Faktum could have prepared themselves to order fronts now if they ever wanted to replace them.
Where did you read that? Probably by word of mouth, maybe from employees in the stores; believe me, they themselves were surprised that Faktum is being discontinued. Why would you want to swap fronts just because the assortment is changing? Or put another way, how often do you plan to change your fronts? Every 2 years or 5? How often do you buy a new couch or repaint your living room? We can continue this as long as you like. And go to another furniture store and try to order something after a year—not just kitchens, but any furniture. You’ll either get a blank stare or a price that will make you lose your mind.
Overall: I’m quite frustrated and unsettled at the moment (which you can probably tell from the amount of text)
There’s really no need for that.
NfU
Na.
Hello Nayla,
I assume NfU means "no offense," so maybe if things were expressed a bit less aggressively, it wouldn’t even be necessary.
Regarding the content:
I can’t judge who has what information, and I never claimed to. I was only referring to the posts here in this thread: fundamental changes, etc., not so much article numbers...
As for the Golf: A new model comes out every 5 to 6 years – but, and this is exactly what I said – this is communicated to the customer in advance so they can make an informed decision. This is basically what I also said regarding Ikea: It would be nice to receive some information now to help make a decision.
Concerning the ability to change the fronts, I clearly stated:
especially since Ikea, if I remember correctly, has often promoted this.
I could even swear that a kitchen catalog once said something like "Want a new look? Just swap the fronts." I can’t prove it, but it’s basically irrelevant here: having that option was a pro when deciding for Faktum. That benefit is now gone.
Another benefit lost is that – especially compared to kitchen studios – you could order spare parts (or at least could have). But if more and more pros disappear, then why choose Faktum? There are certainly cons like no varying cabinet heights, and Faktum – if you factor in your own labor – is not cheaper than comparable models from kitchen studios.
So where does the comparison fall short? As a customer, I compare offers, weigh pros and cons, and then make a decision. With this information, several pros for Faktum have disappeared (hence my frustration), and without knowing what will come next, you can’t properly decide if you should still choose Faktum. The only comparison that doesn’t hold up here is with a living room wall unit. I don’t need to spend 100€ (about 110 USD) for a new color. For my new kitchen, with everything included (new tiles, etc.), the price easily runs into the thousands.
Additionally, another pro has disappeared: the 25-year warranty heavily promoted in the 2013 catalog is invalid based on this information. The warranty terms clearly state:
If the product is no longer carried by IKEA, IKEA will offer a replacement product comparable in quality and price. If a comparable product is not or no longer available in the IKEA range, IKEA is entitled to provide reasonable monetary compensation for the defect, the amount of which is determined at IKEA’s sole discretion.
This means: Suppose a warranty claim arises after 3 years and a cabinet carcass is damaged. If it is no longer available (which must be assumed), I either receive a "comparable" product that doesn’t really fit the kitchen or a monetary amount X set by Ikea. The result is that the kitchen will end up looking bad unless I manage to find a replacement myself on eBay. Then I wouldn’t even need the warranty, which in that case is just a facade.
To address the argument in advance: It doesn’t matter whether kitchen studios offer such warranties or not. The heavily advertised warranty was a big PLUS, but it’s effectively worthless. At least for me, because I wouldn’t want a few extra dollars; I want my kitchen to look the way it should or originally did (which is what you also match tiles and other elements to).
And regarding the eBay argument, cabinets from other kitchen suppliers might also be available there – it’s not like they sell unique pieces.
In this context, another point:
If a comparable product is not or no longer available in the IKEA range, IKEA is entitled to provide reasonable monetary compensation for the defect, the amount of which is determined at IKEA’s sole discretion.
In the catalog, this clause reads more like:
If the product is no longer carried by IKEA, IKEA offers a reasonable replacement product. If necessary, reasonable monetary compensation can also be provided.
That sounds a bit nicer than the actual wording of what then applies.
In summary: Many of the pros for FAKTUM have now disappeared, and I find it disappointing how Ikea informs customers in this case – or rather, fails to do so – especially since the warranty is so aggressively promoted. Many will not check thoroughly but will believe that if a claim arises, they will easily get a 100% matching replacement. To go back to the car example: Within a valid warranty period (for example, Kia offers 7 years), you are guaranteed to get the correct part installed, not just handed some money while standing next to your ruined car.
Once more, before someone says, "You wouldn’t get that at a kitchen studio either, a kitchen isn’t a car, etc." That may be true, but kitchen studios don’t imply this by massively promoting a basically worthless warranty!
I assume NfU means "no offense," so maybe if things were expressed a bit less aggressively, it wouldn’t even be necessary.
Regarding the content:
I can’t judge who has what information, and I never claimed to. I was only referring to the posts here in this thread: fundamental changes, etc., not so much article numbers...
As for the Golf: A new model comes out every 5 to 6 years – but, and this is exactly what I said – this is communicated to the customer in advance so they can make an informed decision. This is basically what I also said regarding Ikea: It would be nice to receive some information now to help make a decision.
Concerning the ability to change the fronts, I clearly stated:
especially since Ikea, if I remember correctly, has often promoted this.
I could even swear that a kitchen catalog once said something like "Want a new look? Just swap the fronts." I can’t prove it, but it’s basically irrelevant here: having that option was a pro when deciding for Faktum. That benefit is now gone.
Another benefit lost is that – especially compared to kitchen studios – you could order spare parts (or at least could have). But if more and more pros disappear, then why choose Faktum? There are certainly cons like no varying cabinet heights, and Faktum – if you factor in your own labor – is not cheaper than comparable models from kitchen studios.
So where does the comparison fall short? As a customer, I compare offers, weigh pros and cons, and then make a decision. With this information, several pros for Faktum have disappeared (hence my frustration), and without knowing what will come next, you can’t properly decide if you should still choose Faktum. The only comparison that doesn’t hold up here is with a living room wall unit. I don’t need to spend 100€ (about 110 USD) for a new color. For my new kitchen, with everything included (new tiles, etc.), the price easily runs into the thousands.
Additionally, another pro has disappeared: the 25-year warranty heavily promoted in the 2013 catalog is invalid based on this information. The warranty terms clearly state:
If the product is no longer carried by IKEA, IKEA will offer a replacement product comparable in quality and price. If a comparable product is not or no longer available in the IKEA range, IKEA is entitled to provide reasonable monetary compensation for the defect, the amount of which is determined at IKEA’s sole discretion.
This means: Suppose a warranty claim arises after 3 years and a cabinet carcass is damaged. If it is no longer available (which must be assumed), I either receive a "comparable" product that doesn’t really fit the kitchen or a monetary amount X set by Ikea. The result is that the kitchen will end up looking bad unless I manage to find a replacement myself on eBay. Then I wouldn’t even need the warranty, which in that case is just a facade.
To address the argument in advance: It doesn’t matter whether kitchen studios offer such warranties or not. The heavily advertised warranty was a big PLUS, but it’s effectively worthless. At least for me, because I wouldn’t want a few extra dollars; I want my kitchen to look the way it should or originally did (which is what you also match tiles and other elements to).
And regarding the eBay argument, cabinets from other kitchen suppliers might also be available there – it’s not like they sell unique pieces.
In this context, another point:
If a comparable product is not or no longer available in the IKEA range, IKEA is entitled to provide reasonable monetary compensation for the defect, the amount of which is determined at IKEA’s sole discretion.
In the catalog, this clause reads more like:
If the product is no longer carried by IKEA, IKEA offers a reasonable replacement product. If necessary, reasonable monetary compensation can also be provided.
That sounds a bit nicer than the actual wording of what then applies.
In summary: Many of the pros for FAKTUM have now disappeared, and I find it disappointing how Ikea informs customers in this case – or rather, fails to do so – especially since the warranty is so aggressively promoted. Many will not check thoroughly but will believe that if a claim arises, they will easily get a 100% matching replacement. To go back to the car example: Within a valid warranty period (for example, Kia offers 7 years), you are guaranteed to get the correct part installed, not just handed some money while standing next to your ruined car.
Once more, before someone says, "You wouldn’t get that at a kitchen studio either, a kitchen isn’t a car, etc." That may be true, but kitchen studios don’t imply this by massively promoting a basically worthless warranty!
N
Nightboat13 Sep 2012 19:43What I find odd:
This year, there seems to be a new trend with this metallic finish.
And only for one season? Is it worth it?
This year, there seems to be a new trend with this metallic finish.
And only for one season? Is it worth it?
N
Nayla_106813 Sep 2012 22:12Hello Pari79,
Honestly, it feels like we’re going in circles. You keep pointing out so many flaws with Ikea and Faktum. But you’re already asking the right question: “Why still Faktum?” The answer is simple—you are always free to buy a kitchen from the open market. However, as you rightly say, you should “compare.” Besides Faktum and warranties, etc., touch the fronts, look at the workmanship, the durability of the hinges and drawers, and so on. That’s exactly why Ikea offers a 25-year warranty—they stand behind the durability of their products. And what about the “others”? What do they guarantee? Of course, kitchen studios have their justification for existing; I admit that sometimes they have means and solutions where Ikea simply has to give up, and naturally, they also have quality, but at their price. That’s one reason why people come back to Ikea. And even kitchen studios won’t tell you: “…buy your kitchen in three years, there will be amazing new drawers by then!” So again, my question: why all the fuss? In other companies, constant changes are normal; with Ikea, it’s an outrage.
The fact is, Ikea gets singled out because it’s different. Ikea makes an effort for its customers with a lot of transparency, something that is expected in all areas in the end. As you’ve noticed with their prices and warranties. You’re annoyed that there are such clauses in the warranty terms. At least Ikea has warranties and practically throws them at you in their stores with flyers. I bought a couch in another furniture store once—you have to look beyond your usual options. After a year, the couch creaked terribly. I went to the store for the warranty. They told me I had to call customer service because there is none on-site. So I called customer service at home. They told me there was only a statutory warranty on the couch, but they could send an affordable specialist company to fix it. Excuse me? I declined. Have you ever actually used Ikea’s warranty and customer service? And to bring the car topic back, since you like to use it as an argument: Daihatsu offers a 3-year warranty on its new vehicles. Unfortunately, no one tells customers they withdrew from Germany in 2013. So what now? And in any case, to reinforce again, you cannot compare a car to a kitchen. Nobody talks about repurchase warranties at Ikea. Maverick mentioned something interesting about this in another thread recently, but unfortunately, I can’t find it anymore.
Now, to exaggerate a bit, if we never allowed changes and only stuck to the tried and true, we would probably still be living in caves around a campfire. I have an Ikea kitchen myself and face the same problem of wanting to eventually change the fronts and, of course, I don’t like that Faktum is being replaced. But I now see it reasonably and view the new kitchen series as an opportunity. I’m curious to see a revolution at Ikea with hopefully many options, new colors, designs, interior fittings, and so on. If you have the time, wait for the new series—I’m sure Ikea won’t disappoint.
So again, NfU—No offense intended! Neither now nor in the previous post aggressive. 😉
Na.
Hi Nightboat,
Which front do you mean? The metallic stuff?
Is it worth it? Good question, a lot can be sold in a year. Also, nobody really knows what will happen with Faktum now. Will it run in parallel, will there be a repurchase option… We just have to wait for definitive information.
Honestly, it feels like we’re going in circles. You keep pointing out so many flaws with Ikea and Faktum. But you’re already asking the right question: “Why still Faktum?” The answer is simple—you are always free to buy a kitchen from the open market. However, as you rightly say, you should “compare.” Besides Faktum and warranties, etc., touch the fronts, look at the workmanship, the durability of the hinges and drawers, and so on. That’s exactly why Ikea offers a 25-year warranty—they stand behind the durability of their products. And what about the “others”? What do they guarantee? Of course, kitchen studios have their justification for existing; I admit that sometimes they have means and solutions where Ikea simply has to give up, and naturally, they also have quality, but at their price. That’s one reason why people come back to Ikea. And even kitchen studios won’t tell you: “…buy your kitchen in three years, there will be amazing new drawers by then!” So again, my question: why all the fuss? In other companies, constant changes are normal; with Ikea, it’s an outrage.
The fact is, Ikea gets singled out because it’s different. Ikea makes an effort for its customers with a lot of transparency, something that is expected in all areas in the end. As you’ve noticed with their prices and warranties. You’re annoyed that there are such clauses in the warranty terms. At least Ikea has warranties and practically throws them at you in their stores with flyers. I bought a couch in another furniture store once—you have to look beyond your usual options. After a year, the couch creaked terribly. I went to the store for the warranty. They told me I had to call customer service because there is none on-site. So I called customer service at home. They told me there was only a statutory warranty on the couch, but they could send an affordable specialist company to fix it. Excuse me? I declined. Have you ever actually used Ikea’s warranty and customer service? And to bring the car topic back, since you like to use it as an argument: Daihatsu offers a 3-year warranty on its new vehicles. Unfortunately, no one tells customers they withdrew from Germany in 2013. So what now? And in any case, to reinforce again, you cannot compare a car to a kitchen. Nobody talks about repurchase warranties at Ikea. Maverick mentioned something interesting about this in another thread recently, but unfortunately, I can’t find it anymore.
Now, to exaggerate a bit, if we never allowed changes and only stuck to the tried and true, we would probably still be living in caves around a campfire. I have an Ikea kitchen myself and face the same problem of wanting to eventually change the fronts and, of course, I don’t like that Faktum is being replaced. But I now see it reasonably and view the new kitchen series as an opportunity. I’m curious to see a revolution at Ikea with hopefully many options, new colors, designs, interior fittings, and so on. If you have the time, wait for the new series—I’m sure Ikea won’t disappoint.
So again, NfU—No offense intended! Neither now nor in the previous post aggressive. 😉
Na.
Hi Nightboat,
Which front do you mean? The metallic stuff?
Is it worth it? Good question, a lot can be sold in a year. Also, nobody really knows what will happen with Faktum now. Will it run in parallel, will there be a repurchase option… We just have to wait for definitive information.
I
IKEA-Profi13 Sep 2012 23:23Overall, I think it’s a pity that Ikea already communicates a lot internally about the new kitchen system, even to employees in German furniture stores, Only you would believe that! 😀
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