ᐅ Washing machine broken – What could be the problem?

Hello

Over the weekend, I replaced the hose on my AEG washing machine. It is 20 years old and still in good condition. The hose had become brittle. The replacement hose cost an outrageous 49 euros. Installation took about one hour. Here’s to the next 20 years.

Steven

Ok, I have now ordered this heating element from Bosch for €78. My husband is willing to install it himself. If that doesn’t work, we will buy a new one.

Mycraft schrieb:
The answer is simple: without regular renewal, every company sooner or later reaches a dead end and is then taken over by the next best competitor.

This doesn’t primarily mean revolutions in product development. It’s more about staying present in everyday business.

The devices only differ marginally but keep the business running and the company on the market.

... and that is exactly correct, as you said. You just interpreted it incorrectly.

Regular renewal is precisely ongoing development, aka innovation. Without the pressure to innovate, companies become complacent ("if it’s working, why change?") and face serious existential problems as soon as a competitor introduces something radically new. This is clearly visible in the automotive industry right now – low competitive pressure due to political protection. Then suddenly, within a few years, a Tesla shows up. Simply updating exterior paint or displaying screens in ultra-high-resolution variants is not enough...

That’s exactly the point. Day-to-day operations absolutely require progress. Not revolutions, but rather evolution.

Best regards

derSteph schrieb:
That’s exactly the point. Day-to-day business urgently needs progress. No revolutions, rather evolution.

And evolution doesn’t happen automatically just because you can sell old wine in new bottles every few years due to planned obsolescence. On the other hand, a genuine improvement with real added value can still be sold even if the old product still works.

That was my argument against Mycraft’s position.

I find it a bold claim to see customer benefits in the rapid product turnover. Whether companies wouldn’t (or should!) reach certain sizes with a different product portfolio is another matter: If size, market capitalization, etc., are seen as an end in themselves, then of course many things make sense that would otherwise be pointless.

It is alarming how normal it has become for many people to live in a throwaway society. In principle, I am in favor of progress, but not at the expense of the environment. If washing machines only last 5 years, manufacturers should be required to take them back.

This is actually a good idea. If the machine fails to start again, I will dispose of the appliance with Bosch and confront them directly! 😡

Among older and more conservative customers, there is a market for long-lasting products. We keep our cars for 10 years. My laptop, which was once very expensive, is from 2011 and still works. My phone is a 5s from 2015, and it runs like on the first day. Our TV is from 2010, our speakers from 1989, and our Yamaha system is somewhat newer. I say: if you buy cheap, you buy twice. That’s why I always choose something good, which lasts a long time.
Karsten