One-Stop
Appliance Shopping
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Functional appliances fill Bob's store. On demonstration are plugged-in dishwashers, Dynasty stoves, air conditioners and interior-lit Sub-Zero refrigerators. Televisions, VCRs, stereos, microwaves, washer-dryers, recliners and camcorders are also stocked. And during the summer, a chef cooking on a Weber gas barbecue hands out grilled chicken and hotdogs. Instead of encountering salespeople hunting for a commission, customers deal directly with Bob; his knowledge of appliances and furniture qualifies him as an authority on the products that he sells. And if a product isn't visible, a model number is all Bob needs to order it. As part of a 95-store buying consortium, Coccia orders merchandise at the same volume as any large appliance store chain. Expedient service helps ensure friendly customer relations. Says Coccia, "A customer comes in looking for a refrigerator, and I say, 'Is tomorrow good for you?' And they're like 'Wow.' They thought it would take two weeks." Like his competitors, Bob Coccia's Appliance Center ships goods and provides expert installations and gift-delivery services. Unlike some competitors, customers can always call for troubleshooting advice and obtain immediate help. "I had a customer call at 4 p.m. last Tuesday," says Coccia. "Their refrigerator went dead, and I had a delivery sent to them the same day." At some large chains, explains Coccia, salespeople might "love you to death" until you buy a product. Later, when the customer has any problems, or needs assistance with the product, those same gregarious salespeople disappear, or worse, they tell you to call the manufacturer or read the manual. Coccia even does the unheard of - he makes house calls in the evenings. He realizes people work hard and aren't home until late. Coccia didn't swoop down on Queens yesterday. He's lived and worked in Bayside for 28 years and his family has been in the appliance business for four decades. His 25 years of involvement at St. Robert Bellarmine Church has earned him a trusteeship on the parish council. Coccia's visible presence in community affairs has fostered word-of-mouth for the independently owned, family-run Bob Coccia's Appliance Center, establishing it as a top competitor in the appliance industry. |
Size
Does Matter
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"As a member of Intercounty, our buying power is just as strong if not stronger than the large stores," Coccia explained. His lower overhead also helps keep prices down, he said. "We encourage people to shop around to get their best buys and we'll still beat their prices." Coccia knows what consumers want because he's been around the appliance business all his life. He first worked at Liberty Appliance, a refinishing company founded by his father more than four decades ago. Then he opened his own business specializing in scratch and dent models. That's when he became aware that consumers preferred shopping for appliances in a neighborhood store. They like getting personal service from the owner, he said. "You're not dealing with a salesperson who will be gone tomorrow." Now more than 20 years later, all products at Bob Coccia's Appliance Center are brand new, first quality and up-to-date models, and any major brand appliance can be ordered. Coccia still operates the appliance refinishing business as well. "We're also getting into high end products like Dynasty stoves, Sub Zero refrigerators and Bosch dishwashers," he said noting that the industry is changing and he's keeping up with the demands. In addition to all major appliances, the store features a wide variety of entertainment products such a big screen TV's, VCRs and stereos, as well as radios, boom boxes and personal audio equipment. All the top brands including Sony, Toshiba and JVC are offered. A selection of small appliances such as microwaves, toasters, mixers and coffee pots is also available. New to the store is competitively priced bedding from Simmons and Therapedic, as well as a display of Catnapper recliners. "I try to bring in the products that I think are decent without bringing in the junk like the big stores use to bait customers," Coccia said. Service at Bob Coccia's Appliance Center is just what you'd expect from a family-run business. Next day delivery and installation by the store's own staff is offered on all in-stock items, with evening appointment available for added convenience. And if there's ever a problem, Coccia personally follows up with the manufacturer's service department. But providing his neighbors with quality, value and service isn't enough for this Bayside businessman. A dynamic member of his community and a supporter of numerous charities, Coccia is a trustee at St. Robert Bellarmine Church and has served on the parish council for over 20 years. He is also an active board member of St. Mary's Hospital for Children, and has co-chaired their annual golf outing for nearly a decade. "I've been involved in Bayside for 28 years," said Coccia, "and one of my greatest enjoyments and fulfillments is thanking my community." |
There's
something comforting about going to a neighborhood store, especially
when you're buying something as important as a major appliance.
You want to deal with someone who knows the products inside and
out, but won't pressure you into any rash decisions. That kind
of atmosphere exists at Bob Coccia's Appliance Center, a community
store serving all five boroughs that prides itself on courteous,
personalized service, not high-pressured selling tactics. "I
don't put junk on the floor. You try to give the customer the
best possible product for the money," says owner Bob Coccia,
who tackles all major competitors with an extensive inventory
of appliances, electronics, bedding and furniture.
If
you think shopping for appliances means comparing prices and
selection at all the super size chains, you owe it to yourself
to visit Bob Coccia's Appliance Center. This small town shop
with "big guy" selection guarantees to meet or beat
anyone's price.