Location:
9307 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Niles, IL 60714

Director:
Fred Berns

Purpose:
The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute is a not-for-profit corporation established to research, test and rate products objectively and without commercial bias. The Institute regulary tests products to help customers make informed buying decisions.

Testing Procedures:
A typical test begins as an Institute member briefs panelists on the product category being tested and the criteria that will be used in the judging. Next, the products are tested by the customer panelists, under the guidance of an Institute analyst, for attributes such as performance, design and ease of use.

"THE BEST"
After extensive side-by-side comparison testing of products within a specific category (such as wide-mouth toasters, CD clock radios) the model receiving the highest rating based on superior function, ease of use, and quality is awarded the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute's coveted "Best" rating.

Use Tests
For products brand new to the marketplace, the Institute conducts formal use tests to determine quality and assure it functions well and accurately.

New Product Development
Keeping up to date with new product developments is one of the Institute's primary tasks. Institute staff attend trade shows and are in contact with product inventors and manufacturers on an ongoing basis.

Independent Status
Although funded by Hammacher Schlemmer, the Institute functions independently. Decisions on specific products to test, the types of tests to perform, and how to interpret and record test results, lie exclusively with the Institute's staff. The Institute's separate status also prevents access to sensitive information, such as inventory levels or product cost, that might influence testing decisions.

"THE BEST"
The Institute is a symbol of Hammacher Schlemmer's commitment to quality and to customer service. For manufacturers of products awarded best ratings, it is a coveted validation of their own quest for excellence.