I'm in the process returning the vac, but the guy is really giving me a hard time...
he said that if i finance it, i got three days to cancel the purchase. However, in my case, i paid in full (credit card), there might be a problem. He said, it's like buying something discounted (how's that discounted, i don't know) or final sale, there's a chance that they won't do a refund. I'm in NYC, can they do that? i mean, that's so wrong...
he's still waiting for the answer from his "boss."
How much is a genuine Kirby vacuum cleaner cost (the Sentria model)
By Serpentor, Jun 06 2007 08:00 PM
#32
nerd rage off the charts
Posted 07 June 2007 - 09:53 PM
A few years ago, I was hard up for a job during the summer (the Lab I was managing closed for the summer), and thought it would be a good idea to sign up for some "guaranteed $1800 a month" job. Turned out it was about selling Kirby vacuums on comission, and I never came back.
I did stay through the whole demonstration. The business operates as a pyramid scheme (pyramid selling) and relies on incapable people unable to do basic arithmetic to go with it. The most curious bit that I've learned is that Kirby has a "non-expirational" patent on their vacuum, and they go after everyone who makes anything remotely similar (i.e. with an engine right next to the suck hole). Their patent was registered before the Patent expiration laws were set, and someone smart paid off a good team of lawyers to have just what they have - something trivial that they can overcharge for.
The vacuum was good to the best of my impression (I was there for a day, though, I haven't worked outside of a university since 2002, and this attempt was "accidental" at best). They showed this video to the people that was brainwashing at its best - all kinds of people that look like they have money, telling their stories which described everyone in the room. Except they were stereotypes - single moms, douchbags out-of-highschool athletes with no marketable skills whatsoever, etc. Was quite disgusting, though interesting to an "outside observer."
Don't get a Kirby - you can get a smaller, cheaper, and almost as efficient of a vacuum cleaner.
I did stay through the whole demonstration. The business operates as a pyramid scheme (pyramid selling) and relies on incapable people unable to do basic arithmetic to go with it. The most curious bit that I've learned is that Kirby has a "non-expirational" patent on their vacuum, and they go after everyone who makes anything remotely similar (i.e. with an engine right next to the suck hole). Their patent was registered before the Patent expiration laws were set, and someone smart paid off a good team of lawyers to have just what they have - something trivial that they can overcharge for.
The vacuum was good to the best of my impression (I was there for a day, though, I haven't worked outside of a university since 2002, and this attempt was "accidental" at best). They showed this video to the people that was brainwashing at its best - all kinds of people that look like they have money, telling their stories which described everyone in the room. Except they were stereotypes - single moms, douchbags out-of-highschool athletes with no marketable skills whatsoever, etc. Was quite disgusting, though interesting to an "outside observer."
Don't get a Kirby - you can get a smaller, cheaper, and almost as efficient of a vacuum cleaner.
#33
nerd rage off the charts
Posted 07 June 2007 - 09:55 PM
I'm in the process returning the vac, but the guy is really giving me a hard time...
he said that if i finance it, i got three days to cancel the purchase. However, in my case, i paid in full (credit card), there might be a problem. He said, it's like buying something discounted (how's that discounted, i don't know) or final sale, there's a chance that they won't do a refund. I'm in NYC, can they do that? i mean, that's so wrong...
he's still waiting for the answer from his "boss."
Again, I've seen how these people operate. They said directly that "you need to make them want it really hard right then and there so that they would be willing to buy." Trust me, they are not going to be easy to return. START BITCHING AND THREATENING THEM RIGHT NOW.
#34
swimming with nanocarp
Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:16 PM
My Mom has a Kirby that is older than I am (I'll be 25 next week) that still runs very well. The only issue is it weighs as much as a small car. Carrying it up the stairs is a pain, even for me.
I had the unpleasant expierience of MC above me, getting suckered into their sales pitch to work for them one summer. No good.
It's certainly a good machine, but$1600 good? I dunno.
I had the unpleasant expierience of MC above me, getting suckered into their sales pitch to work for them one summer. No good.
It's certainly a good machine, but$1600 good? I dunno.
#35
CAGiversary!
Posted 08 June 2007 - 12:13 AM
ah, papa colbert, your wisdom is a bit late for me....
how do i make threats? i already called the credit card company for a dispute, basically i told them the seller is refusing me to make a return per his/her policy. They are sending me a form to document the incident, and in the mean times i'm not liable for the charged amount.
*sigh* i think i just got screwed....
how do i make threats? i already called the credit card company for a dispute, basically i told them the seller is refusing me to make a return per his/her policy. They are sending me a form to document the incident, and in the mean times i'm not liable for the charged amount.
*sigh* i think i just got screwed....
#37
CAG Veteran
Posted 08 June 2007 - 02:19 AM
About 4 years ago, I was looking for a new job and saw that same ad in the newspaper that MarioColbert saw. Went in for a job interview and got the job.
Next day, they started training us how to operate the damn thing and techniques on how to vaccum and shit. It was funny watching myself and everyone else following what the trainer doing.
Next day, I went out on the field with an experience person and started to sell these suckers. I remember that you can get the price as low as around $750-800 for them. You just got to haggle like crazy and show some interest that you might like it. Everyone there is an independent contractor, so they will say that they cant go lower than $1000 because they want their commission to be as high as possible per sale. Its been awhile, but I remember if you sold one at $1200 you get around $500 commission for that price.
When I went out, I didnt go lower than $1200. I was only there for like a week before I quit since I thought it was completely a waste of time doing this shit.
Next day, they started training us how to operate the damn thing and techniques on how to vaccum and shit. It was funny watching myself and everyone else following what the trainer doing.
Next day, I went out on the field with an experience person and started to sell these suckers. I remember that you can get the price as low as around $750-800 for them. You just got to haggle like crazy and show some interest that you might like it. Everyone there is an independent contractor, so they will say that they cant go lower than $1000 because they want their commission to be as high as possible per sale. Its been awhile, but I remember if you sold one at $1200 you get around $500 commission for that price.
When I went out, I didnt go lower than $1200. I was only there for like a week before I quit since I thought it was completely a waste of time doing this shit.
#38
Guest_Apossum_*
Posted 08 June 2007 - 02:33 AM
reading this thread makes me want one of these vacuums, but 
, I'd never imagine one being so expensive.
, I'd never imagine one being so expensive.
#40
CAGiversary!
Posted 08 June 2007 - 01:55 PM
ah, papa colbert, your wisdom is a bit late for me....
how do i make threats? i already called the credit card company for a dispute, basically i told them the seller is refusing me to make a return per his/her policy. They are sending me a form to document the incident, and in the mean times i'm not liable for the charged amount.
*sigh* i think i just got screwed....
No surprise they are making it as difficult as possible. The CC dispute is your best bet. IMO you'll win the dispute as credit cards are very consumer friendly, but I would expect the Kirby people to fight tooth and nail (and probably lie to the credit card company - "Mr. Serpentor was told that since he was paying in full the sale was final and there was no return period.")
There is also the BBB (but I bet Kirby just ignores the BBB) or maybe a complaint with your state attorney general. But I'd do the CC complaint first.
It's entirely possible they told you verbally there is the 3 day return period, but whatever documentation you signed doesn't mention it. I don't know how that would be handled. If the 3 day return period isn't in the documentation it might be a tough complaint to gain traction.
#41
CAG Veteran
Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:47 PM
Hey - I see a lot of people in here discussing vacuums, and because I've sold them, and been an owner of one for 8 years, I felt compelled to respond. I know this is an old thread, and probably no one is interested anymore, but alas, here I am.
I went to work for them one summer because they were the only job I could find that would hire me for three months. When I found out it was door to door sales, I was bummed, to say the least. However, I did learn a lot about the disgusting crap that is in your carpets and your beds. And let me tell you - nothing out there is better than a Kirby. Working for them, I've seen them compared to all kinds of vacuums, Dysons, Rainbows, Electroluxes, etc. - and done the comparisons myself - and there is NOTHING out there that will clean your house like it does.
If you have a pet, this thing is the best thing ever for getting pet hair off of furniture - just use the Zip brush, and it's gone off of your furniture like magic, and anywhere else it accumulates. It's been a godsend for me with a long haired cat. The shampooer is awesome too - a great clean for your carpet without soaking the rug and letting mildew and mold grow in the bottom due to taking so long to dry. When you consider that you get two types of vacuums (canister & upright) - and air compressor - and a shampooer all in the same piece of equipment, it really is a bargain. Especially when you realize how much it conserves your carpets and hardwoods from ruination from kids and dogs for longer than a regular vacuum cleaner.
That being said, although the retail may be high - it's just like a car sale - it's negotiable. You can trade stuff in, get them to lower the price, etc. The bottom line is, they want a sale, and their salary is more or less commission. So it's up to you to decide how hard you think he's worked. Also, you ALWAYS have 3 days to cancel the sale, regardless of what he tells you, and regardless of what the contract says (which I think they all have to say the same thing, since they come from Kirby I believe). It doesn't matter how you pay.
I know the OP probably already returned his - but I would think twice the next time you are presented with the opportunity to buy them. They come with a warranty that lasts over your lifetime, and you can get the engine rebuilt for a fraction of what you paid for it should it ever die. I've had my newer Kirby for over 5 years now, and it's never broken. It might be a little heavy, but isn't cleaning hard work anyway? Besides, if a little heaviness is the tradeoff for a clean floor and no bed bugs, I'm in.
I went to work for them one summer because they were the only job I could find that would hire me for three months. When I found out it was door to door sales, I was bummed, to say the least. However, I did learn a lot about the disgusting crap that is in your carpets and your beds. And let me tell you - nothing out there is better than a Kirby. Working for them, I've seen them compared to all kinds of vacuums, Dysons, Rainbows, Electroluxes, etc. - and done the comparisons myself - and there is NOTHING out there that will clean your house like it does.
If you have a pet, this thing is the best thing ever for getting pet hair off of furniture - just use the Zip brush, and it's gone off of your furniture like magic, and anywhere else it accumulates. It's been a godsend for me with a long haired cat. The shampooer is awesome too - a great clean for your carpet without soaking the rug and letting mildew and mold grow in the bottom due to taking so long to dry. When you consider that you get two types of vacuums (canister & upright) - and air compressor - and a shampooer all in the same piece of equipment, it really is a bargain. Especially when you realize how much it conserves your carpets and hardwoods from ruination from kids and dogs for longer than a regular vacuum cleaner.
That being said, although the retail may be high - it's just like a car sale - it's negotiable. You can trade stuff in, get them to lower the price, etc. The bottom line is, they want a sale, and their salary is more or less commission. So it's up to you to decide how hard you think he's worked. Also, you ALWAYS have 3 days to cancel the sale, regardless of what he tells you, and regardless of what the contract says (which I think they all have to say the same thing, since they come from Kirby I believe). It doesn't matter how you pay.
I know the OP probably already returned his - but I would think twice the next time you are presented with the opportunity to buy them. They come with a warranty that lasts over your lifetime, and you can get the engine rebuilt for a fraction of what you paid for it should it ever die. I've had my newer Kirby for over 5 years now, and it's never broken. It might be a little heavy, but isn't cleaning hard work anyway? Besides, if a little heaviness is the tradeoff for a clean floor and no bed bugs, I'm in.
#43
Guest_eastshore4_*
Posted 14 May 2009 - 06:59 PM
You're right my friend, we do talk ALOT about vaccums. You can't get on here without someone blabbing your ear off about their personal vaccumming preferences.
Anyways I just wanted to say welcome to CAV, cheap ass vacummers. I look forward to your many contributions to this site, since you clearly aren't a Kirby PR-googler moving from forum to forum.
Anyways I just wanted to say welcome to CAV, cheap ass vacummers. I look forward to your many contributions to this site, since you clearly aren't a Kirby PR-googler moving from forum to forum.
#44
CAGiversary!
Posted 15 May 2009 - 01:28 AM
My family has an Oreck, which is great, and it doesn't cause back problems because it is so light. I would highly recommend them, and I know people who have had Oreck's for a lot more than 10 years. I don't think the Dyson is very good, as its heavy and looks like a robot. Its tough to find a basic vacuum that doesn't look like a robot and weigh a ton these days. I don't have pets but we do have to haul the vacuum up the stairs so the light vacuum is a godsend. As far as buying experience we went into the store, bought it and were out. They didn't try to push anything and honestly it was one of the most low pressure buying experiences I have ever had, and that comes from someone who HATES sales pitches of any kind. I would suggest buying one of the more expensive models as the base model does feel very cheap, but you can still get out of the store for $500 or less. There is no pressure to buy a warranty because the warranty comes with the product. The warranty's and tune ups that come with the more expensive models are worth the cost of one of the upgraded models alone. You get the canister vac and the upright vacuum as a package. Oreck's also come with a good warranty, the model we bought comes with 10 years and several free tune-ups.
#46
CAG Veteran
Posted 07 April 2011 - 06:07 AM
Okay I know I'm probably gonna get crap for this but i was a kirby salesman back when they were selling the G4. really for the price you pay it's an awesome vaccum they are built to last years but what really pissed me off and made me not sell any was that they rip the customers off by selling the vaccums that they use for demonstarations. They would go demo the vaccum at peoples houses then, when people wanted to buy the vacuum they would say they were going to the office to get them a new one.. but in reality they went to the office, cleaned up the one they just used, and take it back to the customer. So although its a great vacuum you pay way too much for something thats already been used, possibly numerous times before you even get it outta the box.
#52
CAGiversary!
Posted 08 April 2011 - 09:13 PM
We have an Oreck and we are satisfied but they give you 3 free tune ups when you buy the vacuum. The problem with Oreck is that they are nice to you when you are buying the vacuum and they are not pushy however when you bring the vacuum back to the store for the tune up they will try to tell you that you need a new brush, a new filter, etc all which are very pricey for what they are. The brush alone is like $35 then they try to sell you an upgraded brush for $45 or something like that. There is only one Oreck store here and we end up dealing with the same pushy manager each time we have to take the vacuum for a tune up so you don't have a choice of where to go for service or parts if you need them since most places only have one Oreck store in the area.
However the vacuum is a very good product and doesn't cost $1600. It is also very light and isn't heavy like Dyson vacuums. We didn't like the Dyson because of the messy canisters you have to empty. If Oreck's service was a little bit better I would speak very highly of the company and product. We know a lot of people with Oreck's and most have had the vacuum for 10-15 years or more.
However the vacuum is a very good product and doesn't cost $1600. It is also very light and isn't heavy like Dyson vacuums. We didn't like the Dyson because of the messy canisters you have to empty. If Oreck's service was a little bit better I would speak very highly of the company and product. We know a lot of people with Oreck's and most have had the vacuum for 10-15 years or more.
#53
Posted 09 April 2011 - 12:06 AM
we used to have an oreck, that thing was a pos.We have an Oreck and we are satisfied but they give you 3 free tune ups when you buy the vacuum. The problem with Oreck is that they are nice to you when you are buying the vacuum and they are not pushy however when you bring the vacuum back to the store for the tune up they will try to tell you that you need a new brush, a new filter, etc all which are very pricey for what they are. The brush alone is like $35 then they try to sell you an upgraded brush for $45 or something like that. There is only one Oreck store here and we end up dealing with the same pushy manager each time we have to take the vacuum for a tune up so you don't have a choice of where to go for service or parts if you need them since most places only have one Oreck store in the area.
However the vacuum is a very good product and doesn't cost $1600. It is also very light and isn't heavy like Dyson vacuums. We didn't like the Dyson because of the messy canisters you have to empty. If Oreck's service was a little bit better I would speak very highly of the company and product. We know a lot of people with Oreck's and most have had the vacuum for 10-15 years or more.
#54
Hey guys, I'm a turd!
Posted 09 April 2011 - 12:10 AM
I should really tag this so I can post on it sometime in 2013... just to keep the pattern going.
Haha, I feel compelled to let this old thread live on.
On topic, I paid $35 for a used Dyson Animal that was missing a $5 part. $40 invested and I couldn't be happier.
#56
I'a Cthulhu!
Posted 09 April 2011 - 01:09 AM
Dyson ftw. 2 cats and a German Shepherd have literally killed 3 vacuums using pet hair alone. The Dyson laughs at that, and asks for more. Dyson all the way, best bang for the buck.
Ironically, we did have one problem with it. The "on" switch broke, but the warranty fixed it. Kind of ironic that it can demolish pet hair without losing any suction, but if you hit the "on" button too hard, it may break temporarily. Ha.
Ironically, we did have one problem with it. The "on" switch broke, but the warranty fixed it. Kind of ironic that it can demolish pet hair without losing any suction, but if you hit the "on" button too hard, it may break temporarily. Ha.
#58
CAGiversary!
Posted 09 April 2011 - 11:42 PM
i was team leader for a group of people selling kirby and i can tell you the there cost is about $600 if you offered $1000 they will still sell it to you. if i remember correctly if the saleman sold 4 he get 1 for free. sell that one and make $$$$
#59
CAG Veteran
Posted 22 April 2011 - 05:36 AM
We overpaid for our first Kirby.... changed our minds and drove it to their main office before the 3 days were up when we had buyers remorse. DON"T attempt a return on the phone they will waste your time and the 3 days will run out. GO TO THE OFFICE. They offered me a lower price of $1000 but I was mad and done so I stood my ground said no, got the contract voided and my money back. The next time (a few months later) someone came again to our door... this time we told them we were only interested if they would accept $500 cash. We wouldn't talk about another price. They had to get their supervisor and after continueing to stand our ground he asked if we could at least pay the tax and the fee. So $535 and we had a new Kirby!!!! The machine is awesome but the price they start at is outragious... They will bargain with you if you stand your ground. Times are tough and if that sales person doesn't work with you the next one might. 
My Aunt paid $700. Good luck!!!!!
My Aunt paid $700. Good luck!!!!!
