Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Howdy all,

Per a New York Times story,  Halo ( http://www.gethalo.com ), the upright vacuum with the bug and germ killing UV light, as of last week has committed to a 20 million dollar advertising push over the next year in behalf of the new UV-ST model.  This is a little less than half of what Hoover shells out in the same time window.  The Halo UV-ST -- a fan-in-dirt- stream upright -- is priced at $499. 

The interesting part of the effort is that this may well be merely word play. Phil Smith who is president of BooneOakley, the firm devising the add campaign, states that, "Any vacuum, by Dyson, Hoover, Bissell, can't kill germs while it vacuums.  We're not going after any maker or model.  We don't see any competition."  An ambitious approach but to the best of my knowledge, though UV technology is used for disinfecting water and for sterilization, Halo has not put forth bona fide test results as to how well its product actually works in regard to rug cleaning or disinfecting.

Here's the link to the story but please note that you may have to apply for a free subscription to view it -- http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/business/media/26adco.html    Interested consumers may also call 866-638-4256 and request an owners manual.

Best,

Venson

Hi Venson:

My sense is that Halo is groping for ways to jump start sales on its vacuum.  But it's too late. Maybe halo will make a pitch for asthma sufferers hoping it can keep the price high by targeting a specific market.  Which only means to me that it should never have gone the big box retail sales route. 

We see in another thread that Mr. Dyson is using this strategy with the new DDM DC23.   I hope he has some enticing deals because indy dealers are in the proverbial cat bird seat now.   With lots of competition in bagless and bagged uprights and canisters [including now with word of Miele launches], dyson is not the only game in town anymore.

Carmine D.

Kohl's is selling the halo for $399, brand new in the box before discounts.  How low will it go!

Carmine D.

Bissell complained to NAD of Halo Technologies claims.

http://www.nadreview.org/DocView.asp?PageContext=4005187312046914516&SessionID=1368346&DocumentID=6639

Hello DIB:

Not surprising that BISSELL went after the halo claim.  Venson was the first to point out and post an article here saying that most conventional uprights kill rug germs.  I posted some too from scientists and researchers saying the same.  This directly contradicts the halo claim which was the big selling point for sales for germaphobics. 

Halo rode the false claim for a short while with sales.  But the halo sales hit a brick wall after the latest news [and probably economic conditions].  Halo retailers have dropped their prices.  Halo CEO has summoned a new study to show that the halo is better for allergy/asthma sufferers.  A spin-off from their original claim.  I presume the findings, if favorable, are hoped to jump start sales.  I have my doubts.

Carmine D.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

NAD refers HALO to FTC due to HALO's non-compliance.

http://www.nadreview.org/DocView.asp?PageContext=248681661915155&SessionID=1412435&DocumentID=6772

Hey DIB:

Thanks DIB.  Proves the point I made.  NAD/FTC is raising the bar and enforcing higher advertising standards on claims made by vacuum makers.  Even against each other.  Let alone a consumer[s].

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

OH NO, they are actually forcing these wanna-be lets make a quick buck,FEARMONGERS , WERE HERE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE,AND MAKE YOU SAFER,advertise as James would say PROPERLY.

THESE ARE THE GUYS AT THE TOP OF THE FAKE AND MISLEADING [CLAIMS] they are going to be exposed and rightfully so.BUT THE BAG WAS HOPELESSLY CLOGGED,,SHOULD OF SAID AFTER A POUND AND A HALF OF PLASTER DUST.................

MOLE

Hello MOLE Man:

Unchallenged claims pave the way for others to imitate and follow, including halo.  [You go ORECK].  FTC/NAD can't let these bogus claims go on without action.  Why?  Because the claims get consecutively unrealistic and unbelievable.  Each company trying to top the one before.

BTW, the CEO of halo Mr. Garcia is paying for a new study to prove that regular use of the halo is beneficial to asthma and allergy sufferers vice using all the other uprights on the market.  The key word is "paid."  Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you.  Here's the invoice for my services.  Thank you very much.  Call me if you need me again.  Halo is trying to push the liability on a third party.  Won't work.  Halo is liable for the claims regardless of who does the studies for it.  As long as halo pays the bill for it.

Carmine D.

Hmm . . . if dust mite's could read . . .

I just happened to check out Costco's website a few minutes ago.  That bug slaying/germ zapping UV marvel of a device, Halo, is being offered for a remarkable $179.00.   I wonder what that says. 

As in "Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet," "Would a vacuum at any other price below the substantial 500-buck price tag it started out with look like less of a rip-off.  As i mulled that over, the next logical question obviously appeared to be, "Is Halo going to go belly up?  And the next logical step was to of course take a gander at the company website -- http://www.gethalo.com

There is basically nothing there except a link if you need to buy bags and a video of a "news" feature that I did not stop to view.  Wonder if they were able to pay off the many millions they claimed to have committed to for their launch campaign.  as always, you live . . . you learn. 

Venson

Hi Venson:

It didn't succeed on a variety of fronts.  It's marketing strategy [scare tactics about germs and health] is not amenable to most US consumers.  It's claim that it was the only vacuum that killed germs was exaggerated and proven false by medical and scientific research [you posted the data].  In a complaint lodged by BISSELL against halo with the FTC, saying the claim was false, BISSELL won.  Halo was told to cease and desist.  The price of $499 with a $50/more kick back to the retailer/seller was too pricey, vice other big box store vacuums, for a basic vacuum with a UV-C light added.  Especially as a chinese made vacuum with a one year warranty.

The CEO of halo, Mr. Garcia, is taking new tact with his $499 UV-C upright:  That it's better for allergy and asthma users if used regularly.  Sounds like retreat and regroup.  Garcia commissioned a study to develop findings and results to support the latest claim.  Haven't heard the results yet.  I can only imagine. 

Throw in a bad US economy for consumer goods with falling retail sales of high priced specialty items, high gas and high food prices, the housing and mortgage crises, and halo was destined to die a natural death.  It's a goner save a niche vacuum in specialty stores for germaphobes. 

$179 sounds about right for the halo price.  I suggest Garcia take another route with halo.  Scrub the UV-C light altogether.  Change the name, market as a lightweight bagged upright with excellent filtration, and tools on board, for less than $200.  He'll sell them all.

MOLE, you called this one right early on.

Carmine D.