Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Apparently there's a new Dyson model that will be launched in February at the VDTA Convention.  I don't know any further specifics on whether or not it's going to be a canister or upright, but apparently all attendees of the show will be able to see it and place their orders.  I wonder if the $899 pricetag will be a detriment to sales, or are Americans willing to pay a premium for superior performance and space-age motor technology?

Has anyone else heard anything yet?  I'm curious to know what it is as I bought the DC21 right when it came out in March.  That and the DC17 are the only ones that impressed me so far, it will be interesting to see how this one is.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Here's a possible reason. 

Several months ago I was walking to my vehicle with my dear Wife after leaving the local COSTCO in N. Las Vegas.  As I approached my vehicle, a woman in her early to mid 30's was locking her car getting her infant son, and pushing a dyson DC14 COSTCO Exclusive in a store cart toward the direction of the store.   I believe this is the dyson model that sells for $469 at COSTCO.  I walked over to her and asked her what she was doing with the dyson.  She said she was returning it for a refund.  I pardoned myself for intruding and asked her why?  She said the suction wasn't as good as it was when it was new.  I asked her how old the dyson was?  She said a little more than a year old although from what I saw, it looked just slightly used.  I asked if she ever cleaned the filter(s)?  She said without hesitation, No, Never.  I said to her that the filter is probably clogged causing the fall off in suction.  I said the filter needs cleaning every 6 months or so according to the dyson instruction manual, which she had in her hand.  

At this point, I could see she was becoming annoyed.  She said emphatically that when she bought the dyson from COSTCO she was told that it never clogged and never loses suction.  She also told me that she was told it never needs maintenance and will not cost her anything over time and usage.   I asked her if she really believed those claims?  And she said to me I most certainly do and that's why I bought it for $500.  I told her she was lied to on each and every account.  Of course this probably only served to strengthen her resolve to return it.  And we said our good byes.

Carmine D.

mole wrote:
Hi Mole,

I didn't see anything wrong or "nonsensical" about DIB's original post, I think you're being WAY too harsh but I digress.  Unless it's a Level 3 machine (in that case you're good for 6 years), the pre-motor filter *does* have to be cleaned periodically, in this case 6 months.  In fact, I was vacuuming with my DC21 yesterday and since I had not checked it in a while, I decided to see how dirty the pre-motor filter was.  I popped the bin off and opened the cover, and sure enough it had a small amount of dust on it, no doubt from all of the fine dust I had been picking up with the machine.  However, I also noticed that it did not span the entire surface of the filter, and probably did *not* have to be washed yet.  The machine's performance never changed over time.  I rinsed it out anyway, and it seemed most of the dirt was on the surface of the filter.  This was after 9 months, not 6, although I on average probably didn't use the machine as frequently as some.  I certainly did (and still do) give it a workout, though.

Hi Carmine,

That would really be something, financing something like a vacuum cleaner, a step back to the old days.  Can't say I've ever heard of that occurring now, but correct me if I'm wrong.  I honestly don't think Dyson would ever put a $900 vacuum in big box stores.  I would bet that this one will be independent-only, but we'll have to wait and find out.  If it does wind up in big box stores I will be shocked.  The Costco story you mentioned is a classic example of an "average user" not knowing what they're doing, and (to add insult to injury) not taking the time to read the manual.  That's no different than someone using the same paper bag for 6 months, or worse, never changing it at all.  I had to wonder what she was picking up, though, as even in that situation I don't think the performance would drop that significantly over not cleaning the pre-motor filter.  But, stranger things have happened...

Hi Vacuumin,

I agree with what you said about "defective users."  They think that they can suck up a pair of XXL pantyhose/underwear, twigs, and who-knows-what else (maybe we don't want to know) and expect the machine to work as intended.  That's definitely taking the "no loss of suction" claim way too far.  When I think of  "no loss of suction", I think of the machine picking up copious amounts of fine dust without the machine's performance being affected.   I can see how other "average users" with no knowledge of how the machine works or what they can and cannot pick up interpreting that claim differently.

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

Dyson IS the most expensive big box store vacuum sold.  And comes with a 5 year limited warranty.   Also a first and only for a big box store vacuum

Carmine D. 

Carmine, I once had a customer tell me to my face that I was lieing to her when i told her she needed to wash the filters regularly.  I have also had customers come in with well used and very dirty Dysons, and claim that the machine never needs any servicing or cleaning at their cost. 

But I have to say the worst ones are the Kirby owners with their "lifetime warranty" that covers everything that ever goes wrong for any reason...     They don't tend to take the news to well.

Vacuuman wrote:

Hello Vacuuman:

The first is a function of the sales and marketing techniques used to sell dyson vacuums in the USA.  Obviously, selling a $500 plus vacuum in the big box stores presented a huge challenge with many obstacles.  2002 was a ripe time for it.  Housing market bubble, good economy, cheap gas, stable dollar, easy credit, full employment, liberal store return/refund policies.  But it's not like this any more.

Dyson had to "wow" buyers with a huge bang for the buck:  Real/perceptual.  Through its "marketeers" and the big box retail stores, dyson promulgated a host of puffed up claims.  They're legendary now:  Never clogs; Never loses suction; Zero maintenance costs; Excellent pick up on all floor and rug surfaces............Many of these claims appeared in dyson literature and on the dyson product cartons.  In the industry, this is called "hawking" and "hyping."  It's been around for years especially among the door-to-door vacuum sales people.  

Most US consumers, like the young lady at COSTCO, are gullible and accept these claims at face value.  We know what PT Barnum said.  The claims are believed as long as the honey moon period for the brand and product lasts.    

The second is a function of the amount of money the person pays for the vacuum.  The more they pay for the vacuum, the more difficult the truth is for them to accept. 

Carmine D.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Why dont you post your comments the VACUUMLAND forum, with the google shows,see how far you get,Stop hiding under the I SUPPORT INVENTORS B.S..

MOLE/O.T.

Remember, keep it civil.

I understand Mike,out of respect to you and a few others on the forum,You are one of us.

MOLE

The next new dyson launch will consist of at least one new upright model slated for the big box store venue.  Why?

Here are the reasons why. 

If you follow the big box store sales ads from week to week [like me], you notice at least one big box store each week selling dyson upright models at clearance prices.  In some cases in concert with FREE gift cards of $50-$100.  [Something I predicted several months ago as part of the 2007 Holiday Season dyson vacuum sales]. 

This week it is Target advertising the DC07 All Floors for $339 (regular $399) and DC14 Drive Target Exclusive for $389 (regular $459).  Both prices are more than the typical 10 percent off, which is the infamous dyson MAP allowable.

Last week it was Linens & Things with the dyson DC17 Absolute for $549 BEFORE the 20 percent off coupon and FREE $50 Gift card.

Week before, it was BEST BUY with the DC14 All Floors on clearance and a FREE Gift Card.  And so on and so on.

Put it all together and what does it mean?  The big box retailers who sell dysons have permission to break the MAP to clear out the old dyson upright models and make room and money for the new dysons.  No complaints from dyson and/or the retailers because all who want to participate in the sales clearances have permission.

Add the fact that the newest dyson uprights [DC17 Absolute and DC18 Lite] have some substantial retail age on them now.  Big box retailers like to have a constant new crop of vacuums to meet/satisfy customer demand.  In the big box retail industry, a vacuum with a year or more on the market is ready for the product retirement cycle.

Let's see what happens next.

Carmine D.

Vacuuman wrote:

Hi Reggie, Dont you find it a little funny how the usual vacuum cleaner buyer,buys on blind faith,believes every thing the bujambi says to them at the box stores,falls for all the pretty pictures,the borderline false advertising claims,then tells you that your lieing to them,I would put money on it that the retail store HELP has never changed the clutch on a dc07/14.Just keep on selling the parts for dyson......

MOLE