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.

mole wrote:
1)  Compared to who? 

2)  This is probably the most under hyped Dyson

3)  What does this mean?  Is that why Dyson sold more vacuums in the U.S. in 2007 then ever before?

4)  Of course some machines do need repair and service, but not to the degree that you assume

Airblade wrote:

Please share the detail to support this grandiose statement, if you would. 

Carmine D.

mole wrote:

Hello Mole:

Most economists now agree that the US is in a recession and it was tipped off by the 2007 Holiday sales season.  Although no bells and whistles go off to signal its coming.  These same economic gurus say the recession will last into 2008.  And probably be worse.  Why?  For most of 2007 consumers were still spending.  That stopped in December and will probably stay that way for awhile.

One of the recession signs is that retailers' sales hit the skids during the 2007 Holiday season.  All retailers and all sectors.  Not just a few.  Retailers started culling the dyson product line in 2007 for several reasons including difficulty selling at the high prices.  The culling will last until and unless economic data reverses itself.  I don't see that happening in the near term.

Dyson's 2002 strategy to go after the big box stores' venues rather than the independents will hurt dyson sales now during times of recession.  Why?  The big box stores' vacuum shoppers will go with the low end disposables to the middle price ranges for vacuums [the typical retailers' vacuum venues].  The high end vacuum shoppers will go to the independents who may/may not carry and certainly don't push the dyson brand.  Why?  They carry and sell brands, makes and models solely made and marketed for independents. 

I always said dyson's marketing strategy for vacuums was not conducive for the long haul.  I still say it.  Now in bad economic times the rubber hits the road.  And the honeymoon period is over.  Time will tell.

Carmine D.

Carmine, my old friend..........
It's your favorite Dyson insider from your old home here.  How is Vegas treating you? 

Anyway, I can't provide you the numbers that you ask for ( I like my job too much!), otherwise I would.  I am closer to Airblade these days, but I am still privy to floorcare info.  I can assure you that 2007 was quite good for Dyson.

As far as Airblade placement goes, it is in various places around the country. 

Feel free to PM me and I'll try to get more specific with you.

Airblade wrote:

Well well, hello my old friend.  Good to hear from you.  I was wondering what became of you and your dyson career.  I will take you up on your offer.  Although I must say, dyson never silenced the sales success news in the past on Forums. 

Vegas is wonderful and treating me very very well.  I wish I came sooner!  I absolutely love it.  Don't miss the east a bit.

Carmine D.

mole wrote:
Hi Mole,

Perhaps you're referring to the DC22 if it is ever released here? 

As Airblade said, and I've noticed this as well, the DC21 under-hyped and under-advertised.  I can't remember ever seeing a commercial for it in the 10 or so months it's been out (7 for big-box stores).  Sure, like any Dyson model it's not the cheapest vacuum around, but it is hardly the most expensive ($499 retail), even compared to some Dyson uprights (such as the DC17 and DC15 Animal models for $549, and of course the DC15).  In fact I believe the DC11 Telescope, when it was out sold for this same amount.  The difference of course was that the DC11 was not nearly as good as the 21 and also lacked an electric power nozzle (or Motorhead, hence my name).  The Motorhead on the DC21 is one of the best power nozzles I've seen by far, the 2-piece brushroll is gear-driven and can be easily removed from the nozzle.

Since you mentioned in another thread that you own a vacuum store, has anyone tried to bring a broken Dyson in, and if so, which model(s)?

Hi Venson,

I saw that DC21 HSN video on YouTube as well; they've done similar "bin capacity" tests for the DC07, 14, 15 etc. (and even cyclonic models from other brands like the Hoover Fusion/Mach 3).  Not really a good test for how the machine will hold up over time, and how well it does under extended use.  I have to wonder how long that machine had been there, how long it had been used for cleanup at the Best Buy, and of course other factors like the material it was picking up (presumably a large amount of fine dust judging by your description).  Did you pop open the pre-motor filter compartment and see how dirty the filter was by any chance?  How was the suction?

I can sort of understand the overall "dustiness" because it's not a Level 3 machine, and wasn't designed for commercial use, although since you didn't mention any damage or broken pieces I'd say it has held up quite well in that enviroment.  I would also bet the performance has not changed, either, and the suction has not dropped off.  Then again, I could be wrong ;-)

Hi Airblade,

Nice to see a Dyson insider here, I definitely look forward to your future posts.  I do have a question for you:  Isn't the wholesale/dealer-invoice price of the DC21 around $411?  At least that's what I was told by a dealer when I bought mine.  If it is, doesn't seem to be a huge markup there so I would venture to say that dealers who push Dysons aren't doing so to make a tremendous profit (unlike Miele).

-MH
 

Motorhead wrote:
Hey there MH,
Glad to be here!!  There will be certain info that I cannot pass onto everyone else, but I can say that dealers make more than $89 when they sell a DC21.  Hope that helps!

"Nice to see a Dyson insider here, I definitely look forward to your future posts. I do have a question for you: Isn't the wholesale/dealer-invoice price of the DC21 around $411? At least that's what I was told by a dealer when I bought mine. If it is, doesn't seem to be a huge markup there so I would venture to say that dealers who push Dysons aren't doing so to make a tremendous profit (unlike Miele)."

Most products sold by major retail chains have lower profit margins...Dyson/Electrolux(Eureka)/Dirt Devil/Hoover etc. Those companies sell volume and provide advertising which retailers benefit from (say what you what about Dyson, there graphics and advertising are superb. Companies like Miele/Sebo and Simplicity don't advertise as much or at all leaving it to the retailer to do ads or not. Just 2 ways of doing business. The second way helps the mom and pop store stay in business and offers the company superior customer service and a local repair facility. Two features so infuriating to Dyson buyers. I could be wrong but I get the feeling you think a retailer pushes Miele is because of profit margin. I can assure you we feel the Miele is a VERY GOOD machine and have the utmost confidence when selling to a customer you will face personally. My reputation is more important than profit margin. Of course when you get both it's a win-win situation..LOL

Motorhead wrote:

Airblade wrote:

Is dyson including the sale of the DC16 hand helds in its figures?  

In the USA vacuum industry, hand helds are not included in the annual total sale of vacuums because handcleaners are not an upright and/or canister-tank vacuum.

Carmine D.