Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Dyson is in the news frequently and so a dedicated thread.

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Carmine,

You do the rope-a-dope when you're put on the spot. I have never backed down from yours or Moles baiting. I like a challenge. Sometimes I have to think for a while before answering the “bait”. But I do answer. And sometimes I do not have the free time to answer the many statements, but I try to “go after” the most pertinent or something I have an answer to. Hey, you never answered my CR question of... Is Consumer Reports (w/ vacuum testing) Science, Laughable or both?  DIB

Hello DIB:

I've answered this particular question before on several vacuum Forums including this one.  Consumer Reports is one source and a very good starting place for persons shopping for a vacuum who have little/no knowledge of vacuums.  But, as always with CR and the information provided, consumers should verify and confirm the CR information with the vacuum cleaner industry experts and professionals: The independent vacuum cleaner store owners/operators.  CR is not the gospel for vacuums.  Industry professionals are the best source of definitive vacuum information.  That is my answer to this/your question.   If you have any insights to offer on your question, please do.  If so/not............................

Several question[s] for you [any others] to consider and answer, if you can/please.  My recent discussions with alot of big box store staffers WRT new dyson sales is that dyson sales are way way down.  

1. WRT dyson sales in the USA, are they up/down/same?
2. What do you think are the reasons for all the new dyson sales declines that bb store staffers report to me?
3. WRT future dyson sales here and abroad, will they get better/worse/stay the same?  And, why?

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

I woild not count Dyson out based on a Best Buy report is LV.  They are still going at retail in TN.

Hello HS:

Not just the BEST BUY stores in NLV but across the country, as well as other big box retailers report dyson sales are off big time.  Regardless of discounts, promos, models, dyson sales are way down.  The ball models are the worse sellers.  Few if any retailers like the dyson ball models and they say most customers don't.

Remember BEST BUY has a vested interest in dyson sales because it's management persuaded and convinced dyson to launch its vacuums in BEST BUY stores in 2002.   Dyson was reluctant and wanted to wait, but followed their advice.  So James and dyson take BEST BUY words and results to heart.  The BEST BUY store in Woodbridge VA [actually Dale City] sold the most dysons of any BEST BUY store on the east coast.  Use to be one of Matt mmc/Airblade's accounts.

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Hello HS:

It was BEST BUY stores/management that forcibly convinced dyson to lower the MSRP on the DC15 ball.  Intro'ed in the spring of 2005 for $599, the ball sold notta at BEST BUY stores.  I reported that dyson would lower the price by at least $50 on the DC15 by October.  Most disagreed.  Venson heard the same and was also convinced, just from scoping out the ball, that the price had to come down else retailers would be eating them with their Thanksgiving turkey.  By September dyson lowered the MSRP on the ball by $100.  Even with the lower price, sales of the DC15 ball were dyson's worse in BB stores.  BB stores discounted the model [you'll recall DIB got one for $300] and scrubbed from the shelves permanently.  As did several other retailers.

DC24/25 are futile dyson attempts, almost 3 years after the DC15, to redesign/engineer the failed concept [ball steering/manuverabilty] into a product success.  I'm told DC18 sales are better than the new higher priced dyson ball models.  In fact, the DC18 has the end cap premier space at the BB store in NLV while the DC24/25 are relogated to the back isle.  Ironically the DC18  uses an elongated wheel very similar to the GE in the 1960's [which struck out] not a ball wheel like the newer dysons.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Carmine,

Well lets hope you think twice before putting blind faith in and quoting the various CR’s dishonest and/or laughable claims (the Dyson shroud clogs as per you siting CR)

Telling a potential vacuum buyer to walk into a *bias environment and ask for a non-bias opinion is not an option.  Call it crazy, but how about CR doing what they claim they are already doing,..  being non-bias, smart and accurate, which they currently are not.

DIB

*Someone who’s livelihood depends on selling their line of product/s.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Hi back at you DIB:

As you recall Trilobite substantiated the dyson's shroud limitations for clogging and smelling from dirt, dander and pet hair with his own personal account here.  His solution: get a bagged vacuum and avoid the hassle.  Similar to the CR and medical profession's perspectives for allergy and asthma sufferers.

While CR is an excellent starting place, ultimately vacuum buyers end up at the indy-s for the best vacuums on the market.  Having had a successful vacuum business for 40 plus years, I put more faith and trust into vacuum customers to make good choices when given the facts and information to do so. 

To the extent that the best vacuum is a personal choice based on subjective factors too, there is an inherent bias in all of us for own particular needs, likes and budgeted amounts for vacuums.  Independent vacuum cleaner stores/businesses grow and prosper when they consistently match their customers/clientele with the right vacuums for them at the best possible prices.  And continue to serve their needs after the sales.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Speaking from our own stores sales, the DC24/25 have become our most popular (Dyson) units.  The wider stance of the 25 makes it far more stable when using the attachments and is usually the reason for the upgrade from the DC18. Where the DC18 was once our most popular machine and heavily inventoried we now only keep a couple in boxes at any given time.

End caps in stores are a funny thing.  The can be used to promote new and exciting or used to get rid of overstock and items the store is getting out of.  Having an item in prime real estate does not always mean it's more favorable. As an example (I know it's not a vacuum story but bear with me) Walmart had a flavor of jello that was discontinued...it sat on the shelf at 97 cents and didn't move at all.  It was moved to an end cap, the price  was increased to $1, it completely sold out in half a day. Inventory problem solved.  For the record, no, I did not sit in a Walmart all day and watch this happen.  My son is a manager and passed the story along.

Dusty

Question for the VACUUM DEALERS.

Have you noticed a big drop off in customers asking questions about the DYSON brand?

Its been months since vacuum shoppers even ask us about it anymore.

Please only the true vacuum dealers reply,i dont need any biased company propoganda.

MOLE

mole wrote:
Hi Mole,

For us, interest in Dyson is still quite high.  I would attribute this to the fact that the product is still relatively new in Canada and also we are one of the few independents to carry the product.  I'm always amused at the amount of people that stop in just to ask questions because they've seen the vacuums in the box stores but could never find anyone to help them.  I would imagine that as the years go by and people become familiar with the product it will take it's place in amongst all the other brands and there will be people that will always buy it and others that will never touch  one....just like every other brand of vacuum. 

Dusty

mole wrote:

I understand why you would rather have a biased dealers opinion.  Truth from a non dealer really hurts a few.