Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hi everyone, The other day I had a conversation with an indie central vacuum shop owner that recently became a Dyson dealer/service center, and from that little chit chat I learned of a few things. First off, the DC14 upright is being discontinued in the coming months. He isn't sure if it will have a new model take its place, but I think it's safe to assume that the same DC33 that is replacing the DC14 in the UK will replace it on this side of the pond as well. Secondly, he revealed that the DC31 handheld is being discontinued as well. I wasn't sure I believed him on that count, but surely enough, a quick google search reveal that DC31's are on clearance, and even being labeled as "discontinued" by walmart.com (google "dyson DC31 discontinued", and read the second link). There is nothing to indicate that the handheld will see another successor at this time. Also, though he didn't mention anything about the DC22, I strongly believe it is on the way out as well, with many retailers slashing prices and clearing them out (again, google "dyson DC22 discontinued", and read the sixth link down).

CarmineD wrote:

Hi,

Short warranties on refurbs and full ones for the new appears to be the nature of the appliance game.  The trade-off being willingness to make do with a "name brand" refurb rather than shoot for new at full price.  As for pricing, I think Dyson prefers to sell new stock from $400 and up.  Maybe they feel they're offering a bargain even though the price difference is slim.  I guess there are enough potential customers influenced by brand names to make it pay off for Dyson.

I would think that because Dyson is all the fashion these days  there are many who'll acquire them just for the sake of following fashion.  Teens do it all the time and many adults also follow suit though usually not willing to admit it. 

Venson

Venson wrote:

Venson, you're probably right on.  For the 60 percent of vacuum consumers who go with the flow for their vacuum purchases, the majority would IMO buy a $200-$300 new big box vacuum with a 6 year warranty before a dyson refurb with just 6 months.  It is common place to see dyson DC14 and DC17 refurbs at $300 plus on dyson's site with just 6 months warranty.  With brand new dyson DC14 and DC17 models at most US retailers [with a 5 year warranty] priced at the same prices as the refurbed models. 

Carmine D. 

You have a point, Venson, but if they keep going this direction, they may start losing customers. 

Vacuumfreeeke wrote:

Hi VF,

But that's the idea.  If they lose customers then they may begin to rethink and improve product and practice. 

In the end result, the public's acceptance or rejection of any company's product or manner of operations, has a lot to do with what consumers may or may not go for.  They make the product, yes, but we decide if and what we'll buy.  If they want our money they eventually begin to show signs of "hearing " us.

Venson

Venson wrote:

OR... My guess is they could just go on the way they are and harass and fire employees who don't make quotas because it is THEIR faults they aren't selling products like they used to.

Aviori wrote:

With economy of scales, much smarter for dyson to lower prices on models that have been around for awhile than to discontinue outright.  Or worse reinvent similar take offs every year for higher and higher prices than the models discontinued.  Hard lesson for dyson to learn.  Took 8 years before DC33 was launched at a budget price [for dyson] actually lower than all its previous versions.  Now DC33 sells regularly for $318 at all retailers, or less.  At least $100 plus less than its dyson predecessors.  Hard times call for difficult choices.  Sooner the better.

Carmine D.