Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 03/18/07 at 8:47am:

 
This forum always talks about the importance of buying a vacuum from an independent.  I have the highest respect for the honest independents in the vac business and any other business.  What I do not see on this forum is the independents discussing the one thing that keeps them in business.  That has to be repairs and supplies.  Bagless seems to have eliminated those necessities for an independent to remain profitable.  Dyson was the first successful bagless and remains the only one that is worthy of purchase to date.  
 
When you and others speak of maintenance are you referring to repairs or preventative maintenance?
I agree that it is easier to change a bag than to empty a bagless bin.  Other than that the bagless requires no more maintenance than any bagged vac.  Unlike other bagless (with pleated filters) the Dyson filters are simple to clean or replace.  As I previously stated, bagged vacs also have filters and most must be replaced, not cleaned.  Tell us about the belt changes required on most vacs.  How often do brands other than Dyson require new belts?
 
I have to agree that the RB requires added time to clean properly.  That is not a repair.  Any brand of vac or machinery will fail if not properly maintianed ( I prefer to say serviced).
 
The more expensive the auto the more expensive the up keep.  Seems like the mid priced Toyota or Honda will run as long as the expensive carsm BMW, Mercedes and others.  Some are willing to pay the price for performance as opposed to longevity.  The same could probably be said about vacuums.
 

Quote from old-timer on 03/18/07 at 2:34pm:

 
List the above in descending order of highest profit.  
 
1. Service - I will consider this to mean preventative maintenance or routine tune up since service at an independent is no better than the big box (unless the customer is willing to fork out $). which brand requires most frequent service and why.  Does service cost more for a botique (premium) brand.
2. Parts - Which brands consume the most parts and do parts for botique (premium) brands cost more
3. Repairs - Which brand requires more repairs and does labor cost more for a botique brand?
4. Pricing - Can the independent compete with big box on same quality vac?
8. Direct sales - I can't consider this a full service independent
 
Please quote statistics as related to your business and not the stats of any publication. Please keep this related to uprights.
 
What maintenance does Dyson require that others do not?
 

Quote from old-timer on 03/18/07 at 4:05pm:

 
Thanks O.T. but nothing that you have said substantiates yours (or others) claims that Dyson is inferior to any brand.

Quote from old-timer on 03/18/07 at 4:26pm:

 
You are correct.  When the new wears off it is time for something else.  I bought a self propelled Hoover WT.  New wore off and I bought a Dyson.  The new has not worn off since the first time I realized how much dirt the Hoover was leaving behind.
 
Dyson is not inferior to any vac, bagged or bagless.  Unless you do not want the consumer to know it has whooped yore a$$ in the market.

Quote from HARDSELL on 03/18/07 at 4:11pm:

 
Hello HARDSELL:
 
The best and most authoritative source to date for reliability of dyson vacuums to other vacuums (bagged and bagless) is Which?; a consumer advocacy group that tests and reports on vacuums overseas.  The results have been posted on the Forum many times in the past.  For 8 consecutive years, dyson is rated the worse in reliability both for uprights and canisters (called cylinders).  Miele, bagged canister vacuums, is consistently rated the best for reliability.  SEBO (bagged uprights) too.  Which? has no vested interest to rate bagged vacuums higher than bagless for reliability except for the integrity of its professional reputation.  
 
When I speak of vacuum maintenance, I refer to user performed upkeep like belts, bin dumping, replacing bags and cleaning/replacing filters, properly wrapping the cord after use.  When I speak of vacuum service, I refer to professional repairs requiring industry experts.  
 
Carmine D.