Weren't they supposed to be discontinued by now (lol)

How soon the dyson dead forget!  Let's recap before you start celebrating:
 
October 2005, 6 months of the DC15 launch, dyson lowered the price in the USA by $100, just as I predicted on the Forum.
 
Feb 2005, DC11 dead and gone within 9 months of launch, just as I predicted in October 2004.
 
DC07 All Carpets dead and gone from Wal-Mart in less than a year, just as I predicted. KO'ed by HOOVER FUSION, as I predicted.  Dyson gone from Wal-Mart for good PERIOD!
 
The DC15 Total Clean dead and almost gone from Sam's Club just as I predicted in Dec 2005.
 
The DC15 not launced in the Canadian market.
 
And to add insult to injury, Kenneth J. has a pending patent infringement case against dyson for stealing his patent on the ball facilitator for the DC15.
 
AND the DC15 makes no claim written or otherwise the trade mark dyson phrase: NEVER LOSES SUCTION, just as I predicted.
 
Consumer Reports called the DC15 a vacuum with mediocre suction right out of the box!
 
You dyson dead are gluttons for punishment.
 
Carmine D.
 

In the absence of any comparative sales figures for the product, all we can really go on is personal feelings, alongside any shop floor insights. I personally go by the option that it's done as well as might be expected. Not *incredibility* well - shortly before it's launch, Dyson proposed that the new invention might possibility become a signature feature on all their future uprights. It's certainly some time away from becoming that. Of course it depends on how we gauge success.  
 
Commercial success - Return on Investment? Well, it's had a small fortune invested in it, that much is clear. It's concept sounds relatively simple, but to use one over time, you begin to appreciate how involved it has been to mass produce a reliable model of this type. Development costs can be offset with R&D tax breaks at 125% for a company of Dyson's size. Marketing spend has been noticeably high, so in raw terms, profit margin above this would be a key measure.
 
It's high retail price was soon revised, showing that this was indeed too ambitious. Not that there isn't actually a case for the demonstrated added value in said pricing - just that the concept is so different to the rest of the market, that at a certain level, the buyer has to know that it will work for them. That's why a home trial period is such a crucial feature for a product of this type. Indeed, I wouldn't have brought one myself was it not for this. Once established in a home, the acceptance is likely to be high, it has been for me. Owners tell others about this unique product, it and likely even demo it - this is reported to be common with all Dyson products, right back to DC01.
 
If the line stays stocked in on the shelves is dependant in part of the retailer's customer demographic, the margins and if Dyson is contributing towards the amount floorspace / promos their line has. From either's point of view, having just one DC15 facing is all they need for upsell opportunities. The model's common components are interchangeable with DC14 parts; there's very little risk in carrying it.
 
In terms of a mass-market seller, no, I suspect it isn't. It's likely DC07 / DC14 still command the bulk for the sales. But in terms of a practical, well thought out, publicity generating, super premium addition to the Dyson range - it's succeeded in my view.

Quote from Carmine_Difazio   on 03/08/06 at 3:17pm:

  
Let's be fair if you are going to be the thread police.  His was a direct reply to a post where you name called the "dyson dead" by attacking the dc11 and dc07 carpets in response to the 1st anniversary of the DC15 on the "DC 15" thread.
 
Anyhow back to the DC 15's impact.  Serious industry members have to take note that before the dc15 the $499 dc07 animal was the top dyson seller and after the dc15 launch the new upper mid pricepoint of the $549 dc14 animal has been the top dyson seller.  Simply stated if you are the top few pricepoints in many of your retailers creating a differentiated new high price point would not be a bad strategy.

Quote from Carmine_Difazio   on 03/08/06 at 3:17pm:

 
We must clear one thing up Carmine. The Dyson is NOT my favorite brand. I hope you understand this in future posts.  
 
I've gone over all your [nit picking] details you continuously harp over. It's a waste of my time to continuously explain to someone that is either mentally challenged or blindfolded from the true facts.