An Aerus Dilemma

[paul]

Hi,

Today I received a free Aerus Guardian C134E in response to a Craigslist ad. It came from an older couple who have lived in their rambler for 59 years! The cleaner looks and works well and has all its original attachments along with the Sidekick II K107U but needs a new hose and pn.

Anyway, they got rid of it, because the power nozzle died. The local Aerus dealer initially quoted them a price of $600 for a new one then eventually came down to $150. The couple was outraged at the first quote and disappointed with the last (I don't know if there were others). The C134E made its debut in the early 2000s, so they didn't think it was prudent to put so much money into a vacuum cleaner of that age. Unfortunately, they left the power nozzle at the Aerus store, because they didn't know they had alternatives of going through another dealer or general repair shop to get a replacement motor instead of purchasing a whole new power nozzle.

So the greedy Aerus dealer not only lost a sale but customers who were so unhappy with their encounter that they bought a Shark instead; which they really like. Sadly, I have had similar experiences with the guy. Neither the couple nor I will recommend him. Guess he's never heard of customers' "word of mouth" advertising.

I can't help but think that dealer greed is one of Aerus's biggest dilemmas. I think it needs to go back to fixed and fair pricing. Better training in business acumen would also be beneficial.

Have you had similar experiences with Aerus?

 

[human]

My only experience with an Aerus dealer was when I got my Genesis LXe upright repaired for the cord handle recall. Except for having to drive almost 40 miles to get there, it went pretty well, but he really didn't have the opportunity to charge me anything.

 

[countryguy]

In 1999, I dropped the hose handle on my Electrolux AP280 on the carpet and I guess it landed the wrong way as the handle broke at the elbow. I knew little about vacs in general at that time so I took the hose to the dealer to see if it could be repaired. He told me that it was not repairable and I would have to buy a new hose for $150. I now know of course that a new handle could have been put on the hose so obviously he was more interested in making money on a new hose than on doing a repair.

Gary

 

[compactc9guy]

nothing but good

My experience ,whit Aerus was good when i purchases my new in box Aerus Electrolux Floor PRO Polisher heavy duty .It went well ship fast and got all the brushes including floor brush felt pad ect .Love it so much on my floors and carpets id recommend it to anyone .I also have a Electrolux AP200 and a Electrolux discovery 2 that both work wonders all in all i love Aerus electrolux .

 

[paul]

Thanks for the replies.

I know there are honest Aerus dealers and reps that are not just out to make a fast buck. They're honest and treat their customers with respect. I've personally dealt with a couple of them.

It's just that I've heard so many stories and have some of my own about the greedy, self-centered ones and wondered if it's a result of the flexible pricing along with the lack of training in customer service.

Another story I heard came from an Aerus dealer herself. She told me that she'd had a customer who wanted her Model S's motor repaired or replaced. She was the original owner and really liked her cleaner. Rather than obliging her the dealer told the woman that she couldn't do it and tried persuading her to purchase a Lux Classic instead. The customer left disappointed and never returned; so she probably either found someone else to rebuild or replace the motor.

 

[n0oxy]

the Aerus dealer here

I'm happy with the Aerus dealer around here, I bought an Aerus classic new and got an Electrolux advantage canister from him as well. This is why it is important to do research on things before buying them. Still, it does seem like Aerus dealers are disappearing, there are far less of them than there used to be.
Mike

 

[paul]

Agreed, Mike—both on the research and the closing of Aerus stores.

In talking with an Aerus dealer, I learned that the online store locator includes both open and closed stores. Those that are open include the blue "View Map | Driving Directions" hyperlinks. Oftentimes, the closed stores' phone numbers have remained activated but redirected to an open store in the region, so it appears that the store is still open.

A year or so ago, someone on Vacuumland mentioned that corporate-owned stores were being opened again, but I haven't heard anything since. Those who recall the branch offices prior to the franchises state that better business practices were in place.

 

[panasonicvac]

My boss one time went to our local Aerus store because he needed some parts. He caught the owner sleeping on the counter like he doesn't care. That was one of the reasons why that Aerus store closed in the first place.

 

[tig21er]

An Aerus Dilemma

When I got into selling Electrolux now Aerus I was taught several things, don't be a money man but be an honest salesman, ( meaning don't charge more than the customer needs).
I was taught : If you go a long distance to sell be willing to go back for them if they need service or even bags.
My Father was laid up for a year, people came to have their cleaners fixed. When they found out Dad's condition , they told my Mother," He kept our cleaner going for so long I think we will buy a new one." My Mom sold 225 cleaners that year and never left the house.--Meaning take care of your customers and they will take care of You.
Today I use a 2001 labor chart and try to be fair in sales and repair.
Customer satisfaction ,durability, and doing what they said the equipment would do is why I sell Aerus. The younger the person the more they don't know about people. Know the Culture of your Area and one can make a good living.
When Kirby comes to town they say when you ask about bags ,parts or service they say call the Company. I am an Independent Contractor working under a Franchise owner , but when I canvas I represent the Aerus company to the best of my ability and try to leave the door open for another Rep. Hoping they will give the people respect.

 

[vac-o-matic]

Good for you...

You operate using old school "sales/service" principals, rarely found anywhere in today's world. I'm very loyal to any business that shows they care about the service I receive and wants me to be happy without ripping me off and loading their pockets.

 

[paul]

Your parents trained you well, John. You represent Aerus well, and your customers are fortunate.

_______

As part of its training, Aerus would do well to show the old black-and-white TWILIGHT ZONE episode titled, "The Whole Truth" about a crooked car salesman who can't help but tell the truth once he enters the twilight zone.