Brand new Green Bison just listed on eBay 1/8/13

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kirbyguy

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Columbia, MO
Someone just listed a BRAND NEW green model Bison vacuum cleaner on eBay. Seller states the machine has never been out of the box or used.

The sellers starting price is $499.00
 
Bison & Kirby bag

Yes.Mine.-As stated Bison has NEVER been out of box as I found an average used one later.Compare with $$ of new Kirby in box or Rainbow,etc and factor in rarity.Is your brown Bison lonely?Shouldn't they be in herds!?--Kirby bag is also NEW.Unused,NEW and no damage from improper storage.
 
I've been chatting with the seller

I've asked the seller to verify that the Bison will at least power on. It seems the seller is selling the Bison and the vintage black Kirby bag for the same owner.

The vintage black cloth Kirby bag was listed a few months back for the same price of $499.00 Needless to say it failed to sell.

It seems the owner of these two items has a price tag of $499.00 stuck in their brain. Hope the consignment guy who's selling these two items for the owner isn't counting on the commission to pay his bills.
 
Ya gotta ask questions on this machine.

I'm rather wondering if the seller of this machine is being factual in their listing information.

I find it rather odd that the seller states and tells me the machine is BRAND NEW and he or she is selling it on consignment. In rereading the listing information this consignment seller say's, I qiote, " This Bison was from unused,unsold dealer stock from years ago. Then states he or she found a USED Bison and NEVER removed, turned on or assembeled this machine from its orignal box.

In looking at the photos someone along the line unpacked this machine. As its NOT packed in all its orignal packing materials. And does in fact have a gouge on the top portion of the chrome and a hairline crack on the fan casing housing just to the right side of the metal eye hook where the shoulder strap clip attaches.

I have very limited knowledge when it comes to the Bison vacuum. Even though I have one. However, I am somewhat questioning this sellers truthfullness in regard to his/her listing information.

I'd be interested in your thoughts, after reading the sellers listing information and looking at the photos of this machine up close?
 
NEW green Bison

Kirbyguy,It seems you have many questions on the condition of my green Bison,accuracy of description,my choice of listing on EBay,using a consignor,setting a starting price and more.First-"I stand by every word of this or other descriptions."As well as the pictures that are said to be worth a thousand words each.In general-Why EBay?-Love it or hate it the fact that you and others have seen my Bison and more proves it can match a potential buyer with a sellers item.Why a consignor?-This allows me to find an item(such as the 7 from last week,the 20 for this week and the 9+ for next week)and find parts,clean and service(if needed),write a simple,accurate and hopefully knowlegable description on items from vac parts to Chrysler cleaning products,help with pictures and then have the consignor(leisurelady65 in this case)handle listing,payment,address,packing and shipping as we did dozens of times last year for many buyers who I believe are satisfied with description,condition and price of items from vacs to fans to books to irons and more that have gone to
FL,TX,CA,OH,PA and many other places including Spain.Was that a Kerouac sentence?Why starting bids?-Whether a new Bison in the box that I start for $499 or a Westighouse crevice tool that I feel is worth $3.99 I try to have a reasonable figure when matched with the condition and rarity of an item.Anyone may bid or not depending on their point of view.If someone found a new Bison at a yard sale for $5 they may feel $20 is way to much.If you bought a new Kirby(or other quality vac that is available by the truck load) you may feel that $500 is way to low.As to my 505 bag I know from actual completed sales that the few good or better bags can bring more than my starting bid.Again,bid or not as you choose.Back to my green Bison-To have a Perry Mason moment-"I confess!I was not in FL on 2-19-75.I did not myself see someone whose identity I confirmed to be Alice Webb place the Bison in its box."Now I can be led in handcuffs from the courtroom as Raymond Burr smokes a post trial cigarette or I can add more of the simple facts that make the provanance of this Bison.-It left the factory in FL with one of the 5 pieces of literature stating that Alice webb verified all parts being present in box and having a date stamp of 2-19-75.-It was sent to a dealer in the northwest.-It was found and aquired in new,unused condition by advanced collector from the northeast(very knowlagable but not as well known as a certain Hoover collector)-It was brought to my then recently purchased vac store building about 1993 and I aquired the Bison by trading other vintage vacs and parts.It has remained upstairs,unused and not removed from box until-It is now and was last year listed on EBay(as many of my other vacs have been and will be)in the same new,unused condition.-Why never removed from box?-I already knew,from earlier days of VCCC,what a Bison looked like.I then found a used Bison.Do you dought this?If so,visit my warehouse and we may find or put together 2 1/2 Bisons in fair to average condition.Also as it became a collector item I suppose I look at it as a doll collector may look at a Barbie sealed in the box.(That is,let the collector and next owner decide when to use).I welcome anyone to view the pictures in the description.Note-The spot at edge of headlight cover is not defect or damage,but my reflection from 4 feet away as the metal has a mirror shine.Looks like I need to trim my beard.I have not seen any damage on the Bison,nor have I examined it for hours with a magnifying glass as I am currently working on Eureka Freedom,2 Hoover Spectrums,Dirt Devil Kone and a rotary phone with an early built in Phone-Mate answering machine for next weeks EBay.I will be glad to answer questions or provide more pictures.However,I am 35 miles away from consignor and usually visit weekly(driving by the former Electrolux factory on the way).--I thank everyone for their interest and attention to this rare vac.--Sincerely,Jimmy'I am not a liar'Martin-Vac Shop-520 East E Street-Elizabethton,TN 37643--423-297-6918
 
well said jim!!!!! i know you always stand behind each and every product you sell! i think the starting price is way more than fair for a vintage VERY RARE INDEED cleaner of this superior quality and condition. i hope it makes a fortune as i am sure another like this will not be seen on ebay or any other auction site for ages. same applies to the kirby bag. again how often do you see these new and unused?? try almost never ever!!! i will call you on friday. see ya. gary
 
Bison

Jimmy,

You've still failed to answer my initial question. DOES THE BISON POWER UP?

The machine under no circumstances would be classified as a used machine just because you powered.

As I said in a prior email to you. Its not necessary to attach the front nozzle, or the bag or assemble any parts of the machine. It has no safety switches. So whats the big deal about plugging it in and at least confirming the motor works, and stating that in your listing information.

Nothing worse then bidding on a BRAND NEW? vintage vacuum cleaner with a starting price of $499.99 and ya don't even know if the motor works.
 
Does the Bison power up?

I have "failed" to answer this instantly because of the fact that I am now 35 miles away as explained above."Whats the big deal?"There is no big deal at all when I am next at my EBay sellers house which if not tommorow will be Sat afternoon.I will be glad to plug in and turn on the variable speed switch for what I am confident will be the first time since it was run in 1975 with electricity from a FL power company.(If by some rare miracle it does not turn on would you have me take it to the metal recycler?They do not inspect for "gouges" and "hairline cracks"but pay US currency the same day and are less than 2 miles away.)Please excuse any sarcasm that might show here.It is mixed with much good humor and best wishes to any with an interest in this unique Bison.--I have also listed a sealed Kenmore rug nozzle and will have next week a sealed in factory plastic bag Hoover Futura hose that are not 'tested' for the same basic reason that NEW is NEW.I continue to welcome questions that I should be able to answer fully by Sat afternoon.-Jimmy
 
Rugsucker and your comment

Jimmy,

Let's get the facts straight with regard to your Bison and our email correspondense.

First of all, It was I who availed you that I took the liberty of posting your Bison vacuum for sale information on the VCCC with the hope it would generate an interest among VCCC members and hopefully help you sell the Bison.

It was also I who suggested that you the seller post a link to your eBay listig and or additional informatio & photos of the machine on the VCCC.

I could care less where, how you choose or what price you choose to list your items for sale. Whether it be Ebay, Craig's List or your local news paper.

I also made you an offer on the Bison in the event it didn't sell by the time your Ebay listing ended. and your reply to me was that you would relay my offer to the owner of the machine for their consideration. However, my offer was contingent on your confirming and verifying in writing the Bison would be tested/powered on to insure it was in working condition.

Under no circumstances did I as a potential buyer/bidder feel as though my questions to you requesting conformation the working and physical condition of the machine to be unreasonable. Given the fact your listing states the machine has never been turned on.

Now, with regard to your sarcastic Raymond Burr comment. Yes, I'm very much a Raymond Burr type individual. Allow me to elaborate. I also took the time to review your extensive and impressive over 7,000 sale items on eBay. As impressive a number this may be. The majority of your sales do not consist in the sale of vacuum cleaners. However, I did run across a few. One vacuum in fact the buyer states was damaged beyond use due to poor packing, as well as a chime clock that received by a buyer, also damaged due to poor packing.

I see you insist items that sell for over $100.00 be insured. This is all well and good. However, legally the insurance coverage merchandise even though its paid for by the buyer covers the individual who physically does the shipping of the merchandise. Not the buyer.

Allow me to continue. Therefore, since it is not so stated in your listing information that the Bison is in fact in working condition. The listing actually states "NEVER BEEN TURNED ON" Constitutes an "AS IS" sale with NO expressed guaranty the machine either does or will function mechanically as intended.

Therefore, In the event the buyer recieves the Bison and it fails to power on. The buyer has no legal recourse what so ever. The buyer is legally unable file an insurance claim and the buyer has little to no chance of winning an item damaged or item not as described dispute claim with PayPal for purchasing and receiving non working electrical goods.

Again, allow me to suggest that you test the machine "plug it in and confirm to potential buyers/bidders it powers up" in your listing information.

As for myself. I have no furthue interest in your Bison. I already own one. A Bison Centurian. The Centurian being the last production model manufactured.

I do however wish you the best of luck with your sale. And the potential buyer best of luck with their purcahse.

Kindest regards,

Kirbyguy
 
As an uncle said to my aunt once--

"Let us include some facts".I may wish and hope to sell 7000 items but as I work with a consignor,as above,who typicaly has 5-10 customers only a fraction of the items were mine.Mostly vac related but also books,fans,phones,small kitchen appliance,etc.The vac you refer to was probably a twin fan model that was damaged in its 600 trip to new home.The bottom line here is that the last I knew of this it was repaired and working to the satisfaction of all involved.The clock would have been from another consignor and I know nothing expept that my EBay seller does value customer satisfaction as I do.It is my plan to visit my EBay seller tomorrow(Sat)both to take new items including an Oster Kitchen Center as well as plugging in the Bison to test and take an even closer look to above areas of concern.,Jimmy
 
it Runs! it Lights! it Sucks! it Blows!

I am, as planned at my EBay seller with 11 new items(all but 2 vac related) and taking a closer look at the green Bison.When plugged to nearby cord it does power up.My usual description would be 'runs well and sounds good at all speeds'.With this Bison I must add that the speed control should be labeled from 'purrs like a kitten' to 'Jet Plane Taking Off'!!!Power! Airfow!WOW!--The light stays lit at a steady glow at all speeds.I opened the bottom door of bag(Emptomatic)and verified that there is not one particle of dust!It is as I have stated-NEW!!!--2 new pics show light,plug and speed control(with my fingernail that will be cleaned and trimmed with the others today)and bottom of handle and inside of bag.As I have said it is unused since 75 and always stored in conditions that have done no damage except to outside of box.,Jimmy Martin
 
Hey Jimmy

I see you revised you listing information on the Bison confirming she powers up from purring to sounding like a jet. Yep, That's exactly how she should sound. No doubt in my mind she's runnin just fine. The Bison is indeed a VERY POWERFUL machine.

Thanks for testing and confirming she's good to go.
 
Bison

I should add here,typing with my freshly manicured nails,that I saw nothing that could be called a 'gouge' or 'crack'.There is a slight scratch behind headlight on top of fan housing.My seller did note this on EBay description.Other than condition of box this is only thing I see that could in any way be called damage.It remains a NEW time capsule of a unique vac that can cause us to wonder 'what might have been'if Bison had the dealers,salesmen,locations and financing to continue.
 
Manicured nails?

Happy to hear you got your nails manicured, did ya get the beard trimmed as well?

As for any scratches etc on or in the chrome plating they should be able to be buffed out. I'm still researching the Bison vacuum companies history. Not a lot of information available or at least extensive information I'm able to find.

I did find out Jummy Buffett was a big investor in the company when it was started to bad they didn't name it the Buffett vacuum. It would have been worth a lot more now.
 
Bison didn't sell

327 hits on the Bison and it didn't sell.

I suggested to the seller(s) they relist the vacuum again at $499.99 However, this time list it at the $499.99 minimum BIN (buy it now)asking price. As well as an optional best offer.

The seller(s) are not oblegated to accept any offer less then the listed buy it now price of $499.99 unless they so choose to accept a lower offer.

Just like the housing market these days. Ya gotta price it right or it just ain't gonna sell.
 
I Don't Think

That the price was necessarily unreasonable.  I found a new Bison in the box, put it on eBay and it sold for $865.  Just the right combination of bidders.  Keep at it.  Timing with these things is everything.


 


Fred
 

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