Covid-19: Are your local vac shops open?

[kirbysthebest]

Masks can be ordered from Amazon

Free delivery with Prime. Ironically, the mask come from China.


The vac shop I frequent was closed as non-essential, however, another that is also a sewing center was open as essential. Yet another that is a sewing and vacuum center was closed as non-essential I don't know what the distinction is that one is open and another is not.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

An age-old question:

Who/What IS considered "essential".. and to whom?

 

[gregvacs28]

Open by appntmnt and no one allowed in the store.  That's more than reasonable .... and considerate for all parties.


 


For those working on the repair side, consider what you are exposing yourselves to with the dust particles in these vacs.  That's why cleaning them out OUTDOORS  is preferred.  Let any dust particles or germs float away.  You don't want to be breathing that.


At least have a strong vent fan at an indoor work station that takes the dust directly from the cleaner area and vents outside.  Not something that is just in the room on the ceiling somewhere.

 

[eurekaprince]

Hi Mike,

Not to go too off topic, but I have never had to wait more than a few days to see my family doctor or any of his colleagues at my local health centre. Same goes for my 93 year old mother. We book our appointments online and if no one is available, the system can send us to the closest walk-in clinic. Keeps people with less serious problems away from the emergency departments at the hospitals.

Right now, Covid-19 has caused us to use more telephone consultations...which are fine for such things as prescription renewals and questions about the pandemic. I am very satisfied with our health care system and I find it worth it to pay higher taxes to get this kind of protection for my health and my aging mother’s health. Every time I needed to take her to the hospital emergency department for something, I was glad I did not have to worry about payment: just showed them her medicare card and than we could focus on getting her better.

 

[gregvacs28]

Yep, the U.S. is the only embarrassing industrialized country without a universal health care system.  


It's ridiculous and pathetic. 


 


Shame on our knuckle dragging republicans who need a good kick up the back side for their self centered thinking.


 


In the events like this Covid stuff, it puts all of us at risk from those who don't have health care coverage. 


It's one reason the U.S. has the highest infection and death rates.

 

[dandagreer]

Still Open in Nashville

Our one remaining vacuum store in Nashville is still open; I called and talked to the owner last week. I'm guessing because they are considered "essential", though retail businesses were allowed to reopen yesterday here.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I spoke to one

yesterday, too.

 

[scvacuumguy]

Both of my stores have remained opened the entire time. I pulled the hours back slightly when it started just in case things got sketchy financially. No employees were laid off and I did not obtain any of the loan money from the SBA. In all honesty, everyone seems to enjoy the new hours.

We are currently 160% ahead of last month in terms of revenue and 185% ahead of May 2019...so business has not suffered in the least. It seems more people are aware of the junk out there and seem to want to replace with quality vacuums. Our central vacuum business has also been abnormally abundant for the last few weeks. We have also sold a ton of liquid sanitizer and misting/atomizer machines. This places us 20% ahead of last year entirely so the Covid has not affected the business at all. Hopefully that echoes true for all independent vacuum dealers.

As I tell friends who enjoy panic/drama- your fear is absolutely not my fear, so I have no reason to wear a mask or change my daily routine. My parents are older and have remained close to home. In fact, I’m relatively sure that after traveling in November/December I had something similar to CV19. Doctors offered no firm diagnosis and I was relatively voiceless/sickly feeling for 3 weeks. The biggest thing that we need still to fear these days are morons- especially those that feed panic, distress, fear, and emotional distancing.

Stay safe and be smart!

 

[gregvacs28]

The uptick in business is just temporary.  Since people have had more time on their hands they are doing stuff now that they would probably be spreading out of the the next year or so.  


People will get distracted with other things and business will sink back and not just for a month or so.  It will be for many months. 


Also, people tend to have aversion memories to things that happened when there was a large bad experience happening.  


That will no doubt factor into numerous business that will stagnate after the temporary blip up after or when things normalize.

 

[scvacuumguy]

Interesting outlook Greg. How many successful retail stores have you owned? Success being defined as still being open...We see a consistent 15-20% increase annually.

 

[gregvacs28]

If you have consistent annual increases, good for you.

That's a separate issue from recent bumps in business that may well happen.

I've lived through several recessions and studied business. I might have some inside info on this.

 

[lesinutah]

Kelton

Kelton your post is not very clear. Kyou generaliz 3 different thoughts in the first 2 sentences. Could you please be more specific in what you are saying in your wording so we can all understand what your saying
?
Les

 

[scvacuumguy]

While I’m sure you have great “inside info” after reading your other post comments, I’m not really sure anyone in their right mind would be utilizing their time resources wisely to listen to anything you have to say.

 

[gregvacs28]

Interesting

Do you have any other details? This is biased.

"I’m not really sure anyone in their right mind would be utilizing their time resources wisely to listen to anything you have to say."

Are you confident enough to state the real reason you feel that way?

 

[scvacuumguy]

What details are you trying to glean from our experience? If you have “inside info” I’m sure a lowly two location store owner like myself wouldn’t offer anything of value. As for why I feel like you are a waste of time- nothing you have said on this thread offers any real insight or intelligence. Your “humor” is wasted through explanation, taking away any sort of quick wit, and you have never owned or operated a successful business. Basically, your advice on anything other than what you collect would be like taking advice on healthcare from a CVS cashier.

 

[gregvacs28]

OK then

My Horoscope today said something about Hyperbole.....


SSvacuumguy, nothing was said about you personally or about your business.

I don't know what stressors you are dealing with but with this Covid going around one doesn't blame you for being stressed out. Especially if you've been open the last couple of months.

Really wish you the best of successes. Here's hoping venting has helped you.

 

[rivstg1]

Les,

"my favorite one never closed and I was glad for it as I"m friends with the owner. "

okay, I'll try it,
1. my favorite vacuum store never closed during this virus scare
2.I was glad it didn't close
3. I'm friends with the owner of my favorite vacuum store

 

[eurekaprince]

During this pandemic, it would be great if vac shops could offer free pick-up and delivery of vacuums needing repair. Especially for seniors who are very vulnerable to the virus. Do any of your local shops offer this helpful service?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Yrs ago, Mr. Johne, (now deceased)

always picked up and dropped off.
He's even drop off bags, Consstellation hoses, etc.
It was a great time.

 

[gregvacs28]

I wonder if in today's world it would be better for a local vac store owner to operate on line and from home.
They could show all the used and new vacs on their webpage and when someone buys something they could deliver and pick up old vacs.

No commercial over head rent? And no store hours.