Also Steve, - SEBO's cylinder vacs do not have commercial counterparts, thus were created purely for the domestic market, a change of idea that SEBO only played around with when they brought out their larger C series cylinder vacuum. To my knowledge there was never a C series commercial cylinder vacuum until later this year SEBO brought out the D Professional for the commercial market. Things are thus changing for the SEBO company, but it can take a long time.
The Felix has been a good seller for them, but SEBO are playing to the heartstrings that others have done, swapping glittery paint finishes for fancy outer exhaust covers.
But, even when considering model per model, say a Miele S6 compared to the SEBO K1 series, you can clearly tell that even if the SEBO vacuum is made for the domestic model, they don't adorn their machines with bits of silvery metal that will fade in time or fancy added LED lights like the Miele S8, let alone apply glossy and fancy lights aplenty. They also don't have flimsy doors or places that are likely to break. Again, the emphasis is commercial based - more durable plastics, bigger detailing on practical elements compared to Miele, maybe one or two LED lights at the most.
Not all products are the same - I mean, I can't seem to find any Vorwerks at John Lewis, let alone any other high street franchise and I would dearly like to try a Lindhaus before purchase - but again you're limited by those brands who choose not to sell at high street outlets.
I think you do have to make compromises - like when you go into Currys etc and find that the filter you bought for your Dyson has sold out and thus have to wait until stocks come in - or buy online.
