(Hypothetically) How does oneself open a vacuum shop?

[kirbyman65]

I’m just curious, would love to hear out other peoples experiences.

 

[centralsweeper63]

I would love to help, but I am also on the need to know side of the spectrum. Great thread idea!

 

[DW53487]

This should be an interesting post.

 

[vacerator]

Most also have an online store. It's a necessity today. You have to maximise sales in order to afford the brick and mortar rent.

 

[SeboU1]

I would also like to open a store at some point. I would only sell Sebo and Lindhaus, I can’t say I would want my name behind Miele with the direction that they’re going. The main problem I see in opening a vacuum store is that most consumer’s eyes bulge out when they see the price on a Lindhaus or Sebo. The store would mainly survive on repair and online parts sales as others have said. It would probably be best to open a store in an affluent area, as you might be able to sell more new machines.

 

[centralsweeper63]

If you are selling those expensive machines (which I believe you should) you will need to have a competitors machines to show the flaws. E.G. a Dyson V16 to show why it is worth the extra money.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

If I were selling machines, I would focus on eBay and online avenues, because people buying good vacs is a limited market.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Yes, there is only so many people that come into stores. Definitely have all your machines available for trying out in person though, there is still that type of person out there. Also, refurbished machines can definitely help in bad situations, having a back stock of machines ready to be refurbished so that if there is supply chain problems or a need for more machines, there is something there.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Yes, there is only so many people that come into stores. Definitely have all your machines available for trying out in person though, there is still that type of person out there. Also, refurbished machines can definitely help in bad situations, having a back stock of machines ready to be refurbished so that if there is supply chain problems or a need for more machines, there is something there.

For sure, best bet is run out of a garage and then you have it covered.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Yep. Also, try to get a mortgage and purchase your own place so that your landlord can't raise the lease and push you out.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

I would also like to open a store at some point. I would only sell Sebo and Lindhaus, I can’t say I would want my name behind Miele with the direction that they’re going. The main problem I see in opening a vacuum store is that most consumer’s eyes bulge out when they see the price on a Lindhaus or Sebo. The store would mainly survive on repair and online parts sales as others have said. It would probably be best to open a store in an affluent area, as you might be able to sell more new machines.

Think a Sebo is high, try on a new Filter Queen! Now that's high dollar!

 

[centralsweeper63]

Exactly. But refurbished old Filter Queen, that is another story.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Exactly. But refurbished old Filter Queen, that is another story.

Very true! One reason I like older machines is the way lower purchase price. They are also better running machines and they are also way classier.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Also, they are just better built with nicer finishes.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Also, they are just better built with nicer finishes.

Very true! Back when they were sold door-to-door primarily and they had to impress housewives who drove big cars! These classy ladies were smart and knew the vacuum was an investment as they were going to work it 100+ hours a year in a nice home.

 

[centralsweeper63]

It had to stand up to lots of use. Well maintained and used carefully, though lots of use none-the-less.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

It had to stand up to lots of use. Well maintained and used carefully, though lots of use none-the-less.

The greatest generation! Their husbands worked like dogs and built fortunes! Their job was to manage the home. They budgeted, prepared bacon and eggs daily, and kept those sensibly sized homes clean as military installations! The correct equipment was mandatory. Today it is all seen as drudgery and minimized to tasks or if well off subcontracted out. They eat out, hire cleaners, and pay someone to do simple projects their wimpy husbands who can't use a ratchet and pay someone to mow the lawn. These are all jobs I do in-house and then some.

 

[centralsweeper63]

I can fix all my stuff, and I am in middle school!

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

I can fix all my stuff, and I am in middle school!

When first car shows up you will be ready!

 

[centralsweeper63]

Yep! I plan to get a 1991/1992 Volvo 740 estate. Practical, fairly cheap, reliable, easy to repair, etc, etc.

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Yep! I plan to get a 1991/1992 Volvo 740 estate. Practical, fairly cheap, reliable, easy to repair, etc, etc.

In your neck of the woods, probably easy to get parts for

 

[centralsweeper63]

Indeed! Nice cars they are!

 

[SeboU1]

Think a Sebo is high, try on a new Filter Queen! Now that's high dollar!

I have thought about getting a new FQ, you can get them direct from the factory for about $900 at certain times of the year. I’ve heard that the new FQs are plagued with bad motors.

 

[dysonman1]

Think a Sebo is high, try on a new Filter Queen! Now that's high dollar!

Brand new filter queens on Amazon are only $1200. And they go on sale from time to time during the year.

 

[scvacuumguy]

I’m just curious, would love to hear out other peoples experiences.

I bought my fist store 16 years ago. It was a pretty crappy location, cracks in the windows, worn down carpet, mainly used vacuums and a few blue line sanitaires that were new.

16 years later, we have two very large locations and they are pretty much the largest locations (volume/revenue) in our state. I have a large central vacuum business- we have bought out all regional competitors. I’ve owned as many as 3 stores, sold one of those stores because it was 60 miles from the next closet store.

Here are tips for owning a successful vacuum cleaner store in 2026:

- you must be a boutique store, repair boutique and cleaning products

- butts through the door is the most important aspect of the business

- NO USED VACUUMS (otherwise you’re no better than the thrift store)

- bright nice retail location (my flagship store is right on the interstate)

- SPA/SPC chemicals and cleaning products sell on a 10:1 ratio with vacuums- but the customer comes back 1.5 times per month

- we repair lamps, sewing machines, heaters, small appliances, kitchen aid mixers

- we are also the ryobi, rigid, black max warranty center for electric lawnmowers and tools ($4-6k per month in revenue)

We don’t really sell anything on our website…so it’s not overly necessary to compete with the web people

 

[kirbyman65]

I’ve the advice! What’s the name of your shop?

 

[centralsweeper63]

What about refurbished vacuums?

 

[FilterQueenEthan]

Diversification is key!

 

[centralsweeper63]

Spread yourself out, find as many people as possible.