kirbyman65
Well-known member
I’m just curious, would love to hear out other peoples experiences.
(Hypothetically) How does oneself open a vacuum shop?
- Thread starter kirbyman65
- Start date
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
I would love to help, but I am also on the need to know side of the spectrum. Great thread idea!
DW53487
New member
This should be an interesting post.
vacerator
Well-known member
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.
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
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
If I were selling machines, I would focus on eBay and online avenues, because people buying good vacs is a limited market.
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
For sure, best bet is run out of a garage and then you have it covered.
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
Think a Sebo is high, try on a new Filter Queen! Now that's high dollar!
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Exactly. But refurbished old Filter Queen, that is another story.
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
Also, they are just better built with nicer finishes.
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
It had to stand up to lots of use. Well maintained and used carefully, though lots of use none-the-less.
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
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.
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centralsweeper63
Well-known member
I can fix all my stuff, and I am in middle school!
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
When first car shows up you will be ready!
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Yep! I plan to get a 1991/1992 Volvo 740 estate. Practical, fairly cheap, reliable, easy to repair, etc, etc.
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
In your neck of the woods, probably easy to get parts for
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Indeed! Nice cars they are!
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
Well-known member
Brand new filter queens on Amazon are only $1200. And they go on sale from time to time during the year.
scvacuumguy
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
I’ve the advice! What’s the name of your shop?
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
What about refurbished vacuums?
FilterQueenEthan
Well-known member
Diversification is key!
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Spread yourself out, find as many people as possible.
