(Hypothetically) How does oneself open a vacuum shop?

[centralsweeper63]

Servicing, central vacs and budget machines are all necessary.

 

[SeboU1]

You need a low priced line too. Most people walking in your door will not be looking to spend Sebo or Lindhaus prices. You will also find to your dismay that most people shopping for a vacuum want something cordless and bagless and cheap. If you don't have that to sell they'll walk away. Sebo and Lindhaus alone are not going to generate enough sales to keep the lights on and pay the bills.

I couldn’t even begin to think which budget brand I would sell! I probably would sell corded Dysons for the bagless and maybe Titan for bagged. I would rather sell refurbished quality vacuums to people who can’t or don’t want to pay over $500 for a vacuum. What are the chances that people would visit a vacuum store for their cheap vacuum though, especially if there’s a Walmart or Home Depot near by.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Some people only have $100 and want the absolute best vacuum there is.

 

[cheesewonton]

I couldn’t even begin to think which budget brand I would sell! I probably would sell corded Dysons for the bagless and maybe Titan for bagged. I would rather sell refurbished quality vacuums to people who can’t or don’t want to pay over $500 for a vacuum. What are the chances that people would visit a vacuum store for their cheap vacuum though, especially if there’s a Walmart or Home Depot near by.

Based on what my friend with a vac shop business that he inherited from his dad, so it is old and established, customers don't want conventional bagged vacuums any more. The demand is for cordless bagless and light weight. Even a lower priced bagged vacuum isn't going to interest this customer. He used to refurbish used Electrolux canisters, Tristars and Kirbys but couldn't sell them even priced down to $200. Not what buyers want.

Unlike us enthusiasts, the general public wants no part of vacuum bags or cords any more. They want bagless and cordless. My friend sells Sebo, Cirrus, Sanitaire, Oreck and now offers a couple of cordless Simplicity models. He didn't want to go there but he got tired of people coming in, looking around, asking about cordless stick vacs which he heretofore didn't sell, and see them walk out. They look at a Sebo or Sanitaire and roll their eyes as if to say "really ?"

 

[centralsweeper63]

Such a shame, but very true.

 

[scvacuumguy]

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

Www.vacuums-etc.com

Making your life suck since 1955

 

[vacerator]

Here, we have Bank's! Since 1958.

 

[scvacuumguy]

Here, we have Bank's!

They are great folks

 

[centralsweeper63]

I hear they are. Both of you have really nice websites.

 

[cheesewonton]

Www.vacuums-etc.com

Making your life suck since 1955

Your website says since 1965 ??? Nice looking shops btw. Clean and spacious.

 

[centralsweeper63]

Well laid out too.