centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Servicing, central vacs and budget machines are all necessary.
(Hypothetically) How does oneself open a vacuum shop?
- Thread starter kirbyman65
- Start date
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
Well-known member
Some people only have $100 and want the absolute best vacuum there is.
cheesewonton
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
Such a shame, but very true.
scvacuumguy
Well-known member
vacerator
Well-known member
Here, we have Bank's! Since 1958.
scvacuumguy
Well-known member
They are great folks
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
I hear they are. Both of you have really nice websites.
cheesewonton
Well-known member
Your website says since 1965 ??? Nice looking shops btw. Clean and spacious.
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
Well laid out too.
That’s why I’m not a salesman, I could never sale products that I wouldn’t want to own. I’m not surprised that the consumers are preferring the cordless and bagless models. It’s really unfortunate that the consumers are buying these cordless machines that cost the same as a quality vacuum.
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
I always manage to make sales. I have a story about that. A lady wanted a filter for her Electrolux stick bags, she ended up walking out with $2,000 worth of machines when the employees brushed her off. The trick is, hold back on the speech and get talking to them about the problem with their old machine or why they want a new one. Then, you show them a machine you own and tell them why you love using it so much. Let them know about your collection too.
centralsweeper63
Well-known member
If you push someone they get bored, if you let them talk and ask short questions you can gather info about what they need, who they have around them and all that type of thing. Also, that story from earlier, the way that went was as follows, take a bit of time looking at or talking about their old machine. But give it some merit, though not heaps. Then, you ask them what they want. Then you show them what they think they want, but point out the weaknesses. Then, guide, not shove, them towards a sebo or Lindsay’s or something. If they say it is too pricey, show them a lower model, always start with the top model. Back when Miele was good (ish) I sold someone a machine, they asked where it was made and I responded, china, but it is built to good standards. Just a bit of reassurance helps too. That lady with the $2000 purchase lived with her husband, was retired, and could not lift a corded machine at all. I was showing her all the attachments and their purposes and I got to the hard floor fluffy attachment, and she asked if it would help with her tiles that are hard to keep glossy. I said that would help, but not get it perfect. But close to it. She then asked if there was anything else, she also bought an electric floor mop that day. The more you connect and get little details, the easier it is to sell.
Keep in mind, people are more likely to buy if you show them how to and how often to clean filters, change bag, how to use all the attachments, etc. Then, a business card with a note of how often to have it serviced ensures a repeat customer.
Keep in mind, people are more likely to buy if you show them how to and how often to clean filters, change bag, how to use all the attachments, etc. Then, a business card with a note of how often to have it serviced ensures a repeat customer.
