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.
Some people only have $100 and want the absolute best vacuum there is.
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 ?"
Such a shame, but very true.
Here, we have Bank's! Since 1958.
They are great folks
I hear they are. Both of you have really nice websites.
Your website says since 1965 ??? Nice looking shops btw. Clean and spacious.
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.
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.
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.
I would love to open a vacuum shop. It was always one of my dreams, ever since I was a child. (That and opening a restaurant or hotel.)
Sadly, I don't think a vacuum shop would be feasible where I am.
It's cool to see the ideas here though.
Sadly, I don't think a vacuum shop would be feasible where I am.
It's cool to see the ideas here though.
I would love to open a vacuum shop someday, too.
Vacuum shops are dying, people do not shop at them anymore. My city lost all of them. Every 10 years one shut down. There's none left now. Also the business taxes will absolutely decimate you. What you want to do is cater to the niche and collector market. Work from your garage or a large shed in the yard. Sell stuff people want and need. Look at any random vacuum brand on eBay's sold listings and you will see people making serious money over the most inane vintage vacuums. Dial a matics are $250+, Hoover convertibles $120+. Someone just dumped over $1,000 on a bugeye Kenmore that sold over the fall. I myself just paid $150 to get back the Eureka vacuum my parents had when I was a kid. First time I seen one come up for sale in over 15 years - nobody has one in real life locally. Vintage vacuums sell like hotcakes right now. People that know how to 3D print or metallurgy parts for antique vacuums also find themselves with a fat piggy bank. Think outside the box.
Restore and donate the cheap budget vacuums to churches and charity shelters to give to people who are just getting into buying a house or are in need of household appliances to get by on a limited income. Remember how the Chinese businessman thinks: every idea will have a customer if you believe in it.
A couple of years ago on eBay there was a NIB Whirlpool Power Clean 7000 canister vacuum being auctioned. The starting bid was $150. The seller had absolutely no idea what he had was even a little bit valuable. The seller told me he was originally going to give it to a local Salvation Army store but his wife convinced him to put it on eBay.
I put a bid in just over the $150 minimum, and then because the auction was going to close right at the time we put our little man to bed ( which can be a time consuming ordeal with his ADHD and Autism ) I put a max bid of $3,000 thinking nobody in their right mind would go anywhere near that high. I went off to put the little man to bed secure in the knowledge that I would soon be the proud owner of a pristine mid 1980s Whirlpool.
I lost the auction !
