Kirby Is Now Selling Direct Online

[compactelectra]

Never thought I’d see this day but probably due to its new owners. It will be interesting to see how this progresses.

https://www.kirby.com/shop/kirby-avalir-2-vacuum/

 

[kirbylux77]

I think it's a good thing! I bet a lot of people that want a new Kirby but DON'T want a dtd salesman hounding them in their homes for hours will buy off the website. The only mistake I think they made was including the shampooer in the standard package, that should have been left optional for people who wouldn't want it.

Rob

 

[texaskirbyguy]

It is about time this happened.
There are three different packages to choose from - the most expensive is of course the default one.
The basic package includes just the vacuum and the standard attachments for 1600.

Now if they would bring back a D50-sized machine with no self propel and perhaps a well-designed cordless variant, then they could be even more successful in a wider market.
Lets see how this goes now...

 

[human]

This is definitely a step in the right direction. Anything to distance themselves from the traditional strong-arm home invasion sales tactics of yore is a good thing. That said, I wonder how local Kirby branches fit into the equation.

While the value proposition over time is plain to see, the initial cost of acquisition is tough for many consumers to swallow, especially when second-hand, late model Kirbys can be found at thrift stores and pawn shops for a small fraction of the base price. The going price for a used G-series Kirby in good shape at thrift stores around here is about $50 for one with a full set of tools, including a shampoo system and $30 for the vacuum cleaner alone. I own a dozen Kirbys and I doubt I have $500 tied up in the lot of them.

 

[vacuumdevil]

Doesn't this belong in the contemporary section?

 

[compactelectra]

Proper Forum

Since Kirby has a long history and this is a major change from the way they have historically have marketed the machines I felt it could be here. This is a major death knell in door-to-door sales of vacuum cleaners. Robert can move it if he feels that is necessary.

 

[bikerray]

I'm wondering how many people will buy one on line and have no idea how to use the attachments or even what they are. That's because most people DON'T read the manual or watch the video. I've seen people come into the repair shop asking how to use their shampooer (could someone show them) and could the shop show them how to work the belt lifter because they can't get the nozzle back on.

The second thing is where are they going to get their Kirby's serviced?

What vacuum shops are left are barely hanging on or getting ready to retire.

Kirby was also undercutting their dealers, selling the products (Shampoo, Citrus Split, etc.) on line for less then or the same price as what they were charging their dealers.

 

[beagledad]

A step in the right direction. There are plenty of vacuum shops that service all brands. I really couldn't care less if this hurts all the sleazy Kirby reps. Good riddance.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

bikerray - on their website you can actually schedule an in-home demo if desired.
This is in the 'find a distributor' section.
This would be good for someone unfamiliar with the machine who is not good at figuring it out by themselves. Personally I like this as being a choice.

For those who do not choose this option, then they are on their own like buying anything else.
There will always be those who know nothing about what they buy despite the info being readily available. I have seen car dealer service writers getting customer complaints of "small blue light on dash - please fix" and similar non-issues.

 

[huskyvacs]

"What vacuum shops are left are barely hanging on or getting ready to retire. "

I can show you several in my city of 100k that pull in 5 figures a month that do just fine. They have been here as long as ive been alive and still exist. I think only one died permanently because the owner died himself and had no surviving kin to keep it going.

Also Kirby doesn't restrict their parts to "authorized dealer networks". While there are authorized Kirby centers certified to do kirby repairs, anyone can get parts. Try doing that with Miele or Sebo and they will tell you to kick rocks.

and yes a in-home demo when done right does help so long as the salesman is a good guy and knows what he is doing and puts in the effort. the guy that sold my family the kirby ultimate g in 2002 was an absolute riot and i still remember the things he taught me when i was just 9. he was a funny guy and he knew how to make a pitch. still have the vacuum too albeit its in disrepair. we were friends with the salesman for many years and we also were his customer when he became a vendor for door to door prepacked meat sales too. not all salesman are bad.

and yeah this thread would be better fit for the household discussions section since it's not particularly of any specific model of kirby or a vacuum in general

 

[n0oxy]

this was bound to happen

This isn't surprising, selling vacuums door to door is a dying breed, let's see if Rainbow is next. I'm not sure how many of these will be sold though, with those prices, let's see if selling on line increases their sales at all.
Mike