Kirby Research Project

[captainhook]

Hi, I am a student trying to do a research paper on the differences between Kirby advertising from the beginnings of the company to today. I can only use print advertisements and am having a very hard time finding any images of Kirby's advertisements. If any one can help, I would really appreciate it.

Also, If there is a true Kirby aficionado out there, I would love to talk with you about how you perceive the changes in Kirby's ad and sales approach since the early 1900's. You could be a primary research source for me, listed in the bibliography as an expert source.

Thanky you in advance for any help!!!!!
Scott McMillan

 

[eurekastar]

Others know far more about this than me. But I think you're not finding much print advertising for Kirby because they didn't do it. They relied solely on door-to-door sales and referrals. There may be one exception: in the 30s, Kirby had a brief stint where some models were sold in stores (in addition to their traditional DTD method). Those in-store models differed mainly in the power switch setup. Anyway, Kirby may have done more extensive print advertising then. But as far as I know, they never really relied on print advertising. I'm guessing that the few ads that are floating around out there were mainly for trade magazines, etc. But I'm sure others will weigh in with more accurate information.

 

[kc_kirby]

I have actually seen advertisements for Kirby from their early days. Some were asking people to let the Kirby guy into their home to see the demo. I believe some of them are in the rotation for vacuum of the day. I have also seen some ads on Ebay. The ads that I have seen do not have a picture of a Kirby, they mostly just have words. I have also seen some brochures for the Handi Butler and the floor polisher as well. I don't have any ads or scans so I can't help you but I thought I would let you know there are some out there. Kirby didn't advertise much though so finding the ads are not that easy. And I don't think Kirby advertises at all current day so you may not find much to compare the old ads to. About the only place you could look is their website for current day advertising. Hope this helps.

Chad

 

[trebor]

There have been ads for Kirby...

but they NEVER show the machine. One such(full page)ad shows a variety of cleaning materials and products (no vacuum cleaner) and the Kirby cord only. It reads,"Suppose you had to clean, dust, disinfect, demoth, paint, polish, buff, sweep, scrub, and shampoo all in one day? How many appliances would you need? One, a Kirby (Dual Sanitronic 80, Classic Omega, Classic three [all were used]. No other appliance in the world does as many things for you as the Kirby."

Another ad showed just the hand grip of the flexible shaft, and was a request for a demo.

 

[gsheen]

pls correct me if I am wrong but isn't it "illegal " for a company set up like kirby to advertise showing there product, I seem to remember something along those lines when I was studying business we studied direct sales and kirby was used as an example. I know in SA the Kirby dealers are not aloud to display the name kirby on thee buildings, A mate of mine owns one , he can advertise lt promotions ( his company name but not kirby, he has the biggest kirby dealership in our province. In fact a while ago there were fake kirby salesman going around selling kirby's at very low prices ( probably stolen or grey imports ) and how you could identify them was they had kirby sign written on there cars.

 

[briankirbyclass]

I know my local Kirby SERVICE center has a large sign that says KIRBY SALES AND SERVICE on the front of their building. BUT, they dont and/or CANT sell the NEWEST machine that the dealer is selling. They can however sell any other Kirby model as used, or rebuilt. If a new machine needs warranty service, this is where its performed.
I know when the Blue Kirby Tradition was being sold new, the salesman put out postcards with a picture of the machine being used by an attractive woman model, that was used as a selling ad. The salesmen would go around the neighborhood and put a card in the front door of the houses.
On the back of the card it gave the salesman's name, phone number and address, and what kind of service was requested. By this time Kirby was selling paper bags to fit the Tradition, so i know that was one of the things you could request, besides shampoo, floor wax, and additional attachments for your Kirby.
You could also request that your current vacuum be 'tested for suction" which really meant you would betting a demo of the new Kirby Tradition, and shown how much better it was than whatever machine your currently had. You requested service either by calling the number or sending the postcard with your info.
I think they also had postcards showing the Heritage when it first came out, and the Heritage 2.

 

[rugsucker]

W Y K M

A 50s ad told you to Welcome Your Kirby Man.As in the above 60s ad it told you some of what the Kirby could do without picturing the machine hoping you would see the Kirby and demo when "your Kirby man" was in the neighborhood.