marcusprit
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Why don't Kirby modernise their vacuum cleaner and bring it into the 21st century.
Also introduce a compact Kirby?
Also introduce a compact Kirby?
Kirby
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kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Are you new
To this site ? Next week Kirby introduces a totally redesigned modern machine for their 100th Anniversary .
A compact Kirby would never sell people want a full sized vacuum to clean their large homes with I have a small home and think the current Kirby is the perfect size
Only a select few collectors want Kirby to go backwards and bring back decades old machines as new that will never happen Thank God
Kirby would go out of business catering to collectors .
Dan
To this site ? Next week Kirby introduces a totally redesigned modern machine for their 100th Anniversary .
A compact Kirby would never sell people want a full sized vacuum to clean their large homes with I have a small home and think the current Kirby is the perfect size
Only a select few collectors want Kirby to go backwards and bring back decades old machines as new that will never happen Thank God
Kirby would go out of business catering to collectors .
Dan
marcusprit
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I find the Kirby is suited to larger homes. If you have smaller rooms its a bit big and bulky to manoeuvre around furniture etc.
If they made a compact version I think it would open up a whole new market.
If they made a compact version I think it would open up a whole new market.
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
My home is
Small I have zero problems with it if I have to move something it gets moved .
Sorry the select few who need a smaller vacuum will have to go else where or can buy a Royal Metal upright
Kirby will NEVER make a small unit .
Dan
Small I have zero problems with it if I have to move something it gets moved .
Sorry the select few who need a smaller vacuum will have to go else where or can buy a Royal Metal upright
Kirby will NEVER make a small unit .
Dan
oliveoiltinfoil
Well-known member
To be honest, that is relatively poor business practice. The company giving the customers what they think they want, not what they actually want.
I think ease of use is very important with vacuum cleaners, but I cant imagine the kirbys are that easy to use in terms of quickly grabbing the attachments to do crevices and upholstery, although the customer would know this when they buy the vacuum.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing this new Kirby model, if they promise that it is a break away from what their model line up has been for 80 odd years. Variety is the spice of life
I just hope Kirby continues on their promise of quality and reliability. Some say they are not as well made or as durable as they once were, I wouldn't know to be honest.
I think ease of use is very important with vacuum cleaners, but I cant imagine the kirbys are that easy to use in terms of quickly grabbing the attachments to do crevices and upholstery, although the customer would know this when they buy the vacuum.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing this new Kirby model, if they promise that it is a break away from what their model line up has been for 80 odd years. Variety is the spice of life
I just hope Kirby continues on their promise of quality and reliability. Some say they are not as well made or as durable as they once were, I wouldn't know to be honest.
sptyks
Well-known member
Kirby has been in buisness for 100 years now and they sell thousands of Kirbys every year so they must be doing something right.
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
100%
Correct Stan I think they know what type of machine will sell by now .
This topic has been brought up many times yet Kirby keeps building them the same
Dan
Correct Stan I think they know what type of machine will sell by now .
This topic has been brought up many times yet Kirby keeps building them the same
Dan
miskini
Well-known member
Hey Dan, I think we are the minority's here. I'm like you. I want all new, redesigned and modern with all bells and whistles.
marcusprit
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Why are Kirby so against given customers choice? The one thing about the Kirby that puts people off is the weight and bulkiness and the fact you need to wear ear defenders when you use them. So why not introduce a baby Kirby? Why dies it have to be set in stone?
kirbymodel2c
Well-known member
Hi
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The Kirby is still built to a high quality. Now as it has always been (Believe me I know). Also there are still lots of consumers who want a top performing,high quality,versatile machine when offered a choice. Kirby being what it is helps set it apart from the clones on the market today. So yes "<a name="start_27005.302158"></a>Variety is the spice of life."</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">May Kirby continue doing well as it is doing now and in the past.</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The Kirby is still built to a high quality. Now as it has always been (Believe me I know). Also there are still lots of consumers who want a top performing,high quality,versatile machine when offered a choice. Kirby being what it is helps set it apart from the clones on the market today. So yes "<a name="start_27005.302158"></a>Variety is the spice of life."</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">May Kirby continue doing well as it is doing now and in the past.</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
sebo_fan
Well-known member
I don't think Kirby are so against their customers Marcus - they just aren't that bothered to sell anything out of the U.S & Canadian markets where statistically bigger homes in those countries are justifiable for the size of the Kirby upright in general.
I'm sure their argument could easily point to the existing Kirby design where several permutations can be taken from the existing design rather than design a far smaller model from the ground up.
The nearest upright I can think of that is available in the UK are either vintage Hoover classic uprights or the Sanitaire upright that came to the UK a few years ago. There isn't a huge market in Europe alone for a bagged upright in the form of a Kirby, sadly. Look at Oreck UK - not exactly a Kirby I know, but even their uprights are overpriced and not many takers, not helped also by the fact that their range is years out of date compared to the "home" country in the U.S
Spare a thought for the Americans though - their Miele and SEBO products are often price matched per specific models - they don't have a large network of optional cost parts whereby customising their German vacs are possible. Only some tools are available, but not all.
I'm sure their argument could easily point to the existing Kirby design where several permutations can be taken from the existing design rather than design a far smaller model from the ground up.
The nearest upright I can think of that is available in the UK are either vintage Hoover classic uprights or the Sanitaire upright that came to the UK a few years ago. There isn't a huge market in Europe alone for a bagged upright in the form of a Kirby, sadly. Look at Oreck UK - not exactly a Kirby I know, but even their uprights are overpriced and not many takers, not helped also by the fact that their range is years out of date compared to the "home" country in the U.S
Spare a thought for the Americans though - their Miele and SEBO products are often price matched per specific models - they don't have a large network of optional cost parts whereby customising their German vacs are possible. Only some tools are available, but not all.
marcusprit
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Listen I'm not knocking Kirby it's very well built does a fantastic job on carpet
I'd just like to see a compact model but it's not gonna happen so I'll leave it at that
I'd just like to see a compact model but it's not gonna happen so I'll leave it at that
sebo_fan
Well-known member
I think a small Kirby would be a great idea. Im not sure if there would be a market for it though.
dysonman1
Well-known member
Kirby has NOT been selling vacuum cleaners for 100 years. Their first vacuum was sold in 1919. Jim Kirby wouldn't meet Mr. Scott and Mr. Fetzer until 1917 during World War I.
The Kirby Company doesn't have to care about what customers want or don't want - because they sell their cleaners Door to Door. NO ONE wakes up and says "today I'm buying a $2000 vacuum cleaner". They buy one because someone shows up at their door, talks their way inside, and makes them UNHAPPY with their Current vacuum. The customers are sold the machine through a trick "he who goes first - loses". A spot is vacuumed with the current cleaner, and then the Kirby is used, the dirt that is removed be Kirby on the second vacuuming is promised to be "the dirt your vacuum missed" which isn't true at all.
In any event, no one 'shops' for a Kirby and compares it to other cleaners, then buys it. That's not how its sold. It matters not what kind of vacuum the 'old' machine is.
The Rainbow Company does the exact same thing, as does Aerus Electrolux, Filter Queen, Silver King, Hyla, Delphin, Pro Aqua, etc. Door to door sales offices are filled with traded in vacuums of every description. Kirby is traded in on Rainbow constantly. Rainbow is traded in on Kirby. In no case did the consumer 'shop' for the machine. They have one assembly line at Kirby and don't change models often - because they don't HAVE to.
Compare this to retail sales, where someone is selecting a vacuum because they ARE IN THE MARKET for one. If the Kirby was sitting next to all the other vacs at Sears or Wal-Mart - no one would buy it.
The Kirby Company doesn't have to care about what customers want or don't want - because they sell their cleaners Door to Door. NO ONE wakes up and says "today I'm buying a $2000 vacuum cleaner". They buy one because someone shows up at their door, talks their way inside, and makes them UNHAPPY with their Current vacuum. The customers are sold the machine through a trick "he who goes first - loses". A spot is vacuumed with the current cleaner, and then the Kirby is used, the dirt that is removed be Kirby on the second vacuuming is promised to be "the dirt your vacuum missed" which isn't true at all.
In any event, no one 'shops' for a Kirby and compares it to other cleaners, then buys it. That's not how its sold. It matters not what kind of vacuum the 'old' machine is.
The Rainbow Company does the exact same thing, as does Aerus Electrolux, Filter Queen, Silver King, Hyla, Delphin, Pro Aqua, etc. Door to door sales offices are filled with traded in vacuums of every description. Kirby is traded in on Rainbow constantly. Rainbow is traded in on Kirby. In no case did the consumer 'shop' for the machine. They have one assembly line at Kirby and don't change models often - because they don't HAVE to.
Compare this to retail sales, where someone is selecting a vacuum because they ARE IN THE MARKET for one. If the Kirby was sitting next to all the other vacs at Sears or Wal-Mart - no one would buy it.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
Well, Tom, the first KIRBY went on sell in 1935!
I also agree that a small Kirby would be grand. They had it right with the DS80! As much as I love Kirby, their newer models are clunky, and can be an issue in smaller spaces (Think furniture). Why not bring onto the market a machine equal to the DS80, but with HEPA bags and your choice of a '13 or '16 Nozzle? I know i would if i owned Kirby! Then again, if i owned Kirby we would still have the Handi-Butler!
There is 3 ways to sell a Kirby,
<ul>
<li>March up to somebody's house with the latest model in tow, and say, "Hi! I would love to show you just how great this vacuum is!"</li>
<li>March up to somebody's house with the latest model in tow, and say, "Hi! your old vacuum cleaner is terrible, but look at this cool thing!"</li>
<li>Have somebody who appreciates Quality, Reliability and Performance pop into your shop one day and say, "Hello! I would like to purchase a Kirby! here's some cash, See you when i need bags!"</li>
</ul>
Kirby has cared, and hopefully still does. In 1969, when people bought shag, Kirby introduced the Shag Rake. In 1979, when people wanted Disposable Bags, Kirby introduced the Style 1 Set-Up for the new Tradition. in 1990, for whatever reason somebody at Kirby decided that the G series should weigh 30 pounds, they added Tech-Drive to make the Kirby actually usable. another issue is if the distributor cares, As in "Here's your bags, Mrs.McAllister, have a nice day!" or, "Oh that one is $1,700, buy it or get out"!
Oh and Dan, you and I are counting down the hours!!
I also agree that a small Kirby would be grand. They had it right with the DS80! As much as I love Kirby, their newer models are clunky, and can be an issue in smaller spaces (Think furniture). Why not bring onto the market a machine equal to the DS80, but with HEPA bags and your choice of a '13 or '16 Nozzle? I know i would if i owned Kirby! Then again, if i owned Kirby we would still have the Handi-Butler!
There is 3 ways to sell a Kirby,
<ul>
<li>March up to somebody's house with the latest model in tow, and say, "Hi! I would love to show you just how great this vacuum is!"</li>
<li>March up to somebody's house with the latest model in tow, and say, "Hi! your old vacuum cleaner is terrible, but look at this cool thing!"</li>
<li>Have somebody who appreciates Quality, Reliability and Performance pop into your shop one day and say, "Hello! I would like to purchase a Kirby! here's some cash, See you when i need bags!"</li>
</ul>
Kirby has cared, and hopefully still does. In 1969, when people bought shag, Kirby introduced the Shag Rake. In 1979, when people wanted Disposable Bags, Kirby introduced the Style 1 Set-Up for the new Tradition. in 1990, for whatever reason somebody at Kirby decided that the G series should weigh 30 pounds, they added Tech-Drive to make the Kirby actually usable. another issue is if the distributor cares, As in "Here's your bags, Mrs.McAllister, have a nice day!" or, "Oh that one is $1,700, buy it or get out"!
Oh and Dan, you and I are counting down the hours!!
kirbymodel2c
Well-known member
I..
I think most of us are interested to see what is coming....
Can't wait....
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
</span>
I think most of us are interested to see what is coming....
Can't wait....
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
sptyks
Well-known member
Alex,
Isn't the DS80 just a DS50 in another color with a different handle?
Isn't the DS80 just a DS50 in another color with a different handle?
joshdonnell
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- Sep 27, 2010
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- 401
I think they should make it Retro looking. I hope there isn't more plastic.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
You bet it is!
When you only are given two choices you either take it or leave it. (Glad we can still do that.) I for one think kirby should offer a "retro" Kirby many liked the dual 50 and 80 for its size. If Kirbyloverdan doesn't need or want one. That doesn't mean the rest of us shouldn't have what we want. He has been pushing for a totally redesigned Kirby. Why we want a machine designed like those of times gone by is becouse of they way it was designed. One that Actually works. Not all the glitz and bells that do nothing to improve its over all performance and or make it any easier to use.
He obviously doesn't read any reveiws about them. The chief bitch about it is how heavy it is. That is after how pushy and obnoxtious the sales teams have become. then of course there is that difficult task of having to convert it to do anything over and above floors.
There are more people out there that you couldn't give a Kirby to no matter how you redesigned it. If Kirby isn't intrested in thier most loyal customers and therefor best salesmen. It will be their loss when we bail on them and find another brand that does what we expect a vacuum cleaner to do. In this day and age people like choices and expect them. If you don't offer a choice other than take it or leave it. People usually do LEAVE IT.
I for one have been a loyal Kirby man all my life. However I won't make any bones about jumping on Kirby's competitors band wagon anytime they offer a better alternitive than the current Kirby being forced down our thoats. I for one haven't traded in my Heritage II for any of the G Series. The G series clean well. I for one don't like the way it handles cornering. amongst other things I'm not fond of about it.
He obviously doesn't read any reveiws about them. The chief bitch about it is how heavy it is. That is after how pushy and obnoxtious the sales teams have become. then of course there is that difficult task of having to convert it to do anything over and above floors.
There are more people out there that you couldn't give a Kirby to no matter how you redesigned it. If Kirby isn't intrested in thier most loyal customers and therefor best salesmen. It will be their loss when we bail on them and find another brand that does what we expect a vacuum cleaner to do. In this day and age people like choices and expect them. If you don't offer a choice other than take it or leave it. People usually do LEAVE IT.
I for one have been a loyal Kirby man all my life. However I won't make any bones about jumping on Kirby's competitors band wagon anytime they offer a better alternitive than the current Kirby being forced down our thoats. I for one haven't traded in my Heritage II for any of the G Series. The G series clean well. I for one don't like the way it handles cornering. amongst other things I'm not fond of about it.
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Ummm
The new Kirby will be lighter and more maneuverable all customer complaints will be addressed except the very few collectors wishes of a retro Kirby .
Guess the select few collectors will have to continue to hold on to the past and keep using their old Kirbys .
I am excited to finally have a brand new totally redesigned and improved Kirby just as I was with all the previous generations of Kirby I welcome the change and future of Kirby for many years to come .
I love the new Generation Series from the G3 to the current Sentria II Kirby continually improved year after year . I am a true Kirby enthusiest because I love every machine they have made
Dan
The new Kirby will be lighter and more maneuverable all customer complaints will be addressed except the very few collectors wishes of a retro Kirby .
Guess the select few collectors will have to continue to hold on to the past and keep using their old Kirbys .
I am excited to finally have a brand new totally redesigned and improved Kirby just as I was with all the previous generations of Kirby I welcome the change and future of Kirby for many years to come .
I love the new Generation Series from the G3 to the current Sentria II Kirby continually improved year after year . I am a true Kirby enthusiest because I love every machine they have made
Dan
vac-o-matic
Well-known member
Steve...
I'm right there with you with your thoughts on the G series. I have 18 Kirbys currently, counting a S&F Sanitation system, with my newest being a G3. I had the G3 restored years ago with everything new, including the newer style brushroll and improved flow emtor. I have had newer machines, including an Ultimate G, and recently a Sentria which were sold off. I am not a lover of the G series for the above reasons you listed. When I want to "Kirby" my carpet, I prefer my Heritage or Legend II with the smaller heads and a four row brushroll, easier to use. I have kept the G3 due to it being the first of a series. It's just a personal preference. I'm definitely an equal opportunity collector with over 150 machines at this point, and love all of them for individual reasons. My "training" vacs as child were a 505 and the coral GE canister, so Kirby will always have a place in my heart!
I'm right there with you with your thoughts on the G series. I have 18 Kirbys currently, counting a S&F Sanitation system, with my newest being a G3. I had the G3 restored years ago with everything new, including the newer style brushroll and improved flow emtor. I have had newer machines, including an Ultimate G, and recently a Sentria which were sold off. I am not a lover of the G series for the above reasons you listed. When I want to "Kirby" my carpet, I prefer my Heritage or Legend II with the smaller heads and a four row brushroll, easier to use. I have kept the G3 due to it being the first of a series. It's just a personal preference. I'm definitely an equal opportunity collector with over 150 machines at this point, and love all of them for individual reasons. My "training" vacs as child were a 505 and the coral GE canister, so Kirby will always have a place in my heart!
man114
Well-known member
Kirby in retail stores
I think it was Tom that said a Kirby wouldn't sell in a Wal-Mart or Sears. I'd agree it is too high end for Wal-Mart, but I think they'd sell some in a store like Sears or similar stores which carry a lot of appliances. They probably wouldn't sell a lot, but I believe people would buy them on name recognition.
I kind of wonder what the sales numbers would be.
I think it was Tom that said a Kirby wouldn't sell in a Wal-Mart or Sears. I'd agree it is too high end for Wal-Mart, but I think they'd sell some in a store like Sears or similar stores which carry a lot of appliances. They probably wouldn't sell a lot, but I believe people would buy them on name recognition.
I kind of wonder what the sales numbers would be.
cuffs054
Well-known member
I love my Kirby and would probably buy a newer one, but I just don't want a "talking head" in my house. I wish Kirby would let us buy direct.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
You can, March down to the distributor, throw some cash at the owner, and walk out with your shiny new Kirby!
man114
Well-known member
Innovation
I hope Kirby does it like Rainbow did from D4 to E Series. Sticking to the original basic design but making it more user friendly in terms of attachments and design. I think Rainbow was more aggressive in terms of design, a lot of the stuff coming out of the D series to E series and upgrades of existing attachments were truly useful as opposed to gimmicky. With only minor modifications of the existing nozzle design they could make it more user friendly to use attachments and retain the most common onboard. Pivoted steering would also be very easily implemented. Will they? I hope so.
I hope Kirby does it like Rainbow did from D4 to E Series. Sticking to the original basic design but making it more user friendly in terms of attachments and design. I think Rainbow was more aggressive in terms of design, a lot of the stuff coming out of the D series to E series and upgrades of existing attachments were truly useful as opposed to gimmicky. With only minor modifications of the existing nozzle design they could make it more user friendly to use attachments and retain the most common onboard. Pivoted steering would also be very easily implemented. Will they? I hope so.
rugsucker
Well-known member
Kirby in sears?
How many Hoover Zs did Sears sell?How many Vax vac/carpet washers?Could these have been sold DTD by a salesman who would demo until he got the money?Tom is very right on above DTD sales information.The DTD demo has to -Show the need,Create the desire and Close the sale TODAY.The only way a store will sell a DTD vac is if an active sales force is showing a vac in home but not closing the sale at the high price.A customer may then walk in and buy a same or similar vac if at a lower price.
As a general rule all DTD vacs are quality products that will clean a home if used properly.One difference among companies in the pre Aerus days was that Electrolux offices were company owned and did their own financing.They were more likely to stay in the same city or even same building for years and build up more walk in sales of supplies,service and vacs.
How many Hoover Zs did Sears sell?How many Vax vac/carpet washers?Could these have been sold DTD by a salesman who would demo until he got the money?Tom is very right on above DTD sales information.The DTD demo has to -Show the need,Create the desire and Close the sale TODAY.The only way a store will sell a DTD vac is if an active sales force is showing a vac in home but not closing the sale at the high price.A customer may then walk in and buy a same or similar vac if at a lower price.
As a general rule all DTD vacs are quality products that will clean a home if used properly.One difference among companies in the pre Aerus days was that Electrolux offices were company owned and did their own financing.They were more likely to stay in the same city or even same building for years and build up more walk in sales of supplies,service and vacs.
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