Sorry to hear about your experience Scott. A rep can make or break the success of a line in whatever area they represent. I had a wonderful rep when I had my store, but I have heard horror stories. There are lots of people who get the job and simply see it as a way to earn a living. They don't give a damn about the vacuums or the business at all. It's just the numbers to them.
I'm really surprised that dealer services did not know that some machines are assembled in China. That was never a huge secret in any of my dealings with the company. In fact, every machine that is assembled in China says so right on the spec plate. I believe currently that consists of the Naturell, the Plus, the 514, and the two Universal uprights. The S4, S5 and S7 lines are all 100% German made. What most people don't know is that Miele needs to do this with their older machines in order to make room at the plant for the current line-up. Space is at a premium in Germany, due to the relatively small size of the country, so it's difficult to expand the plant to accomodate new product. So for the older models, they ship the German made parts to the plant in China (there are also other plants in the Czech Republic and Austria). The sticker does indicate that parts come from both Germany and China. I can't remember now what part is made in China, but it's some small electrical component.
What is the name of your vacuum store? I looked on the dealer locater for Allen, TX, but it only lists one dealer there. If you are not on the locater, try to get Miele to get you on there. It does help bring in business.
I do hope that things get better for you. Miele truly does make the best (I didn't say perfect) canister on the market now, and customers just LOVE them.
