New Kirby or Rebuild any suggestions?

[ryanm]

In the area I live (upstate NY), I discovered there are pretty much NO Kirby distributors within at least a 75 or 100 mile radious from where I live, and the one dealer I could find wants $1500 for a new Kirby (I thought this price was kind of high), so I guess there is now way for me to make a deal with a salesman for a lower price. I was considering trading in my G4 for a new machine. I currently have a G4 which has more than several things wrong with it, so I called the Kirby rebuild department directly at Kirby. They told me they will only rebuild if I am the original owner, and they have a data base which matches serial numbers to original owner, so they could tell if I was not original owner. I am NOT the original owner of this machine, I got it from a friend when it was nearly new, so I guess I can forget about having Kirby do this rebuild. Is there anyone on this site who offers rebuild of my machine, or the purchase of new, please email me. I just cannot believe all 4 of the Kirby offices in my area have closed, and the company will not sell direct. I will go to a local vac shop for repair if I have to, but they are hard to find in my area as well. Any suggestions?

 

[twocvbloke]

Kirby WILL rebuild machines for a price, whether or not you're the original owner (they were trying to put you off and want you to buy new), at least here in the UK, they offer a rebuild scheme where you pay a set amount plus any cost for replacement part, and what you get back is like new. Just call them again and say (don't ask) that you want the vac rebuilt and ask how much it'll cost minimum, if they come back with the same "original owner spiel", ask to speak to the manager, going up one level usually works in getting the service you require...

As for their sales, well, yeah, they're a little behind in the times regarding sales, great machines, excellent quality, but a very poor selling technique...

 

[kirbysthebest]

It was my understanding that Kirby would rebuild for non-original owners, but the Agreement to Rebuild price would be substantially higher.

It may not hurt to call the rebuild department again. I was sure that there were some members here that had their non-original owner machines factory rebuilt. I can't see a company turning down business when they can get it.

 

[eurekastar]

The Kirby Distributor who works my area lives 250 miles away. In fact, I know he drives at least another 60 miles beyond where I live to call on customers. So I can't imagine why a distributor wouldn't drive 70 miles to make a sale. Also, the Kirby rebuild depart will rebuild your machine even if you're not the original owner. BUT it will be more pricey. I checked on a G4 last year and I vaguely recall that it was either $275 or $350. But I'm not positive about that price.

 

[thunderhexed]

rebuild for non-owner

I emailed Kirby a few months ago asking for a rebuild quote for a non-original owner of a G-5. The response I got back was $350.00 plus shipping to and from. Seems reasonable to me. Beats dropping anywhere from $60.00 to $300.00 on some plasti-vac in a big box store that is possibly prone to wearing out more quickly unless you were buying it strictly for collection purposes of course .

 

[ryanm]

Thanks to ALL that have responded so far! I did call distributors out of my area as suggested here, none of them ever called me back for a sale, which I found strange. I told the Kirby company this when I called. They claim the lack of distributors was due to the economy. I will also try again to follow the other suggestions offered here, going back to the Kirby company on the rebuild questions. I was afraid to tell them on the phone that I was not original owner, as they told me if I could not show my 'proof of purchase' it would cost $350, but then also as I said, the lady then told me I needed to be in the data base as original owner to get the rebuild, and the letter they sent me also said the same 'MUST BE ORIGNAL OWNER', which is why I thought perhaps I thought that with G series machines they are only doing for original owner. No where in the letter did it say anything about a Non Original Owner, or having different pricing for a non original owner, everything was focused on what dealer you bought from, what date of purchase, what price, and proof by sending original bill of sale etc. The rep at Kirby also told me that for the G series machines, the rebuild price goes up each year based on market price.

 

[pr-21]

Rebuild

Just mark your form that you are not the original owner. The $350 plus shipping to and from is your expense. You don't need to send the handle or any part that doesn't need rebuilt. You can send in worn attachments. When your machine is rebuilt you will receive a letter giving you options for paying for the rebuild. You may phone the rebuild dept to pay by credit card and get it a little sooner. This is at least a 2 to 3 week process, but when it comes back it will look brand new.


Bud

 

[djtaylor]

Michael
Are you able to do any of the repairs to your G4 yourself? If you can, I suggest buying the replacement parts from one of the guys on this forum who sell or service Kirbys. I have had some really great prices from our friends here that I can't get locally. There really isn't anything on a G series Kirby that can't be fixed or replaced fairly cheep. Just ask the shop owners or Kirby Servicepersons on this forum to email you privately and tell them what needs to be fixed/replaced. This is a great resource for parts and knowledge, don't be afraid to ask. I worked in two Kirby offices for a total of 5 years, if I can help I would love to. Just email me.
And if all else fails and you want to replace the G4 you can get a Sentria or older model on ebay for a fair price.
I hope I helped. Good luck.
Justin
[email protected]

 

[kirbyvacuum]

worth evry penny

Michel Go for the factory rebuild. Your Kirby will come back looking and runing like new . I had my dual 80 rebuild wonderful job Doug

 

[a007kirbyman]

Michael, rebuild & email...

Hello Michael.

I attempted emailing you regarding & it came back with mailbox unavailable (see below):



"...The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----
[email protected]
(reason: 550 Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable)

----- Transcript of session follows -----
... while talking to mx3.hotmail.com.:
>>> DATA
<<< 550 Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable
550 5.1.1 [email protected]... User unknown
<<< 503 Need Rcpt command..."


If you want me to attempt again, plz provide or verify address.

Cheers & hagd all,

Bill

 

[hoover28]

kirby rebiuld

I can help if you are not to far from my vac shop.


Chris