Real1 is dead on!
I couldn't agree more. I think my grandparent's generation had it figured out. You bought a quality machine ONCE, and took care of it. That is the reason we come across old Hoovers with service dates spanning several decades. I come across these more often than not. In fact, I have a Hoover 61 that has service dates starting in 1949 and the last (legible) date being 1990, this is AT LEAST 41 years of use. The machine in question was basically serviced every one to three years, just as the owner's manual suggested. I think that speaks volumes about the way people, in the US anyway, appreciated quality in the first half of the twentieth century.
Of course people wanted new features, gadgets, and modern styling. Many machines were traded in for newer models, or when needs changed. I agree with you totally, Real1. My generation has things completely backwards. To many, it is simply easier to buy a cheap POS machine that can be tossed in the trash when it gives any hint of trouble. Not to mention the "modern marvel" vacuums make servicing almost impossible. There is a reason that cleaners that are sixty to eighty years old are still cleaning today! They were built to last a lifetime...and in many cases more than one lifetime!
It's unfortunate that people have this mindset, and are more than willing to hand over money to purchase trash. I think this will start to change once people realize how many vacuums they have gone through, and how ridiculous it is.I have several friends in the vacuum repair/service industry, and have been told many of their customers are steering clear of the "latest fad" plastic trash in favor of the tried and true machines. I think it goes without saying that newer isn't always better!
HOPESTER~ THANK YOU!
I will call you as soon as this storm blows over! It's getting kind of nutty here right now!(Nuttier than usual, anyway lol) I emailed you yesterday evening, shoot me an email when you have a minute!
