New Model(s) Coming
I work part-time for an Oreck store and we hear there will be a new model(s) coming out this fall. We have already been told to cut down on our machine ordering, so we don't have a surplus of the current models. I have no idea what the clearance prices will be at this point or if by how much the new ones will go up. The XL21 is a great machine and believe me, when they come in for their annual service (included with purchase), for those who aren't anal about changing their bags, they are FULL and no longer weigh 9 lbs. People ask how long they can last, and I tell them I see some 10-12 yr old machines that have been well maintained and are running fine, but some newer machines that have had the crap beat out of them by cleaning people, kids, etc., and those require a lot of TLC. One thing we see is that people tend to think all vacs are wet-dry vacs, and as some vac shop owners on here can testify, you don't have to be smart to use a vacuum! The only time I cringe when I make a sale is if it is to a restaurant. The fan chambers are small and after many uses of sucking up food, drink, etc., they can get gross. I've seen Kirby's and Sanitaires also serviced from restaurants and they might fair a little better because of the larger fan chambers, but are every bit as gross on the inside. People anymore don't seem to want to bend over and pick anything up, ugh, they use them like lawn mowers! One day a lady came in with a shirt wrapped around the brushroll! Now c'mon, you didn't see the frickin' shirt!! I agree they do need to address the loudness of the XL's, but people don't seem to mind it, however the 21 is considerably quieter and maybe with the new models, the lower models will be quieter, we'll see. Oreck, like many other high-end brands have quite a loyal customer base, people love them and wouldn't think about using anything else. I wish they would however beef up the hand-held canister, they do leave something to be desired. Our Ironman canister is an upgrade we offer and it is awesome. That one is made for us by Douglas, and has as much suction if not more than some full size canisters. Bottom line, Orecks are not for everyone, but then neither are any of the other brands, it boils down to personal preference and what works best on the customers flooring.
Rick
