It's sad to see that Silver King went under.
I think that many of the DTD cleaner companies are using out-dated, high presure selling tactics. And for the love of all things sacred, Lower the prices!
I use a Tri-Star compact as my daily driver. I have used Filter Queen, Kirby etc. NO vacuum cleaner is worth the better part of 3 grand. I'd never pay it. Esp on the latest Filter Queen. I laugh at the price when I hear the (new) FQ's annoying High pitched motor whine- I'm sorry: it sounds like TTI made the motor. It's not worth the better part of 3 grand.
Here's the thing: People aren't going to pay obscene amounts of money for a vacuum anymore. I think if the DTD got rid of a few "layers" and reduced the price of their machines, and moved them in a non threatening, lower pressure tactic, they might probably sell more of them.
I used to work at a vacuum store, I did repair and rebuilding. I am not convinced that the Kirby costs anywhere near 2,500 to make. Anyhow, People's purchasing habits have changed. I do not believe that people have the disposable income they used to ( despite the economic "recovery" we are supposed to be in here in the States). Regardless, I think some of the DTD companies will have to change their promotion and tactics if they want to stay in business.
My two cents.
