[USER=841]@vintagerepairer[/USER]
"Thank you for the replies. I know very, very little about cleaners made for the USA market, but the conclusion I am coming to is that we in the UK were used to a far greater quality of machine than those made for the USA market. I say this only because I read the messages from our friends across the pond and you seem so much happier with machines which I see as inferior to those we over here have become used to."
There are few American vacuum aficianados here in the U.S and, contrary to your feeling, I highly suspect there aren't all that great a number in Europe. Most of the thinking world goes for whatever works and is affordable. It's presumptuous to assume otherwise.
We have had quality all along. The long selling Electrolux Model XXX was a well-designed cleaner that sold for about $80 back in the 1940s That was a lot of money then but in comparison to present times, it stands proportionally way below the well over $1,000 being asked for the brand before and after the name switch to Aerus.
Nonetheless, we'd all like the auto, the vacuum, the washing machine or TV that offers stellar features, ability and bankable longevity. That is possible BUT the one thing overlooked here is that all that comes at a high price. Prices on better made American vacuums, Riccar, Simplicity, Rainbow, Filter Queen, etc., are over the top along with imports like Miele and Sebo. (By the way, Miele claims it prices high because it costs a good deal to bring us "quality".)
As for Chinese imports, it's hard to say no to the prices and also hard for government here to advocate a "buy American" campaign when China's holding around 1134.1 billion of the national debt.
While we spendthrift "aficianados" may lean toward snobbery by our varied perceptions of the significant worth in a purchase, the more economically concerned average vacuum buyer is only interested in getting his or her floors clean by whatever affordable means. Rationalizing high cost by allusions of buying ahead because of quality don't wash well anymore. The usual reply is, "Nice idea but it will have to wait a while.
I, for one, perfectly understand that. There's absolutely no sense in outlaying significantly disproportionate amounts of money for merely one aspect of household needs when you have other financial demands -- and duties -- like rent or a mortgage, utility expenses, kids that need to be fed and cared for. As we have loads of young people here hard pressed to find work while trying to get out from under tuition loan payments, even the single may not be free to indulge but instead also must make do.
As far as disproportionate expense is concerned, entertainment is what sells. What I've seen here is that tell someone looking for a vacuum that the model they're viewing costs more than $200 and you have to call for the smelling salts. However, show them a flat-screen television with a mile-wide screen that's well beyond $1,000 and they'll go for it despite the budget prohibitive price or inevitable indebtedness.
I have a Miele Capricorn and also had a Miele Tango I had to leave behind due to moving. Both were bought and paid for and thoroughly enjoyed. However, I have no doubt that there are brands and models two-thirds less in price that would help do the job just as well. I would never suggest anyone buy Miele unless they can shoulder the price of the machine and consumables OR, as I, have some mad money they aren't going to miss.
