Tacony Experts

[georgect]

As I inch ever more closer to getting a Tacony vacuum (Riccar Immaculate Premier Canister), I just have another question...why two lines of the exact same offerings of vacuums?
Simplicity and Riccar offer identical machines except for names.

It's not like it's a regional thing.

I'm lucky enough to be smack dab in the middle of a Riccar and Simplicity dealer but for some reason leaning toward Riccar.

Any insight to why Tacony chose to offer two seemingly different lines of the same vacuum?
Just curious.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

For just

that reason George .

So two close dealers can both sell a Tacony vacuum with different names.
Some people prefer the Riccar look/colors some prefer Simplicity .
You can`t have all shops selling the same vacuums .

Dan

 

[ctvacman]

George

Out of curiosity which dealers do you go to in ct

 

[georgect]

@ ctvacman

Close To Home in Orange is the Riccar retailer and the Simplicity dealer is in Westport.

 

[georgect]

CONTINUED...

Stanton Miles is the one in Westport.

 

[bimmer740]

I'm so glad this thread was started as I too am very interested in the TOL Riccar/Simplicity canister, but I prefer the color of the Gusto over the Riccar. However there really hasn't been much discussion about these machines on the forum. I'm curious to know more about these vacuums, especially how well the power nozzle cleans. I like that the TOL models have three rows of brushes on the brush roller and the metal base plate. They include a nice array of full size attachments and it's nice to know I can use other attachments with the machine not just the proprietary ones.

I find it a bit frustrating that the website has limited information and does not seem to be updated often. Simplicity/Riccar sells a mini power nozzle but it does not say if it is included with any machine, does the Gusto include this nozzle or a mini turbo nozzle? At that price point I would hope such an attachment is included. Is Tacony planning on updating these machines in the near future? These machines have been around for about 10 years and haven't changed too much, I'm wondering if a major update will be happening. I'm not looking to purchase anything until later in the year so I can be patient and wait for a while. I had already had my mind set on the Guardian Platinum but I'm starting to think the Simplicity can out clean the Lux.

 

[GM1982]

Steven

The Riccar/Simplicity canisters are really good deep cleaners, probably the deepest clean you will find in a canister, even compared to the Aerus Platinum. It also has height adjustment. You probably want to call them directly to find out, that's what I do. Not sure of them updating the canisters, I know they just redone the Upright line for 2014. Also, I am from LI, moved last year though. Tacony dealers are a rare breed up there, you have to probably travel a bit.

 

[jade_angel]

In my opinion and experience - I haven't tested this rigorously, note - the Simplicity/Riccar TOL power nozzle is probably the most effective one available. Its only real competition is probably the Wessel Werk EBK360 and the Lindhaus Stealth.

I think it can equal or exceed pretty much any clean-air upright, and even keep up with some direct-air designs.

Probably someone here has done some better testing, but I know I was impressed to see the PN on a Gusto jar loose sand that wasn't even visible at first.

 

[rosiembanks]

I find the Simplicity/Riccar websites frustrating, also, but to answer your question about the mini power nozzle--I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, it's included. If you check the Specs for the Gusto, under Accessories it lists a "Deluxe Handheld Turbo Brush". It's also listed if you use the Buy Now route on the left, and see the Gusto and its features that way.

I just looked at the Riccar Immaculate, the sister machine, last week in a local shop. I loved its champagne color! Just shows you. Nice and quiet, solid machine; I really liked it, but a bit too heavy for me (I have rotator cuff issues). I'll wait for the new smaller canister with full-sized head, Prima/Wonder. Btw, my local shop was offering the Immaculate about a third off the MSRP, but I don't know if that's because they always discount, or because it's time for the model year change.

 

[GM1982]

BTW, you can just ask the dealer about the mini power turbo, and if they can throw it in with the whole package or get you one.

 

[dirtmaster37]

.why two lines of the exact same offerings of vacuums?

The reason I have been told there are two lines, was that way back one of the brands had a clause ( I believe Simplicity), that you had to carry the like branded sewing machines, to have the vacuums. I believe then ( and this is where I'm a bit unsure) ; that I believe that the Riccar line was created , so those models could be sold by dealers that JUST wanted to carry vacuums.

When we set up the first store I was with to carry Tacony way back in 1998, we ended up with Riccar vacuums. I still have a non tools 8000 series from then. It was explained to me at that time , by my boss, the above reasoning. And he wanted nothing to do with sewing machines. Being a young newby vacuum person, I just nodded my head and played along.

Now, honestly, I believe that it's to allow a dealer to select which line fits them best, and also to offer a rival dealer in the same area the opposite line, which blurrs territory lines but it's how it works. There is really no other valid explanation.

Honestly, I get scores of people that ask why they do this. And the answer I use today is just that. "to allow a dealer to select which line fits them best, as they DO have some differences"; "and to allow different "shops" to have the rival line if they wish"..

Now, lets allow Tom if he wishes to explain the real reason.

Chad...

 

[rosiembanks]

I expect Tom to actually know, but fwiw, I have a Riccar sewing machine from 1975. A wonderful machine.

 

[dysonman1]

The Simplicity and Riccar lines were both started to "go along with" the same brand of sewing machine. Dealers, at first, could choose the brand they wanted, but as more dealers came on board, the decision as to brand was taken over by the company. For instance, if one vac shop carries Riccar, the closest shop to that one would carry Simplicity. But two close vac shops should never be carrying the same brand - it's financial suicide for the shops.

Because they are sold in vac shops, the company's website needs only to get you interested enough to go to the dealer, who will put on a "live" demonstration.


Any vacuum collector coming to the Convention in June, can purchase a Riccar, Simplicity, or Maytag vacuum at factory outlet store prices. The savings on a top of the line Canister (for example) would pay for the gas and motel stay for the entire convention.

 

[georgect]

Thanks for the insight guys...

I didn't even know about the sewing machines so all this info. sheds some light on why Tacony has two lines of vacuums.

Another question...
How come when I contact the Riccar web site with questions are they deferred to the Riccar dealer in my state, instead of answering the questions directly?

 

[GM1982]

Dysonman1

You still need a better website than what is currently up... the marketing, wow factor is still lacking.

 

[dysonman1]

To be honest, I never look at the website. I introduce people to the Simplicity, Maytag, and Riccar vacuums "in person". I know the dealers sometimes say they wish it was updated more regularly, but none of the dealers (and I've met most of them when they visit the factory) have any trouble selling the vacuums because of any lack to the website.

Personally, word of mouth is my best advertising. All someone has to do is meet me, and they know I'm an expert. When I suggest a certain model, they buy it, go home, and are happy with it. Maybe I'm jaded because I rarely look at any website for information on new vacuums. The Vacuum Dealer Trade Association published the Floor Care Journal every month. I write a monthly column for it. That's where I get my info on upcoming machines.

 

[rosiembanks]

GeorgeCT--I'm sure they think by having dealers answer the questions, they're driving traffic to the dealer to have the opportunity to make a sale. It would probably work, too, if all dealers were equally adept at handling questions online in a timely manner. But my dealer doesn't even have an online presence, not really even Facebook (which I don't like, but it's easy). I wish corporate would just answer the question, and include a list of local retailers. Even the list of local retailers on the website isn't current. I just found a new Simplicity dealer today, quite by accident--which is to say, a Miele dealer told me where to look.

I was really impressed with the Immaculate. Very smooth operation. I also liked the dirt sensor. The only thing holding me back (besides the fact that it was last year's model and I want the new dust bag) is the weight--and that's because I'm a small person. It's not particularly heavy for a full-size canister.

 

[sleepdoc]

The full-size canisters are wonderful

I don't have either of the newest models, but I have both of the older offerings: the Simplicity S38 and Riccar 1800. Both of these have the 3-row power nozzle with a dirt sensor. The only models that offer that power nozzle are the TOL full-size canister and the TOL central vacuum kit in each brand lineup. I think it cleans as well as anything, and I'll never get rid of those machines. I hope when they are updated that they don't change too much about them because they are fantastic just as they are. The new Wonder probably is a great vacuum, but I like the fully-featured machines. If you buy a Moxie or Impeccable, the only difference other than the name and color is the power nozzle, which doesn't have a dirt sensor and has a 2-row brush that also is metal with replaceable brush strips. That power nozzle, btw, is identical, except for the color, to the pn that comes with the TOL mid-size canisters, the Simplicity Verve and Riccar Pristine. IMO, the overlap of different features and sizes of canisters lets a customer have the best of every priority or preference other than a dirt sensor on a mid-size machine. That feature is exclusive to the flagship in each brand. I don't think you can go wrong with any Simplicity or Riccar canister.

 

[ctvacman]

George

If you ever feel like it drive up to newington and visit vacuum village he has the best prices ever. He says he gets lots of customers fromstanton miles since they are expensive. Worth a trip to see all his vacs he has laying around