What will the CCP Virus mean for Kirby?

[human]

I love Kirby vacuum cleaners and own seven of them, along with a good assortment of tools and accessories but there is no way in hell I would let a Kirby strong-arm salesman through my door—no way, no how, not happening. COVID-19 notwithstanding, the two albatrosses around Kirby's neck these days are the aforementioned sales scum and an abundance of good, used machines that are readily available for maybe a tenth the cost of a new one.

Even if Kirby takes a hands-off approach to its independent sales force in the field, plausible deniability can only go so far. They are the face of the company, as far as the consumer is concerned and thus they put a huge stain on the company's public image. Kirby would do well to put an end to door-to-door sales as the artifact of a bygone era that it is and set about reinventing its sales formula. I have no problem with the idea of independent franchisees but the company the represent should hold them to a higher ethical standard.

As far as redesigning its core product, that would need to be approached with extreme caution to keep from sacrificing the things that make a Kirby uniquely a Kirby. Just how much plastic would a Kirby buyer tolerate?

 

[air-waycharlie]

Edgar,
Maybe enough plastic to make it light enough to no longer need a power drive transmission? Something along the lines of the twin motored upright Aerus which is arguably much more versatile.

 

[tolivac]

I called the Kirby Distributer that I have known for several years.He used to work from Raleigh-now he is in Atlanta.He has been out of work for over a month.The salesmen that worked with him have quit.Both he and the Kirby company are trying to work out what to do.Suggested online demo and sales like what Thermomix is now doing.Thermomix makes a cooker-blender-steamer machine that is usually sold DTD by demo much like Kirby or other DTD vacuum products.The fellow I know is living this out and possibly going to look for other types of work.He can only put off car and house payments for so long.Since this virus thing has hit us its going to be another game changer like 9-11 was.Think we will now see an end to DTD product sales.Bet they will go do dealer sales or online sales.I did end up ordering my Thermomix online.I don't know how the Rainbow place here in Greenville is doing-I bought an SRX from them a month ago.-Same with the "Lux place.Know the managers of both.Figuring they can turn into walk in demo sales places.So long time ago--close to 40 yrs ago Both Electrolux and Kirby both had walk in places where you witnessed the demo and then bought the machine.Those did not do DTD sales in the DC area.Knew the manager of the Lux place in Embassy Row in DC-he didn't do DTD sales.The Embassies were his primary business-they called in what they wanted-he had someone deliver the machines.That place also served most of the DC downtown area.There was a smaller place in Suitland,MD not far from the Kirby place.

 

[kirby519]

I have always felt that you should be able to purchase a Kirby or Rainbow from a dealers store. Those of us that are familiar with the product don't need the demonstration in home.

As for the sales force it is the same mind set that is going on today with the hording of PPE, disinfectants and other items.

For many people the ability to purchase a good used machine and really decide if they do in fact see the value of it isn't a problem. Many people over the years have inherited or bought a used Kirby or other machine. That purchase led to a purchasing a new model. I started out with my grandmothers Kirby she bought new in 1959 when I was 3 years old. At the time it was fun to help and the pats on the back for a "job well done" Kept my attention on the Kirby and all the things I could do with it. As well as the recognition of it's true performance and durability of the product.

It has been repeatedly said that we have to reinvent everything in our lives. Then hear the complaints about products that fail with in a few years of service. This applies to other major appliances refrigerators for one. At one time they lasted decades. Now you only get 10 or so years before they fail. There is nothing wrong with upgrading to something that leaves a smaller carbon foot print on our environment. We only have one planet to live on after all. What happens to all the products that fail and can't be recycled?

 

[tolivac]

Non recycle goods------those go to the LANDFILL where they could be discovered by someone later!On the way to there they get crunched in the trash truck compactor-then under the steel spiked wheels of a 200,000 pound landfill compactor-dozer!It goes back to the Earth alright in a different form!

 

[gregvacs28]

Perhaps it's time to call it quits on these metal boat anchors.

I mean come on....

 

[huskyvacs]

@gregvacs28

Pretty much all those reviews are related to the salesmen and the forced/pushy sales pitching - as I stated was the main flaw the the company. They need to stop doing that and find a different way to market the vacuum. The vacuum itself isn't the issue, it's Kirby as a company. Cut off the door to door sales and give it some time and they will bounce back from it.

 

[dartman]

The machine is great, the sales tactics aren't. I have dealt with a few and it was fine in the end but a lot of wasted time trying to get me to buy a highly overpriced machine for a discount. The first guy ended up selling me a almost new Royal 413 canister as I truly needed a new vacuum for 200 a week or so later I still have. The second one was very persistent but polite enough even after I told him I wasn't going to buy. It was a really nice machine and the self propelled feature was cool but wasn't going into hock when I had two perfectly good Royal canisters including a newer 4650 I found for 25 bucks needing a hose. He asked me what I thought it was truly worth when he finally wrapped up and I told him 600 bucks. I think he was down to about 800 if I traded my Royal in. They should just set up more repair shops as dealers and let them deal with it as like said we all know what a vacuum does and they just have to convince us a Kirby is the best choice for the money.

 

[lesinutah]

Has

Kirby's in home demos are almost extinct since avalir platform came out. I do remember a few demos right around the 100th anniversary.
I think the demo team fields calls sales vacuum 800-1200. It has been like this for 4 years. There still around hanging on.
I know Kirby doesn't change but Warren buffet will not let that happen. If you don't change and lose money Berkshire Hathaway will sell or liquidate the company. They did it to Sears after Sears Kmart wasn't fruitful. Sears was the biggest company in the world. If he did this to them don't think for a second he won't do the same for Kirby.
I really don't know how there profitable. They will change or they will die. Imagine Kirby vacuum from trip. It would be like a boxier powercast vacuum.
I love Kirby and I hope something changes. We shall see since every company is losing money right now. This may be the beginning of the end.
Les

 

[pr-21]

If you are a previous Kirby owner, they would still want to drop one off at your home and let


you sign the purchase agreement. I bought one like that and did not want another demo. That way


they register your purchase with the Kirby Company and give you copies of the factory warranty etc.


It also keeps them legit with Kirby's rules......Make sure you use an authorized dealer to do this......Kirby


website can help you find a dealer.


 


PR-21


Bud

 

[lesinutah]

No

I can rebuild my Kirby vacuums very well. I will not spend $1200 on an avalir that my sentria I replaced the nozzle. If I changed handle bag and trim it's an avalir or avalir 2. I have the carpet shampooer and the multi surface cleaner for an avalir.
I only buy Kirby parts and fans, carbon brushes, bulbs, rollers, belts I have enough to fix it if anything happens.
I'm getting at there demo team is almost non existent since avalir came out.
We have covid-19 and if it was non existent then it could be done away with.
If Kirby isn't making money there will be changes. I don't mean bag changes I mean new design new material and maybe more than one vacuum. Berkshire did it to Sears and you can bet on your life they will do it to Kirby. If Kirby still doesn't turn a profit they would go to tti or Hoover or history books.
I'm strongly suggesting there will be monumental changes. Kirby could make upright and move to Central vacuums too.
With everything happening it may be what we want and they keep American vacuum cleaner company open. If it is in financial woes things will change.
I base my information on Berkshire Hathaway. I had business classes and Warren buffet president of berkshire Hathaway is good. I have a majority of my stocks in his investments or businesses and they fare well.
Mr buffet is a good person. He drives I believe a 1979 vehicle. He lives in the same house for a long time. Idk he's complete opposite of trump and he's the best businessman the United States has ever seen but Bezsos I have not studied but he may be better.
Les

 

[gregvacs28]

Even if kirby's went mainstream retail and could be found at every walmart, target, home depot, etc.
How do you think it would look to the average consumer?

And how do you think the consumer is going to compare these?

And what about the prices?

And not just Kirby. Lets' also throw rainbow, Filter-queen, Aerus machines up there on that shelf as well.

I mean, seriously.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Good point!

Can you imagine anyone in a Walmart, looking at all the cheapos, then a Kirby?? Nobody would buy.

 

[repairman]

Exactly

No one is going to walk into Wal-Mart or Target and buy a $2000 vacuum when they could buy the $40 plastivac.

Personally, I think Kirby should sell the machine online for a fixed price and then tell people to see a demonstration at a dealer in order to get the machine for a reduced price.

For example, if Kirby charges $3000.00 as a fixed price, I could walk into a vac shop and pay $2500.00 and get the demonstration at the same time.

 

[bisonian]

Does Anyone

have any FACTS to suggest that Kirby is not doing well? Actual sales or revenue numbers beyond mere speculation? I haven't seen anything, anywhere, to indicate Kirby's in trouble.

As for Scott Fetzer, keep in mind (as no doubt, Buffett does) it is far more than just Kirby. Berkshire Hathaway is not going to dump a well-performing subsidiary even if a single product -- Kirby -- isn't doing well.

https://scottfetzer.com/brand-portfolio/

 

[beagledad]

If a restaurant sees an item on the menu is selling poorly then they will remove that item. Of course they wouldn't shut down the whole restaurant. Just like Berkshire Hathaway would eliminate the Kirby product from Scott and Fetzer if it's underperforming.

 

[lesinutah]

Misunderstood

I think you took it the wrong at.
They would be sold at vacuum shops.
Les

 

[pr-21]

All Kirby did with the Avalir II, that is noticable would be the blue emblem on the outer bag and the


blue tech drive pedal.......anyone that had an Avalir could change both.......and make an Avalir II........


 


 


 


Bud Mattingly


PR-21

 

[bisonian]

Beagledad

Point taken.

But I respectfully repeat my original question: Does anyone have any FACTUAL information, such as sales or revenue numbers, to indicate Kirby is not performing well in the marketplace? Idle, uninformed speculation is useless.

 

[gregvacs28]

I don't know how desperately one needs the sales figures but, I mean it's just a guess from me, one could peruse the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Reports and SEC 10-K statements and possibly break down the sales figures for the S&F division. Apparently that division also makes cutlery so they may not break out for vacuums, but that's just all I've got.

https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/reports.html