Why I'm Concerned About The Future Of Kirby

[panasonicvac]

I'm not worried about the future of Kirby, I think that company is still doing well. I do however question with these other similar companies like Aerus, Filter Queen, Rainbow, etc. Reason for that is because I wonder if they are going out of business anytime soon like what happened with Silver King.

 

[mixman]

Here is what I think.....

While I do not think Kirby is in jeopardy right now, i do think they will have to update their designs, even if that means having two models. An older model along the line of the generation series and a newer model that addresses the G series shortcomings. They need to bring out a model in which people are not pressured into buying, but buy because they really want it and want to keep it too. The fact that there are Avalirs all over Ebay and Craigslist for $350-$500, kills your business model when you are trying to sell these things brand new for $1,200 or more. They need to have a new vacuum that is more universally desired. Their current sales model of door to door is the only thing that will work for them until they come out with that more universally desired vacuum. The Avalir will not do well with internet sales, so door to door is the only way that model will sell.

Shark, Dyson, even Bissell are innovating to make vacuuming easier and make vacuums lighter and that seems to be what the public wants, in addition to cheaper. Although there are always those with disposable income willing to pay more for better quality. Other companies such as Miele Sebo, Aerus in addition to Kirby, will have to keep innovating or their sales will become niche market sales with declining revenue. Without innovation, you can be at the top of your market one decade and the next struggling for survival....Can anyone say Sears!

 

[human]

The biggest challenge to a door-to-door sales model is the increasing paranoia in our society. While not totally unjustified, people today increasingly assume anyone they don't know is a potential threat. I used to work with a lady who, if you went to her home after dusk and her husband wasn't there to answer the door, would come to the door with a loaded .38 in her hand and make sure you saw it. She didn't brandish it in your face, but she didn't hide it behind her back, either. That's a big contrast from back in the '70s, when my mom would listen to sales pitches from the likes of the Fuller Brush man, the Cutco knife man, and at least one Kirby salesman out of a sense of being polite as well as to break the monotony of the day, but I'm sure that doesn't happen anymore. They used to say a man's home was his castle but now it's more like his fortress.

 

[sptyks]

Mixman,


 


Kirby is not worried. The Door to Door sales model works very well for them. Kirby does not worry about all the Avalirs on ebay, they target households that have not seen or heard of Kirby. The fact that the Kirby factory in Cleveland churns out several thousand Avalirs a week proves this.


 


 

 

[mixman]

sptyks

I know, that is what I pretty much said. The door to door sales model is the ONLY sales model that will work for them until they come out with a model that will appeal to more people, they would never make it online at the present.

What many have not realized is that the internet has changed our society so much in the past 10 years that what once worked may not work in the future. That is the difference between now and the past 100 or so years and now. Those companies that don't innovate may die. That may come in a fast death or a very slow one.

Now keep in mind I am not anti Kirby, I am thinking about getting an Avalir, but I know they cannot keep churning out the generation series forever.

 

[crazykirbydude]

myvacsrock...

I do not work at a vacuum store YET, but I do know all of the ones in my area sell used machines. But I do agree, we do live in a germaphobic society. But I find it VERY ironic that the people who don't want other people's "filth" in their houses are the same people who buy the filthy, cheap, filter-in-cup Wally World bagless vacuums. Besides, household dirt is usually composed of the same things. Hair, sand, soil, food particles, dander, dust mites and eggs, pollen, large particles and damaged carpet fibers. What people don't realize is the crap they suck up in their homes is the more or less the same as other people in the area. A vacuum that is "used" makes no difference as in the first few months, the crappy bagless PlastiVac is already MORE filthy than that used Kirby. I bet if someone bought both a Kirby and a PlastiVac on the same day, used them for, say, two years in identical houses. After two years, the Kirby and PlastiVac would be put side by side and measured to see what vacuum is filthier.

Just my two cents, minus tax
Adin

 

[durango159]

Kirby has very very aggressive sales reps and that pushes their sales. It is a shame they don't innovate towards something a little more modern that is easier to use.

 

[sptyks]

Kirby will not release a new machine until they can produce one that performs equal to or better than the current G Series machines. And that is not very easy to do.

 

[mixman]

I was thinking that that they actually need two models going forward. Another G series Avalir 2 that retains all of the old school qualities and then a new generation model with modern features that caters to online sales. Distributors would have access to both models and can sell whichever they choose. Online sales would have only the new generation model which would appeal to more people. This two model lineup keeps your current customer base happy while actually gaining a new set of customers for the future.

 

[oreck_xl]

It may be true that Kirby has to find a machine that performs better than the Generation line, but they HAVE the prototype drawings. R&D needs to get the new model into production because truth be told, isn't 27 years using the same platform long enough? With regards to the G-series that ship has sailed. In the New York area the number of Kirby distributors is dwindling not just because the economy is down let's face it the Generation is more bulky than its predecessor, it had to be because of the Tech-Drive. I just feel Kirby is shooting themselves in the foot by not offering a lighter non power drive version to customers who want an all-aluminum machine without all the bulk. In the interim, why not offer customers who want it, a smaller 12 inch head like they had right up to the Legend II?

 

[sebo4me]

I totally agree with you.

A 12" nozzle would be great.

A lighter less bulky machine would be even better and would have more appeal to the general public

 

[tseg]

Why Kirby should be concerned... today people seek ease and comfort. Kirby is not innovating with the times. Their machine needs to be lighter, the attachments easier to switch out and the machine must be much quieter. With the web, their door-to-door sales approach will become increasingly challenged. I never go to stores anymore, much less let a stranger in my house. Who does that? My local Craigslist has a Diamond Edition for sale for $250. While a beautiful machine, too heavy and bulky for me to actually want to buy it to use it.

 

[human]

Durango159 wrote: Kirby has very very aggressive sales reps and that pushes their sales. It is a shame they don't innovate towards something a little more modern that is easier to use.

I reply: Which? The machines or the sales reps?

 

[kirbysthebest]

The system works:

Though we are aware, and I will certainly bet  you that the people of SF are aware of the changes of the in-home model as well as the internet sales.  They are also aware that Mrs. Cleaver is no longer home during the day, and Ward may be working third shift.  That is why they work more home shows, exhibition events and drawings to obtain leads to gain access to the homeowner through appointments rather than the door knock intrude of yesteryear.


 


A couple of decades ago a very wise and rich man and his holdings, Warren Buffett, and Berkshire Hathaway, purchased Kirby's parent company Scott-Fetzer.  Kirby was the only division that was completely left untouched. 


 


Looking at another company, Royal Appliance Manufacturing Company.  Back in the early 90's they decided to create more models and make their Dirt Devil line accessible at the department stores rather than just being available through Vacuum dealers.  What they ended up doing is having the low cost models cannibalize their items at a higher price point.


 


Kirby doesn't, and never has revolutionized; they evolve.  If Warren isn't worried about the future of Kirby, you shouldn't be either.   When, when, they are ready to introduce a new model; then they will. 


 


 


 

 

[sebo4me]

I hope I'm still alive to see it when they do

 

[kirbysthebest]

Don't hold your breath

It's only happened twice in 100 years.


 

 

[sebo4me]

Haha I know. I'm quite happy with my Sentria 2 but I would love to see something new.
You never know they might surprise us one day soon

 

[dysonman1]

If you ever go on Youtube, and watch the training videos taken at a distributor's office - and listen to what the salesforce is trained to do and say - you'd understand why there doesn't have to ever be a 'new' model. Also, why they don't need a 'smaller, lighter machine'. The salesmen last such a short time, they'd NEVER be able to keep track of two models. They can barely keep track of the shampooer, zip brush, and renovator attachments. Most of the time, the salesmen only drag in the one box. And very, very few Kirby salesmen are 'well trained' any longer. Most Kirby salesmen were out of work and desperate for a job when they read the ad for 'set up and display' - which is Kirbyspeak for 'commissioned salesman'. They only know a little bit more than the consumer does.

 

[sebo4me]

If they had a lighter less bulky model the sales people might sell more make more money and stay with the company longer and gain more knowledge about the products they are selling.

 

[kirbysthebest]

That which Tom speaks

Is not just Kirby, it is with every DTD company.  My niece worked for Rainbow for a few weeks.  She was supposed to be paid $25 for each demonstration during her training period, plus mileage.  They found some reason to discount why  it wasn't a qualified demo, and thus not pay her for about 20 of the 25 demos she did.  Setting her own appointments as well.   She never saw a mileage payment. 


 


I was lucky enough to work for a very ethical distributor when I worked for Kirby.  He wanted me to succeed, as it made him succeed.  I am still friends with him on facebook, and still have great admiration. 


 


What we have now days, which gives the industry a bad name as well are those quick wham-bam sales, and no support afterwards.  Because people did not like being pressured, or because the were burned in the past, this behavior drove them to the big box store where they could do their own shopping.   Again this is not one over another.  I think each Rainbow, Kirby, Filterqueen, Aerus are guilty.


 


Edit to add:


Not singling them out for any other reason than their tactics, which can be verified with a google search.


If you have a Filterqueen demonstration, be prepared to have the salesperson move in with you if you refuse to buy.  Talk about not taking No for an answer.

[this post was last edited: 3/30/2017-12:02]