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The door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesmen has been the butt of many jokes. But unfortunately, the customer is seldom the one who walks away laughing. Best rule of thumb: never let any salesperson or solicitor into your home. If you ask someone to leave and they don't do so, call the police. It may seem harsh but it can avoid many problems, like those catalogued below.
Even a 15-year-old can see through most of the Kirby pitch, as Andrew recently demonstrated.
Heed this word of advice from Christie:
I worked at United Financial Consumer (a loan company for Kirby vaccums) office. The sales tactics used to sell Kirby's are much the same as Mattress Warehouse in that they mislead customers into thinking free financing when in fact after signing the bottom line you have just taken out a loan.
People they target are often elderly and they train young men and women that these customers are the ones to persuade. People who fall into debt often think they need to pay their car loan before they pay for their vaccuum, not realizing the type of loan they have signed is just as seriously detrimental to their credit rating.
Heads up on getting any type of financing: Look to see what company is actually doing the financing and before signing call the finance company and have them reiterate what the terms are!
We would add that every loan transaction must include a Truth In Lending statement that spells out the terms. Consumers need to read this carefully. It's almost always better to arrange a loan elsewhere, pay cash or do without.
Alanna of Abilene TX (07/01/08)
I ordered a vacuum cleaner and shampoo system on 9-23-07. I paid $300 on 9-23-07 and $1000 on 9-24-07. Paid Cash, $1300 total. Paid in full. I received the vacuum on 9-23-07. The Carpet shampoo system was to be delivered within a few weeks. I never received it.
I went up to Selmore Systems in addition to calling multiple times. No one could give me any information regarding my shampoo syster so I left multiple messages in which the owner was to call me back the next day. I never received any phone call. I have a signed contract stating that I paid for the shampoo system and have yet to receive it. I had the Better Business Bureau contact the company and they also got no response. I still have not received it.
T.m. of Frisco TX (06/25/08)
Most of the comments I saw on this websight regarding Kirby products discussed the selling tactics - not the products. I have used Kirby vacuum cleaners for more than 25 years. The products is more expensive than other vacuum cleaners, but I think it is worth the difference. The cleaning power, attachments, and hypo-allergy bags are beneficial to my family.
I will continue to use Kirby products as long as I can afford to do so; however, I have to agree with most comments regarding the salesmen. Unless you have made the initial contact to setup an appointment (realizing it will be at least 2 hours of your time), do not let them in your home - regardless of what anyone is selling (not just Kirby). If you have anyone in your home that does not leave when asked, call the police immediately. I am not required to be nice to anyone that does not respect my space and privacy. Unfortunately, I have had to use this tactic - just the threat of calling the police was enough to get the person to leave.
Colleen of Lennon MI (06/18/08)
I was approached by 2 persons pulling up into my driveway waving a bottle of detergent and saying it was free. I declined,saying it was not my brand. They jumped out of the car and pushed the bottle into my hand and said that they were going to show me their vacuum cleaner. I declined. They were already to the door, and basically let themselves into my home.
The young man salesman was professional,and polite,(Antonio) and there was nothing objectional about his behavior,but I told him that I had just bought a vacuum,and was both happy with it, and not in the market for another one. He took an hour and a half of my time, then his boss showed up. I have never been treated so rudely in my own home as from this lady. She called me names, spoke insultingly about me on the phone to her boss,refused to stop pressuring (threatening)me even after repeated refusals and requests for her to stop. There is no machine nice enough for me to associate with a company who enters my home without permission, insults me and refuses to leave.
Lisa of Boonville MO (06/16/08)
A white van kept driving by as we were seating outside with our children at 8:30 or 9. Eventually they stopped to let a girl out and she walked up to us and handed us a flyer about dry foam shampoo for carpet. She asked if they could practice on our carpets and my fiancee told her we had hard wood floors and that we weren't interested. she still kept on with her long spill and asked to see the wood floors. I took her in to see them hoping she would see that we weren't lying and she would leave.
Well, she saw a rug and asked if they could fluff it up also stating that they only needed to do one more house and then they could go home. I said as long as it didn't take to long because we needed to put the kids to bed. So she called the boss in the white van, that had NO company logo on it anywhere, and told them to come back. Mind you, she never once mentioned that she was with Kirby Vacuums. I had no clue of that until two guys came up to the door carrying two boxes that said Kirby on them. When I saw that I knew I was in for it.
The guy went into his Kirby sells speech which lasted for 2.5 to 3 hours. By the time he was done I was so exhausted I would have done anything to just get them out of my house. I told them I could not afford this vacuum. The price started out at $2499 and each time I said no they kept lowering the price. They finally got down to $50 payments and I said ok. And I was also promised a floor buffer, since I have hard wood floors, I was promised that within 5 days. They never mentioned I only had 3 days to cancel the contract. Smooth move, huh?
Needless to say they never brought me the floor buffer and when I called to tell them about it they said they tried to deliver it the next night at 8:30, which I know was a lie because I was home all night, we have 3 kids, where would we be at 8:30 at night. They were very rude to the point where the 2 secretaries had me on speaker phone and they were mocking me in the background and eventually hung up on me. I then called back and got The Owner on the phone and he was very charming in the beginning until I told him I wasn't gonna pay for the vacuum and I didn't care if it hurt my credit or not. He went so far as to call me a liar and he said the the sellsmen never promised me a floorbuffer.
I was shocked. I couldn't believe that the owner of the company would treat a costumer like that. I'm still at battle with them over this stupid vacuum cleaner. But I'll be [expletive] if I pay any kind of money to Kirby. And I also failed to mention they didn't have a peddlers license to be selling stuff from door to door and where I live you must obtain one before you can sell anything.
Mary of Worcester MA (06/16/08)
We purchased the Kirby. The next day the salesman we called to return it. The same sales people came and picked it up. I have papers sign by them claiming that the vacum was returned and the credit would be returned to my discover charge card. This happened in March.
It is now June and I still have not received credit for the return. I called the number they gave me many,many times. I was told they would get back to me, which they never did. I would like the credit of $1,400.00 returned to my charge card or I will take further action
I have been charged a fee from my credit card co. I have taken time out from work to call a number of times. Loss of money, Loss of credit.
Ken of Tunnelton WV (06/12/08)
2 guys came on the porch and asked if we was intrestd in a free demo, we said no thanks, the one guy was shaking his head no before we even replied. then they left cursing each other really loud and then stopped in the driveway and started fist fighting. then 1 more jumped out and 2 women and they were all fighting. my children seen the whole thing and got pretty scared. i dont think this is very good for kirby sweepers.
tore up driveway by spinning tires throwing gravel all over
Janice of Clementon NJ (06/05/08)
A sales rep came to my door and said they would shampoo a room in my home for free. They did not identify themselves-I thought it was a carpet cleaning company. They handed me a free bottle of laundry detergent and I let them in. Then I found out it was Kirby and I groaned to myself. I realized I had been had. The young man that actually cleaned the carpet was very nice, but I could tell he was trained to point out just how bad my carpet was and how much dirt my Hoover was missing. I have a cat, and I am asthmatic, and they used this to full advantage. The boss, as he called himself, came into my home without my permission and said he was Ed's boss. He proceeded to insult my intelligence and kept hounding me about how could I not buy a Kirby, that my health was at stake, that he himself had asthma and a Kirby saved his life (right). I kept telling him and the other lady sales rep (they literally ganged up on me) that there was no way I could afford a $1700.00 vacuum.
Having been in sales myself, I know a hard pitch when I hear one and I called them on it. They kept saying, we can do something for you, like, buy it on credit (90 days same as cash 20% interest) which I absolutely refuse to do. I asked them the price outright-I'm sure they wouldn't have told me. They would not take no for an answer, and I found myself defending my right to say no. They asked me how I pay bills, and I said my husband does, and the sales girl said, Oh, does your husband make all the decisions? I found this insulting and I was almost at the point of tears, but I held myself together. They had promised to clean the entire carpet but as soon as I refused to buy the Kirby they immediately stopped shampooing my carpet. The demonstration took two hours. Ed tried to finish my carpet but his boss was right outside so he couldn't.
I tell you, I would not want to work for them. They are a hard sell and they intimidate people into buying something they can't afford. It's amazing how those pads pick up so much dirt, but the reviews on the Kirby are not so good. I believe I read somewhere that those pads are specially treated with dirt or something. They finally left reluctantly after a half hour of refusal. I told them don't try a sales pitch on me I have done sales, and it doesn't work on me. I told them paying my mortgage is more important than buying an overpriced vacuum cleaner.
With all those pads lying around with all that dust and cat hair, I could feel myself wheezing. I asked Ed to throw them out and he refused, saying his boss had to see them to make sure he did show me I should have thrown them out. They sat there for a good hour and half before they left. They laughed at me and said, that's what's in your carpet, but I can tell you that having it out in the open is far worse. Luckily I recovered. These people are very intimidating and should not be allowed to go around and lie.
Ruby of Leeds AL (06/04/08)
I had a late call at 9:15 pm from a van load of kids selling kirby vacuum cleaners to raise money for college and they had visited 38 homes today in my area and needed to demonstrate for 2 more people to meet their quota for the day. I tried to dissuade them for my husband was asleep and didnt want to wake him.
Finally I gave in and all but one guy left and he showed me the vacuum cleaner. I told him I couldnt purchase one and he started packing up. He ask for a drink and I walked about 20 feet to my refrigerator to get him a mtn dew and he drank it and left. My problem is he took a ten dollar bill I had just left on my husbands wallet for his work tomorrow. I had just put it there when they came in and I put his cap over it as not to entice the young man.
After he left, I had gone to bed and it dawned on me that ws the only time I left the room and I went to see and he had taken the 10 dollar bill and left the one. I put the one there also because my husband has trouble getting large ones cashed at work. I am very upset. I cant believe he did it. I will tell everyone in the town of leeds about this if it is not returned. The BBB will also get a letter.
Marlene of Modesto CA (06/02/08)
I have asked the sales reps not to come to my house several times. Today was the 3rd time in 3 weeks they rang my doorbell and was very persistant on not taking NO for an answer. They don't seem to get the message clear. If another rep disturbs my home one more time I will file harassment charges.
Don of Charleston SC (05/18/08)
Here's a little advice when dealing with Kirby Cleaner sales reps. They are selling you a cleaner they have already paid for. The pressure is on them to sell since they have their own money tied up. If you offer a Kirby rep 75% of what the selling price is, you'll usually get it. If not, just say that's as high as you can go and stick with it. The Kirby Cleaner is by far the best cleaner you'll ever own. It's the last one you'll ever own. If something does go wrong, Kirby backs it's warranty up and replace whatever needs replaced and some of ewhat doesn't. They manufacture parts for every Kurby ever made.
I have one and my sister has had the same one for 50 years and the warranty is still valid. She has had everything redone at one time or anohter. How's that for quality? I worked for Kirby in their Cleveland plant until they went to Texas. They have high standards and meet them. The Kirby Cleaner isn't cheap but it can be bargained down. It is cheap for a cleaner that lasts forever.
Pam of Charlotte NC (05/14/08)
My Kirby man was very nice. He stopped me as I was mowing the grass and said he was out giving away paper towels and cleaning carpets. He wanted to come the next day to clean the carpet in a room...said he worked for Kirby...said he got paid $46 to clean a carpet and I didn't have to buy anything. Since I was wanting my carpet cleaned, I set up an appointment for the next day. Yes, I had to listen to his sales pitch. He then cleaned the carpet and asked if I would be interested in a Kirby. I told him no thank you, and he said thank you and left. The whole thing took less than 1 hour. If I ever do want a Kirby, I'll call him.
Terje of Birmingham AL (05/11/08)
This is not really a complaint as such; more of a comment. I just had a visit by the Kirby man (in this case one girl and a total of three guys) for what was made out to be a carpet cleaning demonstration, but of course was really a sales pitch for Kirby vacuum cleaners (which I had not heard about until today... who's lving under a rock, huh?).
The girl was sweet, though a bit of an airhead perhaps, the guys were very polite and pleasant enough. When they started their demonstration I just knew I was in for a long time. Ultimately he cleaned maybe a couple of square feet of floor (it did look pretty dirty, I have to admit) including some baking soda that he poured on the floor first. The vacuum seemed to do a tremendous job. But then the sales pitch.
He pleaded with me to help him out to get to Vegas. (What's the big deal?) I told him I don't buy stuff like that, at the spur of the moment, he subsequently told his boss and he was out of there quickly enough. It interrupted my dinner, but my 5 year old son was quite fascinated. He didn't clean any carpet worth mentioning, but he was quite pleasant and friendly enough; you could do worse wasting an hour and a half I suppose. The product looked really good, but the price of $1920 (with a $120 discount, quickly dropped further to $1500, still far from the actual price of $800) is beyond what I would pay to get rid of some dust, at least right now.
Brenda of Goodlettsville TN (05/08/08)
Danny came to my door and said he and his partner were trying to start a business and he would clean one room of my choice I ask him if there were any gimmicks he said no I ask him three times and he said no he would clean my living room I said ok well he took almost two hours to show me how dirty my floor was and he even unmade half my bed took the pillow case off and showed me dead skin even took a lighter to his arm so I could smell the dead skin then set the dead skin on fire to show me what I was sleeping on!!!
So when it was time to clean my carpet he said he wanted to show me numbers first he cleaned about a two by three foot area on my carpet and then did numbers when I told him that I could not afford the payments!!!! He packed up his stuff left my bed unmade and about twenty little white filturs with all the dust and all my baking soda on for me to pick up and remake my bed!!! I had no idea that the kirby cost over 2,000.00 dollers!!!! When I told him I could not affored a extra 40.00 a month he said so if your electric bill went up forty dollers you would have to move??? I think that is very rude and very bad business manners!!!!!
Kate of Sackets Harbor NY (05/08/08)
Yesterday a short time after my husband returned home early from work there was a knock on the door. My husband answered and I was in a back room with the baby when i heard a can i demonstrate of course my husband being the nice guy invited him in....so i walked out to see WHO was in my home demonstrating WHAT!?
As soon as I saw it was a Kirby salesman unpacking his vacuum I proceeded to tell him that there was no need. See, when i was younger i remember someone trying to sell my grandmother a kirby he was there for over three hours and made her feel very uncomfortable so I went to her house. I saw the demonstration and frankly for the price there was no way plus this guy just wouldn't leave.
So now years later there is a Kirby Salesman in my home. He proceeded to ask if he could demonstrate and I said No...I'm sorry I was very kind but persistent and he begged and begged me tell me that if i just let him show me that he would get money and a trip. I still said No. He was clearly agitated with me but I was not having it. Not only for the fact that i knew if he didn't leave now it would be hours before he left and also. WE JUST LAID BRAND NEW CARPET! Which i told him but he still wanted to show us!
He finally left...but I had to wonder who exactly was this person in my house that just saw all our valuables in our living room and that I just angered? You think there would be some sort of background check on these people who are being sent out into peoples homes. Psh....I knew of a guy a friend of a friend of a friend who sold Kirbys ...lets just say one more strike and he was a FELON. So BEWARE these people could have nothing to loose with a very unclean history. I think this was the most unsettling feeling after this man left. I told my husband to not be so nice next time. Just be careful and don't answer the door.
William of Tyler TX (05/07/08)
I just wanted to know, why you guys are slamming the Kirby dealers so hard ?? I just started selling the Kirby Vacuumes, and they are a realy good product. I don't appriciate you all telling people that all Kirby Dealers are scam artists. I'll have you know, I havn't scammed one person into buying. It's totally their decision. Yes, we are in a contest to win trips. Yes, we do ask people to help us win by buying. This is how we make our living, by selling the vacuumes. Yes, our machines are available, only through in home demos ( Not on E-Bay, these are not authorized sales and are not backed by the factory warranty). Yes, our demos take a little while, but how are you going to know how well it works, unless you try it and see it for yourselves. This is the only way that can happen. Kirby has been selling their machines this way for over 90 years. Yes, our in home demo is the one and only time to buy from the guy whose doing all the hard work showing the machine.Yes, we do try to make it affordable. Yes, we do work late hours. No one is home early in the day, so we go out after noon, so we can catch the home owners at home. These vacuumes are the real deal. They really do work.
Samuel of Naugatuck CT (05/07/08)
Today 2 Kirby people told me a free offer for a carpet shampooing I said yes, because I thought they are a carpet cleaning company wants to show their value but one guy came first and stated showing how much dust I have in my couch and carpet and telling my vacuum machine is worst and it almost took him an hour and half.
This guy is very polite and acted innocent and begged to get this so he can go to the companys all expense paid vacation. At the end he called his boss and that guy came and pressed me hard and told me tat he can offer the appliance for $1000 and I refused to buy and he was keep on telling me that I am risking my familys health for $1000 and what will I do if my son get asthma due to the dust, etc and he was very rude, offensive, impolite, agitative.
I have never seen any sales people in my life with these kind of behavior. I told him I do not wish to be pressurized buying something very expensive so I need some time to think, he told me that I was lying, I may not buy his product I told him to stop his verbal abuse and leave. He told something bad about me in Spanish to his other guy and left me home after 2 hours of ordeal.
Kelli of Collinsville OK (05/05/08)
I bought a Kirby Vacuum Cleaner last year and ever since I detached the main part to put other parts on the vacuum to clean my house, the original part that is supposed to attach does not attach properly and does not pick up much of anything. I don't know what to do now. I spent a lot for this vacuum and am very upset.
My carpet is not very clean and I am thinking of purchasing another vacuum from Walmart. At least they vacuum the carpet.
Roseanne of Dupont WA (05/03/08)
My Uncle let these free carpet cleaners into my home and they came back with three guys. Once I realized there wasn't any cleaning going on, I went to investigate. They had our high tech vacuum tube out and were assembling a vacuum and doing a sales pitch so I threw them out!
After ten minutes, it was clear they weren't leaving so I called 911 (obviously, to clear them out)...they STILL refused to leave and one Nigerian? guy tried to tell me I wasn't the man of the house and I didn't have the right to throw them out!
They did clear out before the cops came, unfortunately. Don't EVER let anyone into your house, EVER. You cannot get them OUT no matter what! They make you a prisoner in your own home. I am still angry hours later!
I am really upset and I have been reading about salemen from this company abusing elderly people and I want them out of business or in jail where they belong!
Michelle of Wasuau WI (05/02/08)
I recently had a young gentleman knock on my door and off me a bottle of All laundry detergent for his opinion on a product that I would not have to buy. I thought he was going to ask me about laundry detergent and the next thing I know he goes out and comes back with a Kirby Vacuum cleaner and another sales associate. He is really nice and we are making small talk while he was demonstrating the vacuum. He had to call his boss to get credit for showing the vacuum. His boss shows up at my apartment as well.
He was nice to start with and pulling the whole you need a Kirby because look at all the dirt and dust your vacuum is missing. I was refusing to buy the vacuum and he went to as low as a price of no down payment, and $30 a month. The total for everything would have been $800. I still said know and he wanted to know why. I didn't want the vacuum and I couldn't afford it with other bills I am paying. The boss was getting pushy with trying to get me to buy it and almost guilting me into it. The sales person was trying to win a vacation or prize of some sort. I was getting upset and irritated with the way the boss was acting. I've never seen a sales person that rude before. I wouldn't buy, so the boss was all short with me and telling the rep to pack up and leave. His demo took a good hour to do. All the more reason I wouldn't buy a Kirby.
Larry of Garden City KS (05/01/08)
On 3-27-08 a salesman demonstrated a unit at my home. During the demonstration the salesman scratched my wood floor. I received an estimate for repair but have yet to be compensated by the company.
The estimate is for $782.93 from a local company. Doug wants to pay the company direct and dI don't believe I should have to do that, I am the consumer and he should pay me directly, I can fix the floor on my own.
Lori of Funkstown MD (04/30/08)
I got a knock at my door with a man offering a free 2 liter bottle of soda if he could demonstrate some cleaning products. I agreed and it turned out to be a Kirby salesperson (not the same guy) who returned a couple of minutes later. After a lengthy demonstration of how dirty my current vacuum and mop left my floor, I made an impulse buy on a Kirby Sentra to the tune of $1575. I was told it would not be charged to my credit card for at least 3-4 business days and I would be contacted before the charge was put through. That made sense considering they offer a 3-day return policy.
This was on a Friday and over the weekend, I decided that it was a ridiculous amount to spend on a vacuum and I just couldn't justify spending it with baby #6 on the way. So the very next business day (Monday), I called first thing in the morning to cancel. It was the next day until someone contacted me and it was the same guy and his manager who stopped by my house to offer me an ever better deal to keep the vacuum - the price was lowered to $1200. Still ridiculous and I declined. They packed up the vacuum and left.
Come to find out, my credit card had been charged the same day I cancelled. Merely one day after the purchase - not the 3-4 days I was promised. Their contact states that funds will be returned in full within 10 days. It took me SIX WEEKS to get a refund of $1500. I insisted on them refunding my finance charges on my credit card due to their neglect.
Well, the finance charges were finally refunded, but ANOTHER month later, I am STILL waiting on my other $75. I have called numerous times, each time being told that I just took care of that the other day or some other BS. I have been given numerous case numbers, but I still don't have my complete refund. I even contacted the 800 number and supposedly they forwarded my complaint but that was about worthless. I don't care how good their vacuums are or what price I am offered, I would NEVER deal with this company again.
At this point, I am still out $75 for nothing. Which may not seem like a lot, but for a family of 7 (soon to be 8) it is.
Stefanie of Mcgregor TX (04/24/08)
Veronica came by offering a free carpet cleaning with no obligation beyond offering my opinion and telling my neighbors if I liked the product. I initially told her no, but then agreed to a appt later in the day. She came back before the appointed time along with Kenny, an older gentleman who would do the actual work. He set up and she left. He begin doing a demo of his product during which I changed my mind and informed him that I didn't want to waste his time...I would not be buying the vacuum cleaner, I wouldn't even buy one the bags.
I told him to stop and he gave me the story about needing to shampoo the carpet in order to get paid by the company. I said fine, I'd say he did the job but he needed to go. He just kept vacuuming and showing me the little samples of how dirty my carpet was. Eventually I unplugged the vacuum and told him to leave. He called Veronica back and she tried her hard sales pitch, something about going to Cancun. .
No sale. What deceptive practices. Beware!
Sandra of Meriden, CT (04/22/08)
The company named kirby came to my house to offer a service of complimentary cleaning in my house which includes a deep cleaning free of charge. With the results I decided to buy the vaccum cleaner(Servia) the cost was 1,144.00. I found it strange that I couldn't stay with the box where the vacuum is, the representitive gave me an excuse why he had to take the box I still wasn't convinced but they took the box.
In one occasion the kirby representative came to my house to offer i accepted because I also needed guidance in how to use the vacuum that i bought from previously. During the time the representative was at my home he went to use the rest room and I took advantage and saw the box and it had printed on the box 300.00 and I asked him why when I bought the vacuum I didn't keep the box? and he showed me why! he showed me the side of the box and it showed the prices. And he said That's why we don't let the customers keep the box.
Jody of Frankfort IN (04/15/08)
A lady came to my door at almost 9:00pm asking if we would like a can of air freshner - she was giving them out for free. My husband answered the door and told her that of course, we would. She wanted to know if we would like to try their product. My husband assumed it was the air freshner she was talking about and was getting ready to spray it. She said to wait a minute she had to go get someone. Before we knew it, we had a Kirby vacuum sweeper salesman in our living room unpacking the vacuum! I was in the back part of the house trying to get three kids to bed. It was a school night and they should've already been there. My husband came and told me we had a salesman in our living room and I about died! I went in there and very nicely, but firmly asked if it would take very long because we had three kids I was trying to get to bed. The lady assured me it wouldn't take long at all and she left!
The salesman was very nice and acted a little embarrassed that he was sent to our house so late. He demonstrated as quickly as he knew how. He said it usually takes an hour and a half! So the lady lied. After the demonstration, which lasted probably 30 min., the salesman said he had to call his manager. He wanted to use our phone. I assumed it was an 800 number so I gave him our phone. The call wouldn't go through. I realized he was trying to make a long-distance call and we can't do that on our phone. So I let him use the cell phone. We then had to sit and wait on the manager to come and pick him up. The manager was a nice enough man, but we really needed them to get out of the house so we could get the last kid down. (We finally got the two older ones to go on to bed)
He came in and sat down without being asked. He proceeded in small-talk and finally got to the point. He did some figuring and showed them to us. The first price the salesman had given us was $2198. This price was $1100! Isn't that funny! They came down $1000 just like that! I wonder if they would have done that if we would have been interested? Anyway, they FINALLY left after 10:00pm! If I had wanted a Kirby before, I sure don't now!
Scott of Murfreeseboro AR (04/07/08)
they are junk and they refuse to fix it . they say the closest repair center is 2.5 hours away.and we will have to pay for it.
David of Newton IA (03/24/08)
While growing up, my mother owned one vacuum. It was the Kirby. It was never broken. The attachments were rarely used, and looked new in the attachment box. Ten years ago (I was thirty years old then) I was called and offered either a room of carpet to be cleaned or a set of steak knives if I would allow a sales pitch. A man showed up at my door and gave his pitch. He was professional. He was polite. I let him know up front that price would not sway me to buy or not to buy a cleaner. It would be quality of product only. Although his presentation was nice, and I was already sold on the product, I informed him that any purchase over $200 I had a personal rule to sleep on it for at least one if not two nights. The man accepted my answer with little rebuttal. He cleaned my carpets and left my place on a happy note.
Because I had a working vacuum cleaner (Rainbow) that worked very well, I decided not to purchase one at that time. Several years went by and I was in need of a new cleaner. I considered a new Kirby by reputation and experience. I was unable to convince my wife that spending $800 on a vacuum was a necessary thing so we bought a $125 cleaner from a large mart. A few months later, it was not working well. A short version of the next few years includes four different vacuum cleaners ranging in price from $125 to $200. When the last of those broke, we bought a Kirby. That was about two years ago. AWESOME machine! It has the BEST suction. Its only downfall is that it weighs more than the cheaper, all-plastic machines. Weight is not a concern once the power is on though. High pressure sales is bad. I do not approve of it. I do however pass on the word from my mouth that there is no better vacuum cleaner for any dollar amount.
Martin of Melbourne (03/23/08)
My mother was sucked into buying a KIRBY vacuum cleaner. She was home alone when these people came to her door. At first she said she didn't want it but she finally gave in and said okay just to get them out of her house. They talked her into a payment plan over a couple of years and the total price is now $5000.
My mother is 78 years old, only has use of one arm and can not push the KIRBY around the house. She is so upset about buying this KIRBY she kept it hidden from me until it was too late to do anything about it. She is on a small pension with hardly any money in the bank. Now most of her pension goes to pay for this $5000 vacuum.
Felicia of Dorchester, MA (03/22/08)
I was told that the demonstration would take 45 minutes to an hour. I let the salesman into my home and allowed him to present the product after informing him that I had a previous engagement that I had to make by a certain time. He set up in the living room and asked if I had a carpeted room. I told him only one room upstairs. Once upstairs, he walked freely up and down the stairs through my home.
I was beginning to be annoyed at the fact that he was holding me captive in my own home. I felt intimated by the man's unwillingness to leave my home. Now I have to warn my 25 friends, whose names and numbers I gave out as referrals, to tell them to tell Kirby to take a hike!
Nancy of Woodstock IL (03/12/08)
I used to work for a Kirby distributor. I was one of the people that made the calls to consumers to get our sales guys in the door. I had set up a family friend for a 'free carpet shampooing of any single or two connecting rooms'. Well, she just happens to have a living room dining room combo. They aren't very big, and the pitch is that 'we even give you a hand moving the furniture, so it's very easy to have us out'. Well, they went to her house, and all they did was spot clean her carpet. They didn't do what the appointment setters promise.
There's more to my story. I worked for them for nearly 2 months, I didn't mind the hours though I felt like a hypocrite ... having my own number on the national "do not call" list. I got sick and spent a week in and out of the hospital. I still wasn't feeling well. I have documentation to ALL of this. I returned to work on a Friday and worked 2 days, but I had to ask for the coming Monday coming because my husband was getting a cardiac catheter and could not be left only in the care of our children because of the anesthesia. They told me sure, no problem, you can have the day off--and just make it up on a day time shift. Tuesday morning I checked my voice mail. It was my training manager asking me to call back before coming in that night. I was terminated for absenteeism.
So let's see, I've read all the reports of the awful treatment to potential customers at the hands of the reps, and I testify that our scripts required us to identify ourselves from Kirby and to offer a free room of carpet cleaning. We were also trained to push the people on the phone to schedule for the next day or two and offer to do another room of carpeting at no cost or obligation if they could help us with our scheduling. I see LIES, DECEIT, POOR BUSINESS PRACTICES, AN OVER-PRICED MACHINE (but an awesome machine), MORE LIES FROM MANAGEMENT TO EMPLOYEES, AND UNFAIR TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
If someone calls you from Kirby, HANG UP! If they come to your door, CLOSE IT AND LOCK IT. If they persist at ringing your door bell, CALL THE POLICE. Also, even if you tell the telemarketers to put you on the do not call list... THEY DON'T DO IT! Put your name on the national do not call list, https://www.donotcall.gov/. The page explains your legal rights if they continue to call you.
Physical damage resulting from their unfair treatment of employees... loss of my job has caused a severe financial hardship on my family and at this point I have to turn to public aid programs to even get gas money to search for a new job and I'm not even sure we qualify. Yes, I do know that Illinois is at will hire/at will fire but let's be reasonable here shall we?
Earl of Sand Springs OK (03/12/08)
An individual came to my residence and stated they would clean carpet--one room and hall--for free. Afterwards, Jeremy Draper demanded a $60 check for the work, written in his name. I told my wife over the phone and could hear her say my husband said no on additional cleaning and did not want to pay $2300 for the carpet cleaning machine. And I heard her say this clearly over the phone and that they would have to leave now. She called back saying the machine was now $1300. I told her again to tell them no and to leave the residence; I heard her say this clearly over the phone. When I arrived home they were still in my house. I took my shotgun from my vehicle trunk and entered my house with the gun behind my back. I told them to leave twice; one of them put his hands on his belt as if saying no. I pulled my shotgun from behind my back and told them for the third time to leave now.
Some of their equipment was left behind in my house, so was put out at the curb. One piece of equipment was missing and was turned over to Tulsa County Deputy Charles Gudd who made a report. A second report was made at my neighbor's house where the sales man grabbed for the door handle, but my neighbor lady --- locked the door. And a third Owasso police officer who lives two homes west said they attempted the same at his residence..
A report was made to Tulsa County DA; charges should be pending on the above subjects.
Ken of Branford CT (03/11/08)
In answering an add in the newspaper for a customer service position for $475-$700, I went to the interview. I was told it was a full time position, and the hours were from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. I was told I would deal with private customer and small businesses within the area of a 10 to 15 mile radius. I was told there were numerous bonuses and commission. What I was not told was that I would be a door to door Kirby salesman. I attended the orientation all day and 2 more full days of training, all unpaid. I was told I had to be in every morning at 8:30 am for a short morning meeting (2 hrs also not paid). At around 10:30, after singing ridiculous songs, I am handed an appointment slip only to learn I have a 45 miles drive (one way), and my appointment is at 11 am. There is no reimbursement for gas, and if you do not do 15 appointments a week there is also no base pay--only commission. Therefore, if you don't sell a $2000.00 vacuum for the week after putting about 500 miles on yout car and about $125.00 in gas, then you don't receive a paycheck.
When 2 employees were late for the so called morning meeting (already mentioned you do not get paid to be there), they were told if they were late twice and had any bonuses due to them, they would not get them. They are like a cult who expect 7 days of work out of approx. 12 hrs per day ann expect you to also attend out-of- state, all-day meetings--again without getting paid, but with the offer of free lunch. OH WOW!
This is the worst company to ever be employed with. There only interest is to pressure consumers into buying the Kirby without any regard for either the consumer or their employees. So beware when you receive the call for a free carpet cleaning or floor buff, and remember nothing in life is free. Just say "No". And last but not at all least, to all of you who paid between $1300.00 to $1600.00 or more, if you held out a little longer you have paid $995.00 like most do. BUYER BEWARE. EMPLOYEE BEWARE EVEN MORE!
Barbara of Brant Lake NY (03/11/08)
On 2/16/08 I purchased a Kirby Sentria from a representative of a distributor in Rochester, NY, who came to my home and performed the necessary demonstration. Two days later, the 1st I first used the machine, I found that it was way too cumbersome for someone with my medical problems. I called the phone number on the cancellation notice and spoke (by cell phone) to John, the individual who answered at that number. I explained that I wanted to cancel my 2/16 purchase but that the salesperson had entered the purchase date rather than the three day later date allowed for cancellation. He told me to enter the correct date prior to mailing the notice. I instantly took the notice to the post office and watched the postmaster stamp the current 2/19 date on it prior to putting it in the outgoing mail.
I phoned John the following week to ask if he received my cancellation. He informed me that he hadn't been back to the office but remembered speaking to me and was sure it was there. He told me they hadn't planned to return to my area but would be returning within about a week and would bring me a check for my refund when picking up the Kirby. I spoke to him again on the morning of 2/26 and was told the same thing. I called again on 3/5 and was given the same answer. On 3/10 I sent an e-mail directly to Kirby per their website and received no response.
On 3/11 I called Customer Service at Kirby to inquire if the distribution company was a valid distributor and was told it was. I explained my situation to the Customer Service Representative who asked if I'd sent the cancellation notice by return receipt or certified mail to prove I'd mailed it. I had not but told her that I'd spoken to the individual at the phone number for the distribution company so he knew I'd mailed it, even though he hadn't been back to his office to receive it. She told me that they would send the distributor a fax and follow up with a phone call if they didn't hear from him.
Additionally, when I spoke to the distributor on 2/19 he mentioned that the machine should self-propel...I informed him that it did not. I also asked if I hadn't purchased the machine if it would be used at the next demo and he told me we don't throw them away. So, if I was the 10th person to see the demo but the 1st to purchase, that means this machine had been used for approximately 20 hours prior to my purchase therefore it is NOT a new machine and should not have been sold as such. The salesperson should have gone to the car and brought me a brand new, never out of the box, Kirby. According to the cancellation policy my money was to be returned within 10 business days of the date the notice was received by the distributor and if the machine was not picked up within 20 days of the date of my notice, it was mine to retain or dispose of without any further obligation. Both of these time frames have passed and I neither have my money nor has anyone picked up the machine. At this point I think the entire deal was a scam, the notice of cancellation is a farce and I will never again trust anyone selling a KIRBY vacuum.
Minal of Jacksonville FL (03/08/08)
There were two females who came to my door, asking if they could come in and do a short demonstration for a vacuum. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT OBJECTING THE OFFER WOULD RESULT IN RACIAL DISCRIMINATION!
After a very long TWO AND A HALF HOUR demonstration, the manager came in thinking I was actually willing to purchase the product when all I wanted was for all of them to LEAVE MY HOUSE! When I explained to him that the price was too expensive for myself, a college student, to be purchasing a $2300 vacuum, he commented on my Race, and how they normally refuse to sell to anyone who is from India or Pakistan. His exact words were, "Normally if I knock on a door and someone of your kind opens the door, I just tell them sorry, wrong place and leave, because I know how you people are if a company wishes to excel in anything!"
Then they should learn how to become ethically correct! Because of these comments, I would never purchase this product or recommend it to anyone else! I'D RATHER USE MY ORECK! I was very offended by this!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WASTING YOUR TIME, BEING INSULTED IN YOUR OWN HOME BECAUSE OF YOUR RACE, BEING FRUSTRATED WITH PEOPLE WHO JUST WON'T LEAVE, AND BEING PRESSURED INTO PURCHASING SOMETHING YOU'RE REALLY NOT INTERESTED IN OR ABLE TO AFFORD, THEN OPEN YOUR HOUSE DOORS FOR KIRBY VACUUM SALES REPS! THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES I'VE EVER HAD! NEVER AGAIN!
Shannon of Anchorage AK (03/05/08)
I feel I must reply to all the negative statements made about Kirby Vacuums. I called for the free carpet shampoo - I'm not a boob - I knew it was going to be a sales pitch. They said as much when they called to confirm. I noticed that in all the complaining from most folks, VERY few mention the quality of the machine. I adore my vacuum! I have several pets and need a vacuum that actually picks up pet hair. The difference between my previous vacuum and my Kirby is astronomical! The Kirby is very heavy, so I put on the hose and leave the heavy machinery at the bottom of the stairs - easy. It has a great self-propelling system and is very easy to manage. It is an army-tank of a vacuum and picks up like no vacuum I've ever seen. They took my pansy Hoover that would just roll pet hair into balls and not pick it up and gave me a credit for it. LOVIN IT! I used my credit card to buy it and paid it off at my leisure - I actually READ contracts before signing and did not like their terms. I've had it about three years. One time last year it stopped picking up every little thing, so I took it in to my little Kirby shop around the corner. The fellow behind the counter was so kind and helpful! He ran it for a second, then put on a new belt. No charge, no fussing about me not looking at it for over two years... The manager came out of his office briefly when I was discussing the problem I was having; then, seeing I was taken care of, went back to work. I love my Kirby. I love my Kirby store. I love the workers at that store. If you want a vacuum for life that does a phenomenal job, get a Kirby!
Consequences of buying my Kirby: I have a clean floor, clean beds, clean furniture... I get a little excercise when I have to carry it up or down stairs.
Irit of Beverly MA (03/05/08)
they deceived me by saying they are coming to clean my rugs; then, high pressure sales once they showed how much better the kirby vac worked. they sold me one for 1,000 plus my $400 dyson was taken from me. yes, i signed the contract, thinking i had 30 days to try it out and make a better decision than one under pressure. they will not take it back, but i will take them to small claims court soon.
it's too expensive and i want compensation; the vac is unwieldy, cumbersome, so I am unhappy with that.
Brian of Chula Vista CA (03/03/08)
They left a note in my door saying I had missed my free gift (a fruit basket). So, curious as I am, I called the number left on the note and was offered a 'free carpet cleaning' to demo their 'carpet cleaning supplies'. I was told I would not have to buy anything - it was just a demo. I asked was it 'free carpet cleaning' and was told yes. So I agreed to an appointment. Well, when the two men arrived I was surprised that the so-called demo was an excuse to come into my home to sell Kirby vacuum cleaners. I asked them were they going to clean my carpet, and they said only a small portion. So they did the old bait and switch on me just to get in my home.
Of course, the salesman and his manager gave me the whole 'win a trip to Disneyland' routine which I simply ignored. Two hours later they were on their way out the door--but not before they tried to convince me to finance a vacuum cleaner for 24/36 months! I couldn't believe they actually had the nerve to ask me to do that. Even though I did not buy the thing, I still felt violated. I called the number that was left on the note in my door, and the number has been disconnected. WOW! Man, those people do believe a sucker is born everyday....
Laurie of Marina CA (03/03/08)
Same deal as others: Woman first offers free carpet cleaning, two guys came back with the load, one stayed for God knows how long, never getting to the shampoo (which was my fault for not letting him finish, right?), and tried to get me to buy the vacuum. I have a physical disability and am on SSDI -- that didn't seem to matter to him.
I do, however, have a twist on my story that I have not seen yet: One of the salesmen, Jesus, offered me a special price, but it was only offered to women, and only when their husbands weren't home. Really! That, and when he shook my hand, he didn't let go, and he said, "Is your boyfriend jealous? What would you do if he came in right now and saw our hands?" I pulled my hand away in mock demonstration and laughed, just to get my hand extricated -- and at this point I really began to question my judement in letting this man into my house. He told me I have pretty eyes. Thanks, but that compliment ain't worth $2,000.
Tammy of Tacoma WA (02/27/08)
My husband had purchased a Kirby Vacuum from this company on payments, My husband gave them our vacuum for a trade in and they were to knock off $250 towards the purchase price. Well we could not fit the payments in our budget because we are in the process of buying a home so my husband called and gave them oral notice of the cancellation on 2/06/08 in accordance with their contract (We had three business days from 2/06/08 to 2/09/08). So my husband sent the cancellation notice overnight through USPS express mail.
One of the reps came and retrieved the Kirby a few days later and was talking to my husband, telling him that he was dissapointed and that he would have to come back and egg our house. My husband had told him this is not my home. I don't know if they were joking but the rep that picked up the Kirby said he would bring back our old vacuum by the next night. Well no one showed. This was on the 11th of Feb 08.
So I had called the JWL Enterprizes and they said they would have a rep return my property later that day. I waited till the next day and still no one showed, so here it is the 12th and I called JWL again and I talked with this Trevor and he said I should recieve my vacuum no later than the 15th and that if I don't hear from anyone by Friday the 15th to call him back. I waited over the weekend and called Monday the 18th and got their answering machine and left a message for Trevor to call back and waited another couple of days with no returned call. I called again on the 22nd and got the answering machine and again left message with no returned call. Then called again on Monday the 25th of Feb, finally talked to Trevor, and he told me that they had mailed my vaccum on Saturday the 23rd and that I should receive it no later than Tuesday the 26th. Now here it is Wednsday the 27th and I have still not recieved my property.
On there notice of cancellation it states. IF YOU CANCEL< ANY PAYMENTS MADE BY YOU UNDER THE CONTRACT OR SALE< AND ANY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY YOU WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 10 DAYS. We had until the 9th to cancel, which we had canceled on the 7th and sent the cancellation notice overnight on the same day the 7th and they recieved it on the 8th at noon. They came and got their property by the 10th and here it has been 20 days since and I had not received my property from JWL Enterprises. I just want my property back, it's not like I can just go out and by another vacuum, I can't afford it.
James of Shelby OH (02/27/08)
I have bought several Kirby's. This is my last one that I will buy though. People from Medina, Ohio came here and promised to rebuild my old vacuum cleaner when I purchased the new one. I let them take it with them and when I got it back it was left on my porch outside for starters, after them promising they would call me on Saturday to make sure we were home before bringing it to me. When I got home the vacuum was not rebuilt nor was it very clean, in fact I am not sure it is the same vacuum I had before. At any rate I will never buy another Kirby again. I do not appreciate being lied to.I will buy a hoover, at least I will not be lied to again.
Roy of San Juan Bautista CA (02/20/08)
My 19 year old son applied for a job in the local paper. It read, 20-25 people needed for warehouse and assembly work, $1.600 monthly. He called and was told nothing about door to door cold sales, Kirby Vacuums or anything. He was set up with an appointment for an interview for the next day. I drove him down and in 15 minuets he was hired and was told to come back the next day for orientation. He was told about Kirby and this was not cold door to door sales. This was a preset appointments already set up.
He also signed a contract that was a bunch of goobaly goop. It turned out to be a contract saying he was a contractor for Kirby and he will be working independently. My son does not understand the legal part of being an outside contractor. He went to orientation and training and spent about 10 hrs on that. Then the next day went out for 12 hrs. door to door in not such a very nice neighborhood after dark. (9:00am to 9:00pm) And was left to go do this by himself. He called me in a panic at 7:30 pm scared because no one has picked him up yet after his rounds of door slamming. He had been waiting there for 1 1/2 hrs. I went to check on him and could not find him. Seeing the irresponsibility of the management of this company and how they treat people, I had him quit. A few days later he called his boss to ask if he could get paid for what he did. He Made 3 appointments and 2 call backs. He was told he was not going to be paid anything that he was a contractor. THIS IS CHEAP LABOR! To treat people like this. I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM KIRBY!
My son desperately needed a job and was enthusiastic about it. He has bills to pay. And this WASTED TIME put him back further.
Brenda of Concord, NC (02/16/08)
Salesman offered a free rug shampoo. I had just lost my mother that I was caregiver for and I had planned on having the carpet in her room cleaned. I was thrilled to have someone offer to clean it. I would have been willing to pay, and I did pay a very high price for an overpriced item.
I'm elderly and I should be smarter than a young, high pressure salesperson, but evidently not. They talked me into paying a high price for a product that is much too heavy and not at all user friendly. I wouldn't have another one if it were FREE, yet I paid double price in cash.
Read reviews and comments in ConsumerAffairs before making purchases. I wish I had taken time to read before making this purchase, my bank account would be much larger.
Judy of Youngsville PA (02/15/08)
Two years ago, a Kirby salesman came and tried to sell us a vacuum. I liked the vacuum and was going to buy it. Then he said he didn't have one on hand, but would I sign a form saying that he had left one here? Now come on here, what kind of shoddy practice is this? I didn't do anything about that visit. Tonight they were at my door again, and I got rid of them real fast. Everyone should be aware that they are doing illegal practices.
Javier of Waterbury CT (02/13/08)
I responded to an ad with Golden Circle that said $475 guaranteed a week, pickers, packers, general labor and customer service. When I went to fill out an application I got very vague answers. Come to find out they are actually Kirby but under a different name. They mislead you as they want you to sell there overpriced products door to door!
Jamie of Naoma WV (02/11/08)
I had been working on my mother in law's car all day when some vacuum salesmen came to give a demo of the product they were selling, which was Kirby vacuum and shampoo machines. I had left my mother in laws to get some parts for her car and when I returned I bluntly got accused by Kim Kortin of stealing the same machine that my wife was inside getting ready to buy. Here where she live is a very small town and word gets around, shortly after he ask me if I stole the machine he went to her neighbors and told that it was stolen.
There have been several people around the area questioning me about a vacuum that I supposedly stole...he has really brought my name down, and people who once trusted me now don't.
Suzanne of Abilene KS (02/03/08)
I first had a female representative form this company come to my door, explaining to me who she worked for and if she can just do a quick demonstration so she can get credit for it since she was so behind on the contest to win a trip to Lake Tahoe--and because she was pregnant. She assured me I didn't have to buy anything. Now I believe it was a scam. Anyway, I felt bad for her and agreed but to come back later because my kids were napping and I was on the phone long-distant. She understood, but literally came back every half-hour for the next 2 hrs. or so. After that I decided to let her do her quick demonstration, but she had another co-worker w/ her this time. She soon left, and it was only the male worker, named Abel. Well, Abel soon went into his demonstration-mode by showing what all it can do. But I right away said "No thank you, I do not want to spend that much money ($1945) now, especially without being able to discuss it over w/ my husband who is deployed to Iraq now."
This young man would not take no for answer. He kept trying to presuade me and kept trying to persuade me. He even made me feel guilty that my kids were sick w/ colds now because I did not have one of their vacuums. And then he went to put on surgical gloves and mask and went into my kids' and my bedrooms, tore off the blankets and pillows from my neatly-made beds, so he can show me the filth we were sleeping in-again, making me feel like an un-fit mother. I continously kept saying no. He then called in his boss/co-worker, where they both were trying to persuade me and even getting my kids in on it-to back me in a corner & cave-in! They made a mess of my living room with all the dirt they picked up, and placed those dirt-filled sheets everywhere. When I was concerned about cleaning it up, he would say why? What is the big deal? That was in your carpet anyway. Who cares if it goes back in, right? He got that dirt everywhere--on my leather couches, my coffee table, etc. He went over board on it, and after almost 5 hrs. later (5:30pm-10pm!), I caved-in. Once my kids started getting fussy that they were hungry and tired, they still wouldn't leave! They said they would wait until I fed my kids so they can finish their sale! It was very frustrating, and I was miserable! I never thought to call the police! They did bring the price down from $1945 to $980 for me, but they probably do that all the time.
Every time I said I want to talk it over with my husband first and if I can just call them, they said it doesn't work like that--buy now or never. But they did let me know that I cancel within three business days. So like I said, I caved-in, it was like no other choice so they can finally leave! They took my old vacuum and my $61 check to cover the taxes, they said, and left the vacuum they used to demonstrate with! So I'm paying for an expensive vacuum that isn't sealed up and that they have used on other homes. And I also noticed that Abel dumped the dirty water, full of dog hair, from the shampooing of my carpet, down my kitchen sink! What a mess he left me to clean up! I felt violated and like they took advantage of my situation of the fact my husband was deployed.
I did cancel the very next day, by calling the Finance Company, as well as sending back the Cancellation notice (w/ a LONG letter, explaining what they did to me) certified mail. They recieved it the very next morning and by that afternoon, the boss from that night was at my doorstep with my old vacuum and my $61 check! Though he couldn't help to tell me by saying I can't believe you wrote that letter. That letter got me into a lot of trouble. Well, I explained to him or had to remind him the hell I went thru that night because they wouldn't take no for an answer. That salesman never apologized for any of it either. I hope not another salesman, esp a Kirby salesman, takes one step on my front step again! I hope they don't take money from my checking account.
Joan of Bartlett IL (02/02/08)
Don't buy a Kirby. We need a repair and attempted to contact the repair center in our area. The number has been disconnected. No way am I going to pay $100 shipping cost to send it out for repair, and God only knows what the cost would be for the repair.
Debra of Durham NC (02/02/08)
I decided I did not want to keep the Kirby. The sales rep who came to pick it up and had also sold it to me, began pressuring me to keep it. He kept putting the pieces together and then taking them apart, then putting it all together wasting time, since I told him I had an appointment that I needed to get to. He kept stating this really messes it up for me to get my trip, why don't you want it? He made me feel very uncomfortable. I live alone and having these two men in my house scaring me, was so unprofessional. I went into my office and pretended to make a call to their boss, and they got it all put together and left. I did call the store (I don't know who I spoke to), and he took the information. To me it didn't sound like he was very concerned about the behavior, just the fact that they picked up the equipment.
I am so shaken up by the whole experience and felt very threatened. I had to cancel my appointments for the day and have had a sizable financial loss.
Peter of Watertown MA (01/28/08)
I was a dealer for Kirby Vacuum for 2 years. I was one of the company's Super-Stars and was richly rewarded for my efforts. The tactics are hard-sell and confrontational, but legal in every way. Many more people fail than succeed, but the company has created more millionaires than any other company in the world. The machine itself is so far superior to any other vacuum on the market that it makes the competition seem like toys. It's an investment, but unfortunately one that many buyers can't afford.The machine [at the time] cost the dealer $250 and sold for $1500. It is a great product, sold through an imperfect system, by legitimate, but extremely mercenary, dealers. If you are hard working, don't mind slamming people into purchasing a machine that they can't afford, you can make a fortune. If you buy one, you get the best machine on the market; but you pay for it. As for the free rug shampoo--use your head: nothing is free.
Elizabeth of Salem CT (01/27/08)
My mother-in-law is 86 years old and lives in senior housing. Two years ago, a Kirby salesman tried to sell her a very expensive Kirby vacuum cleaner. She has a three room apartment! Talk about sleazy, trying to sell Kirbys to seniors on a fixed income. Fortunately, she remembered I had one and called me. I told her to call the salesman and cancel the order. I had a Kirby and hated it. It was too heavy to use on the stairs (25lbs.?) and you had to carry the accessories holder with you to every room you cleaned. I gave mine away to my daughter and as soon as she could afford to buy her own vacuum she did.
Aja of White House TN (01/22/08)
I purchased a Kirby vacuum and had 3 days to test drive it in my home. After 2 days, I came to the realization that it was an amazing vacuum but no where near worth $2000.00. So I returned it within the trial period and canceled my contract. After a mild hunt down to get my deposit back, I finally received it. I thought at this point my stress with this company was over. WRONG! I had made the mistake of telling United Consumers to draft the money out of my account for the Kirby and was told by the people at J&K that I would not be charged. WRONG AGAIN! I was in fact charged for the Kirby a month later. When I contacted United Consumers and J&K Distributing to get a return of my money I was shocked to find that U.C had never received any word that my contract had been canceled. I then contacted J&K Distributing to get my money returned from them and yet again got the runaround. I got the excuse that all canceled contracts were sent to U.C and it wasn't their fault that United Consumer charged me. This company is a scam and would rather run you around then run a business properly. I do not recommend ever falling for the Kirby scam.
I was wrongly charged for the Kirby which then put my checking account over its balance and subsequently I was charged an overdraft fee. United Consumer said they would have to contact J&K Distributing and talk to them about how to handle this situation. Someone from U.C would then contact me and work on sending me a check for the fee. But no word on the overdraft fee I was charged due to their wrongful charge.
John of Arcadia CA (01/22/08)
When I got interviewed, the manager keeps saying: Your salary is $1800 a month guaranteed, but you have to make 50 demos completed in one month. I had three days training without pay. I quit after first week of knowing the truth about this so called Kirby company. Objective: to show and sell the vacuum to customers. What to do: 50 demos in one month. Average two demos a day. How long for each demo: At least 3 hours to complete. Hidden story: If salesman/woman cannot complete showing customers from beginning until done, then the demo is not counted, and will not get paid. What usually happens: Homeowners have to watch and listen in the demos in those 3 plus hours. Normally, they will get tired in the first hour of demonstration. Homeowner will find a way to reject the deal and want salesman out of their homes. Sometimes homeowner will get frustrated and act impolite toward salesman in order for them to understand what NO means.
Salesman also gets frustrated because he got 49 demos completed, and he needs one more to be done to get paid. If not, he will start from the beginning of the month again. (Do a lots of walking from house to house, wait for car to pickup, skip lunch, dog beaten, physical and emotionally exhausted.) From those hidden mystery facts, it will become a predictable result. Most of the time, it was a disaster. Kirby selling strategy: Lie to customer about timing for demo, and force customers to buy the vacuum. My question: Is there another motive behind this kind of sales tactics? Why make an American product look so bad with these kinds of sales strategies? Who set up these plans? Who is responsible for doing this? If you are an American customer, then you can feel something is wrong about this. Don't be trapped in by free gifts or free carpet cleaning. Do not hesitate to say NO. Feel freedom; be a happy American.
Barbara of Orange Park FL (01/20/08)
I have read numerous disasterous reviews on our website.
I only want to tell my experience.
My husband told me he had someone cleaning some spots on our carpet.
I came to find a Kriby demonstration.
I too, had purchased a Kirby years earlier and it was not what I truly wanted at the time.
I however, I bought this Kirby with the information I knew both from my previous purchase and from the benefits stated.
I have to say I am very happy with the looks of my clean carpet as well as the clean smell.
I gave 2 referrals of friends who I know have been owners of Kirbys.
I hope this puts a different spin on all the negative that was posted on your website. So many times we take the time to complain and we take it for grant it when we are truly satisfied that everyone else was, too.
I will admit it was a very long time consuming demonstration, but was it necessary for me to be equipped with the knowledge to make my decision? I think it was.
I never felt the need to ask these people to leave. I never felt they were pushy. I was aware of them using selling techniques. Duh, they were salespeople - that would be expected on any item.
Thank you for reading another viewpoint.
Gary of Pacolet SC (01/18/08)
Let me just say that I am very disappointed with the Kirby representative that came knocking on my door. After a 3 hour presentation of the Senitra model, I was impressed with it and finally said OK. I gave them a $60 down payment and MY vacuum. I was up front with them saying I had no credit. They said they would take care of it and bring me a refurbished one (of the same model) for $400 less and finance it. Instead, they brought an earlier model (G5), along with another 2 hour presentation and wanted $1000 for it. I said that I was told it would be a refurbished Senitra model and the G5 model sells for $549. I was given my refund of the $60 down payment, but I have been without my old vacuum for the past 12 days. I have called the representative several times requesting the return of MY vacuum and been promised return time and time again. Beware of these salesmen.
Ed of Copley OH (01/14/08)
My 82 year old mother has a small house with no more than 200 sq. ft of carpet in two tiny rooms. And in those rooms, only about 80 total sq. ft can be accessed by a vacuum cleaner. Of course, she is on a fixed social security income. The nice Kirby salesman still sold her one for only $ 1,200 (special price). My mom said he was working his way through college, and loved the Lord. I contacted Kirby corporate here in Cleveland, OH (a division of Scott Fetzer) and threatened to report them to the state attorney general for preying on senior citizens. My mom had her check back the next day! Kirby salespeople are nice young kids, but are pressured to sell anyone and everyone, regardless of the circumstances.
Nadya of San Diego CA (01/13/08)
This man used fraudulent means to gain entry to my home. He had a young girl come to my door, pretending to represent a new local carpet cleaning company. I would have never let these people into my home, had I known they were Kirby Vacuum Cleaner salesmen. She said that they used a special non-toxic shampoo and that if I let them clean one room in my home free of charge (a get-acquainted special), I would be so delighted with the results, I would no doubt want the rest of my carpeting cleaned and they would give me a great price on cleaning the whole house. It sounded on the level, so I agreed. She said her guys would be by in 10 to 20 minutes to start the free cleaning. The 2 men started by vacuuming the frontroom carpet, then shampooing. It was in the middle of shampooing, that they informed me that they were Kirby Vacuum Cleaner salesmen and the hard sell began. It was relentless! Their boss, Mr. Escalante-Posada kept calling on the phone. I couldn't get them to leave. They were here for hours. What a terrible predicament. They had to finish cleaning the carpet and putting the furniture back. I have Parkinson's and post-Polio. It didn't occur to me to call the police. I finally bought a vacuum to get them out of the house, thinking I could rescind the sale after they'd gone. Wrong.
I called Mr. E-Posada immediately after the two men left and tried to rescind the sale. He was rude and abrupt and told me he'd discuss it in the morning. He told me he'd call me at 8 AM. Of course, he never did. I called and e-mailed Kirby right away. They were disappointed about my experience, but did nothing. My credit card company, though it is obvious that fraud, duress should have been enough to cancel this sale, is siding with this unscrupulous businessman, because he claims the letter I wrote to cancel the sale got to him 3 days after the sale. I was given 4 different addresses/phone numbers for his official business address. It was not easy to track him down. He told me that he would refuse delivery of the vacuum, even if returned. Further, I am sure I was sold a demonstrator unit. You should see the bedraggled materials that came with the vacuum! The man has been so nasty, threatening and bellicose with me, I have no faith in him as regards getting this product serviced. I do not want it. I never did. I sincerely want to prevent this from happening to anyone else. Kirby is a terrible company.
Ellen of Champaign IL (01/04/08)
After taking over 3 hours to go through this demonstration, when I was told that it would be only 1/2 hour, I ended up trying a carpet cleaning system for a day or so. After 1 day, I decided not to keep it, as it was extremely heavy to maneuver. I then was told that my credit card had been charged, and I would not be given a refund for a week or so, instead of crediting my acct. I then asked for my original trade-in vacuum back. Remember, this was the very day after the demonstration. They picked up the Kirby on that day but did not have my cleaner on their truck, so I would have to wait until the next day. That next day I was given an excuse as to why I could not get mine back yet. This want on for a week. They finally called and said that they were returning mine. When they arrived at my house, I was told that mine had been donated to a church. I had had a very good Panasonic vacuum.
This Mike then told me that I was to be given a brand new Kenmore instead. It is in no way near the value of my Panasonic. It doesn't have the features that mine had. If I had wanted a Kenmore, I would have purchased one instead of the one I had. I was lied to numerous times, having been told that my original was on the truck. Not only did I not have the 3 days to make my decision, they were unwilling to hang on to mine for the 3 days. They get the tax write-off [or sold it for profit] for the donation of my vacuum. I totally lost on the deal of the demonstration free of charge. What a racket. My message LOUD & CLEAR: DO NOT EVER OPEN YOUR DOOR TO THE KIRBY PEOPLE UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO BE TAKEN!
I was out the difference of the price of the vacuum that I owned ($250), and the one I ended up with (<$100)...to say nothing of the value of my lost time and the consternation.
Carla of Parrish FL (01/03/08)
Last week my doorbell rang. It was a young woman who said they were going around the neighborhood giving complimentary shampoo cleaning in one room, and it would only take about 15-20 minutes. I thought they might be a cleaning company trying to generate some business. I told her if it would only take 15-20 minutes sure, because I was getting ready to go run some errands. She said they were just finishing up a neighbor's home and would be right over. Upon entering my home, she began to unload the Kirby. She then proceeded to ask me to fill up a container with warm water and hand her a towel. I let her know to be careful with the water on our floor. They are laminate and should not have water on them.
She then proceeded to clean my sofa, filling up these circle filters. At first she was having a hard time, she was not picking up much dirt at all. Needless to say, about 2 hours later she moved on to unmake my bed and clean my sheets, and then she moved onto vacuuming my bedroom and finally at about 2:45, she started to shampoo my rug. I let her know several times throughout the process that I needed to go and if it would take much longer. She kept saying about another 10 minutes, I need to show you another feature. I let her know about 20 minutes into the presentation that I was not working at the time, and had no intention of buying this vacuum. She continued to disregard my needing to leave. Finally at the end of her presentation, she called over her supervisor, who I told right of the bat that I was very pressed for time now, that I didn't think it would take this long, and that I am not interested in paying $2200 for a vacuum.
She still proceeded to negotiate with me until she finally got the clue. The girl doing the demonstration began to pack up and proceeded to leave me with a big mess to clean up. I rushed out the door right behind her. Upon getting back home, I discovered that my floor was damaged. She had left soap suds sitting on the floor along with spots on my bedroom carpet, a dirty tub that she used to dump the water from the Kirby, and a very dusty carpet in the family room. What a horrible experience. I felt like I had let these people in my home as guests, and they had long overstayed their welcome. I called the office that night explaining what had happened. After almost a week, one of the Supervisors that came that day came in and looked at my floor. She said she knows that the Kirby didn't do any damage and that they have been in hundreds of homes, and nothing like this had ever happened. I explained that I didn't say it was the Kirby, but the suds and water that they left sitting there.
Needless to say I got nowhere with her. I later asked her for her manager's number; she said she didn't have it, but I could call the office. Conveniently when I called the office and said who I was, nobody was available, they were all in meetings and didn't know when they would be back. I can't believe people like this are still in business. They should really crack down on a business like this. Damage to floor, lost 3 hours of my time, dirty floors, spots on carpet.
George of Tallahassee FL (01/02/08)
Purchased a Kirby Vacuum Cleaner on 8/26/07 for $900.00. I canceled the contract within three business days. After several calls to Mr. McDaniel, he came to our home on 9/22/07 to pick up the vacuum. He also signed a written statement, promising the $900.00 refund and trade-in items as of September 30th. Have received no refund for the vacuum cleaner, nor all of the trade-in items.
We are out $900.00 dollars and do not have a workable vacuum.
Ken of Davenport FL (12/28/07)
The company advertised 12/24/07 for 450.00 a week starting salary, and now it has changed to $400.00 a week this week, to demonstrate Kirby vacs. But they are scamming people and are rude to customers, as well as to the employee. Somebody needs to stop them.
Mona of Union CT (12/16/07)
The demostrator misled me about being able to use the Kirby vacuum w/shampooer for washing floors as well. I cannot get the unit to suck any soap up. I felt pressured into purchasing it. I told him I could not afford it, but he talked me into it as he would not leave my home. It was suppose to be a 90 min. demonstration which turned into over 3 hours. He did not even buff my floors for free as promised. He was into small talk. I warned him of my time limit several times but this did not help. I bought it to get rid of him. My husband was not home and he talked me into trading in my vacuum for a better deal, which did not figure out moneywise properly. I told him I could not afford it.The vacuum is way to heavy to handle properly. I have a bad back & shoulder. They are not easy to get a hold of and really don't care once you purchased it. They say you only have 3 days to change your mind. It was not what I was looking for. I was also pressured into giving friends names that they called and lied to about how much I loved the way my floors came out. They never did them. I would like to return this to them with some sort of refund that would be fair so I can purchase somthing I can use.
My shoulder is hurting more now. I cannot use it.
Lanny of Laramie WY (12/14/07)
My grandaughter went to work for a Kirby store in Loveland Colorado.They said they would set up the demonstrations and there was no door-to-door. Well, that was a lie, but the worst part is on her cell phone she received filthy e-mails from a coworker. She made a complaint and then was harrased for it. She did not feel comfortable going to her job so she quit and now they do not want to pay her.The e-mails were clearly sexual harrassment.
Brian of San Jose CA (12/13/07)
Well, I just want to thank all for sharing their experiences with Kirby. I was just hired and was going to attend a training class for the next three days, unpaid. I thought that this job as too good to be true, and I was right--after reading everything. It is a shame that my fellow citizens of San Jose might be scammed by this evil company. I do hope anyone who even thinks about working for them reads all that is posted here.
I am pretty mad that I wasted part of my day interviewing with them.
Julie of Roscoe, IL (12/12/07)
On 12/6/07 we had the typical "let us shampoo your rugs for free" sales pitch. I was very impressed with the machine and purchased one for $900.
They took my less than 4 month old Kenmore in trade for this new product. I told the rep of my hesitations on simply discarding something that is almost brand new and not cheap. He assured me that I would have 5 days to try the new Kirby and if I didn't like it I could always have the previous vacuum back.
I called the manager at 8AM the next morning, left a message. The manager assured me that he understood my concern and that he would have that vacuum returned to me as long as I could give him something in trade. I still had a previous machine in the basement so I agreed. I have reached out to this manager at least 5 times today- NO ONE has been to my house. He stalled me past the 3 day right-to-cancel.
Knowing that this is the service that goes along with the Kirby name I KNOW this machine was a mistake. Its twice as expensive as the 4 month old vacuum that I can't get back.
Stacie of Fallbrook CA (12/03/07)
My husband is in the Marine Corp and was away for training in Yuma, Arizona and my mother was staying with me because I have a 4 month old baby. On 10/17/2007, a Kirby sales associate came to my door and asked if they could do a demo and shampoo my carpet in my living room for free because they were doing a work competition for points to win a trip and said that they needed a certain amount more of demos to gain the points. I said sure, and let them in and told them that I wasn't going to buy the product because I couldn't afford it and even if I could I would have to ask my husband first and i couldn't call him because he was training and I had to wait for him to call which wasn't until the next day. The representative told me that I could say "NO" no matter what he said, so I did and he showed me the product and I told him that I loved it but I can't afford it, but he kept pushing. I kept saying no and finally he told me that I could have a three business day trial period and then on Monday I could call the number listed and tell them that my husband said, "No". I was going to do that, but on Monday morning, the 22nd of October at 7am, I got evacuated because of the wildfires and because I have a small infant I was not allowed to come back until the smoke cleared up which was two weeks later. That is when my husband also arrived back from training and when we came back that is when we called Kirby to return the vacuum.
The first three times we called no one answered so my husband left them 2 messages and no one ever returned our calls. Finally, on the fourth try, we got through and spoke to someone and asked if we could speak to Hunter Levell who sold me the vaccum but they would not let us speak to him. The person we spoke to said it was to late to return it and they didn't care that we got evacuated and weren't able to call. Even if we would have been able to call, no one could have come and gotten it anyways because it was a mandatory evacuation for Fallbrook, California. Now the main Kirby company is telling me that I am liable for this vacuum because I didn't call in time or mail in the cancellation form at the bottom of the contract. I was never told about the form because I was told to call the listed number if I wanted to cancel and that is what I would have done if I wasn't evacuated.
Because I did not have any control over the wildfires, I should not have to pay for this vacuum, which I would have returned if mother nature didn't interrupt my plans. I do not want this vacuum. Also, I live in a apartment complex, which is a no soliciting apartment complex. I did not know at the time because I am new here, but my apartment manager said the she has never given Kirby associates or anyone at Kirby permission to enter the property. So not only did I get scammed by Kirby but they were also tresspassing.Something should be done about this and someone should be sent to pick the vacuum up because I haven't used it and I don't want it and I am not going to pay for something that is a big scam.
Kirby sales associates were on this property without permission and now they want me to pay for something that I don't want, something that should have been returned but couldn't be because California was burning.
Mary of Radcliff, KY (11/22/07)
We purchased a Kirby vacuum system and it has not lived up to the promises the sales ladies made. It does not do half of the things properly that they stated it would do such as cleaning upholstery, wood floors, etc. It left the couch soaked and it took days to dry with the carpet cleaner.
When our Kirby quit running I called the Customer Service, which is a joke, and they told me I would have to take it to a repair shop and pay all the fees. I asked about the 100% guarantee and I was told that there is no such thing, even though I have the papers that state otherwise.
Oscar of Porterville CA (11/17/07)
I asked several times if the Kirby vacuum was warranted for life, and each time they answered "Yes." That is what sold me on the Kirby.
I later looked on the warranty card, and it reads that the Kirby is only warranted for 3 years and not the lifetime. I tried to cancel after three days, and they told me "No.". They lied to me to make the sale.
Paul Tofte of Sherwood OR (11/13/07)
I may agree with your opinion of in home demos on Kirby Vacuums as I have never had one, I bought my Kirby on line, but it is a superior product and picks almost EVERYTHING up, so please dont slam the product
Jacquelyn of Menlo Park CA (11/13/07)
We wanted to return the Kirby, but the NCR is unreadable. So, now it is too late, according to the Kirby telephone center off the internet. Then we called Kirby again and they said to tell you.
The sales people helped my husband come in the window because he lost his keys. He was just off the ship from a job, and came home in a cab. So, my husband let him do a promotion and vacumm the rug. It took 3 hours until 5:30. We needed to get to the bank but felt we needed to let them because they helped us.
We did not receive the payment booklet.
We are stuck paying $1500 for a vaccumm that does not work well. The rug shampoo cleaner is not working and the handle fell off the vaccum.
We just want to return it without ruining our credit.
Marie of Los Lunas NM (11/05/07)
I purchased what I thought and was told to be the latest and newest Kirby on the market. I found out by going to my sister's house that I have a model that is at least 5 years old. I called Kim and Associates (Kirby dealers) and spoke with the receptionist/supervisor/head secretary: Jesse. She told me the contract is good and that I was stuck with the vacuum and the huge price. I feel this is misrepresentation and deceptive selling practices. Kirby of course won't get involved since they are independent dealers, but I am not going to be quiet and take it. I want everyone to know what the reps at Kim and Associated do.
Bonnie of Ipswich OTHER (10/17/07)
I am so disappointed by the kirby machine that i paid almost 3000 for. It has never worked to my satisfaction it breaks down every now and then. I had to buy another hoover and hire a carpet washer. Each time i try to wash my carpet the parts come off. its so frustrating and user unfriendly. At the moment i cannot even turn the machine on. I am afraid of calling the engineers because they will charge me more than i can afford. It will be better for me to hire or buy another machine.
Lisa of Rockford, IL (10/14/07)
I worked for Kirby for a couple weeks. The manager told me it was an assembly job and I would work Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm for $400.00 a week.
When I went for training I was told I had to do carpet cleaning demonstrations as a way to advertise the Kirby and to get the customer interested in buying. If the customer was not interested I would still get paid the $400 as a base pay and if they did purchase the Kirby I would make a commission.
The manager asked if I was interested in doing practice demos for friends and family members. I would get paid $10-$15 for each demo even if I did not sell one. I just had to call my manager Ken a few times to let him know I was at the appointment and how everything was going.
I worked all weekend, did six demos that weekend, but no one could afford to buy the $2000 Kirby. That Wednesday when I asked about getting paid the $60, Ken told me he had to wait for his boss Russ to give him the OK. On Thursday I was then told that I should have done more demos and I did not have enough referrals to qualify for the $60, but they paid me $30.
I never did work 9:00-5:00. Some nights I did not get home until 9:30 or 10:00 and I never got paid. When I quit I asked when I could get my paycheck and I was told that Ken misinformed me, they fired him and I would not be getting paid like I was told.
Mike of Fall River MA (10/07/07)
I was hired to sell kirbys and they never gave the name of the company until they had to. We had to hand in a list of appointments and a prize was given for the most. We were sent out in the rain that weekend to cover our appts. and to get TEN leads from each appt. We had to call in half way through the appt. and the boss would call us back to make sure we were actually at someones house. My boss didn't believe I was at someone's house for some reason and said I would not get credit for that call even after he called me back there.
My friend politely declined my offer because he was now eating dinner and my boss wouldn't take no for an answer,so my friend hung up. Later that weekend I was on my last call at SUNDAY nite at another friend's house. I had to call in when arriving and the boss said good luck etc.. When I called back he would not answer the phone several times so I left after 11 pm and the next day my boss would not pay me my 400 dollar bonus because I didn't call in. Then he hands me an adress 20 miles out of my desired area and was told to call. I said it was farther than I agreed to travel and he ignored me.
Jeff of Ithaca NY (10/06/07)
I was hired as a Kirby sales rep with promise of $400 per week. Told that appointments would be set up (3 per day) and ended up canvassing neighborhoods. I worked 14-hour days with no breaks, was dropped off on corners and told to knock my way in with free carpet shampoo pitch. Due to lack of required # of demo's and no sales, I made $0 after 2 weeks and quit. I hope people will please boycott Kirby.
Lost time and got no pay. wasted money on food bought at gas stations. Worked long hours wearing a tie in 85 degree weather 12-to-14 hours a day.
Rochelle of Los Angeles CA (10/05/07)
i can truly say that Kirby is brainwashing these young people who work for them. I have been working for them for 2 weeks and their hiring practices are questionable. i work 12-14 hours a day walking the streets knocking on doors even as late as 9:45pm. i have been fondled by customers, have gone without a lunch break, been left on corners from 30 mins. to 1hour. Being an African American female left like this in predominantly white neighborhoods makes people nervous. Although Kirby makes you sign an independent contract, you must ride with their people and make 60 demonstrations in 30 days. If you don't, you don't get paid for all the time you have put in. Their ad says you earn $1800 a month guranteed, but they don't tell you all you have to do to get it.
kirby makes you put in all your time and effort and still does not pay you if you don't do the 60 demonstrations although their ad says payment guaranteed. It says nothing about commissions or the sacrifice before you get the job and that you have to wait a whole month for something you may or may not get. i have gone completely broke and am worn out physically from all the walking. No breaks and safety is questionable. Right now i have to look for another job and have no income after 2 weeks of this madness, and i can hardly walk because my legs hurt so bad.
B.j of Byron GA (10/05/07)
We purchased a new Kirby Vacuum with attachments. I was led to believe that this would make cleaning so much easier. I have had nothing but problems every time that I try to use it. It is very hard to use. The instruction book is very hard to understand when trying to use the attachments. It takes several hours in trying to figure out. I have tried using the vacuum a total of 3 times, and each time I am worn out trying to get it to work. I have sent Kirby an e-mail 3 times, but with no response. This vacuum was purchased thinking it would make cleaning easier, but instead it is more difficult. We traded our Commercial Electrolux that we had only a few months. This worked fine, but did not have the attachments that I wanted for cleaning. I have requested that the Electrolux be retuned and my money refunded since the Kirby is so difficult to use and not cleaning properly.
I have been sending e-mails to the web that was on the owners book. We purchased from a sales person and did not have direct contact with the store. I got the address and phone from the telephone book. We live in a new house and when I tried to use the vacuum it made lumps in the carpet. It was demonstrated as being very easy to use and what a fine job it would do in cleaning my house. I must say that it certainly is not.
Julie of Colorado Springs CO (10/01/07)
I was sold a kirby vacuum with a floor care kit for my hardwood floors. The Demonstrator, Matt Kobilan,showed me the floor care kit by placing their wax product on my hardwood floor. He then used the buffer attachment that came with the Kirby. It was to buff it to a nice shine. It did that, but left a terrible film that smudged, left shoe prints, feet prints, wheel marks from the Kirby, and did not hold the shine. This was not found out until after Matt left, and I had done my entire 800 sq. ft. of floor. The wax will not hold a shine when buffed, and the company will not stand behind the product. They are claiming it to be my fault, even though the demonstrator did the very thing first. I followed directions, and it now has made my floors look terrible. I have contacted 3 differrent floor companies, and have quotes in the range of $2500.00 to strip the wax off my floor. I gave the Kiirby back after cancelling my contract in the allotted 3 days, and they still have not taken care of the matter.
My floors were damaged to the tune of $2500.00
Shazia of Piscataway NJ (09/28/07)
Two men from the Kirby company came to sell a Kirby vacuum saying that they are a cleaning company doing free demos in our area. After cleaning a part of a room, they started pressuring us to buy the vaccuum. They kept on negotiating a price for 2-3 hrs, and did not leave the house when asked to. We finally bought the vacuum. The accessories which were written and charged for in our sales agreement never arrived and the free demo of the machine we bought was never done. Until now this company has given three appointments for a sales demo and shipment of our supplies, but no one came on those dates. The manager Mr Wilson never answered the phone after that date, and the staff that handles the phone call seem trained to fool the customers. Please beware of this company selling stuff in Ny and Nj area.
1)We got a vacuum from an open box ,which we think is used. 2)the products and services which were a part of our agreement were never received. 3Poor customer service.
Marian of Jacksonville, FL (08/29/07)
A van parked in our cul de sac with several so-called kids, going to college, wanting to give free one room carpet cleaning and furniture cleaning. Young, attractive, dressed up, female approached me trying to set me up for any one of the salesmen to give me demonstration & free carpet cleaning. I said I wasn't interested because I have a rainbow. She said that was ok, they get credit for just giving you a demonstration and you get free carpet cleaning.
The young salesman did his 2 hour pitch as to what the Kirby could do not even attempting to clean bad area. I kept asking him how much the kirby was (I wasnt going to buy one) he finally said $5,000.
Going into hour 3, I finally said "start cleaning". He attempted to, then stopped & did his spill again. When he finally realized I wasn't going to buy the Kirby, he said he was lying about the $5k, it was only $1900 for me.
I said I had had enough and he needed to finish cleaning. He wouldn't, so I finally got my husband, Bill. He argued with my husband - BAD call. Bill said, "get your crap and get out of our house". He said, "sir, could you just let me use your phone". Bill said "no". He said "sir, I need to call my manager, would you call him". Bill said "no, get out". He said "I don't have a phone". Bill said "NOT My problem, and if you don't get out now I am calling the police".
Just thought I was giving him credit for a demo which he said that is all he wanted and it wouldn't take long. I will NEVER let ANYONE in my home again for ANYTHING.
Michelle of Bartlesville OK (07/21/07)
My son (17) went to a local job fair not knowing it was to sell Kirby's. They want him to do 4 days of training without explaining why they gave him a self-employment form 1099. Promising him 350 to 450 a week. When I confronted the supervisor about the promise of money, he was not willing to put it in writing. How can this company get away with this?
Kristin of Fortescue MO (07/07/07)
Last night a Kirby vacuum saleswoman stopped by our house (without an appointment and at 8 pm!) and my husband let her in. He told her we didn't want a demonstration because it was time to give our one-year-old son a bath and go to bed. She begged and pleaded and asked if she could please just clean a stain and go. So we let her in (huge mistake!) and she proceeded to do her entire demonstration rather than just clean a stain.
She had us get our vacuum so she could compare and went through this huge spiel about If your vacuum only picked up 10% of the dirt, wouldn't it be dead to you? I thought that was strange, but then things got stranger. She took the cord of my vacuum and asked us to cut it with scissors (which we refused to do) and then took it and, in her own words, hogtied the vacuum because it was bad. Then she laid it down, told us it was dead, bowed her head, closed her eyes and asked if we wanted to say a few words over the vacuum. Then, get this, she started to hum Taps.
My husband and I were looking at each other in shock this whole time when she takes some dirt she vacuumed up with the Kirby and pours it over my vacuum, saying that my vacuum was now buried. I was blown away. When my husband told her we weren't interested, she ENDLESSLY asked him why not.
She was the slowest moving person I've ever seen and we couldn't get her to leave until midnight, and we had to buy a vacuum to get her to leave. I am thinking of returning it right now. Our little boy was running around the whole time because our house is too small to get away from the noise, so, needless to say, he didn't get to bed on time. We finally got her to leave after much prodding and vowed never to let a salesperson in again! In retrospect, we should have kicked her out immediately...I don't know what we were thinking!
Tiffany of Lakewood WA (06/10/07)
Dolores knocked on our apartment door asking if we would like a 10-minute free no-obligation in-home demonstration of a new vacuum cleaner. We would get a coupon for free pizza if we just had the demo. Being the nice person that she is, my sister let her and her husband in, with 3-4 boxes of equipment right after.
I noticed off the bat that Dolores loved to take her sweet time. I swear it took her and her husband a half hour to just take pieces out and put the actual vacuum cleaner together. So much for just a 10 minute demonstration.
She vacuumed the same small part of the carpet about 4 or 5 times and kept showing us the filters being absolutely dirty each time. I'm questioning whether the cleaner contained dirt on purpose to amplify the effect of the carpets being cleaned thoroughly.
She also brought the shampoo in and demonstrated that by putting some suds straight on our carpet. Didn't even bother to clean that stuff up.
From when they stepped in until they actually packed up, they were in our apartment for about an hour. They didn't bother to pick up the several dirty filters that they had used and left them on the floor for us to clean up. But we did get a $20 Pizza Hut coupon for our troubles.
On the plus side, they had only lowered the price of the vacuum once, and weren't really persistant when we said we weren't interested in buying the vacuum today. They just looked very dejected. Dolores even mentioned that if she made two more sales, her and her husband would get a free trip to Puerto Vallarta.
Overall, it wasn't a total nightmare compared to other people's experiences, but it was still quite annoying, and full of lies.
Meredith of Amherst, MA (04/15/07)
"Todd" came to my house and tried to sell me a very expensive vacuum cleaner. He gave a very impressive demonstration, but I was very insistent that I didn't want to buy one. He told me that if I gave him a list of 30 names/phone numbers of other people he could offer a free demonstration, I would receive a free mini-vacuum.I never received this product, even though I wracked my brain to come up with 30 people for him to contact.
I have no phone number for Kirby Vacuums, & I don't know where they're located.
Susan of Junction City KS (03/31/07)
About 7:30 p.m. this evening 2 men from the Kirby Co. came to my house. I told them I was not interested in their product but I did allow them to show me their product. 2 1/2 hours later I finally got the one man out of my house, I was very irritated with him and his boss because I could not convince them that I did not want their product, I was to the point of calling the police if they did not leave. They kept telling me how dirty my carpet was and tried to get me to buy a Kirby, I told them I could not afford one and they were very persistent and I was called crazy many times by them. My husband was not home at the time and they wanted a number where he could be reached, I became somewhat afraid of them and I would not recommend anyone letting them in their house.
Rosalie of Cranston RI (03/31/07)
I have read all the posts on Kirby and need to write in defense of the poor young men and women who come into your house to clean your carpeting. My nephew worked for two weeks for them, going in to clean carpets of his OWN contacts. He had to call everyone he knew and beg them to let him clean the carpeting. Kirby brainwashed him, telling that their salesman would sell the vacuum cleaner and that he would win a trip, make $400. etc. So -- my nephew worked for them, cleaning these carpets, doing their sweat work and gained not one penny. They use these kids for contacts, try to sell the vacuums but if they don't sell one, the kids do not get paid. I think you all can now understand why these kids/representatives have attitudes. They are starving for work and being used. The poor kid was begging friends to give him phone numbers of their friends (contacts), doing the work and getting absolutely nothing out of it.
Kirby advertises that you can earn $400 a week, basically baits the kids and then uses them for free labor. How long is it going to take before Kirby is charged with unfair labor practices and made to pay hourly wages to these kids. Ironically, my own father was a Kirby man back in the 50's and it ran the same way then. Unfortunately my sister was too young to remember that or she might have warned her son. How do they get away with this?
Michelle of Linwood NC (03/05/07)
I had a Kirby Sales Lady come to my door. She asked if she could do a demonstration. I agreed, she came in poured salt in my floor, and began a 2 hour demonstration. She even went as far as going to my bedroom to "show me how much dirt I am having sex in"! While she was having me test drive the vacuum in the living room she was admiring an antique hand saw my husband’s grandmother painted for me. It was attached to my fire place. She started touching it and caused it to fall and break the handle. All she could say was "oh I’m sorry" and didn’t even bother picking it up.
She kept pushing me to buy the vacuum even though I had told her I could not afford it. She made several calls to her "ride" that left her there. I ended up agreeing to keep the vacuum overnight and left her on my front door step because I had to leave. I ended up being 45 minutes late meeting my friend.
Coral of Blanchard ID (03/03/07)
We bought a Kirby and were very dissatisfied with it. The consumer support we were promised was non-existent. The salesman said that all products were backed up and all we had to do was call. We have never been so upset by the lies we were told.
Rebecca of Visalia CA (02/06/07)
A man came to my door offering complimentary carpet stain removal in one room of my home as advertisement of a new company in town. He told me to vacuum my stain area and he'd be right back. I realized later this was his way of getting me to get out my vacuum. After a couple of moments (and questions about my vacuum) I realized he was going to demo a vacuum first. I figured I'd listen to get to the free shampoo. Well, the "free shampoo" never came. I must have said no 20 different ways. The filters were so dirty when he vacuumed that I wonder if his vacuum was "special" (my carpets are new)!
I asked for a number to reach him at if I ever change my mind and when trying to call it later it said the number had been changed (why is he giving out old numbers) and the new number was a fake! He entered my home under false pretenses and I have no way to complain to a supervisor.
Tiffany of N Walpole NH (01/24/07)
Our friend just started working for Kirby and asked if he could do a demo at our home. He would get points so we said as long as you know we may not buy one. The appointment was at 6:30 and they showed up at 8:30pm. The manager decided to come with our friend. He walked into our home and sat down like he owned the place. In his hand was a twisted tea drink. Yes he actually brought an alcoholic drink into our home.
Our friend tried to do his demo and his manager kept interrupting. He often picked on our friend making fun of him and telling him he was making mistakes. He even went on to tell us the things our friend messed up at previous demos. He then cut him saying you’re too slow I am just going to do the speech because it’s late and he did not really want to be doing this at 9:00 at night. Well guess what neither did we. We had plans and that’s why the appointment was at 6:30!
I told him we would think about it and maybe we would like one. He said it’s a YES or a NO! So I said no we can not afford one right now. He started asking what our credit was and when I said to be honest if I bought one I could not keep up with payments. I was told that even if I don’t pay them, Kirby doesn’t care if you’re late and there are no late fees or anything! He said well I have to call the big boss and let him know. He said don’t be offended but I am going to BS the big boss and say some stuff ..I am just blowing off steam.
So after using our phone three times. He asked to use it again. He calls the boss up and says "YOU CANT SELL SOAP TO PIGS”. He actually said this to his boss about us in our own home.
Tom of Longmont, CO (01/21/07)
The Kirby salesperson came to the door and gave me a small box of baking soda and said he would be right back. He ran back to the vehicle, that his (supposed) boss was driving and brought in a Kirby vacuum cleaner and asked to give a demonstration. This was on Sunday Jan. 21st in the middle of an NFL playoff game!
When he came back to the house with the vacuum cleaner and wanted to give us a demonstration, we said no. He was insistent about giving us a demonstration. We kept saying no until he angrily grabbed the box of baking soda and left.
I sure hope Kirby vacuum company doesn't encourage this type of 'pushy' sales technique, it's obnoxious.
A. Okada of Jacksonville FL (01/21/07)
My day has just been ruined. I am disturbed and angry. My husband and I had just finished our Sunday brunch at home, when someone showed up at our front door. My husband answered the door and spoke pleasantly with two men for a few minutes. They offered him free soda and indicated that they represented a store. My husband explained more than once that we were not interested in whatever they were selling but they wormed their way into the house anyway. One of them asked about coming in out of the heat, although it was only about 65 degrees out. I was in the other room and became involved when I could hear the young man, Jerome unpacking a box in our living room. I reiterated that we were not interested but he kept unpacking the box as if he didn't hear me or didn't care. As he was unraveling the cord, I told him that if he plugged it in, I would call the police. Even THAT didn't seem to deter him. He kept talking and unpacking. He switched back and forth from smiling and laughing to hostile and aggressive. I firmly told him that I was not happy and he needed to pack it up and leave. Finally he said, Is it because I'm black?. Eventually he called his boss and told him that I had said I would call the police if he plugged in the vacuum and that the reason I didn't want him there was that he was black.
Natasha of OTHER (01/16/07)
I came home to find a van full of strangers parked outside my house; I then entered my house to find a strange man talking to my husband insisting on doing a vacuum demonstration. After I realized what was happening I swiftly told him I had a vacuum cleaner and that I wasn’t interested. He seemed to ignore me and focus on my husband. I repeatedly told him to leave; after I convinced him to do so, he took a further 15 minutes in slowly packing away his equipment.
The salesman's friends in the van had mysteriously driven off and left the man waiting on our driveway for another further 20 minutes. I am mystified as to why it took three people to sell a vacuum cleaner, as one man first offered my husband some free paper towel wipes, then a woman appeared with a vacuum cleaner and forcefully set it up in my house, whilst then another man came to do the demonstration. I feel they entered my house against my will and I feel very violated, not only that, but I feel unsafe in my own home.
Sherri of Jacksonville FL (01/10/07)
We answered our door at 8:30 at night to two gentlemen who virtually forced their way into our home, suggesting that the younger gentleman would get credit toward a summer scholarship if we would allow him to talk to us for just a few minutes. The "boss" left in a white van and "Jerome" proceeded to unpack a Kirby vacuum cleaner and demonstrate the filth in our house.
Although I sat there in my pajamas, halfway through my dinner, he took his time in explaining the finer points of the Kirby, despite our continuous efforts to encourage him to move along and get to the point (the price!). For the first 20 minutes, I half expected that his associate was casing the joint. We spent the next 30 minutes trying to get the salesman to leave. After repeatedly responding "no" to his requests to purchase the product, I politely asked him to leave, finally threatened to call the police, and my brother began transferring his equipment from our living room to the front porch, all to no avail.
This man was intent on a SALE with no regard to our evening or the "No Solicitation" sign in our neighborhood. After 90 minutes of this, his originally pleasant mood had turned to insulting and rude, even accusing us of treating him this way because he was black!, but he finally packed his things and left, muttering that he hoped we enjoyed living in dirt and dust mites.
I completely concur with everything I've read on this website about Kirby salesmen and their pressure tactics. Although my family has owned two Kirby's and I'm sure Kirby is a fantastic product, I will never buy one because of Jerome. What a shame it's come to this! And in response to those who think we should address this to the salespeople only, Kirby will reward and terminate their personnel based on their competencies and are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their sales personnel.
Peter of San Diego CA (12/31/06)
They get into your home under the pretext of a complimentary carpet cleaning. Dressed in street clothes, they do not represent themselves as Kirby. One of the salesmen sprayed spot remover on some troublesome areas of my $2500.00 Ethan Allen white linen couch. The spot remover made dark-gray splotches, which they assured me would dry. The splotches remained two hours later.
The crew leader promised that he would return and work on the couch. He never did in spite of repeated calls to their office. Calls to their local store as well as the corporate office were met by rudeness at every level. Kirby corporate office in Cleveland, Ohio, says they cannot help; every store is independently owned. The local store says the sales staff is independent, and the store is not responsible for their actions. Their spot remover applied by their salesman stained a $2500.00 couch.
Katie of Savage MN (12/20/06)
This company seems to be one of the most unprofessional companies I've ever dealt with before. They drop off their salesman so even if you want to say no they're stranded there with you until who knows when, and have to use your home phone to contact their company, and try and talk you into buying their vacuum thats over $2000 by telling you all its features, as if someone has to tell me its working when i'm seeing it with my own eyes. We repeatedly said we didn't think that we would ever buy a vacuum for that much, so they kept lowering the price saying it was the lowest they could go, they ended up giving it to us for less than $900.00 including taxes, bags,and belts...it is a good vacuum but very unprofessional company.
I actually know someone who has worked for them and has brought along his very pregnant teenage girlfriend along while doing in home demonstrations, can u get any more unprofessional?
Deborah of Stockton CA (12/09/06)
Today a young Kirby salesman came to our door. My husband immediately informed him that we were not interested in having our carpet cleaned, since new carpet had just been installed this week. My husband had just barely got back to his chair and sat down when the second young salesman knocked at the door. Apparently, thinking it would be funny, the first salesman told the second that he hadn't been to our house yet. But at this point, my husband was irritated and told the second salesman to go away and leave us alone and went outside to tell the first one to stop harassing us. At this point, the second salesman was apologetic, but the first one became combative, walking up quickly and pushing his chest against my husband and trying to start a fight. He even spit on my husband! Then he threatened to sue US! He kept saying things like, I'm not afraid of you. Come on! Hit me! I'll sue you! and trying to force a fight. My husband told him he was going inside to contact the police, and he told the second salesman that he should be angry at the first one for setting him up to come to the door like that. The two stayed across the street for a couple minutes before jogging away down the street.
We did contact the police and a report was made. Unfortunately, as the officer stated, these people come in from other areas of the state and are dropped off in a van to canvass the neighborhood. There is no way to contact their direct superiors to report their behavior, unless you can actually get their identification from them.
Since theee Kirby people come to our neighborhood almost every week, we are now putting up a sign, as directed by the police officer that states, No solicitors. Solicitors are trespassing. And we have been instructed by the police to call them every time that the sign is ignored by any Kirby salespeople.
John of Ennis TX (11/27/06)
My Complaint is that i bought the vaccuuum in 4- 09-04. I paid $1000.00 for the vacuum and was told that I would a life time warranty on the vacuum, as long as I owned the vaccuum it would be fixed or replac |
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