Andrew's Kirby Adventure

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Andrew of Orlando writes (2/18/03):
Well, I am only 15 years old but I feel that I am mature enough and knowledgable enough to give my personal experience that I just had no more than 30 minutes ago with a Kirby Sales Associate.

I was over at a friend's house playing some games on the computer when some salespeople (3, two men and a woman) come to his door asking for the homeowner. My friend (whose house we were at) answered the door. They actually asked him if he was the homeowner, and they were serious about it, it wasn't a ha-ha, just kidding kind of joke (I believe this gives further prrof to the underage entrance stated by a woman already).

But that's not the big point. His father comes and tells them he's not interested, I didn't exactly hear what went on seeing as he went outside and closed the door. About 5 minutes later my brother comes and knocks on the door telling me some people are over and my mother wants me to interpert (my parents are both deaf and a bit naive and gullible I'm sad to say, and as long as I've known my parents they've always said "no thank you" to sales pitches so I was surprised this was a different situation).

Anyhow they told me they would give a free carpet cleaning demonstration and so my parents accepted. Well the two associates left the one (male) to clean our carpet, he got a bunch of things out, there was definately assembly required. He introduced himself as a Kirby sales associate, the name Kirby sounded familiar, but from where I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Right before he started to demonstrate he told us about this filter thing that shows us how much dirt he is going to pick up. Then I immediately remembered that "filter". I believe I saw it on a Dateline NBC special news report special. It was a while back telling about how Kirby is a dirty business and pretty much stated everything that all of the other people have said.

I told my mother and father through sign language it wasn't a good idea and that I had seen them on the news and it wasn't good. But of course, who listens to their child, what do they know? But anyways, he cleaned the vent and etc. And my my, I was extremely impressed. i thought they had maybe changed thier dirty business into a respectful one. He started to clean the carpet, that took a long time with starting, stopping, replacing the filters, and starting the process over. Wow, we had so much dirt, it was unbelieveable.

After a while the Kirby sales associate told us about this "contest" where they could win a trip to New Orleans I believe it was. Then I started to be doubtful about Kirby. Then when we started to dabble in a bit of discussion about pricing (after he made a phone call to collect his "points" and talk to his boss). He made it seem like $2 a day was nothing (which monthly would be $60 of course) but my parents are in a bit of a financial situation so they most likely wouldn't be able to afford a Kirby.

We told him maybe in a month we might be able to afford it. So he told us that in order for him to earn his "points" the sale had to be made that day. Then I immediately knew it was a scam. They use that to possibly make people feel sorry for them. Not only that after shampooing our carpet, I myself didn't see much of a difference in before and after. Well he called his manager using our phone and he came and discussed a price, the price lowered and lowered and I did ask about a return policy and he said 3 days with a lifetime warrenty. I told my mom it would be safer if we waited until after I did some searching.

Luckily, even though they didn't listen to my advice, they listened to their budget. We couldnt afford it, we told them we'd think about it, for like the 20th time. They left at about 10:45, almost my bed time and I was getting tired of doing this. They told us to call in any time and they'd still get us a discount. They told us the discount comes out of their pockets but whatever gets them closer to winning the contest. Thankfully we don't have a Kirby and tomorrow afternoon I will show my parents this site and show them what a bad idea it is. Hopefully my parents' kindness will never be taken advantage of ever again, and hopefully the Kirby company will not bother us.

Tay of Ottumwa, Iowa, a Kirby "dealer-counselor" responds (10/17/03):

OK kid since you are 15 I don't think you understand the real world. If you ever have been in direct sales you would understand that no one calls back, no one thinks about it. If they are going to get it, they will get it today. We did not make the rules -- it is just like that. In fact you do win trips and so if they told you that they had a chance to I guarantee that they were telling the truth.

Now I have a wife and 2 kids -- this is what I do to support my family. I only have one chance to sell this machine and I am going to do it. I suggest you go out in the real world and find out it is to make a living these days then come talk to me. I also suggest that you try selling and see it from our side before you judge.

P.S. Did you check and see how many people were satisfied with the purchase of a kirby, I didn't think so cause it sure outweighs the negative.

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