Kirby Vacuum Cleaners - Free Home Demonstration

I received a call from a person at Eagle American, who told me that I would be entered in a contest to win $1000 in April if I could answer a trivia question. When I answered it correctly, she gave me a confirmation number. Then she said I could get a free carpet cleaning and furniture shampoo. I told her I was in a rental house and I had leather furniture, and wasn't interested.

The next day, she called again and told me that I'd won a free prize (cordless screwdriver), and wanted to know when it could "dropped off". She offered the that night between 5 and 6, or the following day between 12 and 1. I chose the 12 to 1 time slot, as I had somewhere else to be at 2. Two men came to the house at 1:30. I met them outside the house. They asked if they could come in, and they brought in a bag. The lead person introduced himself and introduced the other man as a "trainee". At this point, I realized that I was in for a demonstration, whether I wanted it or not. I told him that he needed to be done by 2, as I had somewhere else to go. He said it would take a little longer, so I adjusted my appointment and told him that he had one hour. After 1 1/2 hours, he was still vacuuming, showing me numerous "demo" pads with the dirt pulled from the carpet, pushing me to buy this product, and totally ignoring my requests to move it along so I could get to my appointment.

During the demonstration, he became increasingly sarcastic and rude, making snide comments about older people (which I am) and fixed income, and telling me that he was sorry for me that I couldn't afford another $20 a month payment. Finally, he had pushed too many buttons. I told him to pack up his stuff and get the ** out of my house now! He asked why I was yelling and getting so angry, and I told him that he had pushed this too far. He said he wouldn't get credit for this call unless he demonstrated the shampooer. I again told him to get the ** out of my house now! He said he had to clean his equipment and pack it up and call his boss. When he called his boss, he reported in a loud voice that I was yelling at the top of my lungs and pointing my finger at him. He also told his boss that I was mad because I had spent $1700 for my present vacuum cleaner and knew that I had wasted my money on my vacuum. I told him to finish talking to his boss outside and get out. He finally did, with much muttering about old rude people.

The Kirby vacuum product is an excellent cleaning machine (albeit costly with a lot of attachments). That is not the issue here! Eagle American (in Phoenix) used deceptive methods in order to get the salesperson to our home. There was no mention of a demonstration, just a "drop off" of a gift. When the salesperson did arrive, he said nothing about how long he needed in order to show the product. He had no regard for our time constraint, he was pushing to get this demonstration done so he could get his credit and win his trip to Disney World. Since having this experience, I went online and found out that one of our local TV stations did a piece on Eagle American's telemarketing practices in June of 2011. I will also be adding my voice to the complaints and notifying the Arizona Attorney General's office, as well as the FCC.

I had company the day I purchased a Kirby I always wanted one. I told her I cleaned a lot of hard floors and she said oh you will love this Kirby and I asked twice for them to demonstrate and I was distracted with company. Well, I was not told I had to purchase them separately. I feel I was scammed and would like you to correct this and give me the attachments for hard floors like I was promised. Thank you.

I have been swarmed by Kirby Sales people, offering a free carpet cleaning. They come at 9-10 PM at night, I do not answer my door that late for safety reasons. One time, I almost called the police, because the person would not go away, and he was very pushy about getting into my home. I called my husband and he rushed home form work . Another time, I got a call from my teenage kids stating that a person was at the door (they were not allowed to answer the door that late at night or to anyone they do not know) and the person would not go away.

I rushed home from the store, did not even check out for fear of the safety of my kids (took me 10-15 min), I got home and she was still standing at my door knocking over and over. I walked up behind her and state in a stern voice can I help you, she started with her spiels and before she could finish, I stated, I know all about the Kirby and I am not interested. I told her not to knock at my door and if no one answers, she needs to leave or next time, we will call the police. There has to be some kind of law that they can knock on people's doors past a certain time (they have a law for phone and collection call by phone). Why can't this also apply to door to door sales.

This is not a complaint but a follow up to answer some questions some of the people may have. The real truth here is that most of the people leaving comments on here were approached by very bad salesmen that may have come from bad franchises. It is true that Kirby really only manufactures the machines. There is no authorized outlet or store to buy a new, warrantied machine from. Since their conception in 1914, Kirby have only been marketed through in-home demonstration. All other vacuum companies do not have the cahonies to come into your home and demonstrate their machines because they know they are completely inferior to the Kirby.

All of the vacuums you buy from the store, Dirt Devil, Eureka, Phantom, Hoover, even the Dysons and Oreks are really designed to only last a short time. That is how they stay in business. They charge a significantly lower price to keep your business but make it back over time selling more and more vacuums. The process for sales within the Kirby franchise system is that most of the time a team leader or manager "knocks in" their dealer. The "dealer" is the salesman that actually gets the credit for the demo and or sale whichever it may be. The "knocks in" just means the team leader knocked on the door and set up the demo.

The reason for pressure to buy then and not at a later time is that it is a well known fact for most things in life that when something is witnessed the best time to act is then. The proper demo is to pull the dirt pads the physically show the customer what their current vacuum is leaving behind. The salesman are taught and are supposed to give a short education on what is left in the carpet on the floor and the damage it does over time. These things really cannot be denied because we see them all the time. Carpet wears out, hardwood buckles. These are all symptoms of dirt being left behind. The salesman are not playing tricks and bring dirt in with them it is really the dirt that is in your home that you should want out.

As far people feeling as though they are being conned, if they really listen to the team leader's set up and pay close attention to how things are being said there is no trickery involved and a good dealer will be able to take no for an answer. But the thing is they are taught to pressure a little, of course. But in the end a no will be accepted. If true, decent dealers were being sent out by franchise owners things like those in these comments would not be happening.

I had a personal experience with a franchise in my local area where I was subcontracted to them as a dealer. I personally did not like the way I was treated by them but I did go through their training class and it was very professional and the dealers out of this office are taught right and although they usually will not take the first few "no's" and will try to get you to buy in the end a "no" will be taken with absolutely no rudeness.

The thing with Kirby is that in nearly 100 years of business there has never been a television, radio, magazine or any other kind of ad put out by Kirby or any of its authorized distributors to market the machines. It is simply the best product on the market for what it is and they way that fact is proven is by in home demonstration only. Yes, you could go to eBay and other places to buy used, refurbished or even stolen machines. These are not authorized by Kirby and do not come with any warranty whatsoever.

It has been found that some of the machines sold other than through proper authorized methods were in fact stolen or from dealers who took money and never dropped off a machine. Like some of those in these complaints where they say they gave the downpayment and never got the machine or their money back probably victims of one of these scams. They probably got your credit approved, told you it wasn't and once the machine wasn't expected to be returned to the office took it and sold it illegally. Some Kirby franchises are legit and are good to their customers and contrary to my personal treatment the one I worked for is decent.

Kirby salesman was rude and threatening when he insulted guests. The lady of home just returned from a funeral and he was asking rude comments about shootings and gang assaults. He was scaring people and caused a mentally ill patient to relapse. We are going to sue the Kirby office and this individual.

Salesperson from Kirby lied about the service he was providing to get in my door. He said he would shampoo my carpet but did not. Instead, during the demonstration, my vacuum was misused. The bag was not attached which allowed baking soda, a very fine dust, throughout the interior of my machine. Also burned out the belt to my machine.

Had to take my machine to a repairman, have the burned out belt replaced, the machine cleaned and purchase new hepa bags which are expensive. Do not let Kirby reps in your door.

This complaint is being filed on behalf of my mother who is in her late 70's. Unknown to me, she had a demonstration in her home and was subsequently convinced to purchase a Kirby Sweeper. She weighs 90 pounds and is unable to even move the sweeper. I found all of this out after I received a coupon book from and questioned what this was for? She said she "thinks" she bought a sweeper. Did I mention that she has dementia? She was taken advantage of and when I called the finance company, they told me it was not their problem. When I called the dealer, they said the salesperson does not work for them any longer and that she is an independent worker of the dealer. My response was she received commission from you for the vacuum so even though she may not an "employee" she still represented your firm. So now not only is she stuck with a sweeper that she cannot even use, but also has to pay $1,300.00.

Woman rang my doorbell at 02:15 pm saying she just opened a cleaning products store in the area and had a free gift for me (small bottle of Lysol), and they were offering free room cleaning as long as I would spread the word to my friends. When I hesitated, she said they also would be having a free drawing for $1000 dollar give away and asked my name and phone number, which I gave her that was disconnected a few weeks ago. After saying no to her, she asked for the gift back and walked away.

Initially, I didn't want them in the house. A girl came by and asked to do a demonstration. My wife agreed. Two gentlemen showed up and started the process. Eventually, they left just the younger guy behind. As soon as my wife had to leave, it was just me, the kids, and the Kirby guy. The more he demonstrates, the more I learn. I saw the vacuum as more of an investment, in which the initial price of $3200 seemed crazy. We worked on terms that I was comfortable with. I know it seems foolish to have to finance a vacuum, but surprisingly I have not had any feelings of buyer's remorse. It has a 75-year warranty, and I saw the crap it was taking out of our carpet. I install flooring. I know how important it is to keep the floors swept. I could not believe how much was left down there. I see that now $2000 vacuum in the corner and our youngest son crawling on the floor. I know that I made the right decision. I see that some people have had a bad experience with a rep and that's too bad, since this is such a great tool to have in the home. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

I have a lady came over with a white note. It stated that they were doing free shampoo for 1 room as they opened new business, and they will have someone come over to demonstrate to me. I told them I don't need carpet cleaning as I just moved in 1 month ago. I thought let's try. Within 1 hour, I have 2 guys rushing into the room with their shoes on. They made my kids clean up the room. The salesman realized that the room is too dirty to clean. He didn't even clean that room. They ran out and started cleaning the rug and showing me that there was so much dust here and there. I told them that this is a brand new house and there is no dust in the house.

My kids were hungry and they wanted to go to the bed. I kept on giving them hints that my kids needed to go to bed. The salesperson tried hard to keep going until I say yes. It was almost 10 o'clock at night and I was cleaning my kitchen. It was a mess in my kitchen. They don't care. Then, the manager kept coming in and out to see if I will consider. First, I was impressed. Then, when I noticed the price, I told them I can't afford it. They went from $3000 to $2000 then to $1500. The manager tried hard to ask me to make the payment. I told him that I can't afford it. He said, "What can you afford?" I told him my credit card limit is only $1200.

He went out and came back within 5 minutes. He asked my kids to go up and see what that guy is doing. My son went. He went outside and was smoking. He came back and said: "My boss said I can sell it to $1200 to you. I will get the contract down and you can sign for it. Within 3 days, if you don't like it, you can return it." I told him that I have to ask my husband and I can't make such a decision. He kept asking me who is the decision maker. I told him: "Why don't you guys come tomorrow? My kids need to go to bed." He said that it is only 1 day promotion and we need to send this guy to Las Vegas. After the manager left, the salesperson said, "Why don't you send me to Las Vegas?" I told him that if it is the matter of 2-300 dollars, I will consider.

First, the girl came and said that it was a carpet cleaning. If she told me that it is a sales, I would never say yes. Secondly, I will not buy more than $800. I told him: "It is fine. You can't. Maybe later I can but not now." I got the same Kirby from eBay for $270. Why get ripped off by these people? The manager came back after a couple of weeks. I saw him and didn't bother to open the door. They have bad salesperson without proper training. They trick people to get into contract and force people to buy it. If you use the credit card, your credit goes bad. He pushed so hard, but I kept my words that I needed to ask my husband. He said that we would wait for him to come home. I was like, it is seriously getting late. He kept saying that he would leave the Kirby. He asked me to try it for 3 days, no questions asked. I am glad I didn't commit to anything.

A Kirby saleswoman came into our home and demonstrated the Kirby Sentria. Her boss then showed up and he was very pushy trying to sell the Kirby to my wife and I. He was being very insulting personally.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a Kirby guy come to my house by appointment saying I would receive a free rug cleaning. As you know this was never done, just showing the product and some pleading to buy the products so he could win the vacation for him and his family. Apparently he did not care about my wallet which he stole out of my house, with my possessions in it. After he left, I noticed my wallet was gone, called right away and cancelled my bank card. I had my license in there as well as a couple of other possessions.

I did call the police to report as well, and called Dave Matthews, their supervisor at Wilminton, MA. I also received a phone call from Charles, the President, assuring he was very concerned about this and willingly offered to send me a check for $50.00. So I never did receive that and now I am quite pissed and frankly, $50.00 is not enough payback for the selfish company that doesn't live up to its standards. I asked for all the contacts I gave them to be shredded and I am here telling my story so other people will be warned about the people Kirby employs. I did not misplace my wallet, I had it stolen. I had to rate my experience as a 1 because 0 was not a choice.

At about four o'clock, two guys showed up at my door and said that they want to show us a Kirby Sentria vacuum/carpet cleaner/buffer. He said that he would clean my living room and hallway. So my husband and I decide hey why not. I needed to clean it anyway because of my son's birthday party coming up.

So they bring in boxes and one guy stays and the other leaves. He starts helping us move my three kids toys and toy boxes and even my couch out of my living room! He starts explaining how the Kirby worked and starts the vacuuming. This goes on for two hours! He finally starts the cleaning and only does a small spot on my floor! His boss comes back trying to sell me the cleaner . I have three kids ad live on my husband's income and have a vehicle payment.

No offense but I cannot afford another monthly payment on anything right now. He wasn't giving up. I took a two thousand something dollar machine (he says) down to a thousand dollars and tried for a zero down payment and thirty dollars a month. I said no but he kept trying for thirty minutes. My floor was never cleaned like he said and I was left with a big freaking mess!

Once I said my final answer was no, they packed up and left. I find that to be false advertisement or something in that category. I am not happy about it whatsoever. They finally left about six thirty after getting nothing accomplished. They were very lucky after reading all the bad reviews that I've read online about people like and I don't take them to court! I am not happy for the time they wasted and them saying that they were going to clean my living room and hallway and not doing it and making me move all the things out of there!

I have experienced the same thing that everyone else said. Free demo with the no catch (yeah, right), tons of filters all over, stupid trip to win, 5 different sales people trying to sell the $2,700 product, using my phone to call their boss to lower the price, wasted 3 hours of my time, and a ton of sleepless nights worrying if they were casing my joint! I feel like such a sucker. The lesson I learned is that never will I let anyone in the house!

A young lady came to the door presenting me with two SMALL boxes of detergent. "Gifts," she said. "No obligation to buy. We just want to demonstrate our vacuum cleaner." "No, NOT interested." I kept on telling her no, repeatedly and finally had to shut the door to get rid of her. She knocked again and begged some more. "Won't you please let me come in out of this awful heat?" Me, "Get in your car. It's air conditioned." She, "I won't get paid if you don't let me." (Me) "No, now you're being rude." (She) "Well, so are you." 0_0 "It's MY house. You came here completely uninvited." Then she asked for the gifts back which I gladly gave them, not wanting ANYTHING from her. Now I wish I'd kept them just to throw them away.

A Kirby salesman came to my door yesterday and asked to clean one carpet, in one room. I told him, "no, thank you" nicely three times. I then was a little more forceful in saying, "NO thank you". Finally, I said, "NO!" and he replied, "even if it means I won't get credit"?

I've owned a Kirby and would NEVER buy one again. I think they're awful!

This company needs to be stopped of their crummy tactics.

During the demonstration he dumped all our baking soda on the floor; he used our paper towels to dry off the vacuum; he used our bathroom and he was there for close to THREE hours, partially because after he "called" his driver, the driver didn't come for another hour. When he finally left, his driver had the nerve to ring our doorbell at 10:10 p.m. to give us the final price of $800!!!

I don't appreciate them using my phone, asking for something to drink and wasting two hours of my evening. I would not buy a Kirby based on this experience, regardless of the quality.

Seems after the saleswoman left, her male partner stayed in our neighbor's house and pushed her to buy the vacuum after she'd told them NO several times.

This is a real hardship for this elderly couple.

It is ridiculous to expect anyone to be available for such a long sales pitch and like the product or the salesperson at the end. Fortunately for me, I did not get into the trap of buying the product. The product itself may not be bad, although it comes with a hefty price tag.

Damages: Solicitors beware on my lawn.

This never happened. It's been 3 weeks since he was here and I can't reach him by phone. Obviously we didn't get the credit approval, so I want the money and check back.

While at my mothers home a woman knocked on the door. She explained that she and her associates were canvasing the neighborhood signing up residents for the opportunity to win a $4,000.00 grocery giveaway. She futher explained that the giveaway is being sponsored by the Kirby vacuum cleaner company and if we would allow her associate to clean a couple spots out of the carpet for us that thay would gain "points" making them eligible for a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida.

She made it sound as though he would be in and out. I take responsibility for not kicking him out once I saw him setting up his props for his demo. However to add insult to injury the young man asked if he could use my mother's telephone. We mistakenly assumed that he was making toll free calls back to St. Charles, Mo. The young gentleman had been instructed by his boss to call him at various points during the sales pitch, no less than 4 times. We discovered on the 4th call that these calls were costing us. Needless to say we did not buy a vacumm that day.

My wife was cooking dinner when they arrived and they knew this but still wasted a lot of out time. I would not like for these guys to come to my home again or anyone else's for that matter, They are rude and out of place.

They represented themselves as a new company for carpet cleaning, and would clean one room for free in order to get a good response. It was totally false, it was a KIRBY salesman. I was told at the beginning there was no sales involved. The whole ordeal was a sales pitch. It was almost impossible to get them out, they cleaned half of the rug and wanted me to buy a $2,000 vacuum! These people are scum and I cant believe I let them in my house! I am glad I have an alarm and two large dogs.

They lied and cleaned one small spot when they assured me they would clean the entire carpet ... there was no way they were actually going to do that and it made us feel abused and cheated! They frightened my children and stole many hours of our family time, insulted our intelligence and so far have stolen a sum of money which we do not need to be tied up.

Once the supervisor returned to put "pressure" on us to buy a Kirby, and i told him emphatically no, then he was very upset and stormed out of the house. I do not recommend anyone purchase a Kirby. They admitted once they get in the house they put pressure on you.

When Jack realized I was not going to purchase he makes this phone call and talks about me and said "she's ticked off". I did not appreciate that and I told him so, he was very rude and I advise different training. I will never buy a Kirby and you can bet I will tell every person I know how you do business.

I have not yet received the ER bill but the doctor also gave us two prescriptions and refered us to a pulmonary specialist. I would estimate that the whole incident cost us or our insurance company over $1000. We felt deceived by the the promise of a "free carpet cleaning at no obligation" and overwhelmed by the saleman's pitch and demonstration.

We fell for the old "won a free carpet cleaning, no sales pitch, demonstration only" phone call. The guy was 2 hours late, obnoxious, went into other rooms without permission, used our phone twice (said it was toll-free but I doubt it) and then left the carpet dirtier than when he arrived!

I am furious. This was an upsetting, deceitful scam. Thank God we did not purchase anything! Yes, there was emotional damage, certainly. Plus, we had to move furniture for this creep (we both have sore backs), and he probably ran up expenses on our phone bill.