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Kirby Vacuum Cleaners

But Do They Work?

Kirby Vacuum Cleaners • In-Home Demonstration • Three-day Return Policy • "Trade-In" Policy • Warranty Service • Poor Quality • Elderly & Infirm • Home Alone • Neighborhood Pests • U.K. Complaints • South Africa Complaints • Andrew's Kirby Adventure --- • Kirby Sweeps Up in West Virginia • Arizona Sues Kirby Distributors • Kirby Salesman Arrested • Salesmen Respond

Kathryn of New Bern, NC (12/19/05)
This Kirby is one of the sorriest vacuum cleaners I have ever used. It will not pick up dog hair or lint off of my area rugs.

As much as I paid for this, I would expect it to be better. Now that I have paid so much for this I am stuck with it. I use my broom more that I do the vacuum and it does a better job.

Donna of Moscow Mills, MO (11/26/05)
When I bought my Kirby G6, I was informed it was guaranteed for life. Now the power cord is not working and they want me to pay for a new one and replace it myself.

Damages: I either have to order a new cord and replace it myself, or buy a new vacuum. I do not know which would be cheaper, but I know it would be quicker to buy a new one.

Gayle of Orange City, FL (11/22/05)
My Kirby Generation 3 vacuum has performed poorly. The switch, near the floor, moves back and forth between manual and self-propelled. While using the hose attachment, the vacuum tilted backward, pushing the switch to self-propelled making the wheels spin without the vacuum going anywhere. It also tore a gash in my almost new linoleum.

I reported these things to the store and they agreed that the vacuum is poorly designed but did not offer to make restitution for the damage that was done. It happened again the other day scraping the finish off my hardwood floor in the living room. To have hardwood floors refinished is over a $1000.

This Kirby is going out to the trash and I will never buy another one.

Julie of Cottonwood AZ writes (7/17/00):
Kirby called my husband and told him he had won a free carpet cleaning and an entry into a $1000.00 grocery sweepstakes. We did not find out it was Kirby salesmen until they arrived at our house.

We purchased a Kirby and after less than a week I noticed that my carpet had an oily residue and a brown film I then called the Generation 3 company that sold it to me and was told that their machines did not do that and that they would call me later that day to set up a time for them to come and take a look.

I never received a call back but then tried the vacuum twice again with the same results. I called again telling them I was dissatisfied and that their new system did not seem to work. I was told that I must be using it wrong and that they could send someone to teach me how but could not pick up the machine since there was only a 3-day policy. I did not notice the fact that this residue seemed to pick up more dirt than repel it until almost a week later so now I feel stuck with this machine which does not do what they claimed.

Bryan of Linkwood MD (12/11/00):
I gave the Kirby a trial run in my house, but did not like the way that it performed. So, before the three-day period was up, I mailed back the correct return form and the representitive picked up the vaccum. As a part of the deal I traded in my old vaccum which was supposed to be returned to me within 10 days and it's been 2 1/2 months. We just want our vaccum back.

I have had to borrow friends and families vaccums to clean my house which has been a major inconvienience.

Wendy of Castle Rock CO (9/17/01):
This particular vacuum sales company contacted me by phone with an offer to clean one room of my house for free. I had no idea that it was a Kirby sale. I ended up buying the machine, a 5000 model. It cost $1,700!

I thought Kirby vacuums were known for being good. What a disappointment. I finally could afford new carpet some 3 plus years later. After having the carpet for about a year, I began to notice flat spots in the pile. The salesman specifically stated that the Kirby would "bring up" the pile that was flat on carpets, but not the old carpet because it was too far gone and not quality carpet. By the way the carpet I have now is considered a very good quality.

After the switch broke on the Kirby I went to have it repaired. AAA Appliance had gone out of business, so I went elsewhere. Upon picking up my vacuum ($85 charge!), I griped to the repair man as he was the only one in the shop. He agreed that Kirby's very expensive to repair, their bags etc. cost too much, and they break down a lot (especially considering the initial cost of the vacuum).

My husband, who has been disgusted with the Kirby for a while agreed. Out of curiosity, I asked what he liked in his home. He highly recommended a Riccar, then very nicely sent us on our way and got back to his work (he is not the owner, just a repair guy). After arguing with my husband I went back in and inquired more about the Riccars. Needless to say, I went home with one on a trial basis. I loved it. I have now used it for about 5 months and it has made a difference in the appearance of my carpet, bringing the thick deep pile to a new looking state, all without any cleaning, only vacuuming. I also have dark carpet so it was really easy to see the difference in machines.

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