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Rainbow Vacuum Reviews

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About Rainbow Vacuum

Rex Air LLC manufactures the Rainbow Cleaning System which includes high-efficiency vacuum cleaners. The company designs vacuum systems with water filtration, powerful suction and versatile cleaning attachments. Since its inception in 1929, Rex Air LLC has focused on improving indoor air quality and providing multifunctional cleaning solutions for homes.

Visit www.rainbowsystem.com
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting product
  • Improves air quality
  • Versatile for various cleaning tasks
Cons
  • High initial purchase cost
  • Heavy and difficult to maneuver
  • Customer service issues reported

Rainbow Vacuum Reviews

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    Page 6 Reviews 527 - 677

    Reviewed Aug. 3, 2010

    On July 26, 2010, we had a young man (Sean **) come to our door, with a free one room cleaning machine, just to see a 15-min. demonstration. What a big joke! They were there for over 3 hours!

    First, the young man came in, then later, when I indicated we could not afford a Rainbow to the tune of $2341.16, his boss (Justin **) suddenly appeared at our door with a long tail, about a rebate. Another big joke, he did as he said though, he sent the rebate check to me. Oh, but this is not the end of the demonstration yet, a 3rd man (Lain **) came to our door, who said he was the big Boss. Ye gads, we were bombarded with not one, but 3 fast talking, pushy salesmen.

    We ended up signing a yellow paper. The following Saturday afternoon, I received a letter in the mail from a Credit Company congratulating me on my credit, that it was great, and that a Rainbow System would be charged from me, through them. Because it was Saturday afternoon, I was unable to contact any of the salesmen. However, my husband was able to get an answer at the office with Lain **, who was so loud and rude, way out of line when my husband tried to explain our problem, he promptly made it clear too bad, so sad. It was ours to keep and pay for, rather the law was broken or not and promptly hung up on my husband Gene.

    Hmmm, very disturbing, as no one had asked permission to even run a credit check, nor did anyone ever mention the fact that this would be run through a credit company at 21.99 % interest! This is something, had we known, we never would have signed anything! My husband and myself were lead to believe we would be making monthly payments to the Rainbow Company.

    The young man (Sean **) said, he had to call the office, soon after that statement, he said to me, "She wants to talk to you also." I assumed this was the secretary at Rainbow. When I asked who I was speaking with, she told me Jamie. Not in my wildest thoughts, did I ever once believe I was speaking with a Credit Company. The Lady did not identify herself as a representative of any Credit Co. These Rainbow Sales people do not tell you everything up front, rather they beat around the bush, and leave the most important things out completely, i.e., the credit check, the credit company, and who knows what all they do that is crooked.

    In my mind, this is against the law. I would agree to keep the machine, if we would be able to pay direct to the Rainbow Company. These 3 pushy salesmen took advantage of (2) 71-year old. They talked so fast, neither one of us could even consume all the lies they were pushing at us so fast.

    I have living proof of the poor customer relations which I have read on the internet! I have called and called and called to no avail. The young man, Sean ** does return my calls, however I feel this is due to the fact that he is still too new to have learned all of the crooked things to say and do like the other two men - Mr. Justin **, and Mr. Lain **. When I called the main office this morning, I was told the man I was talking to was just the service man, he told me he would transfer me to Mr. **. Big Joke. Mr. ** was conveniently not available, however Mrs. ** took my call. How very interesting a person she is. Just as crooked as all the rest of the Rainbow Sales people.

    She was very rude, and had the same fast rude lingo as the Rainbow sales people, who evidently have been trained to speak to their customers in this manner. I say again, very rude, nasty and very unruly to me! Not a very good way to speak to a new customer. So, like all the letters I have copied from the internet, I feel the same way as they all did and do feel!

    I am enclosing a few of the letters for your information. I also will put my input on the internet to hopefully help some poor soul from becoming led into a raw deal like we were, even though I do believe it is a very good machine.

    I have copied several pages from the web, all of which Rainbows sales people were very pushy, and their customer service is rotten. At this time, we are requesting to either get out of the contract with the Credit Co., and pay Rainbow Co, direct at no interest, or return their Rainbow machine to the pushy salesmen.

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    Reviewed July 30, 2010

    I bought the Rainbow vacuum two years ago this month. The organization in Pittsfield offered a free air purifier for each name I provided them with. Out of the five names I gave, two people bought a vacuum. I only got one purifier. I have called about broken parts and they refused to return my phone call. They refuse to service my vacuum. I like the way Rainbow vacuum cleans, but I wish their customer service was like that of Electrolux. When my daughter calls them for service, they offer to come to her or she can drop it off. They also call her once a year to see if she needs anything—bags or service. What a disappointment.

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    Reviewed July 11, 2010

    I used my mother's old Rainbow - the one that looked like R2D2. Quite old. I loved it. Later I bought a used Rainbow that was a blooming disaster. I ended use of the product but my husband agreed to do a demo of the new Rainbow in Spring 2010. This was a guy I went to high school with and high pressure tactics wouldn't work. The demo was fun and when we said no, it meant no. End of story.

    Surprisingly, the company honored the 'deal' they tossed us plus something we didn't expect. They sent us the GPS system and the Rainmate. We'd never been told about the Rainmate. So the group in Columbia, Missouri was good to their word.

    The only thing negative I can say is we were given a voucher for a free vacation that turned out to be a total scam. I don't blame Rainbow but they should have checked out the validity of the offer. The other thing was they offered to meet me on the way to do a demo in my area with stuff. I was buying fragrances from them for my new Rainmate. They stood me up. I hate being stood up especially when I had to cancel plans with friends - thinking these folks were late. Two days later, a woman called me, "I've got your fragrances." I told her where I stood on this and she was stunned the guy at the office never said 'boo' to her. I got the impression she was not the person who was in our area doing a demo.

    I want to buy a Rainbow if I can find someone willing to sell a new one (not previously demoed machine) who will negotiate a decent price. But I'm leary to do business with them. Yes, they honored the original agreement. But will I get the good honest folks if my machine breaks down or will they stand me up? That's the expensive question.

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    Reviewed July 6, 2010

    I owned a rainbow vacuum in the past and loved it. My husband and I decided to see if we liked the new model better. We sat through the demonstration by the salesman who was polite and not too pushy. We agreed to buy it and he promised that we would have the rest of the "package" within a few days. We have not seen any of the products that we purchased. Telephone calls to Royal Hart have gone unanswered, he is "out of the office". I will never recommend this Rainbow dealer. If you want to find a reputable dealer, check with the local repair service.

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    Reviewed July 1, 2010

    We purchased our Rainbow when we bought our first home in 1993. I've never had to service it until now. Our son used our Rainbow to vacuum his car and accidentally ran over the electric hose. Now, we have to jiggle the hose for the power nozzle to go on. I'll be investing about $120 for a new electric hose, it will be worth every penny!

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    Reviewed June 23, 2010

    Two men from the Rainbow Company asked if we would like a Free Rainbow Air filter and we would not have to buy anything. They asked if they could come inside and just show us how it worked. So we agreed. They came inside and not only showed us how that worked, but also how their Rainbow Vacuum System worked as well, which was fine.

    Then, after about 1 1/2 hour of presentation, he proceeded to say that our Air filter would actually come in the mail three or four days later. It has been two weeks and we are yet to see this item. It's a scam! And after watching a presentation on the vacuum on YouTube, it states that the vacuum actually puts more bacteria in your air than you originally had. You've got to watch it!

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    Reviewed June 19, 2010

    I have no complaints. I have had my Rainbow vacuum for 12 years and LOVE IT! A couple of different times over the past 12 years I have purchased different vacuums for quick clean ups to prevent having to deal with the water basin and for cleaning my stairs. Unfortunately the Rainbow does not have an attachment that I have found that has hose long enough to sit unit on floor and clean to top of stairs and it is difficult to balance the unit with your leg on the stairs and vacuum but it can be done. I am never satisfied with the other vacuums.

    I have tried Dyson (definitely not worth the money) and Kenmore. The Rainbow beats both products hands down at cleaning. The complaints I read on this site seem to refer mostly to the poor customer service or the salesman. I guess I am lucky because we had a very non-pushy salesman 12 years ago, I have never had to have my unit serviced and therefore haven't had to deal with customer service. I feel like the Rainbow was a great investment that I will have for many years to come. I don't remember the exact cost but $1500 sounds close. I have probably spent that much in extra vacuums that I am never satisfied with over the years. Just wish the water basin wasn't such a pain to deal with but still LOVE my vacuum.

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    Reviewed June 18, 2010

    They had a promotion, if you refer 3 people where both wife and husband are home, you get a pot set better than Zepter. So I referred 3 people and they went to one person’s house that wasn’t a qualified referral because the husband was working part time. So they cancelled all my referrals and told me I’m no longer qualified for the promotion. They never asked me if spouses were working.

    When I called Marina, in the Brooklyn office to find out why she cancelled, she told me I know why. I guess she couldn’t think of a good enough reason. They are a bunch of liars and they don’t tell you everything upfront. Not only that, my husband and I sat for a demonstration for 5 hrs. We wasted our time in looking for the referrals and with the guy, who by the way was very disrespectful and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

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    Reviewed May 11, 2010

    I had a rainbow demonstration done to help my brother get the RainMate that him and his wife wanted. Although we could not afford one, I did one anyways. The salesperson did the demonstration and told me if I did 21 demonstrations I could get my rainbow vacuum for free. Since I wasn't working at the time I decided to do them so I could get one for free. I did 20 of the 21 demonstrations, and sold 2 vacuum cleaners.

    While I only had one left to do, the rainbow people at the Gastonia and Morganton office said that my time had run out and I needed to do 18 more demonstrations, so I guess the only ones that counted were the 2 that I sold. It is a rip-off. They don't tell you everything up front. You have to go to at least one meeting a week at either the Gastonia or Morganton office, and if you do a demonstration for single people it does not count, nor does it count if they are married and only one of them views the demonstration.

    To top it all off, they gave me a used rainbow, not a new one. I could tell it had been used in demonstrations, because the part where the hose goes into the machine was dirty. The rainbow people at the Gastonia and Morganton offices lie, trap, and use people to make money for themselves. They will tell you anything to get you to buy one. They will also get you to get them names, and take them from you. They will let someone else do demonstrations on the names you got for them.

    I made a few payments, but lost my job, and now it is hurting my credit score. Also some of the people I did demonstrations for are mad, because they gave me names and someone else is doing the demonstrations instead of me.

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    Reviewed May 1, 2010

    Rainbow system is not as good as they say. It has many problems to fit in an average Canadian home with multiple floors. The actual price is not even a thousand dollars. A little research disclosed that machine is about $500 only and the rest of the three to four thousand dollars are the commissions. We were told to "give it a try for three months" when we tried to return the machine within 24 hours. They also offered an "Equity Four Program", that is another scam right there. To hide the return policy, the salesman did not leave any sales receipt or credit application behind. What a scam!

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    Reviewed April 28, 2010

    My boyfriend and I went through the demonstration for the Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner on Friday 4/23/2010. We were told we could keep it for a couple of days and if we decided that we did not want it (because we mentioned throughout the demonstration that we could not afford it) that we could return it at anytime. After having the product all weekend and through today 4/28/2010, we have decided that because we just purchased a home and have several other bills and a house to pay for, that we would like to return it.

    Upon contacting the individual who did the demonstration, we were told that we could not return it without the return significantly lowering our credit scores. Upon asking why, we were told that we had 3 days from the time of purchase to return it, or we were stuck with it and if we did return it, it would be a lengthy process and again our credit score would be lowered. We were asked if we read the papers that were left with us about the return policy and we said we didn't see one. She then told us where we could find it and it was on the very bottom of a page so faded out that it was hardly noticeable. On top of that, we were not given a new Rainbow Vacuum, we were given a used one that we were told had been used in many other demonstrations (It has sat in the box ever since the date of the demonstration was over).

    We simply just want to return the product without having it affect us or our credit score in any negative way at all. We have also been called repeatedly day after day and at least 5 times per day each. We feel that we have been harassed and on top of that, we feel that the return policies for this company are not customer friendly and the employees of this company do not care about how you feel you have been treated wrongly. Please just help us to return this product and retain what credit score we still have at its current level.

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    Reviewed April 24, 2010

    I did a search to find the Denver (actually Wheatridge, CO) Rainbow repair shop to pick up some more scents for our Rainbow vacuum and was surprised to find any complaints about Rainbow vacuums. As far as I am concerned, they are the best vacuums made, hands down. We have had ours for almost 30 years with only one servicing about 4 years ago where they gave it a cleaning and replaced a bearing which ran about $70.

    Yes, it was pricey when we first got it but it does an amazing job of cleaning and I think that is partially the reason that, although I have asthma, I seldom have any problem with it at home. If you are in the area, check out Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners-R Service Center in Wheatridge, CO. I know they sell used ones and maybe new ones and have been in business a long time so they must be doing something right.

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    Reviewed April 15, 2010

    Rainbow Vacuum sales gimmicks are definitely time intensive and high pressure tactics. My experience was no different and she did take my "old" vacuum cleaner with her. With all of that being said, the Rainbow Vacuum cleaner has been a great machine. I have cats and cat fur, it cleans it up even after 10 years of use. I took my Rainbow to the only service shop in the USA, in Denver, Colorado. They serviced it and it performs great. It still does, several months later. I don't understand when you have a good product why cheapen the whole experience with poor business practices. Buy the Rainbow used/refurbished mid 1990's model-they run forever. And for go the "demonstration".

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    Reviewed March 19, 2010

    A demonstrator came to our home at 6:30 in the evening on Thursday. We agreed to do the demonstration for a friend. Anyway, I had tried to call and get him to come on another day but he just wouldn't give in. I had my three kids there who had school the next day, they were getting restless, hungry, and needed to take their baths. It was after 10:00 before he left and he didn't even ask if you want to buy it, he asked what payment option will I be using.

    He wanted us to give him names of people so we could get the free humidifier, we didn't even want it. Anyways, I wouldn't wish that kind of torture for over three hours on anyone. Me and my husband were both furious after he left, I felt like just throwing him out of the house. They shouldn't be allowed to do this to people. I will never let anyone do a demonstration in my home again.

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    Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010

    I purchased a Rainbow system on Feb. 1, 2010 and was told I could return it if I was not satisfied. I was told that I was getting $1000 food voucher, a trip voucher, and the rainmaker free. I paid the salesman Nick in full that day. Three days later, he brought my machine but does not have: the food voucher, the trip voucher, the rainmaker, the scents I paid extra for, and was missing the bag to clean cushions. He said they were back ordered and I would get them shortly.

    Days later and a lot of phone calls after, I talked to RK who is the owner of this distribution place. I explained that I just want my money back, because I haven't gotten all the stuff I was promised. He said he couldn't do that and assured me he would get me everything due me plus an extra $1000 food voucher. I haven't gotten the rest of the stuff and he isn't returning my calls!

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    Reviewed Feb. 7, 2010

    I just want to let everyone know that I am using the same Rainbow that my grandmother purchased in the mid 80's! Now, it looks like crap and most of the extra parts and pieces are missing but it still works great! I am actually looking to purchase a new model just because you can only imagine what a 25 year old vacuum cleaner looks like. It doesn't like to start, if its been sitting in the cold garage and a vacuum repair man totally screwed up my power tool a couple of years ago. I figure it's time to put the old girl out to pasture.

    For those of you who have been taken advantage of by salesman etc. Sounds like you got suckered and we all have had those experiences. With the advent of eBay etc. You can find these machines everywhere now and at much better prices. I don't know why you'd let a salesman into your home? Take it from me, if my 25 year old machine still works, then there is nothing wrong with a refurbished one (those are easier to find).

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    Reviewed Jan. 29, 2010

    Rainbow vacuums treat single people like second-class citizens. My friend bought a Rainbow with a deal that would lower the cost by $1,000 with 10 referrals if two referrals purchased. But, by Rainbow's contract, the only referrals that counted in the 10 were referrals to married couples, regardless of ability to purchase. Referrals to single people would count only if they actually purchased. I could not believe my ears!

    I called the Rainbow sales office and asked about making a purchase, and sure enough that's what their contract says. I was so angry that I told them that I have plenty of money to pay for it and know plenty of other women like me who did too. But I would never buy from a company that treats single women like second-class citizens. A salesman then called back and tried to tell me that he would overlook that part of the contract for me and would count any referrals that had the ability to purchase. So apparently, in addition to thinking I'm a second-class citizen, he thinks I'm stupid enough to sign a contract that he will then ignore. I was born in October, but it wasn't last October!

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    Reviewed Jan. 12, 2010

    I had two twenty-year old kids come to demonstrate the Rainbow Vacuum for me on Wednesday, 1/6/10. At the end of the nearly 3-hour demonstration they offered me a payment plan schedule and I chose the lowest payment: $102.00 a month for 24 months. I was also asked to fill out a credit app, which I did. I asked them why they make you fill that out after they take all of your checking account information. They said everyone fills one out. I told them due to a divorce I did not have squeaky clean credit and even though that was said I was left the vacuum and under the impression that they were going to start taking out the payments as of 1/9/2010. That is on the contract that the payments would start on Jan. 9th. They filled out a buyer’s contract.

    This was on Wednesday evening and today is Monday the 11th and the owner called me today and told me that I was not approved by the finance company and he wanted the vacuum back. I am not happy about this. I gave them my credit info about my banking account and gave them names of people that may be interested in their product and they treat a customer that way, by embarrassing them. I told a lot of people that I purchased it and now I have to give it back. I would like to know if that is legal since they sold me the vacuum as far as I am concerned. They left it here for 5 days. I love it and I do not feel I should have to give it back to them. They filled out the contract for me. Should I file a complaint in court? Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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    Reviewed Dec. 27, 2009

    My vacuum is a piece of crap. It has lack of power, and the hose falls off from the carpet cleaner. Also, the carpet shampooer does not work.

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    Reviewed Dec. 24, 2009

    The hose was very difficult to snap into the vacuum, and the plastic snap pieces broke off. I can't get rid of the bad smell. And the hose for the carpet with extra power kept shutting off, and the floor brush kept falling off. Also, 3 small attachments attached onto the end of 2 pieces of the hose but not into the last piece, so you can only use them with a short hose (This is extremely inconvenient.).

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    Reviewed Dec. 14, 2009

    I wrote an e-mail to the customer service department at Rex Air, requesting replacement parts info for a Rainbow Vacuum cleaner I own on 10/19. After hearing no response, I resent the message on 11/9 and again on 12/14; and I have yet to hear a response. They seem to be a company that is all over you trying to "seal the deal" when buying the vacuum but disappear afterwards!

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    Reviewed Nov. 5, 2009

    I received a call from Rainbow Vacuum telling me that I had won a drawing for a $100 gas cord and that they were going to bring it out to me on Saturday. Well, on that Friday, they called me and told me that they were going to have to cancel our visit but assured me that someone would get back in touch with me about another time to meet. That was about three weeks ago, and I still haven't heard back from them yet. I just wanted someone to know how upset I am with Rainbow Vacuum.

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    Reviewed Sept. 12, 2009

    The vacuum distributor went to my house and tried to sell a new vacuum to my wife, and for some reason, he tricked my wife in buying a newer version of Rainbow vacuum. He told my wife that he will take our old vacuum for him to clean and later bring it back to us. We bought our old vacuum for $1,400.00. He never bought our old vacuum and he even charged us more money. He is a Filipino and I'm sure that were not the only Filipino he scammed. I think he is trying to scare my wife. That is why my wife kept it secret from me. My wife tried a couple of times asking, begging for him to return our vacuum and I think he’s nowhere to be found now. We only have his e-mail address. Please help us stop him from continuously taking advantage of people. We don't want to hire or be contacted by an attorney, all we need is our old vacuum back and justice for his wrongdoings.

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    Reviewed Aug. 7, 2009

    I bought a Rainbow system in March 2009 and was told that if I gave them four names, I would get a shampooer in 4-6 weeks after the four people got a demo. It's now Aug. and I finally got it. I love the product they sold me but their customer service is lacking. I had to continually call and bug them for my shampooer. On the good side of things, the shampooer is fantastic. It cleans the carpets better than rug doctors. Really great machine.

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    Reviewed July 30, 2009

    On 09-28-2008, I bought a Rainbow system for $2,237.00. So before I got the Rainbow, the seller Hector ** promised a $150 gas certificate plus a $450 gas certificate, totaling to $600. There were a lot more gifts that I got, but not the gas certificate. So, I tried to get the money of the gas certificate, but the company went out of business. So, I called Rainbow and they gave another company for the gas certificate, but I waited for over four months. I called Rainbow again and they gave these numbers: 1-800-771-4004 and 561-844-4537. I called and there were no answers. I left a message for about five days and there’s still no answer. So, I called Rainbow on 7-29-09 and they said there is nothing they can do about it, so I'm not happy with that. I just want what they promised me. If you please can help me, I’ll appreciate it. Thank you.

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    Reviewed May 23, 2009

    My friend bought a Rainbow for $2,300 and realized that it doesn't work even close to other products. They feel like they had been scammed, even more so when I mentioned that 8 years ago, my sister in-law bought one for $1,200. We haven't been able to find any information regarding a satisfaction guarantee. What do we do? She has had it only for two months and I used my vac on her carpet just after she used hers and I picked up all kinds of dirt. That's not healthy at all.

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    Rainbow Vacuum Company Information

    Company Name:
    Rainbow Vacuum
    Year Founded:
    1936
    Address:
    50 West Big Beaver, Suite 350
    City:
    Troy
    State/Province:
    MI
    Postal Code:
    48084
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.rainbowsystem.com