Kirby Vacuum Cleaners Reviews

I hated calling the manager as much as you hated me calling the manager; they annoyed me as well. It just goes on and on. They are a complete ripoff to the buyers and the employees. They promise you all this money and trips and so on, knowing they will never own up to it. When I quit, they told me to bring back their Kirby; and I told them that they would have to come out and get it. They showed up, and my dad told them they would first need to reimburse him for all the gas money he loaned me to drive miles on end trying to sell the junk ass thing. They told him they would call the law, and he picked up the phone and called our lawyer. They left real quick and never came back for their vacuum.

They are a ripoff company that uses slave labor. I was eighteen when I sold for them. I was a good kid looking for my first sales job.

When I heard nothing or received nothing, I called the Kirby Customer Relations department and filed a complaint. I heard nothing from them. So I called back 3 days later (last Friday,) and they assured me they had just gotten off the phone with this rep and that a check was going out that day. I guess the check didn't go out until this Monday, and the tracking number he gave me said that a delivery notice was put on my door yesterday. There was no delivery notice on my door, in my mailbox, nothing. The USPS (who couldn't give me the address or recipient of the tracking number,) said I can go to the post office tomorrow and present an ID to pick it up. Given this rep's track record, I'm anticipating that this "check" either went to the "wrong address" or some other shenanigans which will further delay me getting my check. I am prepared to take legal action if this is the case.

What's funny is that after getting nothing today, I left a rather irate message (peppered with foul language, that's the point I'm to) to this rep, and he has the audacity to call me back and say that he "doesn't appreciate the voice mail, and that's not how business gets done." Really? I don't appreciate being out $1,700+ and getting the runaround for all this time. And "this isn't how business gets done?" Wow, I don't know who I'm madder at, this lying piece of crap or myself for ever allowing him into my house.

The word thief comes to mind as well as caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. As you read these "testimonials," please do not be fooled by the five star ones as they were probably posted by Kirby salesman to help their cause. We have contacted our credit card company as well as the BBB, local TV stations and more. I guess we only have ourselves to blame for being trusting, not. These people are a rip off and a bane on society. I am tempted to get many broken vacuums and go to the salesman's home in the dead of the night and toss them into his yard.

Please know that the sales representative lied about how the damage occurred and I have yet to talk to the distributor. I find it amazing that a company who sells a $3,200.00 vacuum (yes, that's the price!) cannot be more oriented to customer service and a quick resolution to a problem. That's what happens when you hire unethical, lying people. I will not stop until this chair is repaired. Do not buy a Kirby unless they take you out to dinner because you will get screwed either way!

I am now having trouble with the cleaner. I called yesterday and was told that she or someone would call be back with a 1-800 number to call to get service, and I was never contacted back. I called this morning and got the answering machine. So, I see I am going to be jerked around as I have been from day 2 of the purchase. I vacuum everyday, and need the cleaner. I know that it is still under warranty, and feel this is why they are doing this to me. I am not so sure that this company where they are located is really a legal company building. All I am asking is that my cleaner gets fixed! I paid a lot of money for this cleaner, in which was told I would never have to buy another cleaner! Yeah, right! Please let me know what I can do about this matter. Thank you.

This machine is very versatile, too. It does an amazing job shampooing and cleaning and it has all kinds of attachments. At first, it's intimidating with all the attachments, but after a few days of getting used to it, I am absolutely thrilled! Hank explained everything to us on how to operate it, but I don't retain information too well (it also came with a DVD). I am sending out a huge thank you to Hank of Watertown for knocking on our door and for his professionalism and honesty. I'm glad he came!

I would do anything to throw this heavy thing back at them. I would even let them take it back and keep the payments that I've made. I also can't believe that they only left me with two refill bags. At their price, they should supply all products until the vacuum is fully paid for. The prices for the refills are outrageous and they even wanted my old vacuum, which was bag-less and fairly new. They took it and never cleaned up the mess they left all over my house. They only cleaned a section of my living room, sat for three hours and drank my tea and Cokes. I wish they would just take this piece of junk and release me from this heavy burden.

When I wouldn't budge to buy the new Kirby, she called her "boss" to make me a better offer. I said no. She called him a second and third time, each time having to wait for him to call her back and she grilled me all the while. My husband finally made his appearance (he was hiding in the bedroom this whole time) and said, "You're still here? Are you planning on staying for dinner, too?" The young lady told me that I was lied to by the sales rep who knocked at my door. She is paid only if I purchase a vacuum. I don't know if that is the truth or not. If it is, she didn't make money off me. I have since made a "no soliciting" sign for my front door - complete with chicken feet and animal bones. It didn't help. A new Kirby crew approached me again a few weeks later. I threatened to go voodoo on them if they didn't leave my property immediately. That finally worked! My suggestion is to act crazy or something. Who would want to enter your home?

After my last refusal to buy the vacuum, he took the sheet of paper he had written all of the prices on, wadded it up and threw it in the trash can and told me that I didn't realize what I was doing as he stomped out of my condo and to his car, leaving the young lady to pick up all of the parts. I shared with her and with him that the original call must have been a set up and they should do business in a different way. After he left, I shared with the demonstration lady that I would never do business with a person that had that attitude.

I must have nodded or something because the guy then entered the house with no invitation that I can remember and the van sped off, leaving him there with a huge box full of stuff. He came right in and began speaking quite normally and clearly, telling me that whatever I've heard about Kirby, it wasn't true and that he'd only take ten minutes and he could earn some fancy trip to some fancy place like Cancun or Hawaii - I don't remember where.

Well, I had to stop him right there. I told him that he only had those 10 minutes and nothing more because I had to go to the bus stop to pick up my two youngest children (my oldest child was home already). I also told him I wasn't buying anything in hopes he would find me a waste of his time but he persisted anyway, seemingly in a hurry to make the most of the 10 minutes. So he began unpacking and spieling away. He wanted me to call some 1-800 number to verify he was here or something. I refused. He seemed upset with me. So then he asked me to get my vacuum cleaner out for comparison and I refused that also. It was upstairs and I wasn't about to lug it down.

Again, he was disappointed at me and wearing out his welcome really fast. I could tell this was not going to happen in 10 min. It took him almost that long just to unpack and he barely started his demonstration when I told him it was time to leave. I wasn't even watching or listening - just eying the clock nervously and reminding him it was time to pack. He didn't like that and I had to tell him several times, even once clapping my hands loudly to stop him from talking. "Leave! " Finally, he begrudgingly started putting stuff away - while still pitching of course.

I didn't want to leave him in my house, alone with my son but the white van was nowhere in sight and he was far from packed. He told me it was alright because he "wouldn't 'jack' my house while I was gone". Creep! Then he called his ride and complained that he was being kicked out with no sale. You think? Oi! I ended up having to leave him in there while I got my kids! The van did come back but the whole process was nearly half an hour, all said and done. I don't care how good the machine is; I wouldn't buy it purely on principle. No respect whatsoever.

She can't carry it upstairs and you have to take everything apart to use attachments. Well today, I found out how bad the Kirby is. I bought a Shark Navigator Pro from Wal-Mart for $188. After vacuuming a 12X14 carpet with the Kirby, we went over the same carpet with the Shark. The Shark picked up 100 times better than the Kirby. We have one cat, and the Shark picked up all the cat hair the Kirby was missing. Kirbys are just outdated. The Shark is light, user-friendly and picks up better and no moron salesmen to deal with, and $700 (or more) cheaper!

From beginning to end, they were exceedingly polite, the demonstration was pleasant, and ** was methodical, thorough, informative and friendly. In addition, our living room carpet at the end of the demonstration was visibly and dramatically improved. I don't know how long the demonstration lasted, but I can tell you that ** was efficient and expedient. I never felt he was wasting my time and in fact, appreciated his time, energy, effort and dedication.

We'd purchased the Kirby 2000 model in the year 1999. We still have it (but it's at our primary residence in another state), we have been glad to have it, and we’re glad to see that the current model has been much improved in appearance, ease of operation and with additional thoughtful features. We asked to purchase two units (one for ourselves and one for my mother-in-law) without hesitation. The Distributor offered that his Manager would package our purchase by applying a discount and, as promised, the Manager then wrote up our purchase paperwork with a generous discount.

The Kirby vacuum price is, admittedly, "expensive" compared to pricing of most other vacuums. However, if you consider all the wonderful Kirby accessories, features and the Kirby cleaning power effectiveness, there leaves no room to wonder on the price differential. Truly, in our experience of owning a Kirby with satisfaction for 13 years, and now seeing the current model perform even better, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand and acknowledge that no other vacuum can do everything like a Kirby, so no other brand can compare.

The upright vacuum we will be replacing with our new Kirby here in Hawaii is a reputable brand from a solid retailer. In the number of years, we owned our Kirby at our primary residence on the mainland. We purchased, broke and replaced enough non-Kirby vacuums at our secondary residence to wish we had saved ourselves the hassle, expenses and drama by instead getting a Kirby in the first place.

The current Kirby warranty is fabulous and amazing. I expect to never have to purchase another vacuum for this residence during my lifetime. No other product or appliance, as far as I'm aware, promises all that Kirby does. The cost of a Kirby, as we see it, is wholly justified when we consider the longevity of the Kirby and thereby the time value of the money to purchase it.

Lastly, we feel that purchasing the new Kirby is an investment in our family health: for me, our elementary school-age sons and my mom-in-law in her own home where all of us battle inhalant allergies and for our infant daughter who just learned to crawl and spend the majority of her wakefulness exploring everything accessible to her at ground-level. The heap filtration and the power of the Kirby can function toward improving and maintaining our health. With the cleanliness that the Kirby can provide, is there any amount of money that quantifies the value of having and maintaining good health?

Perhaps, the AC Kirby company in Waipahu, Hawaii is exceptional among Kirby stores nationwide and as a corollary so too are **, our Kirby Distributor, and **, the Manager. Surely, the Kirby vacuum with its features, performance and warranty, stands on its own and surpasses all other brands.

As I write this review now, our home is quiet. Our sons have been asleep for several hours now, undisturbed and peaceful without their characteristic coughing, sniffling and wheezing despite our around-the-clock use of air purifiers and ionic fans throughout this house. Consequently, they are not in their beds in their bedrooms. They are sprawled in comfy slumber and piled with toys, blankets and pillows, like puppies as only little boys can, directly on the living room carpet that was Kirby-cleaned this afternoon. Thank you, Kirby, AC Kirby Waipahu, Distributor ** and Manager **!

Well it sounded good to me. Hey, they are trying to promote a carpet cleaning service, so it made sense that they want to get the word out. Wrong. A pair showed up and one left so the salesman was basically stuck here. I told them both at the beginning that I was expecting a carpet cleaning service, not a pitch for a vacuum cleaner and I have no intention buying a Kirby. On the plus side, the salesman was polite and did clean the carpet. On the negative side, he was there for over three hours and could not leave because he was waiting on his ride. Even after the sales pitch, I would have suggested that he leave and skip the carpet cleaning but since he was stuck there, he politely cleaned it.

What angers me is that the telemarketer blatantly lied to me, wasted my time and the salesperson's time. Well it makes an interesting family story and a good lesson for my kids.

Their driver left. Then a girl came to the door and said she was with the guy left behind to demonstrate the Kirby. I told them no less than half a dozen times or more I wasn’t interested in buying one. They kept pushing so I finally got upset after about 2 hours and told them to leave and I wasn’t going to repeat myself. They got even pushier.

Then my wife came downstairs and also told them to leave. The girl got real snotty and smart with my wife. Finally, I just screamed at the idiot to get the hell out of my house now or I would throw them and the Kirby out the front door. The girl even got to be more of a ** so I had to cuss her out to get them to leave. This was on April the 5th about 6 pm.

It was a tortuous 1 1/2 hours. When he finally mentioned price, $2100, I told him I could not afford it. I told him I was having financial trouble and was unemployed. He made some comment about me and that I would be supported by the state. He said that he had no such issues because he was more responsible with his money. It got worse, I had tears in my eyes. This kid was lecturing me. I asked him to leave. It was awful.

I left for vacation a couple of days later and did not move the scatter run until March 18. Upon removal of the brown scatter rug, I noticed a 14-inch strip of my Berber had been pulled out. Since the Kirby salesman was the last person to vacuum my rug, obviously it was done by him but he claims he didn't. So, it’s his word against mine.

I got nowhere when I called the company, DC Distributors of Wilmington, MA. They told me the salesperson said he didn't do it, so there is nothing they can do about it. So, I'm stuck with a torn rug. In addition, when I was telling the salesperson I didn't want the vacuum, he looked around my house and said, "Obviously, you can afford the vacuum from looking at your home.” I did not appreciate that comment. I told him right from the beginning I didn't plan on buying the vacuum. If they come to your home, don't let them in!

At this point, I picked up the phone and called 911 because he's telling me to come outside so he can start a fight with me! What a guy! Great thing you have going here Kirby! Your sales people suck and I will never ever buy a Kirby! Do not let these people in your house ever!

I received a new Kirby, but the return of my Miele came without the floor piece! The sales rep said the floor piece would be sent to me even if he had to find the replacement elsewhere! Then, I was sent the wrong missing piece. I contacted the distributor again and was told once it was found and they would send the correct piece. I sent an email with the correct manufacturer piece and number, including websites that sold them. The distributor, and now the headquarters, is aware of the missing piece, yet it has been 3 months and nothing has been done. Most recently, I called about an attachment breaking and I am being told that I have to have it examined to determine if the break was my own fault or a defect as to whether I will get a replacement. The sales rep told me on the day of purchase that all parts were under the warranty regardless of improper use or product defect. I made a note of this because I found the arrangement of switching out the various vacuum parts to be a complex process. It’s a nightmare!

Now can someone please tell me how I can get rid of this thing? I’m stuck paying for a $2000 vacuum that I don’t even know how to use! Someone please help!

The third time, a very friendly man with a girl who looked like his daughter was quick to show me a brightly colored flyer which advertised "the ultimate dry foam carpet cleaning with stain guard protection," and "Give us a try and discover the difference. It's free today!" The catch is that the vacuum cleaner will only cost you $2697 + tax. No! Been there, done that, twice too many! Kirby vacuum cleaner people, just open a chain store and don't call us; we'll call you!

Well, it's a good thing that I was having a bad night and needed something to distract my mind from my problems, because at no other time would I ever let someone in my house for three hours to try to sell me something. Amanda, the girl doing the demonstration, was young and sweet and clearly very tired. It was late at night and she admitted she works 14-hour days, 7 days a week and that she only gets paid if she does 15 demos a week! She told me how the lead salesman takes all the Kirby demonstrators out to various neighborhoods. While demonstrators are demonstrating, the lead salesman bounces around trying to make the sale to all the homes being demonstrated in. I found him to be very manipulative. When he told me $3499.00 I was stunned! For a vacuum cleaner? I'd rather have a dirty house. I told them from the very beginning that I was having serious financial and employment problems and that I would not be able to buy anything.

One thing I especially didn't like was Amanda said to let her show me something and she went upstairs to my bedroom. I couldn't stop her and I was very embarrassed because my bedroom was really messy. But she demonstrated how dirty my bed was with "poop" from dust mites. She ended up only cleaning a very small part of the carpet that was supposed to be cleaned for free. I wasn't at all impressed with the heavy machine that has a ridiculous number of parts! When she finally "finished" and I cleaned up all her dust pads, she went outside in the late dark cold night to wait for her ride.

After a half hour of me watching TV, I heard someone coughing. I looked out the window and it was her, still waiting outside in the very cold weather! I made her come inside and stay warm until the boss finally came to pick her up. The next day I saw she had left some papers behind. It was her notes on how to do a sales pitch. Apparently, using the word "poop" was required to get customers very concerned about the cleanliness of their beds. It's also required for salespeople to use the customer's phone to call their boss and give customer's address and number. The sales people are trained to be manipulative and to pressure customers. I think the only thing that would be worse than sitting through another high pressure Kirby sales demonstration would be to actually be a Kirby salesperson herself!

We were impressed with the vacuum and did end up purchasing one; however, we did tell them we were hard pressed to afford one as we thought we were going to need to put a new roof on our house as we had had leaks during some recent rains. They gave me a good price on the vacuum and I wrote a check for the full amount. That very night it rained again and our roof leaked again right over our bed. We thought we had stopped all the leaks by patching it up with rolled roofing and tar, but it had not worked. Needless to say, we knew we were going to have to re-roof.

The next morning I called them and left a message that I would like to cancel the contract (this is allowable within a certain period of time and states this on the contract) and the reason. Dave ** returned my call within the hour. He was very nice and said he understood and said they would come and pick up the vacuum cleaner and return our check to us that very day if they could and if not that day, then definitely Sunday the 19th. They did what they said they would do with no hassle whatsoever. Came Sunday, they picked up the vacuum and returned our check. So, you see, we had a positive experience with Kirby vacuums and their salesmen. I wanted to let everyone know that there are still good honest people out there!

The second time they came by, I knew it was the Kirby guy, as soon as he held up the box of cleaning supplies, and I said "look, you guys were here 2 weeks ago, I am still not going to buy from you". He gave me the line about not getting paid, and can I help him out. I told him he can come clean my rugs if he pays me $50 for my time, and the moment he tries to sell me anything, I'm going to throw him out. He did not accept my offer.

Finally, he answered two days later, but told me he's sorry it was his day off! At that point, I just let him have it in a nice firm way, and told him I wasn't calling him back to set up an appointment, but only to tell him that he was wrong and unprofessional for not keeping that appointment. He apologized and we hung up. 2 weeks later, the girl called me, trying to set up another appointment. I explained to her what happened with the other sales dork, and she was so sorry! Yeah, right, so then she said she would call me back to set up an appointment, because she was in my neighborhood. So I thought I'd give them a chance!

She never called me back (liar)! So I called her back to give her a piece of my mind. I said I would report them to their manager, and that their customer service sucked! They best not ever knock on my door again! However, I am very glad I did not allow them to come in, and make my carpet worst with their messes I hear they left on other people's carpet. Reading all the reviews, wow they have not one good review! Better Business Bureau might want to hear about this product, and maybe someone needs to give them some real training.

Fast forward to 5pm, she arrives with a man and another woman, and a vacuum. I told them immediately there was no way I was going to buy the vacuum, but she insisted that she still get "credit" for demonstrating the Kirby. Two hours later and after she had vacuumed practically every surface in my new construction house (which is not dirty!) and after she called her boss no less than 6 times, they lowered the price of the Kirby from $3,000 to $1,000. I must have told her and her boss-on-the-phone 15 times I wasn't buying the vacuum. Then the boss-on-the-phone had the audacity to ask why we wouldn't open a credit account, is there something wrong with our credit. I was seriously offended and told her to tell him that for the record, my credit is perfect, and I'm not marking it by opening an account to buy a vacuum. If I happen to have an extra $1,000 to spend, it surely wouldn't be on a vacuum.

By this time, the kids and the husband were getting cranky and hungry. I told the girl she needed to pack her Kirby and go. Of course, her boss-on-the-phone wasn't there to pick her up, so she spent another 10 minutes in my house waiting. The boss finally arrives and he tried to offer me the vacuum for $30/month, 0 down, blah, blah, blah. I was on the verge of tears and I said they had to leave. That was the end of it or so we thought.

A few minutes later, the demo girl knocks on our door claiming to have left her cell phone in the house. I handed her my house phone. "Call your number. I can't have you walking around my house looking for it." Of course, at the moment, the other girl comes in, "Oh! Your phone is in the van." And then to me, "My boss said he'll lower the price even more if you take it right now." I told them both again that they need to leave. Now! Fortunately, that was the end, but then I was awake all night worried they were going to come back and rob or vandalize my house.

I was so upset by the outright lie the girl told me to get in the house. She didn't clean anything. In fact, she made a bigger mess by taking her Kirby filters and putting them all over my floor and coffee table, thus getting whatever dust and dog hair she vacuumed up everywhere. And the fact that she was in my home for over two hours, after I had politely (and then not so politely) asked her to pack up her stuff was just flat out rude. And the boss-on-the-phone bit had my hair standing on end. I have to honestly say, this company has the worst sales tactics ever; tacky, pushy and rude.

I opened up the door to two men who were holding a brochure. They both smiled and asked me whether or not I was interested in a free carpet cleaning. I told them my house was 95% hardwood floors so I wasn't interested. The main salesman pushed further and asked me whether or not I had any carpet in the house. I did along the stairs and upper hallway, but I told him no. He then asked what material my sofa was and when I said "Suede" he brightened up and told me that he could give me a thorough upholstery cleaning. Again, I told him not interested. Finally, noticing a tiny area rug that I keep right by the front door and said he would even be willing to clean that for free.

The premise was that I didn't have to pay for the cleaning. He got paid $25 if I allowed him to do the cleaning and all I had to do was spread the word to those I knew. Red flags! I told him straight up, it sounded too good to be true and I wasn't buying it. I asked what the catch was and he said, "No catch. We want to do you a favor." So, I'm home alone and I'm about to let two strangers come into my house who appear a little too eager to get inside? Really, clean an area rug? So, I politely declined again. I told them we always get folks coming to our neighborhood to sell goods and there's always a catch so if he didn't want to tell me what it was up front, it was a wrap.

The key is to keep firmly saying "No". If they sense any weakness or that you are even considering what they are offering, before you know it, your house will be taken over and cheesy sales pitches will permeate your living room. Just say no from the beginning and don't crack.

So let this be a warning to all. Every conversation with Raymond from this branch proves to be a bunch of lies. He was promised his money 5 days after a sale. 4 days late already, I was told that I can support him until Raymond decided to pay him. Please do not let any of your kids go through the same disappointment as my son did. These people prey on trainees to get contacts.

After using your vacuum for almost a year, I have come to the conclusion that if I had not foolishly paid almost $800.00 for this monstrosity, I would take it out back, drag it behind my truck through town, and then after reaching the town square, would publicly shoot the thing. It is the hardest vacuum I have used in 61 years. The accessories are cheap and won't stay together. It runs over your feet, so you need steel toe shoes to use it. Carrying it up steps is a real pain, and changing it over from carpet to hard wood floors is a chore.

If another Kirby sales person ever comes to my door, they may want to consider quickly saying hello and getting the heck off the property. Your "Kirby" sucks in more ways than it was designed to. I wish I had never given up my old Sears vacuum and I may put this thing out by the driveway and mount a mail box on it, go to Sears and get a new one that doesn't take a body building, muscle bound, mechanic to operate.

Well needless to say, the guy still showed up later that night. I explained to him that we had called the office to cancel, but he pretended not to get the message. Although, I find it odd that they waited till hrs past our scheduled time to show up after we cancelled. I told him before I even let him in the door, that I have no intentions to buy one of these vacuum/shampoo machines no matter what. The guy was like pleased, I only have to do one more house today. I ask my husband if we should let him in to clean the rugs in the rooms he said why not. Well, that was a big mistake! The guy was nice at first, vacuumed all 3 of my rooms and cleaned the rugs (if that's what you want to call it). I could have done a better job with some resolve and a scrub brush. He handed us a sheet with price listings and payments and ask us what it would take to buy one. I said, I told you when you came in here that I was not going to buy one. I would never spend $2,000.00 on a vacuum regardless.

Well, after the salesmen realized he wasn't going to change my mind he turned into a jerk. He called me a liar and told me he knew I could afford it. He continued to tell me that do you think I would have knocked on your door if I did not think you could afford one. I was so mad, it took everything I had not to take his vacuum and throw out the door along with him. But Kirby leaves you stuck with their salesman because they drop them off. So let's just say while he was putting his stuff away it was tense. I did let him know that I don't like being called a liar and asked him if he always turns into such a jerk when you don't make a sale. All I can say is Kirby door to door sales seems like a big scam with loser salesmen that need to get real jobs.

She says they are with Kirby vacuums, had I heard of them and no, they will come inside. I quickly explained my baby was breastfed and I was in the middle of feeding her. I asked if she would be coming back by (in efforts to politely get rid of her) and she said yes, could they stop back by in about 45 minutes. I said no, maybe later, to which she replied "Oh you'd like to set up an appointment?" I said "no." So she tells me it'll only take 30 minutes and they'll clean my carpet. She'll make $50 just for doing the demonstration, etc. I finally say, "Yeah, go ahead and come in." The only reason I finally relented was because I recognized her from a previous job I had where she and her mom were regular customers and her mother works at the same place as my husband. I figured she was innocent enough. She motioned to the van that was to the side of my house and they drove around to the front of my house. She went to the van and she and two men began unloading their gear.

She came back in, along with a man and he began setting up the cleaner. As he was getting the cleaner from the box, she tells me that she is going to leave and go knock on my neighbors doors because that's her job, to knock on doors. She leaves me with this man in the house, whom I never met, never would have let in while me and my five-month old daughter are home, out in the boondocks, without my husband. I would never do something to be so naive that could endanger either one of us and here I am with the stranger.

He starts telling me how his business is running a contest, that he had the poster for it, but lost it. No he didn't lose it, he left it at another person's house and hadn't been back to get it. In this contest, he could win a trip to Florida, yada yada yada. If my business were doing a contest like this, I would do anything to win it, right? So he reads his introduction, from the paper, word for word, as quickly as possible. Not interested in what he was saying or selling, in my opinion. So he shows me the attachments, the light bulb changer/plumbers tool/dog groomer, the different pipes, cleans a spot on the floor, the ceiling fan, the wall. He does that whole spill, which took over 30 minutes.

He then tells me he needs to clean my mattress. Now, I'm supposed to let this stranger into my bedroom? Negative. I tell him he can skip that to which he replies, somewhat in an angry tone, "I have to do it or I don't get credit. " He tells me he can just do a pillow. So I bring him a pillow so he can show me the disgusting things I'm breathing in at night. I have the cushion to a papasan chair laying on the floor where I let my daughter sit and play, in case she topples over, so that she won't hit her head on the floor. He starts cleaning that and shows me all the dirt in it.

Through all of this, he points out that my daughter is breathing this in, that it is more toxic than second hand smoke (did I mention I smelled smoke on him the moment he entered my home, and almost asked him to leave then, if only I had the guts.) He rubs in, over and over, that my daughter's health, along with that of my husbands and mine, should be more important than any amount of money; that dust mites, their poop, and their eggs in a bed is the number 1 cause of SIDS in babies, (thought they didn't know what caused SIDS); that these things could lead to my baby having asthma (even though he admitted if I didn't have asthma, and my husband didn't, then my baby probably wouldn't either.)

Anyway, he asks to see my vacuum, to prove it's a piece of crap basically. He vacuums an area of the floor 52 times with my vacuum, then a different area with the Kirby 52 times, then uses the Kirby over the area he used my vacuum 30 times and then shows me it picked up more. No kidding, it should. It costs $3000. My vacuum was under $200. After he's done with that, he says he has to make a phone call before he starts his 4X4 demonstration. He calls his boss, who is very loud and I can hear her ever word. She asks if I'm liking it so far. He says yes. She asks if I'd buy it if it were completely affordable. He repeats question to me and I say possibly. She asks again. I say we may have different opinions of affordable. She asks what I would be able to afford a month without taking food off the table or clothes off my back. I say not much. She says "**" into the phone.

She then asks him if I can hear her. I can. He says no. She says, "Okay, are you in a trailer or a house?" He says, "House." She says, "Is it nice?" He says, "Yes." She says, "Is the father involved?" He says, "Yes, but he isn't home." She says, "Does it look like they have money?" He says, "Yes." She says, "Do they have jobs?" He says, "He does, she doesn't." (Wrong, I have a full time job!)

She says okay, gives him a lower price, tells him to call her back. He tells me the price, which he's written down on one of his disks, $1699. No money down, no payments for two months, $62 a month. He asks me if that's better, I say yes but I wouldn't purchase one today. I would discuss it with my husband first. He calls her back. She says if it's $800, and $20 a month, would that be better? Well, yeah it's better than $1699. He tells me it's not $800. (That was pointless.) She tells him to call the first girl to come in to help wrap it up.

While we're waiting, he is just steady vacuuming over the same spot, changing the dirt disc out, and vacuuming more. I have dirt discs all over my floor. I ask if he has to do a certain amount of those. He says he has to do 100 discs to get credit. I tell him to triple them up. I'm pretty sure he did after that. The first girl comes back and asks how I like it. I said I did but I wouldn't buy one today. I wouldn't buy it without asking my husband. (Obviously not getting one after hearing the phone conversation.) She writes down a lower price and shows it to me. "This is what I can do for you today," $1100, no payments for two months, $40 a month. Still a no. The guy asks if I have to ask my husband. It's no payments for two months. I'll have two months to talk to my husband. Negative. She gives me the paper with the price on it, with her name and number. I ask her boss's name (the one with rude questions) and write it on my paper.

She says okay and thanks and he starts packing up his discs, etc. Some of these discs were mighty dirty I'll admit and he constantly walked back and forth over them, resulting in dirt being ground into my area rug. I joking said I needed them to clean that up (because I suck at being a jerk) and she said "oh yeah yeah we're going to get that up. It happens sometimes." She takes his bag and leaves. He continues packing up the cleaner and never cleans up the ground up dirt on my rug.

In the end, I got a box of Puff tissues (thanks!), a "cleaned" pillow, 2 square feet of vacuumed carpet and raised blood pressure. My daughter sat in my lap the whole time, got fussy and sleepy, and finally fell asleep (he didn't care at all that she was fussy). He was here a total of about an hour and 40 minutes and they didn't clean my carpet as originally promised. I'll admit the cleaner seemed good and I would have possibly bought it, if only for the sake of my daughter. I try to do right by her, she is breastfed, I make her baby food at home from real fresh veggies, etc. I didn't like seeing what I missed when I cleaned. But with these people's attitudes and rude questions and cussing (the guy cussed several times in his demonstration and also had an annoying rap ringtone that went off three times), I can say I will not be buying a Kirby from them or elsewhere. After reading these other stories, I'm very glad I didn't get sucked in as others did. Take my advice along with others and do not let these people in your home!

The asking price is $1100 +. It depends on the local management and the person's selling commission. I was told for every Kirby I sold I would get $250. The person who knocks on your door has to do 15 demonstrations a week to get their $400. If the seller is different than the person that knocked, the seller loses $25-$50 a week off the top. I was told in Erie, PA that this was not paid training. It's not cold calling but the last day of training was told we canvased sells. We are shipped to areas in a big white van driven by people that don't know where they are going. We go to places that can't afford Kirby Vacuums and allow for permits (notice areas like Millcreek, don't let them in).

There is much more I would like to say. I stayed on because I felt like I had already invested so much time in clothes and gas then I kept hoping that I would get paid for the hard work I was putting in. A guy in my group had a gun pulled on him. I was called a n*** and the door slammed in my face. All I am saying is remember we are all people and people get fooled.

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.

Back n the 1960's and 1970's growing up in Seattle WA (USA), we had a Kirby upright and I remember it lasting for years and years. It even outlasted a newer Electralux canister. So they returned for their demo, and we agreed to purchase a unit for our cleaning business. They didn't push, and they assisted us with our financial application and have made themselves available for training and assistance. One rule everyone must follow - If you don't want what is being pitched, says no & excuse them to leave. It's too bad not many, young & old, don't have the balls to stand up for themselves - Just saying.

-Why don't they supply the full name and number of the salesman or the owner?

-Why do they put the responsibility on different departments, causing time wasted, sometimes days.

No department took any responsibility. The financial department immediately starts fighting, as the local departments. Why are there so many departments with no customer satisfaction whatsoever? With various facilities in several places, each one claiming they are the wrong one to deal with? Why do they insist on selling to a senior citizen who is trying to live on $700.00 a month, and has just two rooms of carpet? A person who has no credit, a person who cannot handle the weight of the machine, or a person who was only interested in a shampooer?

I truly believe this company is detrimental to the younger generation, instructing salesmen to get the signed papers, despite any moral judgment. Why does the company threaten to sue, and wreck ones credit, when a customer simply wants to return the unused product?

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.

After vacuuming the living room and the hallway to the bathroom, there were only 5 hairs wrapped around the brush and no cat hairs tangled in the bristles. It's useless but it cost me $90! The bag filler hose has lasted for more than 2 years this time, but only because I wrapped it completely with duct tape before I installed it. I'm finished with Kirby. Kirby has become a very inferior product which I wouldn't recommend to anybody. My 25 year old Tri-star is a much better product!

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.

Is there not some way she can get out of this when he clearly took advantage of her?

The place was just a repair shop for Kirby machines now. Took long time but they finally got hold of the salesperson. Now, he said the old account was paid off but he had any overpayment and they would send be a check for that. Never got this either! This salesperson was very rude, unprofessional, blaming, and disrespectful over the phone. He even accused me of not paying for my phone so it could get a hold of me. He wanted me to go with the new finance company he found. I did not receive a copy of this contract with the new finance company's name on it. I did not want to deal with him on the phone so I said I can't talk with him anymore and I would see what I can do. I do not recommend anyone on buying from Kirby, especially this guy that represents Kirby sales. No customer satisfaction!

My credit agreement/purchase agreement didn't quote any APR or interest rate, and when I challenged Kirby they told me that I should have asked. They have ripped me off totally. Their customer service is disgusting and I have never spoken to a ruder employer than at Kirby Liverpool. Nobody cares. Warning, do not buy from them.

While he was vacuuming, I started looking up consumer reviews and I came across this site, which I am so glad that I did! Right after I read some reviews and complaints, he asked to do the bed demo. Because of what I read on your site about someone messing up the sheets, I told him to stick to cleaning the room. I also told him how I didn't know you were going to try to sell me anything and I heard about stories so I wasn't interested.

He was dumbstruck and kept wondering what he was going to tell his boss. I told him I will tell his boss that I refused the service. I talked with the boss and then the salesmen popped up and told the salesmen of the vacuum that he should never had the phone to the customer. I then explained how I wasn't interested, but they wanted to finish cleaning the carpet. After they all left, my carpet still looks the same and he left wet clumps of dust and dirt in certain places in my carpet. Again, I am extremely appreciative of this site because I didn't fall for their product!

I walked away from my door, and thought about calling the police. I went to my living room, got my phone and dialed 911. As I was waiting on them to answer, I went back to my front door and looked out the blinds, she was still standing on my porch! I was totally freaked out by now and asked them to send the police. I told the girl to leave, she smiled at me again and waved! So I went and got my shotgun.

I was armed now, and 911 is on the way. I asked her one more time who she was and she told me finally her name was Angelina, and she worked for Kirby.Well, Kirby, 2 calls to 911, and a shot gun in my hand, your "sales tactics" almost got Angelina shot! You need to realize in this day and age, door-to-door sales is not the way to do business. And never at 9pm.

About 20 minutes later, 2 Hispanic men came to the house with all this equipment to do the demonstration. The person who did all the work was very good, very polite, and he was very helpful. The person who came after who we agreed to buy the product, is the real ripoff artist. He is an older white male with a good talk. He told us that we could not be financed but that he would finance this out of his pocket (boy are we dumb) but we trust people.

So we agreed. He told me to give him $185.00 today and to give him 3 post dated checks for an additional $200 each and that he would return to collect the rest as they came due. He returned to our house the next day and told me that we had been approved through the finance company after all. I told him, "Ok good. Just destroy the other checks and we will set up payments with them via direct withdrawal from the checking account." He told me, "Ok. I will destroy them."

Well he did not. He cashed one of the checks and when I called him, he told me that it was a misunderstanding. He told me that he would call the finance company and have them not take this month's payment out of our checking account. I then called the finance company to verify that and they told me that they have not heard from him in regard to this matter, nor had the money been placed against our outstanding balance.

I called him back he told me that he would come and return our money. He has not. The name of the company that he runs this is MGB. His name is **. Please do not buy from this person.

Unfortunately, I changed my mind and decided to return the vacuum cleaner. Then when I called Kirby that day, they said it was past the three days stated on their policy that I had to return it. I spent a lot of money and felt cheated! I was very angry and felt I wasn't given a chance! This sales representative just swooped in on me, and charmed me with his bright humor, and before a couple of hours, I spent $2300 on a vacuum cleaner. I find out later, and through research of other good quality vacuum cleaners, and a housekeeper I recently hired who told me her experience and how she had been fortunate enough to somehow avoid the scam, I was very disappointed and angry. I felt victimized.

After everything was said and done, I said a hard "No" and was told I was basically a bad parent for letting my kids play in filth. He said this to me and my wife, basically saying that, if we didn't spend the money on this vacuum cleaner, we were bad parents who didn't care at all about our children. Finally, I signed on the dotted line just to get him out of our home. He also told me the return policy is that I can return the vacuum within 90 days. I also was not left with the vacuum as their finance company would have to call me back within 7-10 days for some follow up questions. They were so pushy and almost made me late for work.

Finally, after work, I came home and read the contract I signed that said I had 3 days from 1/10 to cancel. This worried me, so I Googled reviews and found this website, where many other people report the same thing. I have both called and written to Kirby, and my father will be driving to that company and dropping off my signed cancellation slip and getting a signed receipt showing it was delivered. I do not know what is going to happen next, but depending on how tomorrow goes when Kirby is supposed to call me back; I will more than likely be writing to the BBB and/or seeking legal advice.

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.

The vacuum demonstration was very impressive, even though I only have one room of carpet upstairs. I just can't handle the size, and I don't need a vacuum but I was impressed. While I was saying that, the salesman called his boss several times, each time bringing the price of the Kirby, and even offering to throw in the shampooer, which I immediately said I didn't want.

Over and over, until finally I thought the offer was too good to resist, I thought I could purchase the vacuum. Two more hours went by and he wrote the contract. I wasn't given a number to call, I wasn't told I had 3 days to rescind. No matter which number I called for direction, there was no answer or no recourse. Kirby makes themselves very scarce.

It was a long holiday weekend, Monday included, and I spent two days waiting for Kirby to return the calls. I finally called the financial department, and they immediately argued that it was too late to cancel! What kind of a scam was Kirby running? An over priced, heavy old fashioned vacuum, and salesmen take advantage of the senior folks with their endless demonstration and offers until you just want them to leave.

Yesterday, I tried to carry the vacuum downstairs. In doing so, I had an asthma attack, and had to lay on the steps until I could get help. I know I shouldn't have tried, but I live alone, so I have no help. I was lucky my niece and her fiance came in when they did. They were here from South America for the holidays, and so there was a whole day I spent with the salesman instead of my visitors. I haven't used the vacuum, its ready to be picked up anytime Kirby is ready. I will not be allowing any payments leave my account, so it's in your best interest to pick the vacuum up ASAP. You can keep my old Dirt Devil, which he took in trade. It does have a new belt on it, and a new bag.

Since then, every time someone calls from Kirby, we hang up and they call every two weeks. Kirby needs to clean up their act and find some way of ensuring that these rogues are eliminated.

The lady went out to her van and came back with two other people and a Kirby vacuum in a box. She started trying to be my friend and started slipping in vacuum talk right away as she and a big dumb looking teenager and a young lady tried to put together this $3,495.00 vacuum. Within 5 minutes of being in my house, I realized I let 3 idiots in my house and the big dumb teenager asked to use my bathroom. As soon as the main lady running this 3 ring circus had this vacuum put together, she left. The big kid stayed and started trying to use this vacuum. After 30 minutes of vacuuming maybe a 4 ft. by 4ft. area, I told him this was going to take way too long and that I knew what they were trying to do. I told him to just wrap it up.

He continued to clean and told me that he didn’t have a ride and he just had to stay. I told him he had 15 minutes to finish up. He began to panic. After 15 minutes, I said, “Times up, stop, and put this stupid vacuum back in the box and leave.” He of course couldn’t figure out how to put it back in the box. I asked him while he was trying where the scotch guard is anyway. He took out a water bottle out of his bag and held it up. My wife and I started laughing out loud. I finally got him out of my house and told him to go wait by the street for his ride.

About 30 minutes later, he rang my doorbell and asked if I could refill his water bottle. I said, “Wasn’t that the scotch guard?” He laughed that he forgot he told me it was scotch guard. He said it was hot outside and he had on all black and he was just dying. I said, “Didn’t you just tell me you were going into the marines?” I laughed again and told him he was going to get worked over there. However, I doubt he actually was even going into the marines.

Typical sales tactics, persistent in not "wanting to nickel and dime you to death." Not complaining about that but the "rookie" salesman went through the whole sales pitch without breathing and about hyperventilated. The senior rep left for another appoinment and then later returned to check up. After negotiating the price down to the lowest price, the junior rep could go, the senior rep came in and went even lower, claiming that "he" would not be making much commission on the sale, if at the listed price. Even after I said no to the first price, she came back with a price that almost seemed too good to be true and even worked out a 36 month plan. They were very persistent in the entire program for four *** hours!

What is the problem? If you don't want me to call, then you should fix the problem! So now I have two invalid phone numbers, a woman who hangs up on me if I call and sends me a text back saying "quite calling me", and I am out my brand new Egyptian cotton sheets. This is the most unethical representation I have experienced and I find it completely unfair that we were lied to on two occasions throughout this process. First, that it would not be a sales pitch, and second that we would be reimbursed for the sheets that they ruined!

First, a lady came by and said that she was with a carpet cleaning service and they were looking for testimonials. She asked if they could clean a room for free in exchange for the advertisement of a word of mouth testimony. We thought it over and said sure, after she said it would only take 15 minutes. Then they show up with all this gear in Kirby boxes and I'm like, I should have known better.

After 2 hours of demonstrations and cleaning our floors, stairs, and couch, he pulled the hard sell on me. It's hard to consider buying one knowing they like to push them on people. He gave me the whole "you wouldn't want your daughters playing in that filthy carpet". Also, he was going to give us a discount because we were Christians? He was pulling out all the stops.

I'm sold on the product to an extent but completely hate being "sold" to. For the most part, Gen X and Y abhor being sold to. Thus, door to door sales might not be the best option anymore. In my opinion, if it's a legitimate product. Market it and sell it like normal products. He was preaching to us about the wonders of this vacuum like it was the gospel or something. I don't know if I could make a living as a salesman, I truly hate the process.

There was a four-day opportunity to cancel this transaction via an 800 number to my credit card company who was waiting for the call. The corporate office knew it, the owner knew it, and the sales representative knew it. The owner would not do it. I now have to wait for 10 days for them to issue me a check and seeing how things have been handled so far, I am anticipating some excuse on delaying it. The vacuum is extremely heavy and bulky and not practical for my application. This was one of most stressful business dealings I have encountered ever.

The first thing I told him was that I will not be buying a vacuum, and he said no problem he just wants to demonstrate. After 15 minutes into it, he tried to get me to buy it for $1,697.00. I told him again, no. As he went through the demo, he tried every 15 minutes to get me to buy, and I continued to say no. A little while later, he said I really think you need this vacuum for your family's health. I then started getting mad, and told him I did not approve of his sales tactics. I should have booted him right then! It was not much longer he then said he could sell it for $1,482.00. I, again, said no. We were getting close to 2:15, and I told him I have to go. He tried again this time for $1,199.00. I said no again, and told him he had to pack up. He took his sweet old time, and I just made it to my doctor's appointment. I have posted this on Facebook, and I am on a mission to let everyone I know to be on the lookout for these scammers! I will never again talk to, or listen to another door to door salesman!

She quickly returned with a vacuum, a salesman named David and a supervisor. I told David I was busy. I repeated several times that I would not buy a Kirby and said I would give him 10 minutes so he could get credit. I even smiled as I yelled over to my son to start the kitchen timer for ten minutes. With only two minutes to go, David started switching new filters on and off the vacuum to show the dirt it was collecting. Having spread 12 filters across my floor, I asked how many of those he had to do to get credit.

He said 100. I told him sorry but that was going to take too long. Instant attitude change from David! I'm not sure he could cope with the fact that I was being honest when I said I wasn't going to buy a vacuum. He slowly packed up his equipment, stepped over the dirty filters he had spread out over my floor and walked over to the front door. I asked if he was going to pick up the filters and he said, "Nope!" Unbelievable! I followed him outside and talked to his pickup driver, Dennis **. Dennis said he was the number two man in the OKC office and apologized for David's conduct. Dennis came inside and picked up the filters and again apologized.

Since this was my third straight negative experience with Kirby over the past few years, it was not just a misguided salesman. It is the way they do business. A good product will sell itself, you don't have to be dishonest with your customers. I will never buy a Kirby from a Kirby salesman! I will never again explain to a Kirby salesman about the negative experiences I've had with them in the past! I will simply tell them they have ten seconds to get off my property or I'll be calling the police, period!

They walked in with the entire Sentria system. I explained to them that I was cooking dinner, and that I didn't want them there long. That, of course, didn't stop them from staying for 2 1/2 hours. The demonstration man's name was Shelby, and he claimed that they were out of Pensacola, Florida, and that they were opening an office in Valdosta, Georgia together. It was then that I realized that they were trying to sell me the $2,500 system.

His "boss," Mr. **, was rude and disrespectful. After 2 1/2 hours of them bragging about making $120,000 a year, telling me how disgusting my carpet was, accusing me of being a bad mother for letting my children play in dirt, and skin cells on my couches, getting angry because we weren't going to help them make their bonus, or receive the all-expenses paid trip to a skybox at the Jacksonville Jaguars game, or a cash prize. I was fed up. Mr. **, the 21-year-old boss, argued with my husband about the machine, refused to let it go that we weren't buying one, and slammed the door as he said, "just let them keep their dirt!" This was extremely disrespectful.

Shelby completely changed his tune after that. They began being so fake, and when we didn't buy a machine, they turned into very rude and distant men. If they had come into my home with better attitudes, and more of a truly kind personality, we might have eventually considered buying a machine. But I guess telling them that we were expecting another baby, that I'd be out on maternity leave for a while beginning in January, and that we couldn't afford another payment due didn't really stop them. I did not need another smoke and mirrors sales pitch thrown at me.

I would be shocked if you've never received such complaints about these men before. If they treated me like this, it's likely that they treat every customer like that as well.

What if after using it for a month I didn't like it? He replied no one had ever returned one that he knew of ( I now know why-- it can't happen), and that there was a three day legal window to return. I said that I didn't think it would work out. He then said you can have 90 days to return it but there would be a 5% cancellation fee. So I agreed and completed the contract. As he was leaving, I noticed there was nothing about the 90 clause and called him back. He wrote in on my copy, and I thought I was all set.

After using the vacuum twice, both my husband and I tried it, we determined it was not a good fit for our house which has many small rugs over carpet and different flooring throughout the house. You had to lift the whole vacuum each time and secure, in addition it proved too hard on our backs. I started calling about 3 weeks prior to the deadline to make arrangements to return. After many unsuccessful requests for a return call by the owner, I finally got to speak with him and asked how to arrange for return. He told me I had three days only and to forget it. I explained I had his note on my receipt. He said his receipt had no such note. That is when I realized he had written it on my copy of the receipt and not the original. I accused him of purposely tricking me and he just laughed. I said I would take him to small claims court if I had to and he laughed again and said "you won't win no one ever has." After another exchange he hung up.

When I called Kirby to report what I think are deceitful and dishonest practices by someone representing their product, the rep also dismissed it as inconsequential, repeating the 3 day law and said they didn't really care. Specially since he was an independent owner and not a franchise owner.

By this time we had gone over the 48 hours, but we followed the steps anyway. Kirby has refused to pick up the vacuum and or cancel our contract and the purchase price has now grown from $2000 to $2500+. We are harassed at least 5 or more times per day on two phones seven days a week by "Preferred Credit' who paid Kirby the $1,800 balance. The initial complaint was made on a Friday and the paper work was mailed that Monday. We also followed up with subsequent phone calls. When "Preferred Credit" called the Kirby office in Honolulu, they denied hearing from us concerning our desire to return the vacuum thereby not recognizing our desire to complete the return of the unit.

The vacuum is in pristine condition, it was used for less than five minutes. It has all the original packaging except the large packing box for the main unit. I was told they recycle that so I was never given that box. I have told them they can keep the $200 I put down and take the cleaner back. Kirby should be the ones held accountable not us.

In the training, they go through stuff briefly. Wow, 3 days of training without pay. Then, they send you to sell Kirby's to your family. They want you in there for an hour and a half, pulling 100 pads to make you and your vacuum feel like you're a dirty filth. They send you to the bedroom to vacuum your bed with the vacuum that's been on the floor already, vacuum your pillows, and pull dirt from everywhere.

Plus, it's not easy to carry the box and shampooer everywhere. I'm a fit guy. I know the females will have a hard time. Don't get me wrong. The vacuum does work, but for the price, it only has more power than the other vacuums, and it can also blow air.

20 years ago, I moved to a new state and needed a job fast. So I answered an employment ad for selling Kirby vacuums. However, the ad did not state what you would be selling. Just that it was a "well-known electrical appliance". I did take the job, of course, because I was broke. After one month of selling the Kirby Generation 3, I left the job. I could not stomach their sales tactics. I made almost no money despite selling enough Kirby’s in one month to win a free one, which I sold to pay rent.

Do not let these "sales people" into your house ever! No matter what they say! They will steal from you in more ways than one. Most of them are addicted to some kind of substance, legal or illegal, so they do not care if you can afford it or not. All the phone calls to their "manager" negotiating price during the demonstrations are fake and planned. Their training directly instructs them to make you feel like a nasty pig if you don't own a Kirby or refuse to buy one. Most of the sales tactics are illegal but they have every one of their "independent representatives" act as a "self-contracted" rep. This insulates the company from all the seedy crap that they pull inside your home. I know much, much more than what I say here, but you get the idea.

My branch manager's name was Dan ** and he was an expert at avoiding complaining customers. It was an unbelievable experience that I learned from. Good thing for Kirby that I have never seen one of their reps show up at my door in the last 20 years. They are taught to target the elderly and mentally infirm. As well as new wives whose husbands are not home, and the list goes on. It is total unscrupulousity at its finest (I just invented that word). If you want a Kirby, you can buy a nice used one at about one quarter the price. Just make sure that it was not stolen. Look for the serial number. All Kirby’s have an etched serial number on the outside of the case. Yes, their "representatives” also often steal the very products that they are selling and pose as Kirby sales "staff". Beware, do not let them in!

As he was heading out the door, he got on a cell phone and talked to somebody. He said that I could have the machine for $799.00 and that was his discount for us. I said that if the machine was a dollar, I would not buy it. I am thinking about getting a lawyer and getting this crap resolved. I told others about my experience and got a lot more complaints from others. These people are your employes and Kirby should be held liable for their employes. I did hear later that the local police did escort the two guys and the van out of town. I will wait for your response to these charges and maybe you can do something about it.

The lady who brought him in the house has left at this point so I have this kid in my house. He is trying to figure out how to operate this vacuum, which, at this point (20 minutes into this deal) is now a complete joke. He finally gets the vacuum running and he is starting and stopping the stupid thing every 5 seconds to show me that it's working and collecting dirt. It's taking him like 40 minutes to vacuum my hallway.

Then, I finally tell him to pack up his ** and leave because I have to go to work. I then said, "Where is the scotch guard that I let you in for in the first place?" He reaches in his back pack and pulls out a water bottle that, I guess, had the guard in it. I started laughing. Then, I said, "How much is that ** vacuum anyway?" "$3,295," he says. I started laughing again. "Get out," I said. He said that his ride isn't here yet. I said, "Call them and have them come get you." So, I gave him my phone to use.

He asked if I could fill up his water bottle while he waited out by the street, which I did. What a joke. He finally got his vacuum put back in the box and I sent him out the door. He must have sat by the street for 30 minutes waiting for someone to come get him. At one point, he pulled a sandwich out of his back pack and eat it while he was waiting for his ride. For the price of this vacuum, you would think that these people could afford a shower and soap. For the poor presentation, I expect a product more like Eureka, Dirt Devil, or even a Shark.

For the past three months, from the day their reps first solicited their product at my home, I continue to be mystified that businesses in this country choose to operate under lack of integrity or responsibility. I am a solid believer that we are now experiencing a shift away from the old ways of conducting business in deceitful, cheating and misguided ways. The disheartening evidence is apparent that this is not the case with either NWDC or Merchant's Acceptance Corp.

I purchased a Kirby vacuum from NWDC in good faith and was told after delivery of the equipment I would receive a follow-up visit for a full equipment demonstration. After weeks of runaround and no successful follow up, I returned the equipment. I'm now being bullied into fulfilling "my" end of a contract, yet NWDC continues to pursue their business without integrity. Their vigilant and formidable lack of care toward their customers reflects heavily on the Kirby product and its reputation as a whole.

When I recently made contact with this Steve at NWDC, he answered the phone as "contest desk". He was rude and bullying and said he didn't care if I picked up the equipment or not but I had to pay for it. Just for the record, I'll be heading back over there to collect this unfortunate circumstance I felt misled to commit to.

I was trying to see if all the accessories worked, in doing so I moved a switch like plastic tab in the direction of an arrow while the internal brush was spinning from vacuum generated from the Kirby. A ring came off as well as a brush, and then the spinning wheel jumped out and cut off a path removing approximately 1 square inch of skin from my forearm as well as a 6-square inch bruise.

This is why I get the documents for the items I could get sawed for!

I feel Kirby is a failing company in as much as trying to control even the bags and belts seems like losers to me. You can't even buy a belt or a bag at Walmart much less the shampoo solution or anything else.

Customer comfort is nonexistent.

The product is amazing but the reputation of Kirby in our community just went out the window. I think I need an apology and that woman fired.

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.

As far as warranties go, the only valid one is the one in print from the factory, which is indeed for three years. If it is not in print, do not believe it. Pots and Pans has no moving parts and may have lifetime warranties. However, a Kirby has lots of moving parts. The motor runs faster than 12,000 rpm at low speed, which will eventually cause wear. Most electrical appliances at retail stores have one year warranties. And people buy vacuums too often. There are many Kirbys working in S.A. homes older than 20 years! Kirby's warranty exclude labor and call out fees. The reason for these charges is common sense. Owners may live on a farm hundreds of kilometers away. Kirby is only the factory. Everyone else is independent and merely sell and/or service the product. Our staff has more than 25 years experience.

I assure all of you folks the problems you have are not with Kirby, but rather with distributors and their respective dealers. Can any of you tell me that Kirby is a bad machine? Can any of you tell me it is not worth every penny?

To all of you writing these complaints, please tell us the company name of the distributor and the name of the sales representative. Give them the bad name, not Kirby. These complaints are valid and make me just as upset as you are. Please understand it is not Kirby! If I spend two hours in your home and you truly do not want the Kirby, I am trying to get out of your house as fast as I can so I can go to another house that might want the Kirby. It is my job to help you buy a kirby, not to shove it down your throat or sell you something you could not afford.

Harold & Rita **

After I said that "I liked the product, but I can't see myself having payments for a vacuum," she kept hounding me about how much is affordable and how much would I be willing to settle for payments. Well, after I had stupidly said, "You are lucky that my husband wasn't here since he would not have been able to hold out against you," she decided to stay until he got home.

From here, she started asking me very personal questions and discussed the fact that she is worried that she has an STD that she is sleeping with her boss. She told me that she likes black guys only, loves to do **, and is okay with **. At this point, I was pretty shocked and I didn't know how to handle the situation. My husband's family came to the door by now and I was hoping that she would pack up and leave. Well, she didn't. She stayed right there and decided that she did not need to continue with any semblance of professionalism.

My husband arrived home and she proceeded to start showing him and flirting with him in front of me. I just watched, thinking that I must be in a twilight zone. My husband agreed to buy the vacuum after the price came down from $2,000 to $1,080. By this time, I was exhausted (as it was 11:00 p.m. and she got there at 7:00 p.m.) and wanted her gone. She continued to be repulsive and flirt with my family members, asking inappropriate things about their **. Well, after asking to use my phone, she packed up her stuff. She said that she will have to deliver the buffer set since the other one was used and it still hasn't arrived.

Needless to say, it was a miserable, long experience and I wish that I had never answered the door. The machine is fine, but Delilah ** out of Houston was the most foul-mouth ghetto woman that I have ever had the misfortune to meet.

Shame on anyone who says these machines are anything but amazing. If someone thinks there is a problem with the machine, I think that it's more or less the user. I recommend this vacuum to anyone who likes to clean efficiently. Take the demo because most distributors run monthly specials, so you may get a great deal on such a wonderful appliance.

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.

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!

The following day, I decided to cancel the transaction, because it wasn't a fair deal for me and called Chittenden County Kirby. They told me to sign the notice of cancellation and mail it back, which I did and the same day, Kirby received the cancellation notice. Garvin came to my home and retrieved the vacuum, and stated that Richard would return my property in the next day or two.

I never heard from Richard and after two days, I called him. He informed me that he had been working late all week and couldn't get back to me for another couple of days. I never heard from him or Chittenden County Kirby. Finally, I tried to call Richard again only to find that his phone had been disconnected. At this point, I called Chittenden County Kirby and was told that Richard no longer worked for them. They tried to reach him but he had skipped town, taking my property with him. Their claim is that Richard was a sub-contractor and that they aren't responsible for his actions, although I was never told at the time of the sale that he was a sub-contractor and that Kirby wasn't responsible for his actions. They also claimed that his references didn't check out and that he had scammed them as well.

I have lost a substantial amount of property, to a thief employed by Chittenden County Kirby. They never check out Richard ** adequately. They put this individual in my home and allowed him to perpetrate a fraud while representing their company. I have placed several phone calls to both London and Debby (owners of Chittenden County Kirby) which are never returned. I have been told by them that they are not responsible for his actions. I either want my property returned or to be compensated for my loss.

My mother sleeps most of the time now as her colon cancer progressed to her end days and my father sleeps most of the time too. These two were just happy to have someone to talk with. They spent $2000.00 on a vacuum that neither one can operate.

This company is abusing the elderly and poor by selling just to make a pay check to dying, sick and old people. It disgust me.

After a few more minutes, another gentleman joined the first and they both continued the presentation. Again, I asked them to leave. This situation continued for about 10 minutes. At this point, I told them that f they did not pack up and leave, I would call the cops to have them escorted out. After that, they finally started to pack up. It took them approximately 15-20 minutes to finally remove themselves from our living room and it was well after 10 p.m. in the evening.

Yes, the sales tactics of most of the sales people are pushy, but they're door-to-door salespersons, and to be honest, that job in itself must be a very difficult job to do. And yes, they do get to earn trips for sales; that's how the sales industry works to get their people to do the work. Plus, it creates competition among different territories to sell more products.

I have owned two Kirby’s in the past 10 years, and I love those products! The only way to purchase this fabulous vacuum is through getting someone to come out to the house in the first place. They're not available through a store (unless you buy a used one, which voids the warranty). Do you know of any $100 vacuum that offers you a Lifetime Warranty on your vacuum and everything that’s on it?

We have several animals and the Kirby picks up all the dirt and animal hair to the point that we can have friends (that have allergies) over at house without any problem at all. It even works on hard wood floors and carpet.

For those that leave these "complaints," if you don't agree with the sales tactics, then don’t let sales people in your house to start with. Seriously, take some responsibility for your own actions. Yes, the vacuum is expensive, and yes, they are pushy about selling it. But you let them in your house in the first place. That's like going to a car dealership, looking at cars, and getting upset with the salesman when he tries to sell you a car.

Oh, and for those who signed a contract and ran into problems with it later, always get a copy of the sales contract before you let the salesperson leave. If you do so, you don't have to worry about the company coming back and saying that the terms changed. If you didn't sign an agreement allowing them to make changes, and they failed to notify you, the general contract law states that the subcontract company should be held responsible. Feel free to threaten to contact both the Better Business Bureau and the Fair Credit Reporting Commission.

Do your homework on the company. No one can make you buy anything, no matter how pushy they may be! If you sign the contract, that's your obligation to return in three days or pay. I just bought a new Kirby today, after years of wanting my own, and am also returning to work for Kirby part time.

My sales associate was lovely and kind to my children and worked out a fantastic payment arrangement with me. I am satisfied!

to get a gun(due to the noise and my husband is disabled) and I also told him, Kirby was just here 6-8 wks ago and he said he was out of the west columbia, sc office.

second person said the first ones were not them...and they all had background checks and the lady is Margaret....I only want the visits to stop and I have a no soliciting sign up! The second one also saying you opened the door and let her....NO I didn't the second time. And then he wanted my personal info, ph # and address...

deal with a KIRBY professional person in demeanor or character....BE GLAD. And by the way my husband did tell MARGARET we were not buying up front....she needed the credit of our home!

At a later time, Ms. Williams said she had recovered the money and would send it by special delivery. Today is July 25, 2011 and our money has not been returned. We believe this was an absolute scam on the part of each of the aformentioned people. Mr. Milbourne spoke with Ms. Williams on the phone during his sales pitch so many times, we wondered why she had not come instead of him. we intend to prosecute until our money is returned or someone(s) serve jail time for their crime.

While attempting to demonstrate the vacuum, he proceeded to shampoo an oriental rug, which I begged him not to do because of the lack of dye fastness in the rug. He did so; against my will, and he stated that this procedure would not harm the rug. The next day, when the rug was dried, I noticed the blurring of the colors. I have told Ruben to come to look at the problem.On 6/30 he agreed to an appointment at 3 PM to look at the damage, which he never showed up. Repeated attempts have been made to contact him to no avail.

This is not what I thought the Kirby Company was all about. Why is it so hard to find a contact number to be able to call, and research this problem with the company?

It was near the time of a government lockout and we new that we would not be able to purchase a vacuum with a down payment. Actually that was our main concern. So the guy wrote out a contract. Gave 3 months for my first payment with no money down. I signed it, and signed for my husband since he was out of state doing training. He shook my hand, thanked me for my purchase and left.

A couple of days later, I went off for retraining out of state. My sister was here taking care of our kids for about 3 months til we got back. When we got home in June, we had a collection notice stating we had 7 days to pay the full amount of the vacuum. Which sort of blew me away because the date on the collection was only 5 days after our first due date on the Kirby. It didn't make sense, so I called the contractor who sold me the Vacuum, Ferrin Enterprises. They told me, a few days after they sold me the vacuum they couldn't get us financed for the amount we agreed and SIGNED too, unless we made a down payment. They tried calling me, but since I was without my phone during this time I didn't get their message. They stated they had also sent out ONE LETTER and it was addressed to the wrong name. My first name was completely wrong and my last name wasn't spelled right. Funny but the collection notice was made out to my husband and everything was spelled correctly. Imagine that.

I tried pointing out to the lady, I didn't sign a contracted stating I had to make a down payment so it doesn't make sense that I'm a fault on any of this. She basically stated that they gave me ample time and it was my fault for being in training for those 3 months, not theirs. And that we should have opened the piece of mail that was not addressed to anyone in our home. Which I could have swore was a federal offense. I tried contacting the Kirby Company itself and feel I have gotten no where. I emailed them copies of the Contract and Collection Notice. They said they would contact Ferrin Enterprises and ask them for their copies of everything and then have them contact me. I still have heard nothing. And today, again I receive a collection notice. It stated their claim was valid and gave copies of what Ferrin Enterprises sent them. A letter that was addressed to someone else but with my address on it and what looks like a copy of their phone call attempts. A total of 4 starting the week following the purchase of the vacuum. Funny they did not have a copy of the contract, just a letter stating that we could not be financed for the amount on the purchase agreement.

I do not know of any company that runs such a shady business. You do not buy a car, drive off with it and have the salesman call you a week later saying that you have to actually pay more that what was agreed upon. That's just crazy. And there is no way to get out of the contract and return the vacuum because you, the consumer, has 3 days to return the vacuum.

I was aware of Kirby vacums because I already owned one of the diamond series. He said I needed to p date and that he new kirbys were lighter and bette. The woman who was the boss came in and was very overly friendly. She talked alot and had not had anything to eat. She had a tv dinner with her and wanted t borrow my microwave. I let her then she wanted to use our bathroom and I let her. Well needless to say my husband came in and he decided to buy one cause he knew the heavier older model was hard for me to push. While we were filling out the forms the girl asked to go to the bathroom again. She was gone for sometime but I didn't think anything about it at the time.

I had a ring that belonged to my Mother who had passed away. A week later I went to my jewelry box that was sitting on my dresser right across the hall from our bathroom, where I kept the ring and was going to wear it that night and it was gone. I looked high and low and searched everywhere, but it was gone. I told my husband and he helped me look and he said he bet that girl had taken it the last time she went to the bathroom. She was very nosey looking around our house and even made a reference to the rings I had on. I feel like a part of me was taken away and it is a treasure I will never get back, ut it is only our word against theres. I know deep down she took it and I hope she can live with the guilt because there will be a payday one day.

I went and put my kid in the tub bc one i didn't have a bra on and 2 i really didnt want the mean green, my husband did so he could clean our car motors haha. soooo after spending 30 min in the bathroom with my kid in the tub I;m like what the heck is taking this guy so long to leave, then i hear this crazy noise like a vacuum. so i take my son out the tub and low and behold there is the shiny space object lookin thing in my living room. im a neat freak so im like hmmmm this looks pretty cool. i wont lie i did get sucked into its shiny-ness lol after he went thru all the different parts and whatnot then he was like lets discuss a payment plan. his first plan was $900 down $250/month and $25 trade in on my BRAND NEW (literally just bought 3 days prior bc we moved into a new house) bissell vacuum that does a damn good job for only $89. of course he ddint tell me the upfront cost so i asked him and he comes out with an insane $3,*** amount and im like...umm that could buy me a 4 wheeler ive been wanting for a while and $250 is more than my car payment!!

he would not settle for a no. he kept lowering the price while annoyingly saying if i say you could get it for so and so could i say welcome to the kirby family over and over again. he finally stopped at $900 with no money down and $60 monthly and my smarts kicked in and i told him well im a review junkie so i want to do some research on this thing before i make my decision then he was like well this offer is only good for one day which is today but i can step outside if you need a minute to talk it over with your husband and i was like no that wont be nessesary so by then (1 1/2 hours later) it was time for my kid to go to bed so i just slipped away and texted my husband to get this weirdo out of our house. and after doing my research and found this website THANK YOU ALL seriously. i knew this was fishy from the beginning. and i dont care 1 bit about his trip to vegas even though im pretty sure he made that part up.

Why would I need or want a Kirby vacuum in a "trailer home"? I am on disability and told them that. He also kept using his phone to set up imaginary deals for me, and calling his boss; and a van full of other Kirby people came over to my house, and were out looking in my yard. And then in came 2 more strangers in my house -- talk about invading my privacy. And why would I want these nuts in my house, anyhow, or looking around at my things? These people and this company needs to be stopped. They harass people, and especially low-income or elderly people who can't fend for themselves, or are home alone and even at night. This is terrible; and I think that something needs to be done.

It is a cumbersome vacuum. I was charged an exorbitant amount of money for this Kirby and was told after several attempts to return the vacuum that I had three days to do so. Finally, I got in touch with the distributor and was told it was too late to return it. I also needed to put it in writing and bring a letter to the distributor within that three days of purchase. Never the whole time (four hours) did these people mention any of this until after the fact.

This Kirby vacuum is the worst product in the United States and needs to be banned from the market before someone really gets hurt from its use.

After I discussed this with my mother and let her know that this was a bad purchase, she agreed and tried to cancel the order. Problem is she is on day 24 when the return policy states 3 days. My mother frantically called every contact she could find from Kirby and everyone gave her the same story. If she doesn't make payments, Kirby will ensure her credit will be negatively affected. Now, is that any way to treat an old lady who realizes she made a mistake by falling prey to aggressive salesmen?

Economic damage is I am to be responsible if this doesn't get clear for over thousands that I cannot afford and especially with paying for my son out of state tuition for college, and in turn mess up my credit and his opportunity for my paying for his education

They spent the next 3 hours in my home. The girl vacuumed my stairs and went into my bedroom even though I asked her not to. She spent a half hour cleaning my bed. This made me very uncomfortable. At one point, the power went off since it was storming outside. It didn't come back on for a half hour, but the sales people still wouldn't leave. The girl ended up cleaning the carpet in my living room downstairs. Meanwhile, the guy was wandering through my kitchen and family room unsupervised. It made me very nervous to have a stranger wandering through my home without my permission. They both asked for something to drink and the girl even used my bathroom.

About two hours into the sales pitch, the girl claimed she had to make a phone call. She went outside on my front porch and called someone with her cell phone. She came back inside crying and said her mom was in the hospital and needed to have surgery on her gall bladder. Maybe I'm just cynical and she was telling the truth, but the whole thing seemed like a sympathy ploy to me. While she sat on my couch crying, the guy continued to show me what the Kirby could do.

Someone was parked in a car in my driveway for the last hour of the sales pitch and the sales people said it was their boss. The guy went out to the car 5 or 6 different times to get his boss's approval to lower the price of the Kirby for me. I told him repeatedly that this was not in my price range, but he was relentless.

Around 10:00 pm, my 3-year-old daughter was crying because it was way past her bedtime. The sales people sat on my couch while she screamed and would not leave. I finally had to usher them to the door to get them out of my house.

While the Kirby may be a decent product if I had that kind of money, the sales people who represented it were extremely unprofessional. They wasted 3 hours of my evening despite my efforts of telling them I was not interested.

I will tell you about our recent experiences. We had a young man stop by our home. He knocked on the back door, told us he was given our name by the school system since our husband was a teacher at the time. He wanted to take the time to clean one of our rooms for free. I told him, I was not interested. We currently owned a Kirby, and did not need anyone stopping by to show us how they worked. So, he asked me if he could use my phone since the manager just dropped him off and left. I told him I was not letting him in the house, and he asked us why, if it was because he was black, started using the racial comments as a reason we would not buy a Kirby from him.

This was my 3rd experience with them. I purchased a Kirby 10 years ago, and needed and updated one, so I had gone online and found a person to deliver one without all of the demos. This young man did not want to take no as an answer. If you get them into your home, they do not leave. We had one gentleman in our home for 6 hours, said his ride would not be back until he sold 3 items. Well, he waited on my husband to get home, and asked him if we could afford a new Kirby, and we both told him no, we were not interested. He called for the next 5 days, and finally got our lawyer involved.

Do not let them into your home. They do not pay for any damages done, and completely deny the fact that anything has happened. Just be cautious, and do not fall for their free gifts, or just 10 minutes, because they do not leave. They love to prey on women, and they made the mistake of coming into my home and not leaving when I asked them to leave. I ever so kindly threw the Kirby out the front door, and gave him the option to leave, or I was calling the police. Amazing how fast they walked out the door then.

He was rude to my mom insisting that she should buy a vacuum. The female finally came back and picked up the male. They had no cards. My Mom was sick and she told them that and they still would not leave. I'm trying to find out their names and if I do, I'm going to have my attorney contact them. Old people who are sick shouldn't have to go through this act of disrespect. I vacuum for my Mom. I surely would never buy a Kirby Vacuum Cleaner after this event.

My mother and I both have had to make numerous phone calls to try to get this resolved and my grandmother is distraught.

The rug was left with a pile of dirt and salt on the floor. The Kirby pads were put in the trash can, and the dirt put back on the floor. I had told these guys that their time here was up and they need to leave. The white guy became very pushy and started going from room to room. My brother then came in and insisted that they leave. This upset-ted my mother very much. The white guy was especially very pushy.

Knowing we needed our couch cleaned I said, "Sure. " He said he would be back in about ten minutes. He followed that up with, "We know you probably aren't looking to purchase a vacuum cleaner so I'm not going to pressure you. I'm just going to clean your couch and we'll go from there. "

He did come back in about ten minutes as he said and his colleague helped him set up and then quietly left. He was friendly and positive and did not pressure me at all. When my husband got home they chatted about common interests and he went over some of the things with him that he had already gone over with me. As he went through his demonstration cleaning our television and air vents and a rug we had under our coffee table and then he cleaned our couch and let me try some of the features myself. He answered all of our questions and the "pushiest" he got was when he asked, "So, is this something that would interest you?" We were both impressed by the product and its results and said that we were interested.

He cleaned our hard wood floors and our window sills and even our ceiling and ceiling fan in the living room. He was very kind to our son and very upfront about everything and didn't try to push any additional attachments on us. What was interesting was that because he was vacuuming a rug and not a carpet we could actually lift up the rug and see all of the dirt he was vacuuming up through the rug that we previously had to sweep up because our old vacuum would leave it behind. He said he'd never done a rug like that before as he was fairly new to sales and thought that was pretty neat. We all kind of experimented with that rug and actually had a few good laughs at what it was able to do. He let me take my time reading his promotional materials while he worked on our couch. It was my husband who actually said, "We'll take it. "

The salesman was gracious and congratulated us. We filled out our paperwork and he helped me do a hands-on practice through all of the attachments. He shook our hands and left and I vacuumed our only other remaining rug in the house with fantastic results.

I feel very sad for people who've had horrible experiences with Kirby and their sales people. We had a fantastic experience as did my sister and our good friend who, years later, still recommend their Kirbys. I think it was a good purchase and I was glad they took our old vacuum as I would have had trouble getting rid of it anyway. It was on its way out anyway.

The guy shows up, and hauls a bunch of ** into my house. This was mid-February. I saw the Kirby name and was instantly wary. Anyway, I figured, he's going to clean the carpet and go, right? Wrong (I had never gone through one of these demos before). Before he even started, I told him, "Okay, it's 10:30 right now. I need to be somewhere at 12:30. So, you have to be gone by 11:30, okay? " and he said 'No problem! This won't take long! "

Throughout his demo, he kept making comments about the way I looked. Then, he saw some brand new shoes on the table and asked me to model them for him, because he likes shoes on women. I had just received them in an order and I was trying them on anyway at the same time he was asking me to and I took them off so fast, you'd have thought they were on fire. He also noticed the mudroom door open with my shoe collection and told me I should call him sometime when I get new shoes in. I was like 'uh, maybe you should order some for your wife! ' (since I noticed the wedding ring). To which he responded something like 'Oh no, there's no wife to speak of anymore' and I'm thinking 'maybe he's separated? widower? ' Who knows. I still felt creeped out by it.

He parked himself in my dining room and even though I said four or five times that I wasn't comfortable purchasing it then, he still pushed, and pushed, and pushed. I felt like I needed to agree to get this guy the ** l out of my house so I could move on with my life. So, I agreed to some miniscule monthly payment and figured I could just return if I really hated it.

Looking at the paperwork after I left and returned from my prior appointment later, I saw it said 'three days', but then, on the one line, there was a date that looked like 7/15/2011, and I thought 'oh, okay, since payments start in May, that must be when I can return it but lost what I paid. ' No biggie. I've used it a handful of times since then and I hate is so much! So, once I returned from traveling overseas for work, I sent in the cancellation notice and waited for them to call me. They called. Today.

A man called and said that I couldn't cancel it. And I said 'But it says I have until July, just look at the copy I sent you.' and he said 'That's stupid. You can't possibly be serious. ' To which I responded 'Of course, why would I have waited this long and tried to use it several more times before returning it if I didn't think I had more time?! ' And then he said 'You had three days.' My response was 'What sane person, after having their carpets cleaned and vacuumed, goes through and does it all again within three days?! Are you insane?! '

We went through this a few more times, and he tried to tell me that I didn't like it because I didn't know how to use it, and he'd happily send someone over to help me learn how to use it. I told him I didn't want anyone from Kirby at my house ever again after the way the salesman behaved, and he could forget it. I then gave him a brief overview of my salesman experience, and he said 'Ma'am...you can't slander a happily married man for the heck of it.'

What?! He calls stupid and now I'm a liar?

We went back and forth a few times over this, and he told me there wasn't anything he could do besides send someone over, and I told him learning to use a machine I didn't want from someone who represents a company with shady business practices wasn't going to help the situation. He told me that you can't just cancel a loan, and that I was pretty dumb if I thought that I could.

Oh my gosh, I'm so livid. I have this stupid vacuum cleaner that I don't want, that I was bullied into buying, and then the guy tells me that I'm a liar.

I am not accustom to the work needed to switch from carpet to tile/wood or to use any of the other attachments. I have to get down on the floor to make the changes every time which he made it look so easy. I tried several times to contact the company for more bags and no one ever returned my calls. I was left with only one bag and it filled up. The vacuum has sat in the closet ever since; unused!

At the end of March, I tried calling the company again with more persistence to ask about returning it. I left a message with someone named Kim and never heard back from them. I called again today and spoke with the store manager, Robbie, and was told that there are no returns ever, period. I signed a contract and had a three-day window to revoke it. It wouldn't do me any good to try going over his head because they would all say the same thing. He said he would pass my information onto the sales department, but not to expect a call back because I can't return the vacuum anyway. He did offer to give me an extra bag and if I wanted to come pick it up (the one he said I should have received to begin with).

So, I called the company (First Credit Corporation) and I made the loan and see if they had any ideas on what I could do about this expensive product I now have and can't use. The two different women I got on the phone both yelled at me (loudly and rudely) about signing a contract and being legally bound and they should have to waste their time educating me! Third phone call to same company, I finally got the office manager who was much more sympathetic and suggested I sell the vacuum on eBay. I am now a very dissatisfied customer and would never purchase another Kirby again.

About an hour later, he was still demonstrating. Hmm, so I went out asked what was going on? A male. I have to admit was working hard and really wanted to make a sale. At first I said no again. He started packing up the machine. I started thinking, oh this poor guy is being used by Kirby and needs the sale. Yep, I fell for it and told him I would buy it. Total regrets on my part. The machine doesn't work as promised. The shampooer is junk. Otherwise, I bought $1000 plus piece of crap. Sure looks good sitting in the closet! My recommendation is: buyer beware. Don't buy a Kirby for any reason! I should have checked the Internet. They sell the same machine for 400 to 600 bucks. Live and learn. Too bad we have to learn the hard way some times. Sad.

The carpet cleaning took a few minutes. He started out saying they needed to get all the dirt out before shampooing the carpet, yet set up to shampoo it, without ever vacuuming the area under his supplies! Two hours of my time for a 5 minute shampoo foam that only sat on the surface of the carpet. He never got all the dirt out of the carpet before applying the shampoo/foam.

A lady and a boy came by and gave my husband the shpeel. We already knew we wanted to buy the Kirby so my husband tried so hard to get the sale done. I got home from work that night to find they were still there. I love my Kirby and given that my mom has had one for as far as I can remember, it makes sense to pay for this and not have to buy another vacuum again.

We also hid our vacuum from the sales guy so he couldn't take it with him after they gave us the credit. If they want to be shady, guess I can be as well.

To the consumer: we are not all the same. I have been in Kirby for nine years, struggling to overcome the ill reputation that some Kirby people give us! I love this company, I love the product, and I love the customers. For every bad Kirby person out there, five others of us are doing it right. I show the product, it is amazing, and I do what I can to help a customer get one (including shave off my commission to make it affordable--which is where the price cut comes from). But if a customer does not want one, or can't afford it, then I understand that my job, at that point, becomes making sure that they had a good experience so they will have good things to say whether they get one or not! I am sorry for your bad experience if you had one, and am ashamed of these Kirby peoples' responses to you voicing your discontent. Thanks for letting me get my cents worth in!

November 4, 2010, I went for an interview today at a SMB Maintenance in Salem, NH. I was given a call that was very misleading. I thought this was an administrative position, but it turns out I was hired on the spot to sell, wait not even to sell, but to show people how to use the Kirby vacuums. This all struck me as weird. The man that interviewed me, his name was Josh, had very good salesman skills. He did not have a full head of hair, wore his wedding ring on his right hand, not the traditional hand. He did have an awkward smile, almost like the Joker on Batman.

While in the interview, Josh had said he would like to hire me full time, and if I wouldn’t mind if he called his boss. I feel as though he made a fake phone call. The whole place looked like a scam. None of the furniture was new and he never showed me a backroom where the "vacuum cleaners" are or anything.

I’d really like to think this helps you in some way. I’d like you to email me back at **. Thanks so much and I hope you the best of luck recovering from this!

So I took it to the shop on Slone Dr where they said I was obligated to buy it since the 3 days was up and I didn't respond in writing like the contract says even though I had contacted the salesman before the 3 days was up. I figured he was a representative of the company and his word was good. Bradley ** never said I had not followed the contract instructions in the return just that he would pick it up later. I guess I would still be waiting on him. I am stuck with a vacuum I do not want and a balance of over $2000.

Finally, after a number of calls, the machine was collected by the same person who took it away for fixing. Two days later, we were finally told that the problem was a hairline crack in the external bag, and now, this had to be replaced. Due to the climbing costs of the repairs, they were told not to go ahead with the repairs, but to bring our Kirby back. Since then, we have been phoning on a daily basis only to be told that it is on the truck. Only after threatening the individual with the intervention of legal repercussions was the same faulty machine returned to us. This is in spite of another lie, where Vishnu stated that due to the inconvenience, they had repaired the bag for free.

To anyone who is not familiar with this company, it is a vacuum business and how shady of a business it is. I have been working for Kirby for over one whole month until I quit 2 weeks ago. I am broke, have no money and soon might be living on the streets. I thought I knew what I was my getting myself into. Boy was I very wrong. I feel this needs to be addressed as soon as possible, so here it goes.

I never received money from Kirby since day one of employment. The whole time that had been working for Kirby, I was scared, confused and frustrated. Mike and the other managers would make sexual comments towards me and the other female employees. Not to mention they touch us close to private areas that did not need to be touched at any time. Me and the other girl put up with it because who are we going to complain to, the manager? Yeah, right! All I could think about was the money and just bit my lip.

I sold over 10 vacuum cleaners and was promised commission plus promotion with the company since I was one of the best they had ever seen. Mike told me that my commission would be in the thousands after 30 days of completed sales. Every day we came back to the office, I felt tired and confused. The only thing that I got was a bunch of cheers and pats on the back from the managers. I never revived a check, not once. I have been waiting to get paid for over one month and one week. When I came back last week, the office was closed. I took a glimpse inside and they had took off. There was nobody inside.

I figured that they just stole from me and the rest of the Kirby employees. I am so angry and upset. I wasted over a month selling these overpriced vacuum cleaners and didn't get a dime as for the time and effort I spent. I had hardly any money and food the whole time I worked there. I was in bad shape but kept on working because I needed the money. I am currently living in a motel and don't know how long this will keep up. I had a car but I needed to sell so I could buy food and some warm clothes. I only got 350 dollars for my used car. I have spent over 150 dollars on food and clothes.

I am almost broke again and living on the streets sounds horrible. So to get back to Rio or where ever, I need to find another job quickly. I'm planning on finding a shelter to stay at since I do not know anyone in Houston.

Kirby allowed them to open a store in Fayette, AL under the name TTL Enterprises without doing a background check before allowing them to represent their product. This store closed in May 2010 due to customer complaints similar to Marla's. Before closing the store, they filed a report claiming their store had been robbed and were able to collect thousands of dollars through a bogus insurance claim.

Now they are operating their business out of an apartment in Winfield, AL under another name. Kirby is now directing all customers who have complaints to call their local police department. Kirby is aware of this but they refused to take responsibility for allowing dangerous criminals to sell their products. I am truly alarmed that Marla, a vulnerable, trusting customer was put in a dangerous situation. Shame on Kirby for allowing this to happen.

They (males #2 and #3) were surprised we never heard of "Kirby". Male #2 remained in our home and went on to show the unit and all the various tools - this became the classic hard sell scenario with a price point of $3000. After about an hour, he finally went onto the shampooing of the stair carpeting and I will admit that he spent a considerable amount of time on this area. He was not able to remove what seems like permanent dirt on the edges, but it was cleaner.

All along he would follow the script of trying to say how poor the other major brands of vacuums are and repeating how good an investment the Kirby is. This 45 minute session went to become 3 hours. At the end of it, male #3 returned to see how the sale was going and kept trying to sweeten the deal. He actually reduced the price to a low of $850. In hindsight it was clear that they were saying all the right things in order to make us feel comfortable with their presence - complimenting our belongings trying to find common ground with us.

You literally feel like a hostage in your own home during this time. It was an exhausting experience for all of us. The lesson learned - don't give door to door sales reps your time and attention. Do internets search of the company/product first if you're at all curious - I wish I did.

When I finally did get the vacuum back, it did not even look like mine so I checked the serial number against my original receipt and it was indeed mine, only they had added a few rust spots, scratches, and there is glue seeping out of the seam. I have no idea why it needed to be glued as the plate is screwed in place. It also makes a sound I have never heard before, and it is not a good sound. I feel the $89.50 was a complete rip off.

I feel some of the life was taken out of my vacuum cleaner. I have taken very good care of it and I don't appreciate it coming back in worse shape than it was when I left it to be serviced.

A police report was later given to Neodesha, Kansas police. Mrs. ** identified them in a line up soon after. Ron ** was the police officer who has maintained contact with Mrs. ** and her daughter, Karen **. Mrs. ** is highly intelligent but her octogenarian secure status in the small community of Neodesha, Kansas has been violated.

The vacuum started out at $2795.00, and by the time he was done it was $1,365.00. My husband and I decided to buy it. After the weekend and our company had left, we then had to go out of town due to illness in the family and was unable to try the vacuum out until the following weekend. After trying it out, we decided the vacuum was not for us. On Monday, November 1, I called the company and advised them of our decision. I had also emailed them during that weekend. A nice man at first talked to me and said someone would be calling me back within 10 minutes.

The man called back, I explained that we were not happy with the vacuum and wanted to cancel the contract. He said that was not possible. I advised that I would take him to court. He told me to go ahead. I told him I was going to drop the vacuum off in Jackson, MI at their office. He advised that I could drop it off, but I would not get my down payment back. I hung up the phone on the rude man.

The first two weeks, I noticed that I didn't receive a paycheck. When I asked the acting group leader Vinny when will I be paid, he replied to talk to the manager in which I did. The manager told me checks were in the mail and that we should receive them shortly. This went on for about 4-5 weeks. Frustrated, I talked to the manager. I let him know that I had just bought a car, was planning on giving my current landlord who was at the time someone who I just inquired about an apartment with the security deposit so I can house me and my seven-year-old daughter. He replied to me, this usually happens and that I would be receiving a base check plus a larger check in large commission sales shortly.

He offered me a job working in the office for extra hours. So i started work originally three hours before normal staff all of which I didn't know. I grew really desperate and confided in another staff about my problems, my bills, tickets, car note, security deposit, my daughter and no gas to travel. I asked to take the next two consecutive days off to try to square away and borrow money to pay of some of my debt that I know was almost a month behind. When I returned to work, the whole establishment was gone. Everything gone, no employees ,no vacuums, no nothing. There was a lady who rented the place next door that said I was the fifth person to come looking for their employer and check.

I was devastated. I worked long work weeks and long hours. Some hours varied from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. I didn't know what to do. I went to the town hall and made a complaint. I've been looking for these guys for approximately three years. I was even told to get a soliciting permit which I obtained. I was new. I really didn't get a chance to know the employees. We were loaded into Vinny's van. We drove around soliciting knocking on doors and selling vacuums. I was good. I sold majority of the vacuums.

How could something like this happen to me. I have no knowledge of the manager, not a first and last name. The employees seem funny. The whole thing seemed shady but I needed work. I had bills to pay. I was offered a interview on the spot. I cannot come to terms with what happen to me. I suffered major major set backs after that. I'm asking to be advised on some other ways I can get justice and my money I worked long hard hours to obtain.

I called Kirby Consumer Relations and told them about the incident. I asked them to send me another cord (This is the 2nd cord for my vacuum because my first one shorted out and they sent me another cord on November 24, 2009). Paula said she wanted me to take the vacuum to a repair center. I told Paula, at the closest repair center was 2 hours away or the other 3 hours away. She verified that it was a distance then told me to ship it to the repair center. I replied, “Are you going to provide me a replacement vacuum?”. Paula said no and offered to send me a box to send the vacuum to a repair center. Paula was very rude.

I was on the phone for about 10 minutes. By the time I got off, my face was really burning badly from where the sparks had hit me. I looked in the mirror and the left side of my face looked terrible. So I went to the clinic to see my doctor. My doctor gave me a letter for documentation of the incident. The letter reads:

“Cassie Marian is our patient and was examined in our office after an incident involving one of your vacuum cleaners. While vacuuming this morning, the cord to her machine began sparking burning her face and the shirt she was wearing. She came to our clinic immediately and photo documentation was obtained. It should be noted that the burns were dangerously close to her left eye and she does have some slight blistering. We have advised her to follow up in the next few days to be sure that the burns are healing nicely. Sincerely, Michele **/ ** Family Practice CHC”

My husband called the Kirby Consumer Relations and left a message. Paula called my husband back, leaving a message, that she wanted to go over the options she had given me and to discuss this in further detail. I called Paula on the 20th of October and she said my information was being reviewed and that they would be contacting me. Paula was very arrogant. On the 21st of October, I received a letter from Kirby:

“Dear Mr. & Mrs. **, I am writing in response to the claim you file with The Kirby Company's Customer Relations Department on October 19, 2010. During your conversation with said Department, you alleged that the replacement cord you had purchased from the Kirby distributorship in Grand Junction, Colorado recently sparked at the base of your Sentria cleaning system. You apparently purchased the replacement cord because the original cord that came with your Sentria also had sparked in the same place. Accordingly, the Department recommended an immediate examination of your Sentria cleaning system. You have declined the Company's offer to inspect the machine, instead demanding another replacement cord. The Company strongly encourages you to reconsider and remains willing to have the Sentria picked up from your home at no charge to you.

“It is highly unusual for one cord to spark, let alone two on the same unit. The company want to ensure that nothing with your Sentria is causing these cords to spark. If you prefer to have your Sentria examined by a local, authorized service center, the Company can make the requisite arrangements. Southwest Service Center is willing to inspect your Sentria and make any necessary repairs. Southwest is able to loan another vacuum to you while it conducts an inspection. You may make any arrangement through the Department, or you may contact Southwest directly. Please call me at ** with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Halle **/ Manager, Customer and public relation and Business Compliance.”

I called and left Halle a message on October 21st at 3:30pm.Then I called Kirby Western Slope in Grand Junction Colorado at 970-244-9136. I talked to the office manager. She said, Paula had called her yesterday and told her not to send me anything and to redirect (me) back to her. That she was not to deal with me. The Office Manager did tell me that they shipped the cord on November 24, 2009 overnight. But she could not fax me that information because of the phone call from Paula. She also said that the cords are not covered in the warranty so it was nice to them to send me the first cord and if I needed anything else to contact Paula. On October 22 at 11:03am, I receive a call from Halle. She was calling me back from the message I had left the day before. I told Halle that I did not purchase another cord. This was the cord that Kirby Western Slope sent me. The last cord did not spark. It shorted out.

This was the only cord that had sparked and it was not at the base of the machine. I also told her that I did not want the machine. The only way for them to look at it is to buy the machine back from me because the vacuum is evidence in court. I told her that I would like for Kirby to buy the Kirby back from me and pay my doctor bills. Halle replied, from her understanding was that I wanting the cord replaced and that with this being the second cord to spark, that they wanted to look at it because it is dangerous and unusual for the vacuum to do this. I replied, at first I need just want to cord replaced. But after seeing my face and what could of happened for instance, my kids could have been vacuuming and that would have been much worse. I do not want the vacuum.

Halle said that she wanted the vacuum look at a repair center and that they would arrange pickup for the vacuum and provide me with another one. I replied that I did not want to run or have another Kirby in my house. You don't grab an electric fence twice and I was not going to use another one of their vacuums. My husband has had to do all the vacuuming since this incident because I don't want to turn on another vacuum in fear that sparks may come flying at me again. I told her that I did not want this to go to court but if I had to, I would. Court for them would be far more expensive than the vacuum itself because your Sales Representative came to my house to sell the vacuum and the incident happened at my house so it would go to court in San Juan County. Halle said that they do not want to take the route either, but they would like the opportunity to look at the vacuum.

I told her that is not going to happen unless they buy it back and since they will not do that, I would have my attorney contact them. I am not at all happy with Kirby. Kirby's logo is “For those who appreciate Quality, Reliability & Performance”. Their vacuums do not back this statement, nor does corporate office! I do not recommend anyone to purchase a Kirby. I paid $2081.96 for this vacuum and they took my old Hoover vacuum from me. I purchased this vacuum on November 10, 2008 because the sales representative would not leave. He told me that it would only take a few minutes to do the demonstration. He was here at my home for 4 hours. I even feed my children dinner, while he kept vacuuming my carpets and stairs.

I thought if I ignored him long enough, that he would leave! He was here so long that he even took a smoke break with my husband outside! My husband told me to buy it so he would leave, so I did. My last vacuum that I had before Kirby took it, was a Hoover and I paid $269.00 for and it was 3 years old. Now I have an expensive vacuum that does not work; a burnt face; doctor bills; and having to have someone else vacuum my floors!

Lori called Sharon back asked her if this was free, told yes by Sharon, then asked if we liked the way they cleaned the carpet how much if they were to return in event we might use them again. Sharon stated $39.00 for three rooms. Lori and I went on to ask why this was free. Sharon told me it was to increase business. We both are disabled SSI & SSD. Lori has OCD GAD Ptsd Phobias, I have cervical dx with chronic pain, both on medications. Daniel arrived at seven that even on 7/7/10. I asked why he was by himself. He did not respond other to say he could do the carpet himself. He seems to be a very nice guy. Still not aware he was a Kirby sales person he came in and started to put all this patches and freaking out Lori with the dust mites and bugs so one. We asked him why he is using a Kirby. He goes on to keep showing us all the dirt and mites and then goes on to the bed bugs. We tell him we cannot afford anything since we also just found out Lori was having major surgery on her mouth costing $20,000.00.

This amount was going to be borrowed and we could not afford anything. He began to the bedroom and told rob if I had all these disorders how could he let Lori sleep with bugs showing Lori lifting up our Mattress which freaked her out crying. She would not stating crying sleep in the bed or sit on the couch. At this point the carpet still has not been cleaned. My chronic pain goes up having to take medication to calm her and myself down. He then goes back and forth asking us what we can afford so rob would not be mean to let me sleep with bugs (Lori that is. I told them as Lori we had no money left over barely making it and her surgery which we found out a week prior if she did not have it she would die.

Daniel refused our no asking can u pay $50 a month we said no $40 no $35 no then stating so you will let Lori sleep with bugs what kind of guy are you. I felt forced to sign to get him out of our house the time now 11pm, this was a Wed on the next day we had doctors apt and Friday we canceled over the phone with Kirby. They told us we could not cancel at this point that sale had gone thru to preferred credit I them called credit company and they told me I was stuck/ I have been since day one trying to give this vacuum back to Kirby.

I get told I signed a contract and the only they will do is a charge off. I thought this was good thing only to find out I would still owe. I have tried to resolve this and the stress with Lori and I have been over the top. Ten calls a day from Credit Company, screaming from Kirby, they took are vacuum told by Nikkia the who handles the money end of it they would return our vacuum and cx contract states the company changed their mind. Nikkia has been at our home very nice four times.

Lori called Sharon back asked her if this was free, told yes by Sharon, then asked if we liked the way they cleaned the carpet how much if they were to return in event we might use them again. Sharon stated # 39.00 for three rooms. I Lori went on to ask why this was free. Sharon told me it was to increase business. We both are disabled SSI & SSD. Lori has OCD GAD Ptsd Phobias, I have cervical dx with chronic pain, both on medications. Daniel arrived at seven that even on 7/7/10. I asked why he was by himself. He did not respond, other to say he could do the carpet himself. He seem to be a very nice guy. Still not aware he was a Kirby sales person. He came in and started to put all this patches and freaking out Lori with the dust mites and bugs so one. We asked him why is he using a Kirby. He goes on to keep showing us all the dirt and mites and then goes on to the bed bugs. We tell him we can not afford anything since we also just found out Lori was having major surgery on her mouth costing 20,000.00.

This amount was going to be borrowed and we could not afford anything. He began to the bedroom and told Rob if I had all these disorders how could he let Lori sleep with bugs showing Lori lifting up our Mattress which freaked her out crying.

She would not stating crying sleep in the bed nor sit on the couch. At this point the carpet still has not been cleaned. My chronic pain (Rob) goes up having to take medication to calm her and myself down. He then goes back and forth asking us what we can afford, so Rob would not be mean to let me sleep with bugs (Lori that is. I told them as Lori, we had no money left over barely making it and her surgery which we found out a week prior if she did not have it she would die. Daniel refused our no asking can you pay 50 a month. We said no, 40 no, 35 no, then stating, so you will let Lori sleep with bugs what kind of guy are you.

I felt forced to sign to get him out of our house the time now 11pm, this was Wednesday and on the next day we had doctors apartment and Friday we cancelled over the phone with Kirby. They told us, we could not cancel at this point, that sale had gone through to preferred credit. I then called credit company and they told me I was stuck/ I have been since day one trying to give this vacuum back to Kirby. I get told I signed a contract and they only will do is a charge off. I thought this was good thing only to find out I would still owe. I have tried to resolve this and the stress with Lori and I has been over the top.

Ten calls a day from credit company, screaming from Kirby, they took our vacuum. Told by Nikkia the who handles the money, end of it they would return our vacuum and cx contract states the company changed their mind. Nikkia has been at our home, very nice, four times. Please help us.

That is stated below the signature line (shady!). I yesterday, 10 days before my first payment is due, to try to arrange a return and "undoing" of the finance "relationship" and was told it was not doable. I think this is so aggressive. I have not used the machine yet and do not wish to put an extra $500 or so into a financier's pocket. When I called Kirby, the sales rep said that it is out of their hands and that the deal is only between me and United Financial. I have a hard time believing I am at such a stalemate and cannot return this big-ticket item. These people are so shady in their sales behavior! I am about to also complain to the BBB and call my attorney general's office about the matter.

My financial situation may be in jeopardy due to looming increased condo fees. Cannot do this. Need to bring the machine back so that Kirby can reimburse United Financial and I can regain my $93.75 in sales tax.

My mom signed a contract $68.99 a month for thirty (30) months with $200 down. My mom is 79 years old. She is suffering from dementia. She has a hard time telling people no, especially to young males. My father passed away in '05 and I believe this is part of the problem. This is only one of many contracts that she has been roped into since my fathers passing (preying on the elderly).

The vac/carpet cleaner has been in the downstairs closet since May. I think she tried to use it one time and was frustrated. The vac/carpet cleaner weighs about 25lbs. Her house is approximately 1,900 sq.ft. and is a two story model. It is to heavy for her to take it upstairs and also vac or clean the stairs. The down stairs is 3/4 hard wood flooring and tile. Also, the carpet in the entire house is about 20 years old. It doesn't need cleaning, it needs to be replaced.

I am her youngest son, and didn't find out about this purchase until about 4 weeks ago when I took over her bill paying. My mother lives on social security and this is a bill that is deducted from her checking account.

On Thursday, Oct.7, 2010, I made my first call to ''Phil'' of Kirby. The assistant took my complaint and told me her boss would call me by the end of the day. He never called. I called the next day, and they said he was off that day and to call back tomorrow (Sat). I called on Sat. and they said he was in meetings all day, but that he would call before the end of the day. He never called.

I then called Monday, Oct. 11, and they said he was in a meeting but he does have my message and he will call me back. ''Phil'' finally called me back at around 1:30 pm. He basically asked me what I wanted from him. I said to stop all payments and come and pick up your vac. He told me I should have done this within the first 3 days of the sale date and there is nothing he can do. I asked him about Kirby's salesman practices and ethics and he told me he sells vacuums to people of all ages, even 95-year olds. I found that odd. I said that we were willing to ''eat'' the money we already spent, and just stop the payments and pick up your product. He told me that he would have to research it and get back to me with a offer. Not sure what that means. It's now Tuesday, Oct. 12, and have not heard from ''Phil''.

I knew by the girl's mannerisms she was totally ** me, but I am guilty of being way too nice for my own good, and hoped that some genuine kindness on my part would deter any foul intentions. When I mentioned I was fixing myself something to eat because I hadn't had dinner yet, I was hoping she'd get the hint and wrap things up. No luck. When I told her I get up at 5:30 in the morning to drop my kids off and get to work on time, I was hoping she'd get the hint and wrap things up. No luck. Finally, at 11:15 p.m., another vehicle pulled into the driveway and I almost sighed in relief hoping it was the van full of guys that left her there and that she was going to pack up and leave.

A blonde-haired woman, also in casual clothing, just walked in my front door without even knocking! This is the manager! Despite my numerous explanations that I was a single mother, worked very hard on a minimal budget, they continued to offer one deal after another, and then wanting to know why I couldn't just spare 50 bucks a month! I kept telling them I do not receive any child support, I do not receive any sort of government assistance and at present I'm working for a shoddy paycheck at a temp agency while going through the application process of a better-paying city job.

$50 bucks right now is a trip to the grocery store, or gas money so I can commute to work. At the end of 4 and a half hours, I was exhausted and beaten down. I admit that, as an avid housekeeper, I was appalled at what a lackluster job my old hand-me-down vacuum was doing, but I already knew that. And I've owned my own home less then a year, so I was impressed by the Kirby's power to pick up stuff out of my meticulously cared for furniture and carpets. I told them I would clean up all the little disks because I honestly just wanted them to leave.

Having worked all day, and in desperate need of a shower and sleep, I bought the thing as I believed they made me a good deal at $1200. I was made aware what the percentage rate was as well as the duration of the loan, and in truth, the only reason I agreed to is that is that tax season is around the corner. While I didn't voice it openly, in my mind I'd already planned to pay the thing off within a few months with my tax return. I needed a new vacuum cleaner, and Kirby has a reputation of producing great machines. But a part of me knows I was taken for a ride and wishes I would have just said no before letting them in the house. When reading all this, I could not believe that so many people have experienced the same thing. I just want to pay this thing off and chalk this up to a very painful lesson learned.

I decided to buy it because with that kind of warranty, the high price might be worth it. However, my husband found out from the company website they lied to us right after I filled out the form and they left in hurry. It has only a 3-year warranty. If I knew it, I would never buy that vacuum machine. So I called the office to cancel it. The man answered my call told me that he would check if the sale people are still around my town then he hung up the phone.

I waited for his call, but he didn't call me. So I called him back and he told me they were still near my town so they would come by my home to pick the machine up same night. It was almost 9 pm, so I was surprised. I asked him they would come that late hour, and he said yes.

I waited and waited until midnight, but they didn't came. I called back the office so many times, but nobody answered the phone. I had a really hard time to leave a voice mail to the manager at the office because the system was very strange. I had to call about 60 times straight, then finally I get his voice mail service. Not only did the sales people lied to me, the representative person also lied to me and didn't care anything about a client. I am very upset and angry about the lying and the attitude towards other people and the ridiculous system. I hope other people read this and know how cautious they have to be when the Kirby vacuum machine sales people try to sell it to them.

I felt very misled and I do not think it is ethical for any business to be run this way. I will never buy a Kirby because of this and I will tell everyone I know to beware of this scam! I also do not feel it is fair for anyone to make you not want to answer your door but that is exactly how I feel and I will never let another salesperson in my house again. You Kirby people should be ashamed!

We sat and talked a brief 15 minutes in which she explained the job ends at 9pm but never mentioned the start time. She also said I would just set up demos. Also, I was told a background check would be done and if all goes well, expect a call but if I heard nothing, call and ask for Vanessa. Okay, no problem. The next day I called and spoke with Vanessa who told me I was hired to come in the following day for orientation. I came in for orientation along with other individuals and we sat in a room from 2-4pm to listen to a man named Ed brag about how he loves to buy things, the money he makes, trips he goes on and other employees' personal business (the guy that was homeless, the lady that never comes in), which I thought was rude and now I see it as a shtick.

I am almost 40 but I look way younger so I guess he figured everyone in the room was young and he ran his spiel as such please never trust a man that wears a chain over his tie. He would ask questions or phrase statements that made his answer the only right one and had a problem with me anytime I easily told him otherwise. Little by little he started referring to our demo as a sale. This caught my ear. At the end of the training, we were told to go in the break room and look at all the big checks employees have made. Also, he told everyone the company would have snacks and provide lunch the next day but bring your own if you are picky. The next day I showed up for the 1p-9pm phase 2 training and took notice that for a company that brags on its money; it's run down.

I brought my lunch just in case I did not like the food. When I went to put it in the fridge, I was greeted by the nastiest fridge ever! The only thing comparable was the urinal with urine still in it along with the dirty sink. Also none of the cars were very pricy. Well this time we were sent in the training room and were to listen to the next con man, Bryan. He came in badly dressed for a guy making 6 figures. He was dressed more like a mail clerk and honestly looked like he was living paycheck to paycheck. He started his farm fresh bs where Ed left off, and doing his amateur comedy/infomercial routine. He also asked inane questions. We were then told to move to another room for demo training.

This room was filthy and the carpet was dirty. How can you sell vacuum cleaners and have dirty rugs?Then he broke us up into groups and gave us two boxes. One contained the Kirby, the other contained the cleaning supplies. He then went through a demo on how to assemble this heavy clunker. Seriously, he even stalled by going over how to open the box. Bryan proceeded to ask stupid questions and I could see that when I did not give him the proper answer for his rebuttal he got annoyed. Hilariously, he actually argued about why we need to list horsepower. He looked at me and I asked if he was serious or being facetious. I guess he thought he was gonna put me on the spot and shut me up so he asked me to explain. Well I did and other trainees also answered. Note to Brian get a new shtick. Four hours later everyone got hungry and asked about the lunch that was promised. Bryan looked confused and the entire class repeated what Ed told us.

Bryan then pointed to the pack of Ritz crackers and M&Ms and said that is it. ****! I died laughing. He was serious! He said he would go ask Ed but never did and continued with the course. Next he pulled out some stupid attachment and asked if anyone here cleans their keyboards. A lot of people stayed quiet. I raised my hand and he asked how. I said canned air. He asked if I would use the method he showed with the Kirby. I said no, he asked why. I replied I am not gonna go grab that machine when a can of air is far more convenient and portable. Thirty minutes later (now 5 hours into the course), I told him I needed to eat. He seemed upset and said I usually don't eat lunch. I told him okay but I do and I brought food. To his dismay we left for lunch.

I think he didn't want people to leave because he was afraid they would not return. Well during lunch I went to eat in my car. I walked back in afterwards and past a bunch of hungry trainees that stood around with Bryan and seemed to marvel that I brought lunch. I told them “Joke's on you. Read ya money it says in God we trust. That's ya'll mistake.” Once we got back in, three ladies left. Ha! Bryan went back into his spiel and this time, asked me if I would buy it. I gave him a hypothetical answer and said I would have to talk with my wife. He looked at me ** off and instead of informing us how to deal with that comment; he asked the same question to another trainee so he could get his response. Then a trainee asked if he would be out in the field with us selling. He smirked and laughed and gave a fake maybe.

Now I became curious and I stopped the demo to ask a question. I stated that when we came in we were told we were not hired to sell yet we are constantly referring to this demo as a sale and every system of pay is based on a sale so are we selling or simply doing demos and our pay is negated if a sale is not made. That seemed to confuse some and ** him off, so I asked again in a more layman term. He danced around the answer then got back to his presentation and asked everyone if they vacuum. Everyone said yes and asked if we would switch our vacuums. I decided to say nothing. So he asked everyone individually. I said nope and that my daughter has allergies and the vacuum we have is bag less and that is what the doctor recommended we purchase. He pulled out a printout that stated the Kirby was perfect for people with asthma. I told him that is fine however my daughter does not have asthma, she has allergies.

Bryan told me its the same. What!?! I told him they are not the same. Again he decided to question it. So I told him asthma is a breathing abnormality. An allergy does not always result in breathing problems and hers are strictly topological. He then said how do you know?. What? I'm her dad and I take her to the doctor, that's how. I think he felt he was losing it so then he decided to use his knockout blow and told me that since my daughter has allergies that the Kirby rids mattresses of dustmites and other allergy causes and that is a reason to want it. Now I felt it was getting personal. I stayed quiet and he asked me again would I buy it since my daughter's health was at stake. I told him no. He looked shocked and said why.

I told Bryan that any vacuum with hepafilter rating of 9 or more will remove dustmites and spraying with lysol afterwards will help protect. And since we have a very good Dirt Devil that is compliant why would I buy a $2395.00 vacuum cleaner with attachments I would not use. Well Mother Nature called me at 7:30pm for the second time and I went to the bathroom. As I was coming back, I was greeted by Bryan who told me he could tell in his extensive time there (3months) when someone is serious or not and that was the second time I got up. I said yeah to use the bathroom. He said he was gonna be done in 45mins. I said great but I did not know, I had to go and I didn't think we needed your permission to pee especially since I would wager I am older than you.

I then stopped and said, "** this, I'm not gonna argue to stay as a damn door-to-door vacuum salesman from a broke con man in a fly-by-night office". A warning to all that see a job on Craigslist (currently offering $2200 per month), it's a scam from Kirby. Go and watch the bs happen.

He does the demo. I get out a trash bin so he can put those filters in the trash. He continues to put them on the floor. Odd. He asked about my Dyson, and then puts it outside on my porch without saying why. Weird. All the while I'm telling him there's no way I'm going to buy one because it's not on the priority list and we're doing some renovations. The others return. Why? I guess to add more pressure. Maybe they were lazy, but they seemed to give up easier. The whole time the salesman was trying to sweeten the deal & saying he needed this to win a trip to Miami. He said we could trade in and that we could finance the vacuum. I asked them about interest which they admitted to, but never would've mentioned it. I told them the best thing I could do was talk to my husband about it and call them back.

Sorry, no business card. He left his cell number (a no-no) but no voicemail. Buckets of red flags. He packs up and leaves & on the way out he asks for a soda. Now I only have time for 1 errand and as I leave he's out there waiting for the others to pick him up. I forgot to mention that they were driving a green suburban. One thing that makes me kick myself is that criminals use rouses like that all the time--get someone to lower their guard then Bam! I feel like a sucker, but at least I didn't lose any money! Hopefully, this prevents someone from becoming a victim.

After the main guy came in with the spill, they brought in your salesperson. Whoever the shoe fits, so to speak, if the customer is young white female, that’s what you get. The van was filled with every racial and misc aged salesperson to fit the situation and they even admitted it. The van then pulled off and left this salesperson here for hours on end using this vacuum cleaner. The salesperson was throwing the dirty discs all over my house, trying to impress me on how good the cleaner is or how nasty my house is. I was so irritated.

It was all a scam. You could not get any of your own work done, because they wanted you to stand right there for hours while they did the same thing with those discs. I had hundreds of them everywhere. They go all through your house then they go to your bedroom with a scam. They pull off all the covers of a made bed and drag the vacuum across it, the whole time saying they will straighten your house back. But no, they did not. I constantly told them I could not afford it. I have 4 children and only 1 person is working in the house. They did not even listen, and they just kept on with their sales pitch. I was so aggravated but was brought up with manners. So, I hated to be rude hoping it would soon be over. They get you with that crap about “Don't you want to help them in college.” I have 4 of my own I need to go to college.

I was so stressed. I didn’t know what to do and I have nerve problems anyway. They just keep on pressuring you and the salesperson can't leave because they left them there! When I looked this situation up and saw all the same exact stories by people on here, I am so mad I don't know what to do. I told them several times we could not afford it and my husband was out of town. They just stayed until he got home at 7 pm. I had already told them not to confront my husband to buy this vacuum. I told them I would speak to him in private and let them know. They totally disregarded what I said and did it anyway and put me on the spot with my husband. My husband also has a hard time standing up for himself and got the thing. We kept telling them, “Show us how to use it before you leave.” Of course, they said they would, that is before that got that signature, and then they took off.

I had told them to let me speak to my husband in private and I would call them and give them an answer. Of course they said, “We are only here for today and go back to Alabama and this deal is only for today.” This was all a lie. They had the nerve to drive back up 2 days later because they had done the contract on an Alabama paper instead of where we live. At the time they drove up, I was packing my car. Because of them and their pressure tactics, my husband and I, married for 20 years, separated over this due to finances. I tried to explain to them that we could not afford it but they kept on and on. They did not even have the decency to leave when I told them what this had caused.

They stayed until my husband came home to get him to sign the new contract. Can you believe the nerve of this?! Please do not let this happen to you. There are no numbers listed to try and contact these people about this incident and I don't know what to do. I am out my old vacuum cleaner they took away, $300 cash money, and a debt of almost 3 thousand dollars for a vacuum cleaner in pieces in my closet because I don't know how to put it together.

Being a photojournalist, I quickly grabbed my camera and looked for them. Sure enough they were in a white, unmarked van, ****. They continued to go to my apartment carrying about 5 large unmarked boxes of equipment. I took pictures of the van and them returning to the street where I took the photos. One very large man was exiting the van and going behind me and the two women accompanied by a new large man for a total of four individuals were approaching me, berating me with questions and asking what I was doing. I told them that this was clearly solicitation and that I was a photojournalist in the area for the local police department and news groups. When they realized I had pictures of them they tried to grab my camera away from me breaking the lens hood in the process. They also got on the phone with, what they said ‘the police’ who sounded more like a boss and were stating very demeaning things about my appearance and my apartment.

I went back to my apartment and continued to survey the area from the balcony until they finally left. I now warn people about these ‘white van scams’. They will try to gain access to your home using two vulnerable but manipulative looking women and then have very large, creepy men carrying unmarked boxes from an unmarked van into your home.