Domanic Ypo
map-marker Poulsbo, Washington

Kirby Vacuum Salesmen rude and persistent

I came home on a Friday after a long work week to find that my husband was home early and that there a Kirby vacuum demonstration occurring in my living room. My husband explained that the young man was just here to do a demo and that he was almost done. I already had a bad feeling about it as I came in the door.

I became suspicious when the young man started to say that he just had to complete the demo and that he was a part of contest that would get him to Orlando. I asked the young man to finish up the demonstration because we had to head out to dinner with my husband's family. The young man, while nice and considerate, was dreadfully unprepared for the demonstration. He couldn't attach the vacuum correctly on several occasions and my husband actually had to help him assemble some of the parts.

I personally didn't like the look of the Kirby vacuum. It was bulky and heavy. I explained that we just got a Dyson vacuum cleaner a year ago as a wedding gift and that we weren't interested in getting a vacuum cleaner. The young man stated that we didn't have to buy one today but if he could just ask us some questions then he would be on his way. The questions circulated around if we could buy a Kirby would we and if we were impressed or not. The young man then called his boss and then a minute later he was knocking on our door.

This temperamental piece of work barged into our home and immediately targeted me and stated "You look angry that we are here!" I stated that we needed them to leave as we were having dinner soon. Then he goes off to ask why we can't afford the $2700 product and if we liked our dirt in the house. I stated that we just bought a house and that we were happy with our Dyson. He then stated that in order for the demo to be completed and for the poor demonstration man to get paid that our bedroom mattress needed to be done.

I stated " No. I am not comfortable with that at all." He pushed and prodded and finally I stated that they needed to leave now. They finally packed up their stuff. The angry little man fumed and fussed that we would have to replace our brand new carpet in our brand new home in three years because we didn't buy his product. I highly doubt that.

The demonstration man shook our hands and thanked us as the angry little man rushed out the door. I felt bad for the demonstration man as I know that he was probably not paid, overworked, and probably going to have to quit that job in order to make a real living elsewhere. It's a real pity. I didn't feel bad for the angry little man because he clearly had no respect for any potential costumers and obviously hated his own life. Needless to say, I am glad we didn't get roped in but I am sorry for the two hours that we wasted and the dinner we were late to.

I recommend being directive as possible with these people and for love of everything good and holy don't let these people in your house. If this means shutting the door in their faces or not even answering the door that would suffice. You are just wasting your evening/day that you need to rest or get other things done. If I had been home first, I would not have let them in. My husband is too nice sometimes and felt bad when the demonstration man stated that it was the last one he had for the day and he just wanted to head home.

I would recommend to check in with elderly relatives if you hear they are poking around the neighborhoods because they thrive on the susceptible individuals. I did some research on them and they have had multiple lawsuits against them including sexual misconduct charges. Do not let them in or give them the time of day. And don't be afraid to call the cops either.

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6 comments
Guest

Okay, here's the thing about Kirby. I know a lot about vacuums (strangely enough) and Kirby machines are built really well. I know many people that have the same machines they've had for 30 years.

However, their style hasn't changed much, ever. And you can ONLY buy them from one of these door to door salesmen. Absurd!

Your Dyson will last you a long time, just make sure to take care of it :)

gerald claude

Not to be too insensitive...but I am so sick of you people whinning about doorl to door sales persons ... you predictably cry about letting in a sales person to your home then claiming you were taken advantage of....pls They "Thrive on you susceptible individuals"...because you aint got the bawls to throw them out...or better yet...tell them to get the helll off your property...what is wrong with you people....are you all putzs? I guess I answered my own question and I hope you got your 2K Kirby.....dolt

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of gerald claude

Actually, i was told by customers to leave many times, and when i called the van to pick me up, they told me they were on their way, keep going until they got there. They would usually take on average 30 minutes!

One time, the driver took so long, the customers offered me a cab ride so they could start relaxing before dinner! We would canvas the whole neighborhood all day, it doesn't take 50 minutes to get to the house!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of gerald claude

Retard. They didn’t buy one.

Guest

I was recently assaulted by Kirby sales folks. A lady showed up at the door with a roll of paper towels and said "here- a free gift for you if I can give a very brief demonstration.

She went out to her van and I thought, well, she's going to spray something on my kitchen counter and show me how well Bounty towels work. A mid-20's gentleman shows up with two giant boxes- Kirby sweepers. A very quick demo, he insisted and he would be eligible for a trip to the Bahamas. Well, you guessed it, it wasn't quick so I told him he had 5 minutes to pack up and leave.

He went on like he didn't hear me. Finally, I told him to leave or I would call the sheriff. H easked me if I would buy the vacuum to help him out (for $2,200). I said no- LEAVE!

I actually thought the Kirby was pretty well made.

I searched the internet & E-Bay.

There are tons of Kirby sweepers out there for as little as $200. The specs on them haven't changed on them much in 30 years, so an old, refurbished one should be just as good as a new one

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-234383

"He went on like he didn't hear me."

This sentence is so true and really does say it all about these salesmen!

There is often a very fine line between a sale's pitch and threatening behavior. There is another very fine line between an honest sale and an outright ***. Many sales folk get so caught up in the pitch that they frequently cross the lines into dangerous territory. I often notice that the veteran door to door sales folk tend to be the worst offenders in this regard. I can only guess that they have been abusing and ripping people off for so many years that it becomes ingrained and like "second nature" to them.

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