Last June, I was coerced into purchasing a Kirby vacuum cleaner. I did not care for the high-pressure sales tactics. I repeatedly said "NO" as I found the unit too heavy and cumbersome as well as having complicated attachments and it was expensive. The salesman would just stare me down, then cry that he needed to sell "just one more vacuum" so he could win a trip to see his dying grandfather in Italy. He finally he grabbed my hand, put a pen in it and held my hand to the contract until I signed it. Then he picked up my old vacuum and started to walk out. When I questioned this action, he said that trading-in the old vacuum was part of the"deal."
I have found that the Kirby doesn't really clean that well, not even as good as my old one and my shoulder aches after I use it. I contacted the Attorney General, but was informed that although Kirby's sales practices are unethical, they aren't illegal, so I have no recourse as I signed a contract. Kirby has a three-day return policy.
2007-10-19 06:09:28 · 11 answers · asked by debodun 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They got yer kiddo!.....Naw ent nuttin you can do now......well maybe try to sell it to a neighbor giving them a sad story about needing the money to go visit a sick family somewhere!
2007-10-19 06:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by Calm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When new all machines clean well. I have had a Kirby for nearly twenty years without any but routine upkeep. The aluminum body, lexan plastic tools and usually higher grade materials are all still in good function. Not sure if the price premium over a high end Hoover, Eureka or similar machine which are now $ 400.00 plus, appeals to everyone. Often a slightly used model from a reputable person or dealer is a great alternative... The shampoo attachment is useful especially with pets. There are some minor points regarding how the motor, brushes, insulation and housing are more well sealed from the dirt's path, at least with the Gen III, as I have. I have just finished cleaning a Eureka Altima bagless vacuum, received as reward through where I used to work, at my sister's house for four years... Their house is from 1882 and has all hard wood floors and prefer sweeping. This is to be donated because it is slightly better than nothing. Unfortunately, at year's end when received Altima, also got a 1099 for like $200.00... I would rather use a 20 year old Kirby than a new bagless vacuum.
2016-05-23 18:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by dimple 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that your Attorney General would the ultimate legal source. However, I would consider contacting my local news station's consumer affairs department. Tell them the problems that you are having and perhaps one of their reporters will be able to investigate this further. Bad publicity forces many rogue companies into refunding money, etc. Or you could try your newspaper's consumer affairs department. Both outlets are always investigating rogue companies. Good luck!
Also, if those outlets are not able to help you, call Kirby customer service and tell them your problem. If the representative will not help you, demand to speak to their supervisor, and their supervisor, and so on, if necessary all the way up to the president. Tell them that you will not hesitate to contact an attorney if they will not give you the refund. The threat alone might coerce them into giving you your refund. Don't waste your time arguing with the people who have no status or say in the company, go to the highest level possible.
2007-10-19 06:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by mysterygirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, you've been had. sorry. you would have to get a lawyer and take them to court. they suck. i am amazed they are still in business. my grandmother, mother and sister had to have a kirby. back then they cost ever so much. but they were superior (built to last, a million attachments, usually never needed). it was a tradition -- it had to be either the mercedes of vacuums, the kirby, or the hoover, maybe the ford of vacuums. a horrible value. that is one tradition that sucks in more ways than one.
again, good luck, and i hope you do win. you will have a fight on your hands. lot'sa energy and phone calls ahead.
2007-10-19 06:16:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe youre not using it right. No one should get any pain off of vacuuming. And plus, the Kirby Vacuum seems to clean a lot better than our old vacuum.
2007-10-19 06:12:59 · answer #5 · answered by Nilo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Attorney Generals off ice was right. If the sales man put a pen in your hand and told you to jump off the Empire State Building, would you do it?
2007-10-19 06:14:08 · answer #6 · answered by Mezmarelda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did the same thing (bought one of these expensive pcs of junk), but took it back the very next day. If your state laws are similar to Ohio, the contract reads that since they solicited you on a door to door basis, you automatically get 3days to return w/100% refund.
Given that you state "Last June", you may very well be out of luck. Check w/your state consumer laws and protection acts.
2007-10-19 06:15:04 · answer #7 · answered by etchasketch547 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to sell those things. They're complete junk (they didn't used to be). I feel bad for you. If you signed a contract you may be out of luck unless you file suit. But that'll just end up costing you more than you paid for the thing.
2007-10-19 06:14:01 · answer #8 · answered by skullklipz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when you picked the vacuum cleaner up and it was so heavy
didn't that tell you something
2007-10-19 06:12:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You signed it..no one forced you to.. asimple GET OUT would have done it......and you had only three days to do it...its a legal contract you signed it !! Sorry!!! i bought one of them one time it was junk too..............
2007-10-19 06:14:08 · answer #10 · answered by hghostinme 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋