This is not a thread to rant about an E-bay purchase, as I have always had a good experience with my purchases.

I bought a Lux Ultra Upright U160A last week for a good price $20.50, shipping was outrageous $41.99, but hey I got it cheap.

Unfortunately the seller shipped the machine assembled with the handle attached.  As smart people would know the handle would be the only thing sticking up in the flimsy, no packing material box; so would be the part that would take the stress in shipping.

Needless to say:  The handle arrived broken.  The Ultra lux Upright, as I understand was an entry level vacuum built by Lux exclusively for QVC.  Because of this, parts suppliers don't stock unique parts for it ie. the handle.  and Lux dealers refuse to even speak to you because it wasn't bought from them.   The Ultra's handle is unique to this machine and is not the straight handle used on other Lux uprights. 

Anyone have any suggestions where one might be able to obtain this replacement handle? 

Appreciate your help. 

PS:  Can't resist--Here's my rant:  If you are going to charge excessive shipping cost, at least pack it safely.

I have not tried a local dealer as of yet, as actually we don't have a local dealer anymore.  There is a dealer in a town 20 miles away that services Lux, but I don't think he sells them.  

Right now I have had the seller file a claim stating that it is a loss due to unavailability of parts.  Depending upon what they decide, I may make a trip some weekend to see what he has available.