Thread Number: 19276
Brand new Green Bison just listed on eBay 1/8/13 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 213097   1/8/2013 at 07:11 (4,122 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        

Someone just listed a BRAND NEW green model Bison vacuum cleaner on eBay. Seller states the machine has never been out of the box or used.

The sellers starting price is $499.00

Post# 213108 , Reply# 1   1/8/2013 at 09:51 (4,122 days old) by kirbykid (Horseheads,New York 14845)        

AND A BRAND NEW KIRBY 505 BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post# 213126 , Reply# 2   1/8/2013 at 11:00 (4,122 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Bison & Kirby bag

 Yes.Mine.-As stated Bison has NEVER been out of box as I found an average used one later.Compare with $$ of new Kirby in box or Rainbow,etc and factor in rarity.Is your brown Bison lonely?Shouldn't they be in herds!?--Kirby bag is also NEW.Unused,NEW and no damage from improper storage.

Post# 213132 , Reply# 3   1/8/2013 at 11:30 (4,122 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
I've been chatting with the seller

 I've asked the seller to verify that the Bison will at least power on. It seems the seller is selling the Bison and the vintage black Kirby bag for the same owner.

The vintage black cloth Kirby bag was listed a few months back for the same price of $499.00 Needless to say it failed to sell.

It seems the owner of these two items has a price tag of $499.00 stuck in their brain. Hope the consignment guy who's selling these two items for the owner isn't counting on the commission to pay his bills.

Post# 213158 , Reply# 4   1/8/2013 at 14:19 (4,122 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Ya gotta ask questions on this machine.

 I'm rather wondering if the seller of this machine is being factual in their listing information.

I find it rather odd that the seller states and tells me the machine is BRAND NEW and he or she is selling it on consignment. In rereading the listing information this consignment seller say's, I qiote, " This Bison was from unused,unsold dealer stock from years ago. Then states he or she found a USED Bison and NEVER removed, turned on or assembeled this machine from its orignal box.

In looking at the photos someone along the line unpacked this machine. As its NOT packed in all its orignal packing materials. And does in fact have a gouge on the top portion of the chrome and a hairline crack on the fan casing housing just to the right side of the metal eye hook where the shoulder strap clip attaches.

I have very limited knowledge when it comes to the Bison vacuum. Even though I have one. However, I am somewhat questioning this sellers truthfullness in regard to his/her listing information.

I'd be interested in your thoughts, after reading the sellers listing information and looking at the photos of this machine up close?

Post# 213254 , Reply# 5   1/9/2013 at 10:00 (4,121 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
NEW green Bison

 Kirbyguy,It seems you have many questions on the condition of my green Bison,accuracy of description,my choice of listing on EBay,using a consignor,setting a starting price and more.First-"I stand by every word of this or other descriptions."As well as the pictures that are said to be worth a thousand words each.In general-Why EBay?-Love it or hate it the fact that you and others have seen my Bison and more proves it can match a potential buyer with a sellers item.Why a consignor?-This allows me to find an item(such as the 7 from last week,the 20 for this week and the 9+ for next week)and find parts,clean and service(if needed),write a simple,accurate and hopefully knowlegable description on items from vac parts to Chrysler cleaning products,help with pictures and then have the consignor(leisurelady65 in this case)handle listing,payment,address,packing and shipping as we did dozens of times last year for many buyers who I believe are satisfied with description,condition and price of items from vacs to fans to books to irons and more that have gone to
FL,TX,CA,OH,PA and many other places including Spain.Was that a Kerouac sentence?Why starting bids?-Whether a new Bison in the box that I start for $499 or a Westighouse crevice tool that I feel is worth $3.99 I try to have a reasonable figure when matched with the condition and rarity of an item.Anyone may bid or not depending on their point of view.If someone found a new Bison at a yard sale for $5 they may feel $20 is way to much.If you bought a new Kirby(or other quality vac that is available by the truck load) you may feel that $500 is way to low.As to my 505 bag I know from actual completed sales that the few good or better bags can bring more than my starting bid.Again,bid or not as you choose.Back to my green Bison-To have a Perry Mason moment-"I confess!I was not in FL on 2-19-75.I did not myself see someone whose identity I confirmed to be Alice Webb place the Bison in its box."Now I can be led in handcuffs from the courtroom as Raymond Burr smokes a post trial cigarette or I can add more of the simple facts that make the provanance of this Bison.-It left the factory in FL with one of the 5 pieces of literature stating that Alice webb verified all parts being present in box and having a date stamp of 2-19-75.-It was sent to a dealer in the northwest.-It was found and aquired in new,unused condition by advanced collector from the northeast(very knowlagable but not as well known as a certain Hoover collector)-It was brought to my then recently purchased vac store building about 1993 and I aquired the Bison by trading other vintage vacs and parts.It has remained upstairs,unused and not removed from box until-It is now and was last year listed on EBay(as many of my other vacs have been and will be)in the same new,unused condition.-Why never removed from box?-I already knew,from earlier days of VCCC,what a Bison looked like.I then found a used Bison.Do you dought this?If so,visit my warehouse and we may find or put together 2 1/2 Bisons in fair to average condition.Also as it became a collector item I suppose I look at it as a doll collector may look at a Barbie sealed in the box.(That is,let the collector and next owner decide when to use).I welcome anyone to view the pictures in the description.Note-The spot at edge of headlight cover is not defect or damage,but my reflection from 4 feet away as the metal has a mirror shine.Looks like I need to trim my beard.I have not seen any damage on the Bison,nor have I examined it for hours with a magnifying glass as I am currently working on Eureka Freedom,2 Hoover Spectrums,Dirt Devil Kone and a rotary phone with an early built in Phone-Mate answering machine for next weeks EBay.I will be glad to answer questions or provide more pictures.However,I am 35 miles away from consignor and usually visit weekly(driving by the former Electrolux factory on the way).--I thank everyone for their interest and attention to this rare vac.--Sincerely,Jimmy'I am not a liar'Martin-Vac Shop-520 East E Street-Elizabethton,TN 37643--423-297-6918

Post# 213257 , Reply# 6   1/9/2013 at 10:56 (4,121 days old) by hoover119dude (england)        

hoover119dude's profile picture
well said jim!!!!! i know you always stand behind each and every product you sell! i think the starting price is way more than fair for a vintage VERY RARE INDEED cleaner of this superior quality and condition. i hope it makes a fortune as i am sure another like this will not be seen on ebay or any other auction site for ages. same applies to the kirby bag. again how often do you see these new and unused?? try almost never ever!!! i will call you on friday. see ya. gary

Post# 213280 , Reply# 7   1/9/2013 at 14:21 (4,121 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Bison

 Jimmy,

You've still failed to answer my initial question. DOES THE BISON POWER UP?

The machine under no circumstances would be classified as a used machine just because you powered.

As I said in a prior email to you. Its not necessary to attach the front nozzle, or the bag or assemble any parts of the machine. It has no safety switches. So whats the big deal about plugging it in and at least confirming the motor works, and stating that in your listing information.

Nothing worse then bidding on a BRAND NEW? vintage vacuum cleaner with a starting price of $499.99 and ya don't even know if the motor works.

Post# 213450 , Reply# 8   1/10/2013 at 09:41 (4,120 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Does the Bison power up?

 I have "failed" to answer this instantly because of the fact that I am now 35 miles away as explained above."Whats the big deal?"There is no big deal at all when I am next at my EBay sellers house which if not tommorow will be Sat afternoon.I will be glad to plug in and turn on the variable speed switch for what I am confident will be the first time since it was run in 1975 with electricity from a FL power company.(If by some rare miracle it does not turn on would you have me take it to the metal recycler?They do not inspect for "gouges" and "hairline cracks"but pay US currency the same day and are less than 2 miles away.)Please excuse any sarcasm that might show here.It is mixed with much good humor and best wishes to any with an interest in this unique Bison.--I have also listed a sealed Kenmore rug nozzle and will have next week a sealed in factory plastic bag Hoover Futura hose that are not 'tested' for the same basic reason that NEW is NEW.I continue to welcome questions that I should be able to answer fully by Sat afternoon.-Jimmy

Post# 213459 , Reply# 9   1/10/2013 at 11:07 (4,120 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Rugsucker and your comment

 Jimmy,

Let's get the facts straight with regard to your Bison and our email correspondense.

First of all, It was I who availed you that I took the liberty of posting your Bison vacuum for sale information on the VCCC with the hope it would generate an interest among VCCC members and hopefully help you sell the Bison.

It was also I who suggested that you the seller post a link to your eBay listig and or additional informatio & photos of the machine on the VCCC.

I could care less where, how you choose or what price you choose to list your items for sale. Whether it be Ebay, Craig's List or your local news paper.

I also made you an offer on the Bison in the event it didn't sell by the time your Ebay listing ended. and your reply to me was that you would relay my offer to the owner of the machine for their consideration. However, my offer was contingent on your confirming and verifying in writing the Bison would be tested/powered on to insure it was in working condition.

Under no circumstances did I as a potential buyer/bidder feel as though my questions to you requesting conformation the working and physical condition of the machine to be unreasonable. Given the fact your listing states the machine has never been turned on.

Now, with regard to your sarcastic Raymond Burr comment. Yes, I'm very much a Raymond Burr type individual. Allow me to elaborate. I also took the time to review your extensive and impressive over 7,000 sale items on eBay. As impressive a number this may be. The majority of your sales do not consist in the sale of vacuum cleaners. However, I did run across a few. One vacuum in fact the buyer states was damaged beyond use due to poor packing, as well as a chime clock that received by a buyer, also damaged due to poor packing.

I see you insist items that sell for over $100.00 be insured. This is all well and good. However, legally the insurance coverage merchandise even though its paid for by the buyer covers the individual who physically does the shipping of the merchandise. Not the buyer.

Allow me to continue. Therefore, since it is not so stated in your listing information that the Bison is in fact in working condition. The listing actually states "NEVER BEEN TURNED ON" Constitutes an "AS IS" sale with NO expressed guaranty the machine either does or will function mechanically as intended.

Therefore, In the event the buyer recieves the Bison and it fails to power on. The buyer has no legal recourse what so ever. The buyer is legally unable file an insurance claim and the buyer has little to no chance of winning an item damaged or item not as described dispute claim with PayPal for purchasing and receiving non working electrical goods.

Again, allow me to suggest that you test the machine "plug it in and confirm to potential buyers/bidders it powers up" in your listing information.

As for myself. I have no furthue interest in your Bison. I already own one. A Bison Centurian. The Centurian being the last production model manufactured.

I do however wish you the best of luck with your sale. And the potential buyer best of luck with their purcahse.

Kindest regards,

Kirbyguy

Post# 213499 , Reply# 10   1/10/2013 at 16:45 (4,120 days old) by bvac6 (Fort Wayne, Indiana)        
yikes...

 bvac6's profile picture
I think this thread has gotten a little carried away, just saying

Post# 213505 , Reply# 11   1/10/2013 at 16:53 (4,120 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

Also, would a paragraph here and there hurt?! I was following it, then gave up completely at the wall of text. GLWS though!

Post# 213616 , Reply# 12   1/11/2013 at 09:51 (4,119 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
As an uncle said to my aunt once--

 "Let us include some facts".I may wish and hope to sell 7000 items but as I work with a consignor,as above,who typicaly has 5-10 customers only a fraction of the items were mine.Mostly vac related but also books,fans,phones,small kitchen appliance,etc.The vac you refer to was probably a twin fan model that was damaged in its 600 trip to new home.The bottom line here is that the last I knew of this it was repaired and working to the satisfaction of all involved.The clock would have been from another consignor and I know nothing expept that my EBay seller does value customer satisfaction as I do.It is my plan to visit my EBay seller tomorrow(Sat)both to take new items including an Oster Kitchen Center as well as plugging in the Bison to test and take an even closer look to above areas of concern.,Jimmy

Post# 213784 , Reply# 13   1/12/2013 at 15:09 (4,118 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
it Runs! it Lights! it Sucks! it Blows!

 I am, as planned at my EBay seller with 11 new items(all but 2 vac related) and taking a closer look at the green Bison.When plugged to nearby cord it does power up.My usual description would be 'runs well and sounds good at all speeds'.With this Bison I must add that the speed control should be labeled from 'purrs like a kitten' to 'Jet Plane Taking Off'!!!Power! Airfow!WOW!--The light stays lit at a steady glow at all speeds.I opened the bottom door of bag(Emptomatic)and verified that there is not one particle of dust!It is as I have stated-NEW!!!--2 new pics show light,plug and speed control(with my fingernail that will be cleaned and trimmed with the others today)and bottom of handle and inside of bag.As I have said it is unused since 75 and always stored in conditions that have done no damage except to outside of box.,Jimmy Martin

Post# 213796 , Reply# 14   1/12/2013 at 17:36 (4,118 days old) by Kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Hey Jimmy

 I see you revised you listing information on the Bison confirming she powers up from purring to sounding like a jet. Yep, That's exactly how she should sound. No doubt in my mind she's runnin just fine. The Bison is indeed a VERY POWERFUL machine.

Thanks for testing and confirming she's good to go.





Post# 214019 , Reply# 15   1/14/2013 at 09:51 (4,116 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Bison

 I should add here,typing with my freshly manicured nails,that I saw nothing that could be called a 'gouge' or 'crack'.There is a slight scratch behind headlight on top of fan housing.My seller did note this on EBay description.Other than condition of box this is only thing I see that could in any way be called damage.It remains a NEW time capsule of a unique vac that can cause us to wonder 'what might have been'if Bison had the dealers,salesmen,locations and financing to continue.

Post# 214089 , Reply# 16   1/14/2013 at 14:19 (4,116 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Manicured nails?

 Happy to hear you got your nails manicured, did ya get the beard trimmed as well?

As for any scratches etc on or in the chrome plating they should be able to be buffed out. I'm still researching the Bison vacuum companies history. Not a lot of information available or at least extensive information I'm able to find.

I did find out Jummy Buffett was a big investor in the company when it was started to bad they didn't name it the Buffett vacuum. It would have been worth a lot more now.

Post# 214129 , Reply# 17   1/14/2013 at 20:17 (4,116 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Bison didn't sell

 327 hits on the Bison and it didn't sell.

I suggested to the seller(s) they relist the vacuum again at $499.99 However, this time list it at the $499.99 minimum BIN (buy it now)asking price. As well as an optional best offer.

The seller(s) are not oblegated to accept any offer less then the listed buy it now price of $499.99 unless they so choose to accept a lower offer.

Just like the housing market these days. Ya gotta price it right or it just ain't gonna sell.

Post# 214140 , Reply# 18   1/14/2013 at 21:08 (4,116 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
I Don't Think

 compactelectra's profile picture

That the price was necessarily unreasonable.  I found a new Bison in the box, put it on eBay and it sold for $865.  Just the right combination of bidders.  Keep at it.  Timing with these things is everything.

 

Fred
Post# 214174 , Reply# 19   1/15/2013 at 06:39 (4,115 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Hey Fred

 I do in fact remember you mentioning during our conversation that your green Bison sold for over $800.00 I have no doubt eventually the seller of this machine will find a buyer as well.

BTW, you don't by chance have the 3 buffing/polishing attachments sitting around for the Centurion do you? I was unaware of these attachments until I saw them in Jimmy's listing photos in the attachment box. Not that I'll be using them however they would complete the set of accessories for the machine.

Thanks.





Post# 214381 , Reply# 20   1/16/2013 at 09:55 (4,114 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Bison

 Still working on the balance of grooming and a warm face with beard.--Will the buffing atts work on brown bison?Been a while since I compared.--Have you gotten an idea of how many Kirby(or other DTD)employees from what levels joined Bison?There are always some who are unhappy with one company(for reasons both real or imagined)that will switch to another.In this area we saw salesmen leave Electrolux to sell Viking in the 80s.--So the Bison may go back upstairs to age as the dusty bottle of grape juice that Lily Tomlin declared to be "one bottle fine wine"on a Laugh-In sketch.But I do want less vacs and some other items that can be exchanged for a reasonable amount of currency.

Post# 214387 , Reply# 21   1/16/2013 at 10:08 (4,114 days old) by NYCWriter (New York City)        
Keep in mind ...

 nycwriter's profile picture
...that a vintage vacuum -- and something as obscure as a BISON, at that -- would appeal to an extremely limited pool of potential buyers right off the bat.

And also keep in mind that someone who would really appreciate it might not be looking during that exact window of time you've posted it for sale.

Give it time. It's not going anywhere. Keep re-listing and re-listing and re-listing if necessary. The right person will eventually come to it.

Case in point: I just purchased a matching pair of '70s-era green glass bubble lamps. I was excited that I caught the auction just in the nick of time, and I told the seller so. He responded that he'd been listing that pair of lamps for the past 9 months, waiting for ANYONE to buy them. They're large, green, and VERY '70s looking. But they were EXACTLY what *I* was looking for at the precise time I started looking.



Post# 214398 , Reply# 22   1/16/2013 at 12:29 (4,114 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Da Bison

 Hey Jimmy,

Sorry to see the Bison didn't sell. My offer to you to buy it out right still stands. At least you won't have any eBay final value fees to pay. Not to mention it would have a good home.

Post# 214403 , Reply# 23   1/16/2013 at 13:05 (4,114 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Based on past ebay results for green Bisons - at least 4 that I can recall - send Jimmy $800+ and it's probably yours. Seriously, this is not a bargain vacuum cleaner due to rarity and condition.

Dave

Post# 214404 , Reply# 24   1/16/2013 at 13:05 (4,114 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
The buffing attachments?

 I took a look ay my Bison Centurian. Bison did make a few minor changes on the machines. So I'm not sure if the buffing attachments would be compatible between the two models.

I wouldn't be using the buffing attachments. Considering there are no parts available to repair these Bison vacuums. These machines are truly more for display purposes and to admire in ones vac collection, as opposed to being used for routine household cleaning.



Post# 214411 , Reply# 25   1/16/2013 at 13:35 (4,114 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Hi Dave. I have a better idea,

 Dave, You offer Jimmy $800+ and add his green Bison to YOUR vac collection.

I've been collecting vacuum cleaners for over 15 years. The most I've ever paid for a vintage vacuum was $200.00 and that was for my NEW brown Bison Centurian.



Post# 214424 , Reply# 26   1/16/2013 at 15:13 (4,114 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Ah, but I do not covet another green Bison, thanks.

 aeoliandave's profile picture
"I have a better idea"
That was uncalled for given that it was the value you mentioned mere posts above based on input from Fred. Near the top of the thread you stated "It seems the owner of these two items has a price tag of $499.00 stuck in their brain"when 'the seller' has already identified himself to us. Not very diplomatic on your part, Shelley.
I can no longer allow this baiting to go unanswered.
Your constant snide digs attempting to publicly goad Jimmy Rugsucker, a well known, highly respected member of our community, whose unquestioned integrity is long standing and who is admirably gifted with a healthy sense of humor and the absurd wins you no fans here.
Want the Bison that bad? Buy a membership and negotiate privately, please.

Only 15 years? Joined the VCCC website in April 2012? Does not wish to display their email address? Exhibits the behavior of a spoiled boy rather than a 59 year old man?
Rank amateur beating a dead horse. It's over, let it go already.





This post was last edited 01/16/2013 at 19:47
Post# 214455 , Reply# 27   1/16/2013 at 19:59 (4,114 days old) by kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
Hey Dave

 Nice rant. Drama club member as well?

Post# 214506 , Reply# 28   1/17/2013 at 09:25 (4,113 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Hello Dave,

 I guess my sometime standard comment of"thanks for your kind & encouraging words"can apply here in a positive way.I truly have no hard feelings in any way here and did sell a vac for $2.99 last week but it was NOT a New Bison.So from another thread I hear your medical problem was reason for not pointing the Subaru southward this past fall.Hope all is better and not to start on politics or health care it seems you have a good system north of our border.Maybe someday it will be practical for your Can phone to call my US phone.,Jimmy

Post# 214581 , Reply# 29   1/17/2013 at 22:03 (4,113 days old) by HooverCelebrity (Germany)        

I'm not taking any sides here, nor am I looking to get into a pissing match. However I wanted to contribute to this thread now that the auction has closed and things have cooled down.

I had somewhat mixed feelings about wanting or needing to know whether or not the Bison actually worked. If I were bidding on something that was NIB - I would want to be the first one to take it out of the box, assemble, plug it in and fire it up for the first time. That's part of the thrill of finding something NIB.

I recall a few years ago, a whole bunch of Compacts were found to be NIB. I think one or 2 of them ended up on eBay. Word spread among VacuumLand members and collectors; many bought at least one, some bought 2 or 3.

Again, they were NIB.

After the vacuums had all been sold, a few of the people who had purchased the cleaners ran into the issue that some of the cleaners didn't work. Stuck carbon brushes in the motor, bad bearings, etc. I think this was only a very small percentage of the cleaners. The sellers started getting nasty emails from those who were having problems -- wanted money refunded, etc... Totally uncalled for behavior. I'm not totally sure what happened, but I know the person said something along the lines that they had completely regretted listing that first one on eBay and then selling them altogether; if they could re-do it, they would have sold the cleaners for scrap.

The machines were sold as-is, no warranty expressed or implied; nor should any warranty have even been assumed by collectors purchasing these cleaners. Yes, they were NIB -- but they had been sitting in the boxes for 35 years. As collectors buying such an item in such a scenario -- that's part of the gamble. You're buying it as a collectible item that is appealing to you; there's a chance that something may not work after sitting in a box for 35 years. If it doesn't work you find a way to fix it! Be that fixing it yourself, or using other members on VacuumLand as a resource to help.

Appliances are made out of moving components that are meant to be run and used. They're not manufactured so they can sit in a box for an undetermined amount of time (say 10+ years). Anything can happen. Cords go bad, wires dry out, grease hardens... Environmental effects can work their wonders.

Luckily, Compact motors are still widely available. I'm not sure that fixing the machines even crossed some of these collector's minds...

Just food for thought.

Post# 214618 , Reply# 30   1/18/2013 at 08:10 (4,112 days old) by Kirbyguy (Columbia, MO)        
I agree

 It was great to hear the machine powered right up after all these years. Now if the machine were to be assembeled "just for photos" I believe it would have a much better chance of selling. Its difficult for potential buyers to visualize the unique design of this machine when their only seeing photos of vacuum pieces in a box.















Post# 214685 , Reply# 31   1/18/2013 at 19:55 (4,112 days old) by fooseofhoove (Minnesota)        

fooseofhoove's profile picture
I think Fred makes an excellent point here, couldn't agree more.


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