Thread Number: 24953
Well a Riccar is crossing the Atlantic :-)
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Post# 280587   5/15/2014 at 12:12 (3,605 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        

Hi Guys
I just brought this beauty- I've loved the idea of having one for ages but with the cost of a new one, shipping and import taxes I never thought I would. This looks hardly used and is a current model under 2 years old.Worked out £313 including pre paid import taxes ...


Post# 280599 , Reply# 1   5/15/2014 at 12:31 (3,605 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Illumination....

Xenon Headlamp...

Post# 280600 , Reply# 2   5/15/2014 at 12:32 (3,605 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Stair cleaning kit....

.

Post# 280602 , Reply# 3   5/15/2014 at 12:33 (3,605 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
My what a long hose....

.

Post# 280605 , Reply# 4   5/15/2014 at 12:52 (3,605 days old) by baglessball ()        
Excellent!

Be sure to give us a detailed review!

What transformer are you using?


Post# 280610 , Reply# 5   5/15/2014 at 13:30 (3,605 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Wow - A Riccar in the UK - that will be an oddity - I love them too, and its a pity we cant get them in the UK at 240V. Tacony may decide to export Riccar/Simplicity to Europe eventually - we can live in hope? I doubt they'd be cheap though!

 

The price you paid is incredibly cheap for the machine plus shipping, plus all the other usual importing palaver. Will you have to pay extra when it comes through UK customs? I've never imported from outside the EU before.


Post# 280623 , Reply# 6   5/15/2014 at 14:24 (3,605 days old) by oliveoiltinfoil (England, UK)        

oliveoiltinfoil's profile picture
These look like excellent, quality machines. They look really sophisticated and classy for vacuum cleaners as well. Xenon headlamps? Impressive. Those bags look like nice quality as well.

Post# 280632 , Reply# 7   5/15/2014 at 16:20 (3,605 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Import duty...

It's coming through Ebays global shipping service- all import charges are paid with no extra on/ before delivery :-)

Post# 280633 , Reply# 8   5/15/2014 at 16:28 (3,605 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Nice one Seamus - I'm sure you will be posting pics of it and a review when it arrives!

Needless to say you've had to order bags and filters for it from the US sellers as well? I cant imagine any parts for one of these being available from Espares lol


Post# 280643 , Reply# 9   5/15/2014 at 17:39 (3,604 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Listing link....

From its birthplace no less....

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SeamusUK's LINK on eBay


Post# 280646 , Reply# 10   5/15/2014 at 17:57 (3,604 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        
Prices

$415 including postage to UK? - that works out as £247 - so the extra £70 odd you paid is for import taxes? Rip off Britain strikes again.


Post# 280651 , Reply# 11   5/15/2014 at 18:28 (3,604 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Import charges....

They actually worked out as £57 odd @ $1.62 to the £- Less than the VAT and customs charge- plus the shipping element is VERY cheap!

Post# 280655 , Reply# 12   5/15/2014 at 18:42 (3,604 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Currency conversion....

Sadly the figures were a bit out- the machine was £227 odd and the shipping/charges was £85 odd.... obviously the exchange rate varies...
Seamus


Post# 280703 , Reply# 13   5/16/2014 at 02:28 (3,604 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
The Voltage issue....

Will be solved by this- works fine with my 12a Windtunnel and despite having 2 motors the Riccar is 11A so it's not an issue :-)



This post was last edited 05/16/2014 at 02:52
Post# 280704 , Reply# 14   5/16/2014 at 02:41 (3,604 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.



Post# 280705 , Reply# 15   5/16/2014 at 02:49 (3,604 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Oh it's well under 2 years old ........

March 2013 in fact :)

Post# 281515 , Reply# 16   5/23/2014 at 00:14 (3,597 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Nearly here...

Well it's shown as in transit with destination courier so today or Monday should see its arrival :-)

Post# 281519 , Reply# 17   5/23/2014 at 02:25 (3,597 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I doubt it will come on Monday Seamus - delivery companies don't work on bank holidays lol


Post# 281538 , Reply# 18   5/23/2014 at 07:51 (3,597 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

turbo500's profile picture
"Made in the USA with globally sourced components"? Does that translate as "Chinese-made parts but assembled in the USA"?

Post# 281539 , Reply# 19   5/23/2014 at 07:59 (3,597 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

They say something similar on Kirby bags, but in reverse - made in China with American Materials. So they ship the "American materials" out to China, make the bags there, then ship them back to the USA and still charge a fortune for them.


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Post# 281540 , Reply# 20   5/23/2014 at 08:00 (3,597 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

In the good old days, they were made in the USA with American materials:


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Post# 281667 , Reply# 21   5/24/2014 at 14:14 (3,596 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

I have only just seen this. How interesting. Will you be able to get bags for it over here?


Post# 281668 , Reply# 22   5/24/2014 at 14:19 (3,596 days old) by beerad (Beautiful Vancouver BC)        
I like the colour

Of that beautiful upright ...

How long is the stair cleaning hose?


Post# 281741 , Reply# 23   5/25/2014 at 01:45 (3,595 days old) by jkbff (Dickinson, ND)        

jkbff's profile picture
There are several dealers like the shop I work at that would be willing to ship parts. We are a full line Riccar dealer if you ever need anything.

It's too bad there aren't any new designed ones available as used yet. They are awesome machines.

My only concern with the Riccar over there is that machines that come from your way to over here have too soft of bristles for American carpets... I'd be cautious with those Gold strips in the Riccar.... They are ... stiff..

I have the natural horse hair and the crimped vinyl in stock if you need them. I can't imagine it'd cost that much to put those in a letter envelope.


Post# 281744 , Reply# 24   5/25/2014 at 02:21 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Bags

Bit of a saga....
The listing showed bags but they didn't actually get put in the box :(
The seller was great, apologised and refunded me $30 towards ordering some from Ebay- it covered a box of 6 genuine ones apart from $4 odd :).
Regarding parts I have been chatting to Tom Gasko and am sorting a trade for some bags, filters and one of their fantastic looking 3 in 1 tools.......
Can't wait for them to get here- am itching to use it!!!
Seamus.
P.S regarding condition it appears to have been hardly used- a couple of TINY scuffs but that's it- no dust in the bag compartment and the stair cleaning kit looks unused.
Seamus


Post# 281745 , Reply# 25   5/25/2014 at 02:34 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Chris and Steve

Right on both counts- although globally doesn't just mean China lol....
I do know the body is made and painted in the US though- the metallic finish is AMAZING- far better than anything on a metallic Miele!!.

Stiff strips....

Joshua
I actually have a Truvox commercial upright( rebadged Carpet Pro) and an Electrolux SC888 (Sanitaire)so know how stiff US brush strips are- we have short pile and they work really well :.


Post# 281746 , Reply# 26   5/25/2014 at 02:45 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

So have you got the Riccar itself  now Seamus? but just waiting for the bags for it?

 

Could it be that you are the first person in the UK to own a Riccar Brilliance? I've never seen another UK member post about owning a Riccar.

 

Truvox in the UK is owned by Tacony Corp as far as I know, who own the Riccar brand.

 

Depending on how you get on with your Riccar, and your appraisal of its quality and performance could have a bearing on how many of us UK members consider importing more second hand Riccar/Simplicity models. I am dying to hear how you find the tandem air system works in your home Seamus. Your Riccar has attracted a lot of interest here it seems!


Post# 281747 , Reply# 27   5/25/2014 at 02:54 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Steve

Yup the actual machine arrived fine :)
I know about the Truvox/Tacony connection- the Carpet pro machines are not US assembled though but are still amazing performance wise.
Seamus


Post# 281748 , Reply# 28   5/25/2014 at 02:57 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Do you have any pictures of it yet for us? You should be trumpeting its arrival - its not every day such a machine that's not intended for the UK market arrives on our shores!

I've wanted a Riccar for ages, but always been put off by the price of importing them. They aren't exactly cheap in the US either.


Post# 281749 , Reply# 29   5/25/2014 at 03:12 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Is this the Truvox upright you have Seamus, if so, you can see the similarities to the Tacony Clean Max range from the US



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Post# 281750 , Reply# 30   5/25/2014 at 03:48 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Nearly

I have the earlier version that only has the short hose and pretty naff tools- for carpet it is an amazing performer though!!

Post# 281754 , Reply# 31   5/25/2014 at 04:09 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

You've got me busy looking through all the Simplicity and Riccar machines on ebay now - theres quite a few where the sellers are prepared to ship to the UK, but like with yours, once the shipping and import taxes are added on, they are knocking on for £300 odd. And they are only lower end models like Riccar Vibrance or Simplicity Symmetry.

 

 



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This post was last edited 05/25/2014 at 05:40
Post# 281755 , Reply# 32   5/25/2014 at 04:16 (3,595 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        
Pics

Go on then...

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Post# 281756 , Reply# 33   5/25/2014 at 04:46 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Those are great pics - what a beautiful machine! and congratulations for bringing a Riccar to England, and we will look forward to seeing your review once you get to use it properly. If its as easy to get one of these over from the States, then more of us should start buying them. Of course, we will need a transformer, so that will increase the initial outlay, but I'm sure you'll enjoy owning your Riccar! You effectively got a $860 (£500) new in the USA vacuum, shipped to the UK for £320, so I think that's a bargain!

 

I wonder what Tacony think about these vacs now making it across the Atlantic - Its a pity they don't export them properly to the UK at 240V/50Hz like Kirby do with their products. The American input into this thread has been surprisingly quiet. We need more quality vacs in the UK, as all we have here that's any good now is Miele and Sebo. Dyson's grip of the UK vacuum market wont last forever and people will be looking for better quality now that the novelty of Dyson and bagless machines has worn off.



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This post was last edited 05/25/2014 at 05:37
Post# 281757 , Reply# 34   5/25/2014 at 04:58 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Seems bags are easily available here too for the same price we pay for Kirby bags (Inc shipping)



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Post# 281761 , Reply# 35   5/25/2014 at 06:28 (3,595 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Bags....

These are the ones I got - genuine Tacony but for it's other brand.....
Seamus


CLICK HERE TO GO TO seamusUK's LINK on eBay


Post# 281762 , Reply# 36   5/25/2014 at 06:32 (3,595 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Off subject - Kirby bags

These are the best price I'm aware of......


CLICK HERE TO GO TO seamusUK's LINK on eBay


Post# 281764 , Reply# 37   5/25/2014 at 07:03 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

£21 delivered from the US is very good Seamus - would pay you to get the filters and bags and maybe a spare belt at the same time to save on future shipping costs.

 

I saw that Kirby bag seller - am always dubious when they are that cheap and have free postage. There's gotta be a reason why they are half the price that Kirby recommend.

 

I suppose you have run the Riccar using your transformer? Is it noisy with both motors going at the same time?


Post# 281765 , Reply# 38   5/25/2014 at 07:09 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Was considering this Seamus - its the latest Truvox Valet - what do you reckon?



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Post# 281766 , Reply# 39   5/25/2014 at 07:32 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Looks good :)

Pity about the shipping but I paid £25 on my NIB Ensign Stealth- maybe you could offer £10 less?
Seamus


Post# 281768 , Reply# 40   5/25/2014 at 07:37 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Bags and belts....

Hi Steve
Tom G is sending me a decent supply of bags and filters- It has a lifetime belt :)
Problem is if you order more on the same order you become liable for Import tax etc which is more than the postage.....

My last Kirby bags came from that seller- I can confirm they are the real deal and arrived in a few days :)

Seamus

P.S its not been run yet - no point until I can use it lol....


Post# 281769 , Reply# 41   5/25/2014 at 07:42 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Jolly good - is he doing them for you at a competitive rate? (Tom that is)

 

Still not sure about the Truvox - getting parts for them isn't easy, as they are strictly commercial vacs. not keen on the orange cable either. Postage is high as its in Ireland.


Post# 281770 , Reply# 42   5/25/2014 at 07:44 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
The Simplicity Version...

Personally I much prefer the full length headlight on the Riccar....

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SeamusUK's LINK


Post# 281771 , Reply# 43   5/25/2014 at 07:50 (3,595 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Its an exchange...

I'm sending a DC03 over so we are coming to an arrangement of mutual benefit :)

Seamus

P.s If it takes the same bag as mine they are these.....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO SeamusUK's LINK on eBay


Post# 281772 , Reply# 44   5/25/2014 at 08:00 (3,595 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Tom wants a Dc03? I suppose he wants it for the vacuum cleaner museum, as they never got the DC03 in the US. I hope it arrives there in one piece - you know how fragile old Dysons can be lol

 

I prefer the Riccar versions too - the Simplicity is nice, but not as nice as the Riccar. I love the double R logo on the handle. Reminds me of the double D Dolby logo (I'm sure you remember Dolby NR Seamus). I'd still run the cleaner to make sure it works.


Post# 281863 , Reply# 45   5/26/2014 at 02:05 (3,594 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.)        

That is certainly an attractive machine. Great deal I would say. Tacony is something of an anomaly. They don't seem to have much interest in pushing their brands outside the boundaries of North America. You can somewhat understand the challenges of doing so. They are a relatively young vacuum company (begun 1946). They have little brand recognition overseas. They are positioned in the "high-end" market and have "high-end" prices. It's expensive to set up shop overseas. They probably don't feel it's worth it to enter Europe. It would be a near impossible task to dislodge Miele and Sebo from their thrones over there. Those two behemoths would likely make it very hard for Tacony to survive as a new startup on their home turf. They certainly do make a quality product though. People on here who own them generally judge their build quality as superior to Miele, though I wouldn't know that for sure as I've never owned one. They have been known to last well. I believe they possess a 6 or 7 year warranty and an expected lifespan of 20 years. Having seen them tested on Youtube, they are quiet too. The tools seem well made also. I think you will be happy with it. My only caution would be to be cautious of the brush roll. I wouldn't use it on an fine delicate rugs or handmade items as they might cause damage. If shown the most basic maintenance and care it SHOULD last many years.

Post# 281865 , Reply# 46   5/26/2014 at 02:18 (3,594 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
There could be a couple of Major reasons...

There are 2 major reasons Tacony would be up against it in Europe- apart from the Miele/Sebo thing

1. The Made in America marketing isn't really a selling point outside of America......

2. They are able to control the resale prices in the US- this is Illegal in the UK and I believe most of Europe. I believe Miele do the same and that's a big part of the reason their US prices are at least double what they are over here.....

It is a pity though as initial impressions of my Riccar are VERY good :)
Seamus


Post# 281868 , Reply# 47   5/26/2014 at 03:18 (3,594 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

"to dislodge Miele and Sebo from their thrones over there"

That's a laugh. I think you said that because of the picture which people on this forum have painted. The only vacuum cleaners with any real status here are Dyson and the Henry. Not even Numatic as a brand, just their flagship Henry.


Post# 281895 , Reply# 48   5/26/2014 at 07:26 (3,594 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I think the people of the UK are only interested in Bagless vacs, whatever the brand, and Vax sell much more in the UK than Dyson. The market for used and "re-conditioned" Dysons is bigger than that for new Dysons nowadays, with the likes of ebay awash with old Dysons that people have pulled off the rubbish dump and then cleaned up, to sell as refurbished. Dyson has lost is crown here now I feel, as he has priced himself out of the market, and people can get Vax machines for a third the price with 6 year warranties.

In the UK, you are hard pressed now to find a quality bagged upright unlike in the USA, with TTI (Vax in the UK) offering not one single bagged upright and Hoover still supplying only 1 model - the 17 year old Purepower.

Dyson has affectively brainwashed people that they only want bagless - but I think that may be starting to change now at long last, with Miele and SEBO seeing much more interest here than they used to. And not before time.

 

Oh, and whilst Miele may be a behemoth, SEBO most definitely is not, they are a small company, much smaller than Tacony. SEBO are still relatively unheard of in the UK domestic market. There are even some Germans who have never heard of them! SEBO remain committed to the commercial market in Europe, with sales to domestic buyers taking second fiddle, although more people are now finding out about how good they are. SEBO would pose no danger to Tacony, who already own companies in the UK like Truvox, who make commercial machines.

 

Dyson are not used in commercial environments, basically because they are not capable of hard usage, like SEBO, Nilco, Nilfisk, Truvox, Lindhaus, Victor and Numatic machines, which incidentally all make bagged machines for commercial use, not bagless. Dyson may have brainwashed the domestic user, but not the business user.

 

If Kirby can sell their vacuums in the UK, then I can really see no reason why Riccar or Simplicity cannot supply some 240V machines to the UK market as well, even if its only by mail order. However, most UK people would be unlikely to be prepared to pay over £500 ($850) for a Plastic vac, which is probably why Tacony have never bothered with the UK domestic market.


Post# 281906 , Reply# 49   5/26/2014 at 09:39 (3,594 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
I think if Hoover hadn't faffed up with the Air Miles, we'd still be getting models from the U.S company - that could easily provided a wider channel for Tacony to enter.

The UK is no stranger to U.S vacuums - Kirby and Oreck are known in the UK - but they both command far too high a price for the models IMHO. Oreck UK prices are a joke on their UK website.

Also there isn't much of a reluctance in the UK for buyers to actually care about where their vacuums are made. Reason being that our industry died out so many years ago, we no longer have the conservative government telling us to Buy British.

Dont forget though, the Tacony/Fuller Jiffy upright is a China produced model for Morphy Richards in the UK. Those bagless uprights cost on average $179 which is equivalent to £106 odd pounds and the actual model in the UK from Amazon UK costs £70 to £90


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Post# 282233 , Reply# 50   5/29/2014 at 05:40 (3,591 days old) by seamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Ok I'm blind apparently ...

I went to recycle the box yesterday and I had missed the bags!!
Had a quick play last night and will do a vid later. Very impressed so far....
Seamus
And yes I did refund my refund from the seller lol....


Post# 282239 , Reply# 51   5/29/2014 at 06:59 (3,591 days old) by parwaz786 ( )        

Nice! What's the performanc like on the Riccar vs a Hoover TP 1?

Post# 282257 , Reply# 52   5/29/2014 at 09:50 (3,591 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Don't think Tacony's management hasn't seen this thread - they have because I showed it to them. The problem with importing American-Made Tacony vacuums into the UK is, there are very few vacuum shops to sell them. They are not made to be sold in retail stores like Hoovers. They need to be demonstrated, turned over to show their quality metal soleplates and brush rollers. A Tandem-Air vacuum needs to be explained, how the two suction motors work together. The agitation needs to be demonstrated, so you can see with your own eyes how the sand just boils out of the rug to be caught by the suction. Maybe TruVox could hire a bunch of door to door salespeople to demonstrate the Riccar like Kirby does in the UK?

Post# 282259 , Reply# 53   5/29/2014 at 10:40 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I suppose the problem would be the price. If these Riccar cleaners sell for up to $1500 in the US, then people in the UK just would not be prepared to pay that much. This is maybe one of the reasons Miele do not make the S8 Premium and other power nozzle canisters available in the UK, as they simply would not sell, due to their price being too high.

The top ceiling in the UK for domestic vacuums is about £500, which is $850. You will find that only Kirby is more expensive. There are of course many commercial vacuums that sell for over £500 in the UK, but the domestic user is not interested in these vacuums, and Riccar/Simplicity is aimed at the domestic market. I would also say many UK people only like spending up to £200 max on a vacuum, and these people are catered for by the cheap brands like TTI (Vax in the UK), HooverCandy, Panasonic, other Chinese made brands, and lower end Mieles such as the S2 range. Those who do want to spend over £200 are usually ushered quickly towards the Dyson offerings by store staff, and websites.

 

I can see the reasons why Tacony do not make Riccar and Simplicity vacuums available to the UK market, and understand your points about demos and door to door sales. DTD is not popular in the UK since Kirby were exposed for poor and underhand selling tactics, and this method of selling is now largely outdated, in the internet age.

People like to see something advertised on TV, go online to look for it and look at other potential purchases, decide on one for them, click on buy it now, and get it delivered in a day or so.

 

If Tacony were to advertise their products and their benefits heavily on TV like Dyson does, and stock the cleaners they sell in the USA for under $850, by mail order, they would be more likely to sell this way than by DTD in the UK. However, people would not be prepared to pay more than they do for a high end Dyson or Miele, which is £450 - £500 here. The truth of the matter is that Dyson has a stranglehold on the premium end of the UK market, and big box stores like Currys, Argos, Tesco and Sainsburys are heavily biased to selling his machines. People know no better, until someone new comes along and blows Dyson out of the water. At present, Dyson only has competition from TTI in the vacuum market.

People need to be educated that bagged is best again, but so far, no one is interested in challenging Dyson's marketing in the UK. Trying to find bagged uprights in UK stores now has become almost impossible, with only the smaller independent stores selling bagged uprights from SEBO or Miele, usually by mail order via the internet.




This post was last edited 05/29/2014 at 11:16
Post# 282263 , Reply# 54   5/29/2014 at 11:29 (3,591 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

A good place to launch them in the UK could be through one of the two main shopping channels we have here, QVC or Ideal World. A small amount could be produced for our voltage and sold exclusively on either channel to test the market. QVC have regular guests from the USA, so the British public are used to seeing American brands being sold in this way and they can be demonstrated by someone from Tacony.

I know it takes a while to get a product on a shopping channel, but it may be worth looking into.


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Post# 282265 , Reply# 55   5/29/2014 at 11:42 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Again Roger, its the price that would put people in the UK off. There is no getting away from the fact that Riccar is a very expensive brand - we know why its expensive, because its made in the USA instead of China, and its produced to a high standard. The problem is going to be in convincing people in the UK that they should buy a Riccar (or Simplicity) over a Dyson. The fact that a Riccar uses bags, whilst that may well appeal to some, wont appeal to the majority thanks to Mr Dyson's activities of the last 20 years. Don't forget too, that whilst we know all about Riccar - 99.999% of the UK public will never have heard of them, much like it was when Dyson launched his DC01 in 1993 - but look how dyson's success ballooned from then.

 

I think Tacony would only consider exporting domestic market machines to the UK if they could be sure of a good level of sales to make it worth their effort. The brick wall standing in their way is Dyson, and re-educating the British public that they can get much better quality for their money than a Dyson. But unless someone actually gets the balls to stand up against Dyson, then he will continue to rake in millions a year from the British public for quite frankly, sub standard machines. Tacony would need to be aiming their products at current Dyson, and possibly Miele and SEBO customers, as they are the ones with the money to be able to afford a Riccar. The market is there, and Dyson was able to dominate it from 1993, so it IS possible for those that really want to do it.




This post was last edited 05/29/2014 at 13:13
Post# 282269 , Reply# 56   5/29/2014 at 12:20 (3,591 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Steve,
There are a lot of people in the UK with large disposable incomes and QVC sells quite a selection of high end goods including Dyson and Miele. There's even a Miele coffee machine on their website now costing over £1300 and they sell Miele washing machines and dishwashers too, so another premium brand like Tacony would fit in with their existing offer.

If a company wants to survive in a global market, they need to at least try to get a foothold in other countries such as Dyson did in the USA. I'm no fan of Dyson, but he seems to have brainwashed a lot of the vacuum buying public in the States like he did in the UK. Fortunately people are becoming a lot more savvy and are starting to look for appliances with a bit more longevity than Dyson currently provide.

It's up to the powers that be at Tacony if they want to expand their business and I am personally not bothered either way, but if I was working for that company, I would expect them to be looking into expanding into the UK and Europe, even if it's just dipping their toe in the water. All famous brands had to start somewhere, for example Apple Computers was a niche brand before things started taking off for them with the iPod and iPhone. If most people in the USA know what a Dyson is, then why can't us Brits
be introduced to Riccar vacuum cleaners?


CLICK HERE TO GO TO sensotronic's LINK


Post# 282270 , Reply# 57   5/29/2014 at 12:22 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Roger - did you know that Tacony are already here in the UK anyway - They own Truvox commercial cleaning machines, based in Southampton?

 

Also, if a small company like SEBO can sell to the US domestic market, then I really think that its getting time to introduce Riccar and Simplicity brands to Europe. They could perhaps try marketing some lower end Riccars or Simplicitys through Truvox? The UK is desperately short of domestic bagged uprights now, and Simplicity do sell some more reasonably priced bagged uprights, that might be popular in the UK, after all, not everyone wants a bagless upright, and all we have to choose from now is SEBO really. Miele sell the S7 in the UK, but its too big and cumbersome for most people. A decent bagged upright alternative to SEBO's X series and Felix may well sell here.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK

Post# 282273 , Reply# 58   5/29/2014 at 12:37 (3,591 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Used it properly and WOW!!!

Hey Guys

We now have a Brilliantly Brilliance cleaned lounge, hall and bedroom. I have to say the standard upholstery tool is amazing on Cat hair. Considering I vacuumed with the Ensign SM1 (Sebo G1) on Tuesday the fact the inside of the bag was Black and with hair very much in evidence shows it's very impressive.

Will do a video ASAP

Seamus


Post# 282274 , Reply# 59   5/29/2014 at 12:42 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Well, Seamus - top marks for the Riccar Brilliance Deluxe then, and  this sells in the US for pretty much the same price as  a UK model DC54 (about $850) - so it beats a Dyson hands down then.

Tacony are apparently watching this thread, and no doubt will be thrilled a UK customer has now had the Riccar experience. I hope they consider their options in Europe soon.


Post# 282277 , Reply# 60   5/29/2014 at 13:34 (3,591 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
I would think that the Maytag brand would be the one to be sold in Europe. The Simplicity and Riccar brands are dealer-exclusive machines. The Maytags are designed for open markets. A 220 volt Maytag (either the 8 pound upright, the by-pass clean air upright, or the Tandem-Air model) would be great cleaners to break into the European market. Marketed through TruVox, I can see them selling well. The most expensive Maytag, the Tandem-Air M1200, sells for $699 in the US. The Clean-Air bypass machine sells for $499, and the 8 pound sells for $299. They could sell a ton of vacuums under the Maytag label.

Post# 282278 , Reply# 61   5/29/2014 at 13:55 (3,591 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Tom.....

Seriously you need to suggest it. Maytag have a Premium presence in White goods over here and a premium Vacuum would be an excellent fit. As Tacony have a UK presence through Truvox the supply chain is in place and would maybe just need higher capacity?. QVC have a good following over here so may be a good launch platform?. Also the biggest independent buying group (CIH/Euronics) may be interested if the figures add up......
Seamus


Post# 282280 , Reply# 62   5/29/2014 at 14:04 (3,591 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
The Maytags....

Pic by Tom from another thread ;)
The one with the headlamp at the front is the Tandem Air version.....


Post# 282281 , Reply# 63   5/29/2014 at 14:17 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

The Maytag name is heard of over here. It was used in the early 2000's to sell a few US built Hoover machines, like the Sattelite and the Windtunnel. The name is associated with the USA so people would know it was an American brand. Could the likes of the Riccar Brillianace be marketed under the Maytag name? (same cleaner, different badge).

The main market would be bagged uprights in the UK where new models are needed. There are many more bagged canisters here that already sell well from Miele and Numatic, but neither of these companies produces a well sold bagged upright. Orecks are popular here with the older generation - they sell well also to those who cannot lift a heavier machine, and I belive the 8 pounder is the same type of machine as the Oreck XL.

The new Maytag lines would need to be extensively advertised and also tried to be supplied to the independent dealers. They would also sell well online if customers are given plenty of info and advertising.

Bag availability is also important with these machines and bags need to be well priced and easy to buy. Miele sell a 4 pack of Hyclean bags in the UK for around the £10 mark ($17) and SEBO sells the X and Felix series bags in 8 packs for about the same money. Filters and spares also need to be available, especially if the machine is to cost more than £150 ($250) as that's the point at which people start to think "would a Vax be better for me"?

Hoover UK market the Purepower bagged upright range at the £90 ($150) price point and these have been selling steadily for the last 17 years. Its likely to be discontinued in September this year with the advent of the new EU power regs.

 

Maytag could make that a marketing bonus that their machines are all new and green eco machines, as many 1600W plus machines will be phased out soon, leaving gaps in the market.

Truvox will be the ideal distributors for the machines as we said - but they will need to stock spares and consumables too, to ship out as needed.

An all new range of bagged machines built in the USA rather than China should create interest, with many people now finding out Dyson aint quite so wonderful any more. Now is the ideal time to deal a big hefty blow to Dyson's share of the EU market, and to his arrogance that people only want bagless machines. People want what they are told to want - and again, heres where good marketing comes in. Its about time Dyson was toppled from his high and mighty throne.

 

Effective advertising on TV, and online will be key to success though. Play Dyson at his own tactics, and highlight the benefits of modern bagged machines, as opposed to dirty, dusty bagless ones.


Post# 282282 , Reply# 64   5/29/2014 at 14:29 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Also - apparently the UK is falling in love with carpet again - so more uprights will be needed to clean them with, again, here is an opportunity to slot Maytag machines into the UK upright market



CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK

Post# 282290 , Reply# 65   5/29/2014 at 15:24 (3,591 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Couldn't have put it better...

Bags ARE best....

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SeamusUK's LINK


Post# 282292 , Reply# 66   5/29/2014 at 15:43 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Seamus - did you buy that new style Truvox Valet I showed you on EBay - the one from Ireland - cos its gone now?



CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK on eBay

Post# 282296 , Reply# 67   5/29/2014 at 16:07 (3,591 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Truvox...

Maybe ;)


Post# 282298 , Reply# 68   5/29/2014 at 16:15 (3,591 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
The Maytag M1200 Tandem-Air is an extraordinary machine at cleaning rugs as well as bare floors. The completely sealed system, together with the HEPA self-sealing bags make a completely dust free cleaning experience. The hose length as well as the wand length are longer than on Seamus's Riccar (the new for 2014 Riccar models have the Maytag's longer hose and wand). In the US, the bags are priced at six for $18. There is a manual as well as an automatic height adjustment control so the Maytag would be able to clean all UK and European rugs. The next time Tacony management come talk with me, you can be sure I'll bring it up. Sounds like a win-win situation for Tacony and TruVox.

  View Full Size
Post# 282299 , Reply# 69   5/29/2014 at 16:33 (3,591 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I'd imagine the suits from Tacony would want a bit more than a bit of chat on VL before making the decision to ship the new Maytag range to the UK and Europe. In continental Europe, hard floors rule the roost, so not many uprights get sold. The UK does have a love affair with uprights, but I suspect Tacony would have to have talks with Truvox to decide what kind of market research would need to be undertaken before decisions are made, and to find out the viability of making Truvox a domestic as well as commercial dealer. Truvox may not want to deal with the general public, and would need to find outlets to sell the cleaners from in the UK, such as Euronics, or even John Lewis. I doubt Currys would sell the Maytag line, as I strongly suspect they get a healthy backhander from Dyson to keep other brands out of their stores.

 

At £415 - the Maytag M1200 would be up there with the high end Miele's and the same price as the DC41, so it would need some good advertising to convince the public that they should buy a bagged upright over a DC41 bagless.

I cannot offer any guarantee that Maytags new line would be a hit in the UK - it is down to Tacony to determine the level of risk associated with this move. But as the saying goes - you need to speculate to accumulate.

 

Regarding the Maytag M1200 - Do they come in different colours, or just in white?

 

Another point is that people here may remember the fact that Maytag was associated with Hoover in the past, and prices were a lower level. Tacony would need to advise people that Maytag is now under their ownership and these machines have nothing to do with Hoover US, or TTI. People need to know that these bagged uprights are not just overpriced Chinese machines, but superior quality, long lasting American made machines, built to rival Miele's quality. A long warranty would be essential to compete with Dyson at 5 years and Vax at 6 years (in some cases)


Post# 282300 , Reply# 70   5/29/2014 at 16:39 (3,591 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
The UK have a "love affair" with carpet because geographically we're colder than France and Germany.

John Lewis and Co Op both sold Maytag uprights when they had them in the UK. I suspect, given that Truvox already have a model in the UK that they could supplement their range with this Maytag upright.

However, on the basis that Miele's advertising of the S7 has had some air time on TV but more with the Internet, I doubt the Maytag would sell well as a domestic only model. By going down the commercial line, a more basic version of the Riccar could be offered, but its a big "if."

I am not so sure whether it is worth Riccar's time and effort to consider domestic sales solely on their upright unless cylinder vacs are offered with PN's - a market that is currently dominated by SEBO and to a certain extent Wertheim who have more or less disappeared due to poor sales and reliability.



Post# 282301 , Reply# 71   5/29/2014 at 16:49 (3,591 days old) by parwaz786 ( )        

Is the RIccar better than a Hoover TP1?

Post# 282305 , Reply# 72   5/29/2014 at 17:04 (3,590 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I can predict that with the new EU regs coming in soon, Canister models for use on carpet may well have to be offered with a power nozzle facilty, especially if the 900W max law ever comes to pass in 2017, as turbo brush floorheads need a lot of power to work properly, and only became popular on canisters when power levels crept up to the 2000W mark. If one remembers back to the olden days when canisters were about 1000W max, none were offered with turbo brush heads, but some such as the Sensotronic were offered with power nozzles.

Numatic may claim that the new 580W henrys can work turbo brush - but how effectively, and how do these brushes cope with longer pile carpets, without slowing right down or stopping?

I can see power nozzle canisters becoming more common here just as they are in the US if and when canisters are restricted to 900W max (750 Suction and 150W power nozzle).


Post# 282307 , Reply# 73   5/29/2014 at 17:10 (3,590 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

To Mr Parwaz - Yes, I would say a Riccar like Seamus's is a lot better than a TP1, but its about 30 years newer in technology than a TP1, and  has 2 suction motors.


Post# 282310 , Reply# 74   5/29/2014 at 17:45 (3,590 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
I don't think canister models for use on carpet will have a PN facility unless they become fashionable. Brands have yet to be able to offer a lightweight PN motor head in the EU and the UK are still upright-happy for the moment.

Having said that my Electrolux Excellio has a plug on the body for an additional PN and its total power rating is 1300 watts. As you know the Excellio is no longer made.

Air driven full size turbo brushes in Europe weren't on the market until the early 1990s, Steve. SEBO and Miele used the Wessel Werk design (photo shown), as did Vax with their Powa canister tub and a few other brands such as Morphy Richards. Electrolux and Hoover also offered it - and those brands offered them in other EU countries on cylinder vacs where uprights didn't take the majority of sales.

It isn't the fact that just because a vacuum cleaner's motor is capped that it can be assumed an air driven turbo brush will slow down.

My own Numatic James 800 watt vac had ferocious speed with a Hoover air driven turbo brush fitted, even when the bag was 3/4s full and had to be replaced - constant power is possible due to the airflow and sealed suction, rather than air leaking every where.

The EU law may well ensure that sealed suction and sealed airflow are at the top of the redesign processes that brands have to ensure for increased power, especially where floor heads like air driven turbo brushes are concerned.


Post# 282312 , Reply# 75   5/29/2014 at 17:52 (3,590 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Also Im sure I read on here in the vintage archives that the Vorwerk VK120 had 250 watts maximum and with a PN added. Proof that something can be done with low power. Even if the PN is separate and has an additional motor of say 200 watts, that's still incredibly low don't you think?

Post# 282322 , Reply# 76   5/29/2014 at 18:55 (3,590 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Seamus - that company who you bought the Truvox from in Ireland - they may have used the wrong photo on that EBAY ad - here is the cleaner they offer on their website for the same price - its the old model. I wouldn't be surprised if you receive the old model.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK

Post# 282334 , Reply# 77   5/30/2014 at 01:58 (3,590 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

There is some good things about both Dealer demos and DTD demos of vacuum cleaners and other things.You can't actually handle and try the machine on TV or the internet.You can only see picures of it and some actor or pushy announcer try to "sell" the machine to you without you actually seeing,trying,and examining it.With the DTD demo you try the machine in your own home-you can then see if it works for you.Most dealer demos allow you to try the machine at the shop-and some dealers will let you try the machine at your home.And in both types of demos a generally knowlegeable person can show you how to use the machine and take care of it.Contrast this to the "Actor Demos" on TV or internet where the person really does not know how to use or care for the machine.Remember that demo a while back on the Internet about that Dirt Devil machine?Was a comedy of errors!Probably folks bouth that vacuum to renact that comedy show!

Post# 282335 , Reply# 78   5/30/2014 at 02:20 (3,590 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
Model...

I've Sent the seller a message asking them to confirm the one I'm getting is the new one- if not they will be having a cancelled order or it sent back. Any problems I will just use the Ebay not as described route.....
Seamus


Post# 282336 , Reply# 79   5/30/2014 at 02:41 (3,590 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.)        

Tacony could definitely try to expand to the U.K. first rather than mainland Europe. To be truthful, Miele and Sebo don't hold the power in the U.K. that they do in continental Europe. Dyson's stranglehold on the U.K. market would be the big challenge. If I were in control of the company and I wanted to expand, I would do what all successful global operations do-research heavily the market first. Find out what the public thinks and wants. Find avenues to advertise, demonstrate, and sell. Fighting the bagless propaganda has been a challenge for ALL the bagged companies. I do know that by reading online reviews you get the impression that bagless is wearing thin in the U.S. People are complaining about the flying dust and allergies and how difficult they are to keep from clogging. If the British public can waver in their devotion to bagless, it might provide Tacony an opening. After all, they could lower their prices easily. Europeans have little need of full size electrically-driven power nozzles since carpet is fewer and farther between. Only time will tell but right now their sales are booming in North America.

Post# 282337 , Reply# 80   5/30/2014 at 03:04 (3,590 days old) by SeamusUK (Dover Kent UK)        
The news is good

The seller has confirmed I will get the version shown and as they have been out of stock and are due in today will include an extra pack of bags free :)
Seamus


Post# 282344 , Reply# 81   5/30/2014 at 06:50 (3,590 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I hope they do supply you with the 2014 model - this is always a problem when a company updates a model - many suppliers still keep sending out old stock models even though the company website shows the new model. Look at the SEBO K3 premium - its been supplied with the ET-1 power head for months now by SEBO, but most dealers are still showing the K3 with the older ET-H power head. You never know which model you will actually receive. Ringing many suppliers, you often get a secretary on the phone who knows nothing about the cleaners, and cant help, or wont help. Its when dealers are too idle to update their websites with new product pictures, they can lose trade, as customers still think they are only selling the old models. Argos is terrible for this as well.


Post# 305008 , Reply# 82   11/6/2014 at 05:59 (3,430 days old) by marcusprit ()        

If the Maytag M1200 came to the UK i'd definately be interested. :)


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