Thread Number: 38247  /  Tag: Small Appliances
Does anyone else have trouble buying vacuums?
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Post# 407137   3/24/2019 at 09:18 (1,831 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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I haven't bought any vacuums at thrift stores this year. But I noticed the last few times I've had trouble bringing myself to do it. I get nervous even looking at them. Because I never see anyone looking at vacuums in a thrift store or at yard sales. I get the feeling that people in general view used vacuum cleaners as something very nasty that they do not want in their home.

And in a way, I can understand that, because you don't know where they've been. I try not to bring vacuums into my house either until at least the bag has been removed and I know there aren't any fleas or anything in them. In a perfect world, I'd wait until they had been disassembled and scrubbed down until any dust was removed inside and out, hoses and attachments washed out, etc.

At Habitat, the vacuums are upstairs, so if I buy one I have to carry it downstairs and all the way to the front counter to pay. Last summer I got my Kenmore Progressive Direct Drive, I was carrying it downstairs and people were looking at me very strangely.

When I first started collecting vacuums about 2012 it didn't bother me that much to buy them. Sure people looked at me odd, but I didn't care. But now just looking at them makes me anxious somehow. I try to look at them from a distance unless something really piques my interest.

Anyone else feel that way?

It could also be that I feel a bit guilty, because I know I don't NEED any vacuums, and probably shouldn't be buying them. But I've gotten better about avoiding impulse purchases, when I see a vacuum and think "that would be cool to have." Instead, I try to stick only with vacuums that I have always wanted, even if they may not be collectible to others.

I may be a bit different than others here too, because I don't collect just vacuums. I like fans (as my name implies) small appliances, lighting fixtures, and others. But, I've gotten to where the clutter can be annoying, and I don't feel like vacuuming because everything has to be dusted off and gets in the way of vacuuming the floor, shelves, etc.


Post# 407139 , Reply# 1   3/24/2019 at 10:07 (1,831 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
IF I see a vacuum, and, I like it

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and I want it, I buy it. Over the years, I've developed this mindset: "WHO CARES WHAT I DO?" I've been look at oddly for most of my life. "THEY" don't pay my bills, live in my home, are not in my "circle"....
NEVER worry about the "others".


Post# 407141 , Reply# 2   3/24/2019 at 10:18 (1,831 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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I agree there! Plus I might be getting a Convertible at Habitat next week. Don't know the model, but there will be pictures if I do!

Post# 407143 , Reply# 3   3/24/2019 at 10:39 (1,831 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

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Like others have said, I'm not really worried what others think and I do give any machine I acquire at least a basic cleaning before I bring it into the house. The main thing that holds me back is I really don't have space for any more, so I'm increasingly picky about what I shell out for. I also know myself well enough to realize the purchase price is just the beginning. I'll be ponying up more to fix up the little things that bother me. I've had more than one 'cheap' vacuum turn into a money pit. My Kirby G5 'frankenvac' comes to mind along with the Electrolux Silverado I just finished resurrecting yesterday.

That said, there have been a few times that I have walked away from a vac that I have later regretted a bit. There was a Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition for $50 with all its tools that needed a little TLC. I couldn't make up my mind on it at closing time and when I went back the next day, it was gone. Later on, there was a pair of immaculate burgundy machines, a Kirby G5 and an equally clean burgundy metal Royal upright for $19 each with no tools. I knew I couldn't bring myself to buy one and leave the other, so I just walked away from both. It took me about a year to get over the Diamond G and two years later, I still kick myself about the G5 and the Royal.


Post# 407149 , Reply# 4   3/24/2019 at 14:03 (1,830 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California)        
I've slowed impulse buying down a lot lately.

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Although, I just couldn't resist a super deal on a Super J and just bought a gorgeous good condition Super J with hose and Stainless Steel PN4 for about 100.00 incl. shipping.   I always give them a once over upon unboxing, but horror of horrors for the other Super J I bought a few months ago....  it carried a ton of fleas in the bag compartment and probably throughout the machine....

 

They started jumping everywhere... what a total turn off!

 

But, that's the only bad experience I've had buying vintage vacs.  The others just needed some TLC.


Post# 407152 , Reply# 5   3/24/2019 at 14:25 (1,830 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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If people look at me funny, I look at THEM funny. They quit real quick!

It's probably just now that you're being self-conscious about it, that you notice people looking at you. Whether or not they're actually looking at you funny for having a vac or not. You know, maybe they're just interested in what you've got. Let's be honest, most people go to thrift stores for clothes, when they see someone carrying a large item around, it's a little strange, but it might just be 'ooh, what do they got?'


Post# 407198 , Reply# 6   3/26/2019 at 00:05 (1,829 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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I have a bit of autism/aspergers, so I'm always high strung and high anxiety, and yes people do make me paranoid. I am always nervous about what other people are viewing me doing from their perspective and how weird I must look. It really kills experiences for me because I am not thinking about my hobbies and stuff but about being nervous about people. It does get really old and tiresome. When thrift shopping or whatever, I have learned, and am still learning, to just kind of tune them out and not think about them - the general public I mean - and focus on what I am there to do. I just try to enjoy the experience, have fun seeing all kinds of vintage and recent things (even if I do not want to buy them) and also focus on what cool things I have found to buy.

Society has gotten to the point where anyone that does something outside of what nuclear parenting has taught people and that differs from what "the norm" is, they are considered strange and eccentric. Everyone is trying so hard to be the same as each other like that's the way it's supposed to be, and this is why there is so much conflict and drama today with the "how dare you not like what I like" mantra. People just can't accept people for how they are.

You basically just have to not think about the people around you, get into your own space, and do what you gotta do. In time, you eventually will get yourself trained out of the fears of being judged and be able to enjoy your hobbies guilt free. Just focus on you and your life, which those people are not a part of and don't care the least about.

Also it's your house to live in, not anyone elses. As long as you can still move around in it, and if the fire department can get through it without breaking their arms or legs, I think you shouldn't need to worry. I gave my kitchen a through roof to floor cleaning in 2017 (I planned to do the entire house 1 room at a time that way but it didn't happen yet) and it's still pretty well spotless today aside from some general light dust. A lot of people do not have the hours a day to devote to cleaning their entire house every single day of the week to a mirror-like shine. I honestly don't mind having dust on my things and walls, but I do keep the floor vacuumed and some of the important stuff like the windows and stuff you can visibly see being dirty is cleaned up, but I don't make a career out of it.

I too have the problem of having too many collections started, then stopped when I lost interest. I have been pruning out the lesser collections I have that I lost care about as I aged, and now I primarily focus on what collections I do enjoy maintaining and being within that are near and dear to my heart (videogaming, vacuums, diecast cars/Hot Wheels, and cellphones). I used to collect flashlights and exit signs but drifted out of them. I will keep my exit sign collection though because they have sentimental value as it's how I learned electrical repair and how to be an electrician, fixing up their wiring and putting them on extension cords so I could plug them in and see them lit up.


Post# 407219 , Reply# 7   3/26/2019 at 16:34 (1,828 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

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I owned my own vac shop for over 21 years, and I'm opening a new one very soon, so people don't make me nervous when they see me with vacuums. I always talk to people in thrift stores, etc. That's how I make money.

Throw the bag away outside, and if you're really nervous, put it in the garage and spray the bag compartment with Raid.

My JOB is to put my hands into other people's old 'rusty/dusty' (as the Rainbow salesmen call bojacks). I always gauge how much to charge the customer (during the Estimate) by how nasty the vacuum is.


Post# 407233 , Reply# 8   3/26/2019 at 21:29 (1,828 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        
I used to be paranoid like this when I was younger...

...but not no more. I backed my feelings for what I do and ignored them.
Please don't EVER let others bother you in this way, as long as what you are doing is legal and moral of course. :o) Do what you like and enjoy it.
There is nothing wrong with looking at (or buying) anything in a store, whether retail or second hand.

Now I have seen others look at vacuums, test them, and even roll them to the checkout. I often watch as I like to see if they work and how they sound. I once watched in disappointment as a lady walked to the checkout with an Oreck XL, as I had promised my neighbor to get him one when I found one. Good vacuums go fast here it seems. There are often well-worn cheapo bagless ones and I have seen others look at them - no problem.
I would prefer everything at thrift stores to be sold, as if not, the stuff is often either redonated or sent overseas for 'recycling'.
One guy watched me test out my Kirby G6 at Goodwill and he commented 'that's a good machine' and smiled when I was done. Very friendly, and so was I.

To downsize the OP's feelings, I am one who is looked at very strangely MANY times (and do not care). Why? My ladyfriend collects 80's-90's clothes - really feminine, silky, showy stuff. When I am out shopping, I will look for things she might like and always find a few or an armload. Some people even ask me who they are for, and have no problem telling them. The happiness she gets from this stuff makes it all worth it. Seeing her in it is icing on the cake. We both dress from this era that we grew up in and people often look at us strangely, but we could care less. I sometimes see people in thrift stores dress in their favorite era, and I look and admire - I like it.
Within good reason of course, people should do what they like, wear what they like, drive what they like, own what they like, and live their lives their way. Sure, the corporations hate it because we are not supporting all the new crap being made, but we just do not care. We like the style and quality from older stuff. If friends judge us on what we like, then they are not friends of ours.

Remember, we only have ONE life to live - live it as if you own it (and you DO!)


Post# 407246 , Reply# 9   3/27/2019 at 10:27 (1,828 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Rob and Huskyvacs (name)????

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you are so right, about everything.


Post# 407536 , Reply# 10   4/3/2019 at 08:49 (1,821 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

My biggest problem with buying vacuums is I am running out of space to put them.


Post# 407550 , Reply# 11   4/3/2019 at 13:59 (1,820 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
That CAN be a problem.

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I'm renovating (very long time now), the 'cats' apartment' into a 'gallery'.

Post# 407551 , Reply# 12   4/3/2019 at 14:06 (1,820 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I was trying to see how many appliances can fit in there

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nicely. I know Tom Anderson will be at the ready, helping me arrange, display, etc. But, with 450+ Hoover products, I doubt it will all fit in there. It's a 20'X 25' room with a barn top ceiling. Right now, with all of the construction/renovations still happening, they're all over the place.

Post# 408293 , Reply# 13   4/19/2019 at 03:36 (1,805 days old) by maxeley4103 (East Sussex, United Kingdom)        
I've never had an Issue.

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Yes they may be dirty sometimes but usually you can get a really good deal. For instance my DC25 was £31!!!!!!!!! dirty yes but fully functional and under the dirt in fantastic condition. I wouldn't shy away unless it looks to far gone. You may have more of a problem with dirt but for me just a bucket of warm soapy water and some rags and i'm set.

Post# 408294 , Reply# 14   4/19/2019 at 04:23 (1,805 days old) by maxeley4103 (East Sussex, United Kingdom)        
I'm stupid

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I'm so sorry I completely misread your post. I do agree with you that people can give you funny looks but I just turned round and said screw it. If other people dont like it they have the problem not you. People who find other peoples lives weird have too much time on their hands and really need to get out more. Just buy it ignor the universe.

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Post# 408873 , Reply# 15   4/29/2019 at 10:03 (1,795 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
KirbystheBest

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Harley,

Same thing with me!

~Ben


Post# 408899 , Reply# 16   4/29/2019 at 22:40 (1,794 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Gotta get a Hoover

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This just hit me. Think of Ferris wheel. Put vacuums on shelf pulley system in Ferris wheel motion. You could fit 5 or so displays in an area that would carry only 2.
Another option is put RS system in like libraries have . Put vavuums on tracks and if you want access to one slide on tracks. It's space saving yet makes all vacuum accessible.
If you don't want pulley system a garage door type assembly would make a good experience.
Les


Post# 409870 , Reply# 17   5/28/2019 at 06:56 (1,766 days old) by CMBCOOL01 (Texas)        

Just buy things you actually want don't just buy the first vaccum you see ofcourse there's never any harm in looking

For the longest time i was looking to get a second vacuum and i would look around kinda halfheartedly and then i heard about the hoover windtunnel self-propelled and did some research and decided i actually wanted one so i got one off craigslist but i think that's the key is actually wanting one

Ofcourse there's always the option of buying something using it for a week and then gifting it to a family member which is what i did when i bought a Hoover windtunnel max bagged vacuum for my mother


Post# 409883 , Reply# 18   5/28/2019 at 18:18 (1,765 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

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My conclusion, after reading half the post and none of the replies, you truly needn’t give a f—k what other people think! WHO CARES what anyone thinks of you looking at old vacuums??!!

Post# 409889 , Reply# 19   5/28/2019 at 20:53 (1,765 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

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I've been resisting posting this but I just can't hold back any longer:

I have no problem buying vacuum cleaners. I give them the money, I take the machine and nobody gets hurt.


Post# 410199 , Reply# 20   6/7/2019 at 14:18 (1,755 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        

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Of the trouble I am having with buying vacuums, it is these vacuums:
Kirby Janitronic (1967-1968)
American-Lincoln Super-Sweep (series 1) (1968-1972)
American-Lincoln Super-Sweep (series 2) (1972-1979)
American-Lincoln Super-Sweep 180 (series 3) (1979-1982)
American-Lincoln Super-Vac 180 (1982-1985)

~Ben


Post# 410986 , Reply# 21   6/28/2019 at 20:20 (1,734 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

Just passed up for the second time at the salvation army store a Kirby G3 model that was available. Both were $50.00 or less. the second one was said to be complete with accessories.

Just yesterday picked up a Kirby 2001 limited edition complete with attachments and shampooer head and zip brush for 50.00 will be sending to a friend in Georgia that has wanted to try out a Kirby based on my recommendations and his own knowledge of them. He is done with the disposable vacuums available today.


Post# 411023 , Reply# 22   6/29/2019 at 17:21 (1,733 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

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nice job!! thats a good buy and you'll help a friend forever do away with junk vacs!

Post# 411381 , Reply# 23   7/10/2019 at 22:22 (1,722 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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All I have been finding lately is just bags or random attachments. No vacuums.

Post# 411426 , Reply# 24   7/11/2019 at 22:01 (1,721 days old) by AmanaDeluxe (Currently trapped in Houston. Detroit is my home. )        

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Fraser Crane might have said your guilt is causing you to manifest feelings of paranoia, as well as an overdeveloped tendency towards fastidiousness overblown to the point of borderline germaphobia.
No. I personally have not suffered giving a squat what people think of my purchases, nor do I let a few harmless (though, admittedly disgusting at times) mystery soils cause me to lose sleep.
If I did, I would take a moment to enjoy any new cannabis laws my state may have passed, shake it off, get back on that horse and continue to buy whatever I wanted.
Unless, of course, the guilt catalyst has a point. If you have vacuums lining your halls, in your shower, under the bed, etc,... you may want to pull back and ask a professional to help you figure out what void it is you’re trying to fill with vacuum cleaners.
And try not to worry about bringing in fleas. They’re all over every lawn ever, and they don’t survive indoors without a cat or dog. Of course now our pets take pills for that, Riiight?


Post# 420884 , Reply# 25   3/1/2020 at 17:13 (1,487 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        

I don’t worry about people looking at me oddly buying anything...likely I’ll never see these people again anyway. As far as hesitating to buy because a collection is large and you are running out of room or money then sell some on Craigslist or ebay. Especially any duplicates. My mindset it...I’ve enjoyed it now it’s time for someone else to use or enjoy it. I usually just give them away to friends or donate back to Goodwill or habitat or sell if I have a garage sale. Money isn’t tight for me so I just do t bother with selling unless it’s something I can easily get $100 or more for.

Best to live without regrets so if you will regret passing up on a vac or something else...get it. You can always sell it if you decide later you don’t want it. Goodwill and Habitat offer 10 day or 7 day return policies on electrical items so if you want to get it then decide it’s not for you you can return it just keep the receipt.


Post# 423958 , Reply# 26   4/22/2020 at 07:40 (1,436 days old) by Jake1234 (greasby)        
Think about how I look!!!

If you get embarrased just about buying used vacuums, then fear no more! When I go to my local tip about 7 times out of 10 there is a Vacuum Cleaner that I want in the used electrical appliances skip. Is it legal to take stuff out of a council skip as it is now the councils property? NO! Do I take the stuff and vacuums I want anyway? YES! Damn well I do! If I see something I want in the used ekectricals skip then I run over and grab it! I call it grab and go haha. Think how I must look! As long as none of the tip workers see me then I am ok as they would stop me straight away as it is illegal to take stuff out of there skips. But the general public see me. Not that they are bothered I dont think and I have never been reported. People must just think what the hell is that man doing! Some people who have seen me even think I work there because I constantly get asked, where does this go? And where does that go? So I must give off the impression that I work there. I have even seen people carrying Vacuums towards the skip and I have ran after them and said stop right there I will take the vacuum cleaner! So basically people, dont be afraid. Especially not if it is perfectly legal in a charity shop. So next time you think your getting anxious, nervous or paranoid just think of me running away from a skip with two vacuum cleaners under my arms with people watching.

Post# 424225 , Reply# 27   4/25/2020 at 14:02 (1,432 days old) by Rdwdcp (UK)        

If you have trouble finding a vacuum just buy a Dyson DC07 there amazing!

Post# 424266 , Reply# 28   4/26/2020 at 03:08 (1,432 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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Jake1234 - Is the skip owned by the government? Here, at least in Chicago anyway, city garbage bins are considered 'public domain' and thus it's perfectly legal to take anything from them. Private waste companies' skips or dumpsters are technically private property, but since it's just garbage, nobody really cares if you take stuff. I'm betting at least that part is that same over there.

Post# 424268 , Reply# 29   4/26/2020 at 04:37 (1,432 days old) by Jake1234 (greasby)        
MadMan

Unfortunatly its not like that over here. The skips at the recycling centre are owned by the council, and I dont know if the government has snything to do with making the rules for the council. Anyway, over here it is considered council property if the item is in a council skip, and of course all the skips at the recycling centre are council skips so its technically known as theft. Once a year or so ago I did get caught which was very unlucky and they jotted down my number plate and threatened to call the police! Haha like what they gonna do ring the police and see get over here ASAP there is a crime in action! Unfortunatly you cant take anything out of skips over here. I think there shoukd be signs saying you can do so at your own risk. Back in the 80s you used to be able to take what ever you wanted- even climb in at some places! But that all came to a stop about 20 years ago when, I dont know the exact story, but, somebody took an electrical appliance out of a council recycling centre skip and the appliance was faulty (obviousley why it was in there) and long story short the person got a shock off of the faulty appliance and they sued the council for thousands. And after that, they couldnt afford that to happen again so they said from now on nobody is allowed to take anything out of skips. But as if thats gonna stop me saving a vintage vacuum cleaner haha.

Post# 424304 , Reply# 30   4/26/2020 at 20:52 (1,431 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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Nanny state. Got it. Nice attitude though! You show The Man what for! :D

Post# 424343 , Reply# 31   4/27/2020 at 14:57 (1,430 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

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~
~

Just take a good look at the crap other people are bringing up to the register and you won't think twice about buying vacuum cleaners!

 


Post# 424345 , Reply# 32   4/27/2020 at 17:00 (1,430 days old) by Marks_here (_._)        

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LOL I cringe when I see someone buying a Bissell, I was given a Big Green Commercial 13" bagged upright I used it once and it now stays in my storage unit. I don't see how they named it commercial the plastic is so brittle in some places.

Post# 424348 , Reply# 33   4/27/2020 at 19:38 (1,430 days old) by gregvacs28 (U.S.)        

Jake1234

You are brave. The councils just protecting themselves from being sued again. We have the same thing in the U.S.

Some shops have sealed dumpsters/tips that are connected to the buildings temporarily that way people can't access the garbage and the shop isn't responsible if someone were to fall in or .....whatever. This seems especially true at foods stores.
Considering the U.S. throws out about 1/3 of our food, for various reasons usually having to do with liability fears, think of the stuff that's in those sealed bins.

Lowes has big semi's for their trade-in appliances instead of maybe just leaving them behind the store for people to take.

The merchants should just have a policy where if you come in and sign an agreement that if you IN ANY WAY suffer a lose from your activities in the dumpster, you won't sue the store. Who wouldn't be up for that?





CLICK HERE TO GO TO gregvacs28's LINK


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Post# 424417 , Reply# 34   4/29/2020 at 02:21 (1,429 days old) by repairman (Woodridge, IL)        
Personally,

I don't really go to thrift stores anymore. I used to go every Saturday after work, but I got tired of buying vacuums that didn't mean anything to me. Plus, I have about 8 that I have been trying to sell for the last year and I'm stuck with excess "inventory".

If there's something I've always wanted, I'll eventually find it, get bored with it, and then sell it.



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