Thread Number: 7204
Miele S7 Hose Issue... Again!
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Post# 79547   8/29/2009 at 19:24 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Well I had my S7 hose replaced under warranty back on 6/22/2009, and it's already showing symptoms of the same thing the last one did.

I'm sure the problem is the hose material and spiral coil cannot stand up to the intense suction of this cleaner. If you block off the suction at the end of the hose, let's say if you were cleaning a real sense fabric etc, this is what the hose does. It's going back to it's normal shape almost all the way, but this is what the last hose did before it was pretty much useless. I had to request a new hose when it would crush itself and remain crushed even during normal vacuuming with the cleaner. I think Miele needs to go back to the drawing board on the hose material they chose, because it's clearly an issue.

I've heard from another member that he's heard of about 3 other reports of the same problem. I think that using the crevice tool, and the turbo hand tool are what is causing the hose to "stress out". The turbo tool does not run well unless the suction is on full blast, and I think it causes too much pressure on the hose and causes it to "smush". Same thing with the crevice tool after extended use.

Won't be long before this hose is worthless like the other one was. I'm just a bit pissed that I'm having to deal with this again. Emailed Miele, we'll see what they say. I better not get some canned response from them either or this cleaner's going on eBay - I've used the cleaner maybe 12 times since I got the hose replaced, and it's already becoming an issue again. Very frustrating!!!

First pic is the replacement hose 2 months ago. Now look at it!

Andrew


Post# 79548 , Reply# 1   8/29/2009 at 19:25 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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About 12-15 uses later...

Post# 79549 , Reply# 2   8/29/2009 at 19:26 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Pic

Post# 79550 , Reply# 3   8/29/2009 at 19:27 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Pic

Post# 79551 , Reply# 4   8/29/2009 at 19:29 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Already starting to sit in the cleaner cavity in a smashed fashion. Next picture shows how bad the last hose got before I had to call the dealer.

Post# 79552 , Reply# 5   8/29/2009 at 19:32 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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First hose before it got replaced. Since the coils were always "smushed" sideways when the cleaner was on, the hose was about 5" longer than it should have been and would hardly stay in the holder on the side of the cleaner.

Post# 79561 , Reply# 6   8/29/2009 at 23:02 (5,324 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
From my engineering materials perspective, you are absolutely correct, Andrew.

I checked out the S7 at the local Canadian Tire store here this morning. It too is beginning to show signs of distortion from store demonstrations and try-outs. In order to have this hose extend and expand to the ratio Miele desired, there is far too much vinyl span between the coils that folds in when contracted. If the vinyl was a smidge thicker it would hold it's shape better but it would still close down the useful inside diameter of the hose. As it is, the compacted vinyl effectively narrows the inside diameter of the hose by 2/3rds, leaving a 3/4" to 1" dia airpath. The strong suction pulls the folded ribs against one another in domino fashion and since the spring coil is also of a lesser thickness than required, it is permanently distorted out of round over time and takes on an oval offset. This tilted offset adopts and sets that shape with continued pressure under suction the more the cleaner is used and the weak coil metal cannot resist the torsional forces twisting it over on an angle because the suction is trying to flatten the hose completely closed, like a roll of coins falling over on its sides outside the wrapper. Resulting in the collapsed condition you have experienced twice now.

As we know, this type of marvelously expanding vinyl hose under any suctional resistance other than an unrestricted nozzle or tool has a natural inclination to contract itself and pull back toward the vacuum quite forcefully when a hand is placed over the hose end throttling back the airflow.

The hose on the New Connie is of the same construction but the span between the coils is less, so this does not happen. Same for the vinyl hose on the Kenmore Premalite...they stretch out impressively and contract back to their original tubular shape without distortion. But they too try to contract themselves when the airflow is interrupted or blocked. This is a tradeoff to have an extremely flexible snaky hose that can reach all the way to the top of a flight of stairs. Miele engineers have simply taken the tradeoff a bit over the edge with too much and too thin vinyl jacketing and a cheaper weaker coil wire.

It *could* be there was a bad initial batch of Miele hose material that has 'found' its way in to overseas export S7s from the European factory and this same bad batch has been used to supply replacement hoses to the same market. I suspect a side-by-side hands-on comparison with a European spec S7 hose would make this obvious and perhaps one of our other-side-of-the-pond members could measure the inside dia of their collapsed hose and perhaps a picture down the throat to compare with US machines. I'll go back tomorrow to photograph the throat opening of the S7 at CanTire.

Miele is facing a public relations & consumer nightmare until this hose material is recalled and replaced, I'd say. Such a major flaw is inexcusable on a +$500 machine.

Below, the collapsed throat diameter of the New Constellation; by comparison the S7 hose looks lined with a 1/2" thick layer of cholesterol. :-)
Dave


Post# 79562 , Reply# 7   8/29/2009 at 23:05 (5,324 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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Vinyl span between coils on the New Connie.

Post# 79563 , Reply# 8   8/29/2009 at 23:30 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Nice information!

vacfanatic's profile picture
Dave,

Thanks for covering all the real technical details which you are much more experienced and educated on that I am. All I could come up with was the term "smushed" LOL. I know that Miele will probably have to do something about this or they will surely damage their reputation as such a high end appliance manufacturer. In the meantime, I've dusted off my Kirby Ultimate G Diamond and have her ready to take over for the S7. Until the Miele engineers come up with a working replacement hose, I'm going to just park the S7. Sad... $1000 vacuum cleaner and the simplest of parts, a freaking hose, is defective.

I'm not bashing Miele, I'm just frustrated is all. Wish they had the same hose that is on my Hoover Windtunnel 2 Bagged - freaking LOVE that hose, it never smushes, and the W2 has a lot of suction like the S7 does.

Thanks again Dave for the additional details of the hose design.

-Andrew


Post# 79564 , Reply# 9   8/29/2009 at 23:42 (5,324 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

That really sucks :(

I don't think I will be using the hose on my S7 very often, mainly because I prefer using canisters for "hose cleaning", and to keep the original hose in un-smushed condition! Hopefully Miele will get this fixed soon.

~Alex


Post# 79565 , Reply# 10   8/29/2009 at 23:59 (5,324 days old) by xraytech ()        

Andrew,
That sucks that you are having this problem again, I would have expected more from such an expensive vacuum.
Is there any way that you may be able to return it?

Sam


Post# 79566 , Reply# 11   8/30/2009 at 00:13 (5,324 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Return

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I doubt they would let me return the cleaner, I bought it on Jan 3rd, 2009. I'm tempted to trade it back in for another Capricorn / SEB236 combination but we'll see how Miele responds to the hose problem first.

Post# 79568 , Reply# 12   8/30/2009 at 05:24 (5,324 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        
:(

Hey Andrew, so sorry to hear about this. We expect better from Miele! I'm happy to say that I haven't had any problems with mine yet, but I've now heard from 5 people with similar problems. Miele have to sort this issue before word gets out of how widespread the fault it, and puts people off the S7 range permanently. They're already struggling to sell it in the numbers they had hoped; they really don't need this issue on top of that!

Don't give up yet, though! Aside from the hose, as frustrating as that is, the S7 is a wonderful cleaner, and I think you'd miss it if you traded it in!!


Post# 79569 , Reply# 13   8/30/2009 at 05:25 (5,324 days old) by seamusuk (Dover Kent UK)        

(Oops, forgot I was signed in as Seamus on his laptop; this is Jack, hehe!) :P

Post# 79576 , Reply# 14   8/30/2009 at 09:13 (5,324 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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Aw shucks, Andrew, smushed is the perfect succinct descriptive of what that hose is doing to itself. Ever curious, I wanted to analyze exactly why this is happening - a combination of inadequate coil wire material chosen, not up to the task's torsional forces and a severely reduced throat diameter - gradual smush.

Rather than contact Customer Support I would follow the links all the way to the top of Miele USA and make a big disappointment noise. I'm sure they are hearing plenty of noise back at corporate from the dealers getting returns of an otherwise excellent upright cleaner.

Consumers need to take the Bull by the horns and let corporate Miele know we are not satisfied about this hose but we love the S7. Because Miele so proudly trumpets their exhaustive testing procedures we must get them to acknowledge that the hose is defective from it's inception, a better hose (like the New Connie) is the easy fix and they must get these new hoses on to the new S7 production line and into the hands of previous buyers quickly and with apologies.

It is not the franchised dealers' fault but they are the ones getting the flak while Corporate dithers away sending out in-stock replacement hoses with the same problem. One would hope Miele has a fix in the works but they certainly aren't advertising it. :-(

You can be sure Corporate knows all too well they have a problem with this lemon of a hose. Wouldn't it be nice if they would swallow their pride and contact every purchaser of an S7 and make it right? Well, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say.

Later today when I have pictures of the S7 throat diameter I'm going to email my own letter of complaint and analysis to Miele Corporate in Canada and the USA and wait for whatever response I get. I don't even own an S7 yet but they don't need to know that. :-) I feel the S7 series is a future collectible and I hope to have one one day...but not with a defective hose.

Dave


CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK


Post# 79580 , Reply# 15   8/30/2009 at 12:16 (5,324 days old) by samotronic ()        

I agree Dave. I do own an S7. I don't have the hose problem, but it is going back to the dealer later today to have the bag mechanism repaired that came off when I changed the bag. I will ask what they are hearing about this hose problem here in the Pittsburgh area. And I will write to corporate about it as well.

Andrew, this is a shame. You were one of their most satisfied and proud customers even having gone through this once. I remember commenting to you that you were a very good sport about that first time. More that I would have been. Fortunately your alternate vac is nothing to scoff at. LOL.

Chris



Post# 79592 , Reply# 16   8/30/2009 at 14:57 (5,324 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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Ok, here's picture proof of what's wrong with the choice of S7 hose vinyl...it's too thin to hold it's ring shape as it expands and you can see how deep the inner fold protrudes into the airstream. I compared to every other stretchy vinyl hose vacuum brand in Can Tire and every one of the others is thicker vinyl with a lesser span between coils and does not exhibit this wrinkled effect as you pull the hose out.

Post# 79593 , Reply# 17   8/30/2009 at 15:00 (5,324 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

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And here is what Canadian Tire/Miele has to crow about their build quality and 5 YEAR COMPLETE WARRANTY!

Go demand your consumer rights, all S7 owners.

Dave, really quite annoyed now.


Post# 79602 , Reply# 18   8/30/2009 at 17:21 (5,323 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
The hose on the new Constellation indeed has a similar probl

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But it happened in China well before I opened the box here in Canada.

When I saw that the Hudson Bay department store was deep-discounting the new stainless steel Constellation, I bought one for me and one for a friend. The Bay was originally selling these for CAD400.00, but it dropped to a beautiful CAD180.00 at some point, and I could not resist. Though Consumer Reports rated it poor for carpet cleaning (because it only comes with an air-driven turbo rug nozzle), it rated all other aspects as excellent, including air-flow through the hose and filtration. Since I use my classic Eureka upright on carpets, this was going to make a fine companion for all other cleaning.

When I opened both boxes, I was really angry to see that both hoses were "smushed" just like these Miele's! It looked like both were taken from the bottom of the pile of hoses the packer was using to fill his Constellation boxes back in TTI-land in China. No matter how much you stretched them, the hose contracted into the "smushed" state. It may have even happened after the hoses were placed in the carton. They both were not wrapped around the Constellation bases as they should have. Instead, they were sitting in the cardboard tool tray at the top of the box, but "folded" in half and squished into a corner. This is what may have caused the deformations.

I brought both hoses back to the store with my receipts and got two replacements which were much better. I was not going to accept mediocre equipment on Day One of using a brand new vac - no matter how inexpensive.

Wishing you much luck with Miele. This will be a real test of how responsive the company is to consumers' needs.

Eurekaprince Brian





Post# 79606 , Reply# 19   8/30/2009 at 18:50 (5,323 days old) by piano_god (British Columbia, Canada)        
5 year warranty...

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The five-year warranty is a promotion in Canada only that is currently set to end on September 31st. This applies to all machines, including the chinese made S514 and S518. The seven-year warranty still applies to the vacuum motor only.

Canadian Tire has been having a tough time selling the S7280 Mistral vacuum, so much so that Costco was sent a bunch to sell. Makes me think that the Mistral may not be carried at Canadian Tire for much longer...



Post# 79607 , Reply# 20   8/30/2009 at 18:55 (5,323 days old) by piano_god (British Columbia, Canada)        

piano_god's profile picture
Sorry, that should be September 30th...

Post# 79609 , Reply# 21   8/30/2009 at 19:53 (5,323 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Sorry that is happening to you again! Especially on such a nice machine. Must be terribly frustrating!

Post# 79630 , Reply# 22   8/31/2009 at 08:11 (5,323 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Yea I've kind of cooled off a bit about it now, not much I can do until they change the hose material and offer replacement hoses (that last) to those who are affected. I'm waiting for my response from customer service before I go to corporate about it.

Post# 79636 , Reply# 23   8/31/2009 at 11:27 (5,323 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Miele Care

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I have been contacted by a representative at Miele and am working with them to provide more details of the hose problem to Miele. I just wanted to let everyone know how fast of a response I have received - pretty impressive for customer service if you ask me!

Hopefully it will be sorted out soon enough so I can get back to cleaning in luxury :-)

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Thanks,
Andrew


Post# 79649 , Reply# 24   8/31/2009 at 16:13 (5,322 days old) by samotronic ()        

At least they seem initially responsive so that seems positive. I was curious how you are communicating with them. In case I ever have this problem with my S7.

I took mine to my dealer today to repair the bag slot / mechanism that I broke off on Saturday and they were very adament about giving me a loaner. I have other vacs to resort to and couldn't see going to all the trouble of carting a loaner back and forth. They said if it isn't fixed by end of week to please come back and get a loaner. I thought that was nice.

Chris


Post# 79666 , Reply# 25   8/31/2009 at 19:59 (5,322 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        
Chris...

Did the bag slot completely break or did it just come off of the machine? When I first got mine I was messing around with it and I accidentally took the bag slot off. After a bit of thinking I got it back in the right way, and spring loaded like it should be. :)

~Alex


Post# 79677 , Reply# 26   12/31/2069 at 18:00 (19,810 days old) by samotronic ()        
Hey Alex

It didn't break other than the spring came off. And I did try to put it back, but it was not at all intuitive (at least to me) as to how to get it back in without breaking it. It seemed very delicate and when it came off, it's not like I was tugging at it. To be honest, I'm not sure I wouldn't accidently do that again. Chris



Post# 79695 , Reply# 27   9/1/2009 at 11:09 (5,322 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Miele Care

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Chris,

They emailed me direct from Miele after I sent in a post sale complaint about the hose being "smushed again". I'm waiting to hear from another contact at Miele to discuss the problem. I believe they are trying to get another problem report about the hose so they can officially address it if they have not already, but that's just my speculation. I'm just waiting for a call or email.

Andrew


Post# 80199 , Reply# 28   9/6/2009 at 13:20 (5,317 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
From the other side of the Atlantic -

forgive the mess and the pyjamas! I was just discussing the issue with Andrew, and I wanted to see if my S7 could experience the same problem he's had with his.

Sure enough...


Post# 80201 , Reply# 29   9/6/2009 at 13:26 (5,317 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Oops!

And to think...a 'tested-for-20-years' MIELE!

Never had this issue with any of my "Die-soons".

Just sayin'...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO vintagehoover's LINK


Post# 80219 , Reply# 30   9/6/2009 at 17:06 (5,316 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Sad but supportive news.

aeoliandave's profile picture
Thanks Jack for the proof across the pond - yikes, it's a Smush Pandemic!

Planned Obsolescence is one thing but Planned Uselessness before the Warranty even runs out?

Dave


Post# 80269 , Reply# 31   9/7/2009 at 11:15 (5,316 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Miele Rep Visiting

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I'm meeting with the midwest Miele floorcare representative today to discuss and show what is happening again with my second hose. The information will get relayed to Miele and hopefully we'll be able to find a solution to my problem.

If others are having the same issue that I am, please contact Miele so they get more reports of the issue. Unless they start receiving feedback from those affected, I would not expect any resolution. I'm going to ask that once this hose completely fails like the last one (and I can already tell it will in a few months), I'd like to be able to send the hose directly to Miele vs exchanging it through my dealer. Want to make sure the defective hose is reaching the correct hands at Miele so they can see first hand what I'm experiencing.

In the last few days of cleaning with the S7, the hose has become even weaker. Now when you block off the suction temporarily, the hose "squashes" and then in a few spots wont unsquash. I put a brand new bag in it to do this test. Airflow indicator was all the way clear, then after the "squash" test, it was completely red, all the way. You have to jiggle, pull, and fuss with the hose to get it to restore airflow. (This is really inconvenient when using the Turbo Tool!).

The first hose, was so bad when I had to ask for a replcement, I literally could not even use the hose for anything on full power. Instant "squashing" and you'd have to turn the cleaner clear off, and fiddle for a few minutes to even get it to be somewhat functional. Didn't last long though. I'll let you guys know how my visit goes! Kind of nervous :-)

Andrew


Post# 80275 , Reply# 32   9/7/2009 at 11:42 (5,316 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)        

bagintheback's profile picture
I would expect more out of Miele. I hope you can help fix this problem.

Post# 80276 , Reply# 33   9/7/2009 at 11:51 (5,316 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill (Birthplace of the Railway),England, UK.)        
Immer Besser!!

chestermikeuk's profile picture
No need to be nervous Andrew , you are the CUSTOMER and having identified an issue I`m sure they will oblige!! just have all your paperwork & sales documentation, and simply explain the issue, if this person as part of the Miele organisation doenst want to play ball then simply thank him for his time and come away..then contact Miele HQ USA and copy in Miele Germany, politely explaining the vac club!!! that`l sort it!!!

Jack, are you saying yours is doing the same???


Post# 80277 , Reply# 34   9/7/2009 at 12:13 (5,316 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Hi Mike -

to clarify: the issue with the hose occurs when the S7 is used on a regular basis with the cleaner on 'Manual', and set to 'full power'. This is totally reasonable usage of the hose, and these settings are essential when the turbobrush is used. This is the way Andrew uses his, and as a consequence, he's had one hose wrecked, and one hose is showing clear signs of going the same way. The fact is, the hose just can't cope with that much stress, when the airflow is stifled by the turbobrush or crevice tool. The pressure collapses sections of the hose, and the only way to restore them is to switch off the cleaner every few seconds and 'work' the hose back into shape. After several months of this, the spring structure becomes damaged beyond repair, the hose misshapen and useless.

I always use my S7 on 'Auto', which as I demonstrated, will always turn the cleaner down to its lowest power-setting when you use the hose. This means the hose isn't 'fighting' against you, and the hose material is under much less stress. Therefore, I've never had a problem with my S7 hose, and probably never will if I continue to use it in this manner.

However, whilst talking to Andrew, I tried fitting the crevice tool and turning the power to full. I then stretched and retracted the hose a couple of times, and what you saw above was the result. Although mine goes back into shape at the moment, if used continually in this way, it would be as useless as the first hose Andrew had to return.

Basically, the S7 cannot be used with a turbobrush whilst it continues to use this hose.


Post# 80304 , Reply# 35   9/7/2009 at 16:17 (5,315 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Miele Rep Visit

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Well I met the representive and had a wonderful visit. My concerns of the hose were expressed and demonstrated. The rep had not seen this before, and was quite shocked the hose would do such a thing! I'm sure that not all of the hoses are doing what mine have, but maybe I just have used it way more than most do and it's stressing? I have a multi-level home combined with a touch of OCD, so it's not uncommon for me to have the S7 running for 1.5 hours - 2 hours on a cleaning spree. The hose gets a LOT of use. Miele has arranged to have a new hose ordered for me, and once it comes into my dealer I'll get to exchange it again. This 2nd defective hose will be sent into Miele per the rep's discussion and will surely be sent to the designers etc. I'm confident that Miele will take the issue seriously and work to resolve this.

My only complaint on the S7 so far. Other than that, I really love this cleaner. I want to thank those I have been in contact with at Miele for sending the rep to my home to look at the issue first hand. Not sure many companies today would even take the time, or seriousness of the issue. Best I would expect from any other company, would be a replacement hose sent over and over. Doubt most companies would take 1 persons claim of a defect seriously as Miele has in my case.

Will let you all know how I fair with the 3rd hose... even t hough I'm half tempted to not use it on high power again to prevent any stress, I suppose that defeats the purpose of having this high quality cleaner. If #3 fails, I'll just continue to work with Miele.

Best,
Andrew


Post# 80310 , Reply# 36   9/7/2009 at 16:23 (5,315 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Can you imagine reporting things like this

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
to TTI ?????? I can only IMAGINE what would happen. (Kinda wish it would) Give TTI a nervous breakdown?? WHY NOT !!!!!! Am I alone??

Post# 80326 , Reply# 37   9/7/2009 at 17:30 (5,315 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)        
Why would you want to give TTI a nervous breakdown?

arh1953's profile picture
Because they deserve it!!

Post# 82367 , Reply# 38   10/14/2009 at 15:33 (5,279 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Pissed off with Miele - Miele S7 Hose Sucks, Literally!

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So I've been extremely patient with Miele regarding the 2 hoses which have failed, and have resulted in me having this 9 month old vacuum being unusable for 6 weeks while waiting for the new hoses. Then I had the pleasure of wasting my own gas to drive across the city to the dealer, exchange the hoses both times. Why did I buy a $1000+ vacuum again?

Miele's solution to the problem? It was suggested that I use "quick stokes" on my microsuede couches and curtains to keep the air flowing through the hose so that it won't screw it up. What about extended use with the crevice tool and Turbo Tool? How am I supposed to spare the hose of that backbreaking duty?

In summary, I'm fuming pissed off. I sent an email to the district manager for Miele Floorcare on Friday, and I have YET to receive a response. I've got a 500 page email trail that I am pretty much fed up with. I've asked for a full refund of the S7 purchase price, or exchange it for a new in box Capricorn with SEB-236 which I idiotically SOLD and took a voluntary $300 loss to "Upgrade" to this S7 piece of shit. Please, someone kick my ass now, and don't over'do it on your hoses for you S7 owners. You'll be in the same boat as I am.

With 3 months left of the 1 year warranty on the hose, what does Miele think I'm going to do after my 1 year is up? They replaced my SECOND failed hose with a THIRD hose, which again I had to wait 3 weeks for it to come in, then drive down to pick it up. Let's think about this for a second - replacing shit, with shit, is not a solution to the problem. They need to accept there is a design flaw with this hose, and deal with it. I want my money back - and I'm not your average vacuum customer who does not know squat about vacuums.

Glad to know I've got $1000+ of my hard earned cash invested in this otherwise fine cleaner with a unreliable hose. I actually have the S7 boxed up, ready for Miele to actually do something about this, and have replaced it with a Dyson DC25. If I don't hear from them by Friday, I'm going to their corporate level on Monday, and I'll ask one of my good friends to write someting on his popular blog about the experience...

Not only have I heard of others having the same hose issues, Jack even tried the squash test on his own S7 hose and guess what, it SQUASHES! Over time, normal use and "squashing" and stress causes the hose to fail. First hose lasted me about 6 months, second one, 2 months. Warranty is up in Jan 2010, and I've got to get rid of this now before I'm stuck with $70+ hoses and 3 week import times for the "forever better" 20 year lifespan this thing is estimated for.

Pissed in Omaha,
Andrew



Post# 82370 , Reply# 39   10/14/2009 at 18:22 (5,278 days old) by swingette ()        

Perhaps this issue can be helped if the swivels in the hose handle and machine inlet where enhanced? The stretch action does create lots of twisting stress. In my experience, I have to untwist the hose everytime its been fully extended to get it back to a fully relaxed state.

Then there is the fact that the machine falls back at the slightest touch of the handle release. Not best for households with children.

And the cord is too long for the cord hooks.

And the cheap painted finish on the silver handle accents.

And the switches should be recessed or protected somehow. On/Off switch is easily accidentally flipped.

The sprung brushroll carrier is a crud-catcher.

And the cogged wheel return will fail after a few years of use in a real-life (dirty) environment.

Durability is not this machines strong suit.


Post# 82372 , Reply# 40   10/14/2009 at 19:04 (5,278 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        

I think this is what they call "design on a deadline". Miele was in such a hurry to get a new upright in the American market because they realized the jig was up once we figured out that their previous uprights were actually rebadged Panasonic uprights made in Spain. I think the efforts of Miele would have been better spent if they had found a way to expound upon the versatility of the Universal Upright model line (s163, s168). Thy did this in the 80's. In Europe, there is a short hose extension available for this model line. Why not in the U.S? I'd love to have that kind of versatility with mine. "On board tool" uprights are heavy and awkward! I've used my s164 with all 3 power nozzles and it does extremely well. I wouldn't hesitate to use it with a shoulder strap and short hose a la "Hoover Pixie" style, but Miele doesn't give me that option. I guess I'll be content to drag my Capricorn around from behind, until the pitifully short cord pulls out of the wall and I have to re-plug it.

Don't get me wrong. I love Miele. I just wish I had a chance to offer them suggestions, as their product line doesn't seem to be evolving quickly enough.


Post# 82374 , Reply# 41   10/14/2009 at 19:12 (5,278 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
S7 Faults

vacfanatic's profile picture
Brett,

I agree with you on a few points. I suppose it was my stupid idea to even sell my Capricorn before I had a chance to use the S7, but I took the plunge. Having trusted that the S7 would not let me down because I did like the S5 so much... clearly I wish'd I'd of kept what I had! I've also had a lot of fluff etc build up in the brushroll springs, and the cord is a nice length but it's hard to get it all to fit on the hooks. Another minor but annoying thing is that dust and fine dirt can get behind the LED light lense. Why is that not sealed? I noticed the same thing on my SEB-236 on my S5.

Maybe I'm a vacuum snob, but for the price I paid, I'm extremely unhappy. I should not have even had to so much as think about a part exchange on this S7, let alone 2. Do I have any confidence that the 3rd hose, which is the exact same part that the first and second ones were will last? Not a chance. Miele has my $1000+ and I'm stuck with what I consider a vacuum with a lemon of a hose. What good is a vacuum with a jank hose? Maybe I can retrofit a $40 Wal-Mart vacuum hose on the $1000+ S7 Vacuum, that'll fix it!

Every product has it's fault, but the simplest of things, the hose, is inexcusable for such a high cost elite brand of cleaners.

Andrew


Post# 82376 , Reply# 42   10/14/2009 at 19:28 (5,278 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Reboxed and waiting...

vacfanatic's profile picture
I figured that if I packaged it back up and said my vacuum prayers, that the hose would heal itself. Ok, not really. I'm just waiting for my request to have my money refunded.

Anytime Miele... I've been dealing with the hose problems since about March 2009, and my patience is GONE.

I have 3 months of warranty left before I would be expected to buy the new hoses that fail, fail, fail... better start a savings account!

Andrew


Post# 82378 , Reply# 43   10/14/2009 at 19:40 (5,278 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
You need to enact a "phone blitz"

Give Miele hell. Call them repeatedly until you get satisfaction. Take the first and last name and extension number of everyone you talk to, and this will help you create a chain of accountability. It's obvious that no one will want to answer for this, so you'll need to be a little devious. I assure you that once they realize you're not going away, you'll achieve some satisfactory results.

Post# 82383 , Reply# 44   10/14/2009 at 21:29 (5,278 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
THAT is a fantastic

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post# 82391 , Reply# 45   10/14/2009 at 22:26 (5,278 days old) by bisonian (Where the buffalo roamed! (Ocala, FL))        
No offense Andrew, but ...

... what do you expect Miele to do? They're not going to redesign the hose on the basis of your complaint alone. Even if they were willing to do that, it takes time -- the company can't just stop production and immediately introduce a new hose design without testing, prototyping and evaluation. Then there's retooling, manufacturing and shipping. It doesn't happen overnight.

You have the option of replacing the hose again and taking your chances. Have you contacted the shop you bought the machine from about returning it? Seems like that would be a better option toward getting your money back than trying to go through Miele directly.

Good luck with your quest.

Rick C.


Post# 82402 , Reply# 46   10/14/2009 at 23:16 (5,278 days old) by bimmer740 (Long Island, New York)        
Phone Blitz

bimmer740's profile picture
I completely agree with "luxlife". I have had great success when dealing with a company when I can rattle off all the dates and names of all the people I have spoken with, and how many times I have spoken with each one. I usually start out fairly nice, and as soon as I start getting some generic bull shit answer I really give them hell. You are the customer and no matter what you have paid for the item, you should be accomidated in every possible way, and in a timely fashion. If you can speak to every possible supervisor you can, thats a plus too. Those who are higher up in the company will certainly want to please you once they understand how many people you have already dealt with. Maybe because those "higher ups" are trying to please the customer or because they are embarressed by the lack of action taken by their staff. Demand an immediate resolution to your problem from them. I have had several Miele canister and my last two, a Blue Moon and Red Velvet, were absolutely wonderful. Its a shame to here what an awful experience you are having with your machine, I thought for sure it would be as terrific as the Miele canisters.

Good Luck!


Post# 82408 , Reply# 47   10/15/2009 at 08:12 (5,278 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
No offense Andrew, but ...

vacfanatic's profile picture
The local dealer is completely aware of what has been going on, and has never bothered to call me or follow up. In fact, the string of emails that have been going back and forth between Evy Daniell and myself for about 2 months, they have been CC'd each and every time.

I realize the hose is defective, and I could care less about their redesign timeframes etc. I'm ditching this S7. I'm not going to take my chances again, on the same problem part that will fail again, just as my warranty goes up. They'll really tell me to shove it then and expect me to pay for the part after the 1 year warranty is up.

Even having been suggested I should use "short strokes" to keep the airflow moving in the hose, is rediculous. That's like buying a 7 series BMW for about $100K and then the dealer telling you "Well, we've replaced your engine 3 times, we suggest you don't press the accelerator more than halfway down to prevent stress on the engine..."

I've sent another email to them this morning, advising my next step is opening a complaint with Better Business Bureau.

I agree that the canisters are much better than this upright, but at this point, Miele just sounds like a dirty word to me. Very frustrated!!!!!!!!!

Andrew


Post# 82409 , Reply# 48   10/15/2009 at 08:54 (5,278 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
BBB Complaint Filed

vacfanatic's profile picture
I decided to go ahead and get the BBB complaint filed for a refund. They have wasted enough of my time. Wish me luck everybody, and thanks for listening. It's been very frustrating, especially with the money I spent and lost on this so called "upgrade" to the new S7.

Complaint Submitted
Your complaint has been submitted. The complaint has been transferred to the local BBB to be handled in their system. You may wish to copy or print this information for further reference. Press OK when ready.

The complaint is being handled by the BBB listed below. Please contact them with any questions.

BBB of New Jersey (Trenton, NJ)
1700 Whitehorse Hamilton Square Road Suite D-5
Trenton , NJ 08690-3596
Phone: (609)588-0808
Fax: (609)588-0546
Email: info@trenton.bbb.org
Web: www.trenton.bbb.org/...



Post# 82410 , Reply# 49   10/15/2009 at 09:23 (5,278 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        

Good Luck, Andrew.

I personally don't think poorly of the company about this situation, just about how their reps and dealers have chosen to handle it. Their corportate climate used to actually be quite nice. I used to be involved with an AIDS charity in my city, and for two years in a row Miele donated a canister for our silent auctions. I think you may eventually be talking to someone on a corporate level, but you're taking the most appropriate path for now because I think a lot of people at Miele will be talking about this. One suggestion I have for you is to already have a resolution in mind. For example, tell them you'd just to have a Capricorn again. If you have any documentation to prove that you previously owned a Capricorn (receipt, bank statement, warranty card, etc.), keep it handy. I hope this works out for you.


Post# 82412 , Reply# 50   10/15/2009 at 09:40 (5,278 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Keep up the pressure, Andrew. Be polite and reasonable and deluge 'em with your pile of evidence in email and picture form. Feel free to use my pictures as well - I'll get more when I have a chance to visit the Miele stores in London and Kitchener and perhaps the T&A outlet in Sarnia over the weekend. Other members here that own S7s can help out by inducing this hose flattening and post pictures for Andrew's files.

We've read about your hose problem for many months, another overseas member posted that his hose does the same thing and the display/demonstration model at Canadian Tire here in Stratford shows the signs of deformation and can be induced to collapse flat in the same fashion - clearly the hose used on this otherwise fine upright is a poor engineering choice. It is difficult to believe that this flaw didn't show up in Miele's much hyped R&D testing, being as this was Miele's first foray into producing their own in-house upright. Many other vacuums use this type of long stretch vinyl hose - such as the new Connie or the Kenmore Premalite - which do retract themselves toward the vacuum under throttled suction, but they do not permanently distort and flatten themselves like a runover snake in the road. The S7 hose does not return to a tubular form but takes on an oval cross section set. I trace the problem to the use of a cheaper weaker sub-standard wire used for the reinforcing coil. I agree with John Luxlife that this was a rushed "design on a deadline" - witness also the unnecessary protruding tab on the filter grill that catches on the underside rims of chairs, low cabinetry and coffee tables. I'm surprised that a google search hasn't turned up more complaints wordwide.

Dave


Post# 82416 , Reply# 51   10/15/2009 at 11:33 (5,278 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        

I'm sure Miele already has their next more highly evolved upright model on the drawing board. Their last two major hose issues involved electronics and moving parts. No one talks about these particular problems anymore, but I remember they were a nightmare for my dealer.

Post# 82417 , Reply# 52   10/15/2009 at 12:25 (5,278 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Thanks

vacfanatic's profile picture
Thanks for the feedback from everyone. I just want a good reliable cleaner with a functional hose. I'll let you all know how things work out with the dealer / district rep. I've just left her a voicemail and have asked to have my email returned today, as well as my voicemail.

Andrew


Post# 82420 , Reply# 53   10/15/2009 at 15:42 (5,278 days old) by xraytech ()        

Andrew,

Wishing you the best of luck with this. Keep persistent and hopefully something will happen, unfortunately sometimes no matter how much you persist an dhow high up you go they will essentially tell you too bad sucker. Hope that isnt your case though.

Also have you filed a report with the Attorney Generals office? I have found in the past that they produce more results than the BBB.

Good Luck,

Sam


Post# 82422 , Reply# 54   10/15/2009 at 18:18 (5,277 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Done dealing with Miele and OK Sewing in Omaha, NE.

vacfanatic's profile picture
DONE. Miele asked me to drag the whole cleaner down to have it looked at, completely ignoring my request for refund or exchange to a different model for the LAST time.

Dealer didn't call me back as they said they would tonight, I called back, no answer and left a voicemail. Called them back again when I got home, and he'd convinently "left for the day". Screw it!

That's the last Miele product I ever buy, and you've all been warned how horribly they acknowledge my requests. I called Evy Daniell and left her a voicemail asking her to call me, but what does she do? Leaves me some canned email about needing to bring it in for review, again completely avoiding my request for exchange / refund.

Life is short, and my blood pressure is not worth the $350 loss. I've offered the cleaner (with a freshly replaced PISS POOR hose) to a prospective buyer for just over $600. I'm so done with this.

Good luck on all the S7 owners out there, my experience was nothing short if being dicked around for several months with no response to my needs as a customer of some "elite" brand of appliance. The sooner this piece of shit is out of my house the better.

Andrew


Post# 82429 , Reply# 55   10/15/2009 at 19:33 (5,277 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Andrew, cutting your losses and giving up is exactly what the Management 101 Rulebook hopes a disgruntled customer will do - give up and go away. Now the Better Business Bureau will file your complaint in thei,r dead file drawer.

You should message 'Evy Daniell' that you will only agree to send the vacuum for evaluation at her expense as you are on record as this being the third hose to go bad, etc, etc, etc...

Too bad I ain't in Omaha. Hell, I'd drive me and that vacuum to her office building at 9AM in the morning making it clear I ain't leaving until she sees me and hears the story...and so on. Make yourself a constant steady droning nuisance and she'll deal with you or shoot the dispute even further up the chain of command.

Dave


Post# 82436 , Reply# 56   10/15/2009 at 21:37 (5,277 days old) by luxg ()        

Andrew, I am very sorry to hear that you have been treated this way. I do understand what you have gone through and how you just reach the point of giving up!! This is a great lesson for all of us here. Stay away from Miele products. Sure we are not a huge group here but if we all share this infomration with our friends it can and will have an effect. Terry

Post# 82444 , Reply# 57   10/16/2009 at 02:24 (5,277 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Andrew, I am so sorry to hear about this!
Rob Gwisdala
ps: I thought that Miele used to be a reputable name!


Post# 82449 , Reply# 58   10/16/2009 at 08:23 (5,277 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Case updated with BBB

vacfanatic's profile picture
Friends,

Not to worry, I've updated the case with the Better Business Bureau with the rigamarole I was dealt yesterday. My prospective buyer has alerady purchased a new cleaner, so I'm stuck with this fabulous S7 with a Dollar General hose until I get my money back from OK Sewing with the help of BBB, or sell it on my own terms.

Wish me luck. I'd hate to think how I'd be treated had I of purchased a $3000 Miele washer which the door falls off every 3 months, or a $7000 Miele Stove that shoots flames directly on the cake you are baking...

Not backing down, it's with the BBB now. If no resolution, Nebraska Atorney's General is next.

Rediculous!

Former Miele Customer,
Andrew


Post# 82452 , Reply# 59   10/16/2009 at 11:00 (5,277 days old) by luxg ()        

Good for you Andrew!!!!

Post# 82453 , Reply# 60   10/16/2009 at 11:35 (5,277 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Progress... I hope.

vacfanatic's profile picture
Well I received an email from Evy and she advised that OK was willing to offer an exchange. Why didn't the tell me that when I asked about 5 times ago? I felt as if I was being dragged along, to have my S7 taken in to be inspected, to be told that "well, you're on the 3rd hose, see how it does, cleaner checks out ok!".

It's been so frustrating, and I really hope they offer the exchange. I've asked the Dealer to call me back today to let me know what we can work out. A person can only take so much, and this has pressed me to my limit. I'm human, and having spent approximately $2200 give or take with this dealer / Miele products, I was livid.

If this is resolved, I'm willing to clear the table and continue my business with OK Sewing and Miele. If they don't offer the exchange, I'll have no choice but to keep my BBB case open. I just want resolution as I've been asking for a month. I'm the customer, it's not fair to have me be stuck with their product which has clearly been nothing but trouble for me, when all I'm asking is to have it taken back for a different model. I believe this falls into the topics of Customer Service and Exchange.

Wish me luck guys.

Thanks,
Andrew


Post# 82457 , Reply# 61   10/16/2009 at 12:13 (5,277 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Good luck, Andrew! :D

Post# 82461 , Reply# 62   10/16/2009 at 14:56 (5,277 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Miele S7 hose issue again

Andrew,
I understand where you are with a problem like this issue. I had the same customer service with with my Dyson. I was quite unhappy with customer service with my Dyson when I had a main part failed with in the first 4 months of ownership.
I guess when you pay $500.00 for a product you expect better customer service. You can have a wonderful product and still lose customers with poor cutomer service. When you get my age you realize life is just too short to waste any time with an organization that does not readily take care of a problem for their customers. Maybe they should take some lessons from QVC on customer service.


Post# 82462 , Reply# 63   10/16/2009 at 15:03 (5,277 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Customer Service...

vacfanatic's profile picture
Customer service... what is customer service? I'll tell you what I call customer service!

I bought a $100 Vornado Heater which was 2 months from being expired on it's 1 year warranty. The switch had shorted out and would not work right. I emailed Vornado, they provided me an email response in 24 hours with a link to the pre-paid shipping label. Dropped off the heater, and it was returned to me in 12 business days. The fan had been completely cleaned, circuit board / switch and cord replaced, repackaged and overnighted to me. It does not stop there. They provided me a customer appreciation packet, with a letter of apoligy which was HAND SIGNED, a 30% off coupon for my next purchase of any item with no expiration date on the coupon, AND they renewed the 1 year warranty.

$100 product experience vs. Miele's $1000+ product experience...

Need I say more?

Andrew


Post# 82473 , Reply# 64   10/16/2009 at 19:43 (5,276 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Cooled off...

vacfanatic's profile picture
Well I've done all that I can and have expressed my concerns to Evy. I'm just going to wait for a few days until I hear via email or phone on what the resolution will be.

I'm going to try and just relax and enjoy my weekend and not stress over this any further. Since this thread is turning more into a book / blog, I thought I'd at least let you all know that I have not yet jumped off a bridge to relieve myself of this disaster. :-)

Andrew


Post# 82477 , Reply# 65   10/16/2009 at 20:35 (5,276 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
But, Andrew,

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
How do you REALLY feel? (sorry). There was a time when companies like HOOVER bent over backwards too. I wrote to them YEARS ago. They did everything but come to my house!! Those days are gone. THEY think, "Oh, well , NEXT ?" I NEVER give up, ever.

Post# 82500 , Reply# 66   10/17/2009 at 18:01 (5,275 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
The End!

vacfanatic's profile picture
I am so thankful that I got this issue settled. I went today and returned the S7 and swapped it for a brand new sealed S5 Leo with the SEB-217-3. I'll upgrade to the SEB-236 again later on but I just wanted to be done with it. They threw in a free box of bags for me and we shook hands and cleared the table of all our disputes.

I'm just glad I didn't get stuck with that lemon S7 I had. The dealer advised it was being sent directly back to Miele for research to see what could have been causing the hoses to fail. It's obvious it's not the cleaner, but they can do whatever they want with it now! Good Riddance!

At first I was not sure about the color of the Leo, it's Sapphron Yellow, but it's growing on me each time I look at it. I'm back in business now, and I hope that I never have to deal with something like this again!

Andrew


Post# 82501 , Reply# 67   10/17/2009 at 18:02 (5,275 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Pic

vacfanatic's profile picture
Pic

Post# 82507 , Reply# 68   10/17/2009 at 20:49 (5,275 days old) by cart1531 ()        

I'm glad you were able to sort everything out, Andrew. I love the Leo, that is a very nice shade of yellow. I've really liked the Miele canisters that I've used, I'm hoping that Santa will bring me one this Christmas lol.

Post# 82517 , Reply# 69   10/18/2009 at 10:05 (5,275 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
Great vac! Glad it all worked out!

Interesting color. Funny thing about Miele and their color choices, they're usually in a limited production run. I would imagine so for that particular shade. Even their Aquarius model has been "retired" That could add to the collectability factor of your machine. Back in 2000, I bought a Solaris canister in a beautiful shade of Curry yellow. I should have never traded it in. I also have an 11 year old upright in kind of wild shade of green. I'm glad I kept it.

Post# 82522 , Reply# 70   10/18/2009 at 10:38 (5,275 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Justice

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
prevailed !!!!

Post# 82524 , Reply# 71   10/18/2009 at 11:59 (5,275 days old) by xraytech ()        

Andrew,

am so glad to hear that they finally decided to correct their customer service issues and that everything wrked out for you.


Post# 82527 , Reply# 72   10/18/2009 at 12:37 (5,275 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Miele s7 hose isue

Hey I just love that different color. Glad you got your problem fixed.

Post# 82530 , Reply# 73   10/18/2009 at 13:02 (5,275 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Glad everything worked out for you, Andrew! I've been itching for an S5 for a while now... :)

I heard somebody mention the Aquarius, I would have gotten that over the Neptune but that model is retired, I would have loved it!

~Alex


Post# 82541 , Reply# 74   10/18/2009 at 15:48 (5,275 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
If anyone is interested, I am selling my S5 Capricorn with SEB236 power nozzle. I will be listing it on Ebay shortly.

Gary


Post# 82542 , Reply# 75   10/18/2009 at 15:49 (5,275 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
PS. you can email me privately for more info

Post# 82551 , Reply# 76   10/18/2009 at 18:23 (5,274 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Thanks!

vacfanatic's profile picture
Thanks everyone who kept me from jumping off the bridge while this issue dragged on and on and on LOL. Life is too short to get bent out of shape over a vacuum cleaner - probably shouldn't have been so pissy about it but my patience was maxed out. At least I know the S5's are great cleaners, and the hose on it will NEVER "smush".

I've been busy vacuuming with the new Leo this weekend. Wonder how those new carbons are seating! Wish I had a picture of a Miele Vortex motor cutaway like Jack found of that DC24 motor. If anyone has one let me know!

Andrew


Post# 82559 , Reply# 77   10/18/2009 at 20:59 (5,274 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Congrats Andrew! I am so glad that Miele finally took care of you!


Post# 82611 , Reply# 78   10/19/2009 at 15:39 (5,274 days old) by dial-a-nap (Omaha - the home of the TV Dinner)        
I told you so! Hee hee...

dial-a-nap's profile picture
Andrew, I'm glad you got the vac you wanted. FWIW to the others following your postings, I'll repeat the bit if info I know about OK Sewing and Vacuum to offer a little more insight and stand as witness that Andrew isn't a drama-prone shopper ;-) I would loved to have been a fly on the wall when the call came from Miele to OK S&V ordering the exchange of your vacuum!

My mother belongs to two different quilting groups (or guilds) and the reputation is, and has long been, that OK Sewing and Vacuum is one of the hardest dealers to get good service from. Terms like rude, belligerent, uncaring and indifferent have been thrown around very frequently about OK. I recently was given a non-working, 80's Pfaff sewing machine at an estate sale and when I told my mother about it, she said "Don't take it to OK for repair - go anywhere else but there."

I bought a yellow Miele Solaris vacuum there a number of years ago and other than the initial sales pitch in the store and the walking out with my box of Miele, I had no other interaction with them. I'm a Bernina sewing machine person and Pfaff machines are available in a couple of other places now (they used to be exclusive to OK years ago) so there is no need for me to shop there although they do have a very cool collection of sewing machines displayed very well in the store.

Being a Miele dealer for vacuums and now all major appliances, I would think they might have been schooled in some positive customer service skills prior to and as a condition of maintaining their dealer status. Apparently this is not the case with any of the product lines they sell. (Sebo & Windsor, Pfaff, Janome and Miele) With the nature of the high-end sewing and high-end vac businesses, I would think repeat customers would be a significant portion of their revenue so I'm surprised they have earned such a poor reputation but this is not much different than the others I've heard.

Lessons learned in lives lived, I guess we locals have our testimony to OK Sewing and Vacuum. That new yellow is just gorgeous, BTW!


Post# 82626 , Reply# 79   10/19/2009 at 18:07 (5,273 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Sad but true...

vacfanatic's profile picture
Greg,

Well I'm a pretty level headed individual, but this sure as hell tested every bit of patience in my 27 year old body. I honestly can't blame OK completely for the ordeal, as a lot of the miscommunication issues came directly from Miele. However, I will be a eighty below zero day in hell before I purchase another Miele vacuum from OK... They really screwed themselves on this because I have been discussing replacing a few of our appiances in the house with Miele down the road. (Dishwasher and Washer/Dryer). Apparently my near $2500 in business with OK does not bring me up to a high enough status to receive return calls etc, nor qualify me for any form of customer service. They did give me a free box of bags when we did our final business exchange... I can't help but think they should have loaded my trunk full of bags though. :-)

I do love the new S5 though, and I'm happily resuming life in the vacuum lane!

Andrew


Post# 82667 , Reply# 80   10/20/2009 at 09:24 (5,273 days old) by samotronic ()        
Consumer Reports Rating

Consumer Reports has finally reviewed the Miele S7 in their on-line "continually updated" ratings. It did very well.

Currently tied in second place with the Kenmore Progressive (ranked behind the Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel and the Hoover Platinum Bagged, which are tied for first place). It received excellent scores on Carpet, Emissions and Pet Hair. Very Good scores for bare floors, tool airflow and noise. I am surprised that the bare floor rating is not excellent as mine really excells on the bare floor. No machine has an excellent score for Tool Airflow. Lastly, it scored Fair for handling as they found it to be heavy.

I know not everyone believes in or agrees with Consumer Reports but I find it interesting to read their opinions. I personally prefer Kirby to this Miele (or anything for that matter) and while CR begrudgingly gives Kirby a decent rating, they have always refused to give it the credit that it is due.

Anyhow, thought you all would find this interesting. They clearly don't know about Andrew's hose problems.

Chris



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