The Kirby Company is a direct selling vacuum cleaner company founded in 1914 by Jim Kirby. In addition to the home cleaning system, the company offers a comprehensive line of biodegradable carpet shampoo and stain removal products. According to its corporate website, Kirby is committed in producing a high-quality home cleaning system that meets rigorous standards in safety, durability, and overall performance. The multi-level marketing company’s headquarters are located in Cleveland, Ohio. The company has earned the Carpet and Rug Institute Gold Seal of Approval. The private company generates between $1-$2 billion in global revenue annually and employs under 500 people. The Kirby company produces only one model of vacuum cleaner at a time. The current model is called a Kirby Avalir that converts into several different units from the same power base. The complete home care system is made primarily from aluminum and converts into a canister vacuum, an upright vacuum, a floor buffer, a carpet shampoo system, tile cleaner, sander, and an air pump.

Products are sold exclusively through door-to-door demonstrations by Independent Distributors.The vacuum cleaner company does not charge individuals anything in order to become Independent Distributors. The Kirby Company manufactures the products and sells them to authorized distributors. These distributors set their own prices for the units and recruit Independent Sales Associates who sell the products door-to-door for a commission. Consumers who purchase a Kirby home care system receive a 3-year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty, Fire Protection Plan, and access to the Lifetime Rebuild Program. The manufacturer’s warranty protects against material or workmanship defects and is honored by all independent distributors and authorized service centers. With the Lifetime Rebuild Program, customers are given the option to have their purchased cleaning system serviced to an “as new’ condition. If a customer would like their model completely refurbished, they can return the unit to the factory for a fee that varies by model.

According to the United States Consumer Price Index, the rebuild price currently is $175 for original owners and $350 for non-original owners, plus the cost of shipping and handling. If the home cleaning system is damaged or destroyed by fire, the company will replace the system at the cost of the rebuild fee. Having a model refurbished or replaced introduces a new one year manufacturer’s warranty. The Kirby Company is Better Business Bureau accredited and has an excellent rating. There were 22 complaints closed against the direct sales company in the last 3 years. 13 complaints were closed in the last 12 months. Many of the complaints dealt with either manufacturing issues or sales practices concerning distributors. The Kirby Company is also an upstanding member of the Direct Selling Association and abides by its Code of Ethics. The sales and marketing practices employed by Kirby have been criticized publicly in the past. The company has been the focus of many consumer protection agencies.

These agencies have received numerous complaints in regards to the practices used by distributors when selling vacuum cleaners door-to door. Many complaints involved older consumers who had difficulty standing up for themselves when distributors came knocking on their doors. The Wall Street Journal listed examples of these scenarios. reviews on vax vacuum cleanersOne couple had problems for over 5 hours trying to remove 3 Kirby salesmen from their homes. vacuum cleaners bags vs baglessA woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease was found to have been sold two Kirby vacuum cleaners, and paid $1,700 for the second vacuum cleaner.vacuum cleaners mercury manufacturer The home cleaning systems are incredibly expensive for many consumers.

However, the vacuum cleaners are consistently marketed to consumers who clearly cannot afford the device. However, they agree to purchase the home cleaning system in order to end the aggressive sales pitches. The TV show Primetime on ABC conducted an investigation after receiving thousands of complaints regarding Kirby salespeople. The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner obtained over $13,000 in refunds for 13 senior citizens. The West Virginia Attorney General obtained over $26,000 in credits and refunds for dissatisfied consumers. The Arizona Attorney General filed a lawsuit in 2004 against distributors for violations regarding the Consumer Fraud Act. The Detroit Better Business Bureau received so many complaints at one point in the past that it had to turn matters over to the Wayne County prosecutor. The company does not claim liability for its salesforce as they use independent contractors. It claims to teaches distributors to abide by a Code of Ethics that involves integrity, honesty, and ethical sales practices.

However, something is not quite right about the company based on the numerous complaints it has received in the past when compared to that of similar competitors in the multi-level marketing industry. A federal class-action lawsuit is currently pending against The Kirby Company under the civil action provisions in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Kirby is being charged with allegedly selling used vacuum cleaners as new ones. The complaint further alleges that the company is fully aware of the practice by selling duplicate or replacement “Original Purchaser’s Registration Cards” to distributors to be given to the second hand purchasers. Worried About Protecting Your Home? Most burglaries take place between 10 AM and 3 PM and are predominately committed by men. According to the FBI’s own records, the arrest rate for burglars was only 13% last year. Single-family detached homes are more likely to be targeted by burglars. The typical burglar lives within 2 miles of the victim(s).

Homes without a home security system are 3xs more likely to be broken into. A burglary occurs every 14 seconds… Consider a Home Security system for protection. Research Home Security Companies Kirby is a vacuum cleaner company that has been in the industry for over 100 years. Its product line includes an all-in-one complete home cleaning system as well as numerous carpet and floor cleaning products. The direct sales company sells its products to consumers exclusively door-to-door through Independent Distributors, who receive a commission based on the priced of the product and set by an authorized dealer. The company is fully accredited by and has an excellent rating with the Better Business Bureau and is also an upstanding member of the Direct Selling Association. The company has a shady and controversial past that involves deceptive practices and aggressive sales techniques from their distributors. The company currently has a federal class action lawsuit pending in regards to alleged violations of provisions in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.