Venson

I have placed a call to friend who has a vac shop in my neighborhood.  He's out today but I explained the situation to his assistant who suggested I try him this coming Monday.  No promises, but I'll inquire if he can work a deal for a bulk order.  If he can I'll send a PM with his contact info so that you may get in touch.  Basicallly, you'd need to figure out how many bags you need over x-period of time.

On the other hand, should you be able to sell your Miele upright at a good price AND if you think you coulld live with a canister machine . . .

I would not recommend a bagless machine not only because of your respiratory issues but because of the frequent need for emptying due to the volume of work you face.  Nor, for the same reasons and also because of extra maintence requirements would I suggest a water-type vacuum.  You need a cleaner with a big bag and such machines do exist. 

Not necessarily a favorite to some, there is an alternative big-bagged canister vacuum like the Nilfisk GD 930 which uses a 15-litre (4 gallon) disposable bag and that can be fitted with a power nozzle kit (Part No. 70014).  This simply designed vacuum cleaner is more usually acquired for commercial usage but is of a size suitable for use in the average home.  It comes equipped with a HEPA filter and, per tthe rep I spoke with today, I am told that the standard NIlfisk bag made for it in combination with the foam and HEPA filtering medium already in place should suffice in providing quality emissions without the use of high-filtration bags.  The canister itself weighs about 16.5 pounds, is quiet in operation plus its power cord is 50-feet long.

Standard replacement bags come in packs of ten and at the cost $22.00 per package direct from Nilfisk.  (I checked with an independent dealer and his price is the same.) The high-filtration counter-part would cost about $72.00 per pack.  The downside is that a dealer who was pricing the basic canister at $565.00 price the power nozzle kit at $300. 

However, the basic GD 930 can probably be found for at about $100 less -- again with some looking around.  Therefore the thing here, if you're interested, would be finding the machine at the best price. 

PLEASE take careful note that I am not affiliated in any way with the makers or sellers of the products I suggest and receive no compensation or special consideration from them by way of my recommendation.

Best,

Venson

Hi again,

I tried Canadian Tire's toll-free number, 866-746-7287, thinking there might be a way to save you a few bucks on bags by ordering them onlne from across the border.  But I learned -- first -- Canadian Tire does not ship outside of Canada -- and second -- they offer a five-pack of high-filtration bags but they cost $19.99 in Canadian money which would add to about $17.40 in currency.  Still a no-win/no-win situation.

In any event being a lover of animals, or at least animals that don't talk back, I much admire your rescue effort despite the obstacles in your way.  It must mean a chunk of work all around.  Since you have asthma, despite the possible economic advantage I will not suggest trying to re-use the bags.  (Yes, I know I'm talking sin here -- but sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do.)  Yet, to do that would technically void any warranty coverage you're due.

In any event, I hope opportunity for the new home you and your husband are planning for will come soon and that you'll be able to avail yourself of a larger capacity cleaning unit.

Keep up the good work.

Venson

Hi Carmine,

Free bags would have been nice but the only thing you get free these days is criticism.  What I can't understand is why the store did not have the foresight to order an ample amount of bags along with the cleaner.  Even though it was a "market test" a buyer should be accomodated with whatever's needed. I am surprised, because when I researched this the Miele helpline said they had bags aplenty. They probably still have a good number on hand even now.

Anyway, the eBay idea is a great one.

Venson 

Hi Melanie,

Don't shoot but -- if youre living in a single home -- you might consider a central system later on down the line.  It crossed my mind since you have a lot of animals to clean up after are fastidious about it. Though the dust collection method should probably not be bagged. you would not have to worry over emptying a properly-sized unit  more than every two or three months. 

The cost of a decent central vacuum may not be all that far away from the price of some niche brand portable cleaners.  Besides the expense of HEPA filters and dust bags, you can choose a power nozzle pleasing to your purposes as well as attachments to suit your needs.  MOLE and some others here are specialists in the field and can probably give pretty accurate advice regarding the overall cost factors.

A central system is not an option for me as I am an apartment dweller (and life is not complete unless I have some gadget or another to fiddle with) but I think a central systems can be a boon in a private home with lots of kids and/or pets.  Less frequent emptying and zero emissions concerns.

Best,

Venson

Sorry to hear you're having a problem.  Also, thank you much for sharing the bag price with us.  Unfortunately, most expensive appliances, as well as pricey cars, carry burdensome prices on replacement parts and necessary maintenance items.  Personally, I think bigger reason for the higher expense is merely that you bought into a "name".   I hope there's some sort consolation in this by way of the machine's performance. Nonetheless, to be fair, since the cleaner was out for pre-market testing I don't think maintenance items are usually easy to get before it becomes a bona fide part of company inventory.

I have a Miele canister and a four-pack of high filtration bags can cost about the same.  I have found the best relief for Miele disposable bags' high cost is to look for a good discount for two or more packages of bags through sellers on eBay.  It may take a little time I think before bags for your upright will be regularly in stock at Miele dealers.

In the interim, hold on to that phone number and hope for the best.

Thinking on pricing, I once had a friend whose mother had left him a wonderful, large house that he probably would be paying on 'til who knows when if he'd had to have bought it himself.  It seems every time a tradesman stopped by his price went up about twenty bucks.

Best,

Venson