Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Thank God for those who try.  I can't always give high scores in regard to the worth of their efforts but they do help to keep life interesitng.  And per the news link -- http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080926/0437655.html -- Bissell certainly is trying.

I can't find any information about the new Bissell Versus (see below) but the article states that HSN has it and that it will be in the hands of retailers this month.

Best,

Venson

Hello DIB:

To BISSELL's credit it offers a full complement of floorcare cleaning products: Stick vacuums, hand vacuums, carpet sweepers, floor washers, rug extractors both full size and portable, canisters and uprights.  Its top of line HEALTHY HOME with a 5 Year Warranty, makes the Consumer Reports cut for best upright ratings, still carries its MSRP of $249 among all the retailers.  With some retailers offering a $25-$40 Giftcard on Holiday sales.  While less expensive BISSELL models like the Clear View and Momentum uprights are always rated a CR Best Buy.  And very popular sellers among all the big box stores.   BISSELL's signature model, the carpet sweeper, is a US vacuum industry and American household icon and classic. 

As Venson points out with the Versa, at $70 a pop, before discounts, there is not much thought needed/given by consumers to make a buy decision.  Marketing/advertising probably never enter the process for most buyers.  Just the $70 price and the BISSELL name recognition. 

Despite your Grandma BISSELL analogy and perhaps due in large part to it, BISSELL with over 100 years in the vacuum industry in the USA, thru good and bad economic times, is very well positioned as a big box venue brand, to flourish in short/long lived recessions.  In the final business analysis, this is the only marketing edge that matters.   

Carmine D.

The March 2009 Consumer Reports tested new held held and stick vacuums, corded and cordless, and compared them with the best previously tested models.  The results?  New top performers.  BISSELL lands the top spots for both:  For sticks, the BISSELL corded Versus for $80.  The boomerang shaped head, according to CR, fits into corners and edges better than almost every other stick CR tested.  Consider it, per CR, for quick clean-up on bare floors.  Yet its not an option for carpets since it lacks a brush [according to CR].  On the last point I would agree too and note the DIrt Devil Cruz, for a similar shortcoming.  Great on floors, pass on rugs due to no brush.

For hand helds, the new BISSELL corded Pet Hair Eraser for $35. Superb on carpets, floors, and edges, according to CR.  But despite the name the worst tested for pet hair.

Carmine D.

The March 2009 issue of C/R actually praised the 'V' for its ability to get into corners. Looking at the narrow front and rear slots on the underside view of the nozzle, it may create enough turbulance when directed intoa corner to pick up loose debris