Menu
Kirby Customer Service Phone, Email, Contacts

Kirby
reviews & complaints

www.kirby.com
www.kirby.com

Learn how the rating is calculated

3.2 103 Reviews

Kirby Complaints Summary

56 Resolved
47 Unresolved
Our verdict: While Kirby has an above-average resolution rate, there’s room for improvement. Investigate common issues reported by customers and understand how they were resolved. Be prepared to follow up on your queries if needed, and keep detailed records of all interactions.
Verified
The authenticity of the customer service contact information for Kirby has been meticulously verified by representatives from ComplaintsBoard using our proprietary verification system.
Get notifications about new complaints and reviews of Kirby. We promise not to send you any unrelated messages.
Share
Claim Your Business
Take control of your profile: address complaints and engage with reviews
Write a review File a complaint

Kirby reviews & complaints 103

Sort by:

Newest Kirby reviews & complaints

ComplaintsBoard
E
2:27 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Free Demo's

I was offered a free demo and was told I was put in a drawing for a type of grand prize. I was told they would come out and do my carpets for free and there was no obligation. Instead when the demonstrator arrived I was told to give my banking information or there would be no free carpet cleaning demo so I told the demonstrator to leave. When I complained to his company they assured me that is not how they do business and they set up yet another free demo to make right the situation, but this time the demonstrator called ahead to ask for the banking info and when I refused to give it he said they would not bother coming out at all.

Read full review of Kirby
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
M
7:38 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Employment practice

KIrby distributors treat their workers as independent contractors. This is a violation of tax laws. IRS publication 15-A has a definition of an employee and an independent contractor.

If you have worked for Kirby and were paid as an independent contractor you can submit search for IRS form SS-8, fill it out and send it to the IRS.
This will allow you to amend your tax return for when you worked for Kirby and get more money back.

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
L
L
Loll
manchester, GB
May 22, 2010 9:08 pm EDT

I have worked for kirby for the last two weeks seven days a weeks 12 hours a day under the impression i would get a nice little wage putting the hours in and was told after 30 days you get payed! I to got told you have to do 60 demos to get payed and was told appointments were arranged up until a few days ago i sussed out thats untrue.Way they work is they make sure you dont ever get 60 demos and use you to get all there leads that these last few days i have sussed.I started getting very wary and the hours made it more so i was getting leads door knocking with very few demos. Me and another girl were the only remaining out of 20 so after looking into it more tonight on here i rang her and made her aware and as it stands im no mug working my [censor] for two weeks with no pay so they can take a running jump and come and knock on my door for you demonstration kirby back because thats my pay you aint getting it! I advise no one to work for them they are a scam.

M
M
midnight414
, US
Jan 29, 2010 1:18 pm EST

DODGED A BULLET! BEWARE OF "APPOINTMENT SETTERS" EMPLOYMENT!
I agree with the complaints. I have been out of work for 6 months and at the point of being desperate for a job, any job. The local Job Center/Workforce Development agency has a listing for "appointment setters" for RTS Distributors LLC. I called today and they didn't even answer with the company name - I had to ask. I did end up with an interview - in a shady part of town. You know how something just doesn't feel right? I did some research before going and I found out LOADS of stuff. Fortunately, someone from my town had posted a complaint about them. After that, I did some more digging with the BBB here in the US. I found out that the Attorney General from Wisconsin pursued a consumer protection settlement with the 14 RTS Distributor LLC offices here and in Minnesota that required them to pay $56, 428 for unfair and deceptive business practices. One of the things was "Failing to properly identify themselves and the purpose of their contact in telephone, mail, or in-home solicitations." That's exactly what happened to me. The list goes on from there about the action that the AG took against these "distributors." I called back to cancel the interview and again they never identified themselves - I had to ask. I canceled the "interview" and they never bothered to ask my name or why I wanted to cancel - apparently they have been through this before! I am SO lucky I did a little research beforehand. I know the economy is rough, but I hope others take a little time to research the company they may be applying with - it may save you in the end. Remember you're interviewing them just as much as they're interviewing you - DO YOUR RESEARCH!

ComplaintsBoard
S
5:27 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Inexplicable company

Kirby Vacuum is very inexplicable. The first time I had received my vacuum cleaner from them, it worked great. I had no problems with it whatsoever. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. It was the best quality ever absolutely first-rate. They even sent accessories to last me years. After a couple of months, it started giving me some problem. I called the original number of Kirby and I wouldn't get through. Then I had to give it to a local repair shop and they said that the part that was giving problem was not an original part. I was so annoyed and felt I was cheated by Kirby. I don't know if they are still in business because I never get through their number and do not get any replies. I will see that I warn all my friends about them if at all they are still in business.

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
P
P
p. jackson
, US
Jun 02, 2011 11:01 pm EDT

I had a visit as well from a Kirby Sales Lady, she was the most polite person I have ever met, respectable and everything, so i went ahead and purchased the Kirby, the next day, something occurred and i could not keep the vacuum, i sent in the cancellation in due time, and they refused to pick it up, they stated they came to my house at 11:30am, on 3 different occasions, and I stated to them, why wouldn't you let me know, because i WORK everyday except weekends, then they told the finance company that i wanted to keep the Kirby, i called like daily, and left dozens of messages, and they actually did not pick it up until 40 days after i sent them the cancellation form, they threatened to go into my account, garnish me, it was ridiculous, enjoyed the Saleslady, but the Company it self is very unprofessional, I have told all of my 30 references not to purchase one, I mean, come on now, I shop at Boston Store weekly and never have a problem returning anything.

A
A
Angimj0202
Charleston, US
Jun 03, 2010 3:39 pm EDT

I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with Kirby. I had a salesman come to my home and he was courteous and very polite. I purchased the Kirby Sentria and after a few days I had forgotten a few things to do and the same salesman came to my home to show me again at no cost. The Kirby Sentria is a great vacuum and I have never had a problem with it. I know that Kirby salesmen often get a bad reputation but they are not all bad. Do not hold a bad salesman against Kirby itself.

ComplaintsBoard
O
5:32 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - sales tactics

Do not do business with them. Kirby is strictly a franchise business. JRB Enterprises is owned by some dumb spoiled kid named Joshua Bragg. The door to door sales witch is Jane Reagen. She will tell you every lie in the book, will not leave when asked repeatedly to do so. He does not have a license to do business in maryland at all and does not obtain the...

Read full review of Kirby and 22 comments
ComplaintsBoard
R
7:02 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby a loan

kirby company made aloan i didnt want to preferred credit company my husband signed he has alzhimers i didnt no what went on . iwas gone for awhile when i came back she told me to sign this paper she said it was to insure her incase we didnt want it .i told her from the get go i didnt want it to come back & get it she said she would tomorrow. i havnt seen her yet &thats been 2 weeks ago now preferred credit keeps calling since my husband signed we owe them. 2, 400.00

Read full review of Kirby
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
K
11:07 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - 3 Day Return Policy

ANYONE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHO HAS BEEN BENT OVER BY KIRBY'S 3 DAY RETURN POLICY AND WOULD LIKE RETRIBUTION, EMAIL ME AT: [protected]@GMAIL.COM. I AM GOING TO TRY AND ORGANIZE A PROTEST TO TAKE THIS SALES OFFICE DOWN! They do not tell you about their return policy and when I called within 2 days, the number provided DID NOT WORK! When I finally got a...

Read full review of Kirby and 6 comments
ComplaintsBoard
N
11:00 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - Unethical Credit practices

To avoid the worlds largest skam don't let in the Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman. They say that you will recieve a free carpet cleaning but they will only vacuum. The salesman looks around the house to convince you that he will rob your house if you don't buy his product. He may make a couple hinting gestures or comments about well if you don't buy it...

Read full review of Kirby and 20 comments
ComplaintsBoard
R
10:30 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby vacuum cleaners

they start with A sweet little young ladies and gentlemen telling they need money for college and they get $50 if you would just let them clean a room or area rug or piece of furniture. they mention a new store in town with cleaning supplies...never does the word kirby come out of their mouth .

not until you agree to the free cleaning, that will only take 15 mins tops...then a another super duper salesmen shows up to start the super duper sales pitch.

the whole thing wouldn't be so bad except they almost always show up at dinner time(my visit was 5:15 on a monday eveing if you can believe that ) they tell you the whole thing will only take 15 mins ...try 1 hour or more if you even remotely look interested.

then they show you a pretty good demo which no matter what vaccum you have is going to make yours look like crap

but the bottom line is do you have to $2400 to spend on a vacuum, although i have read some complaint that say the actually got them down to $600 but I still see complaints about the vacuum itself really not lasting the way it should for that amount of money.

BEWARE AND JUST TELL THEM... NO... EVEN IF YOU FALL FOR THE SWEET GIRL OR WELL MANNERED GENTLEMEN YOU SEE UPFRONT AS SOON AS THE GUY SHOWS UP WITH THE VACUUM ...SCREAM NO! SLAM THE DOOR SHUT AND CLOSE THE BLINDS

Read full review of Kirby and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
K
K
Kirby Killer
Culver City, US
Jul 22, 2009 11:09 pm EDT

ANYONE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHO HAS BEEN BENT OVER BY KIRBY'S 3 DAY RETURN POLICY AND WOULD LIKE RETRIBUTION, EMAIL ME AT:

IHATEKIRBY@GMAIL.COM.

I AM GOING TO TRY AND ORGANIZE A PROTEST TO TAKE THIS SALES OFFICE DOWN!

They do not tell you about their return policy and when I called within 2 days, the number provided DID NOT WORK! When I finally got a hold of someone they were extremely rude and unforgiving. If that is not pulling a fast one on someone I don't know what is. I want to make their lives a living hell!

ComplaintsBoard
E
3:41 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Terrible company

My grandmother got over pressured and intimidated into buying a kirby sentria vacuum package, she told him she wasnt interested many times, but shes 78 and just to polite to get angry and threaten to call the police to remove this young, energetic salesman 'real good snake oil salesman'. After several hours of high pressure sales techniques she caved and is the new owner of a kirby sentria cleaning system for $1476. When my grandfather found out grandmother was pressured into buying a vacuum that cost more than the truck he was driving she has been depressed and humiliated for days and hes been pissed off and in disbelief. I was so angry at these guys running around scamming senior citizens but i didnt wanna tell my grandmother she got ripped off big time and humiliate her more and then tell her we should cancel before the 3 day cooling off period. So i decided to check out the vacuum in the hopes that i could let this deal stand and still sleep at night. First thing i noticed is this thing is a heavy beast, my grandmother cannot lift it off the ground, first thing i did was put on the suction hose to see kirbys legendary power for myself. Just to hook that hose up you have to disengage the belt turn a couple clips and remove the entire front half of the vacuum and then clip the hose on, remember my grandmother cant even lift this thing or bend down long enough for this task. I took out our 2 year old eureka boss bagless that we bought refurbished at alco for around a $100 and half full of dirt and dog hair and compared side by side with the kirby that was only used in the demo. It wasnt even close, the eurekas suction clearly trumped the kirby in my judgment. I then vacuumed and the lil rocks larger than sand where left behind. Kirby's legendary power and cleaning ability might of been true decades back but in this day and age it is a total marketing myth in my opinion Their legendary reliability seems to be a decades old myth as most of todays electric motors last a very long time and high strength plastic renders their use of aluminum just for marketing, operating 5 minutes 2 times a week for 10 years is nothing special for todays electric motors. We have ceiling fans that last that long running almost run 24/7. 1 day left in the cooling off period and to me the moral thing to do is not reward these strongarm practices and cancel payment if possible, which ive read its almost impossible. well see. There is 1 reason kirby is sold door to door, if it was in a store being offered with competing vacuums it would be totally absurd to buy 1 and they know it! The power assist helps you push this heavy vacuum nicely, but thats only when it running.

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
T
T
theboss1
Orlando, US
Dec 14, 2009 9:00 pm EST

I just quit working for Kirby after 3 days well 7 if you count the 4 days of training. I was told 500 a week if you do 14 demos. It's physically impossible to do 14 demos people most of the time you get cursed at and the door slammed in your face. Do not work for Kirby this is how they make their money off of you. I wish they sold the product in stores because I've never seen anything clean like the sentria, It's amazing. I sold 3 kirby's my first day just showing what it could do to rich people. If you pay anything over 1400 for a kirby your getting ripped off, my van leader started the price at 4500 and the highest price allowed is 2800,

Just don't work for Kirby and they will have to operate like a real business, it's suckers like me that make the wheel go around, my three sales made the boss 2000 at least and I was told I would start making money once I sell 20 machines. I said goodbye, I didn't like lying to old people or working with cheats. I only sold to rich people and all I did was show how amazing the product is, because it is totally amazing but the company and people are greedy and rotten.

K
K
Kirby Killer
Culver City, US
Jul 22, 2009 11:09 pm EDT

ANYONE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHO HAS BEEN BENT OVER BY KIRBY'S 3 DAY RETURN POLICY AND WOULD LIKE RETRIBUTION, EMAIL ME AT:

IHATEKIRBY@GMAIL.COM.

I AM GOING TO TRY AND ORGANIZE A PROTEST TO TAKE THIS SALES OFFICE DOWN!

They do not tell you about their return policy and when I called within 2 days, the number provided DID NOT WORK! When I finally got a hold of someone they were extremely rude and unforgiving. If that is not pulling a fast one on someone I don't know what is. I want to make their lives a living hell!

ComplaintsBoard
J
1:27 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - scam scam scam

watch out when the dealer comes to your home to "present" the kirby vacuum cleaner and give you a free carpet cleaning. what the consumer does not understand is that the factory distributor pays only $250.00 per machine and will turn around and sell it to you for about $2000. also you will be buying a piece of crap that does not last the 50 years that the salesman is promising.

Read full review of Kirby and 6 comments
ComplaintsBoard
S
10:43 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Fraudsters and cheaters

My daughter was born sickly so when the kirby sales people showed up at my door i was desperate for anything to make her breathing easier. they stated that because of the suction power of this vacuum and the 'hepa filtered bags' that my home would be cleaner requiring less dusting and ect...

However... it is broken more than it isn't, the parts are expensive as well as the bags being so... and it is hard to find anyone to work on them and if you can find anyone who works on them it cose 200.00 before they will even fix it . My house is more dusty now and the bags suck for lack of a better description. I am going back to Dirt devil or another brand that i can get anywhere they work better and are cheaper.

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
K
K
KIRBY_VICTIM
, US
Dec 08, 2010 3:17 pm EST

Kirby lied to my girlfriend several times. I'll list a few...

LIE #1.) She was told she would be a Customer Service Representative. After training she was forced to be a Door to Door Salesman.

LIE #2.) They stated that her 3 appointments per day would be appointed for her by thier "Appointment Committee". False. In fact she was forced to go door to door with several smokers in a small car. She came home to our daughter and our non-smoking home smelling like she just left a bar. Zero appointments.

LIE #3.) She would be paid $520 a week even if she didn't make any sales. Lie.

LIE #4.) They later stated that she would only get paid if she went to her 3 appointments per day, which would be scheduled by the company. They made zero appointments, and now won't pay her because she didn't go to 3 appointments per day. Not even 1 person would let them into their house, let alone 3... Every day... So they won't pay her because of THEIR negligence to schedule appointments, as they had promised.

LIE #5.) They promised consistent and reasonable hours, which was a lie. Sometimes door to door salespeople don't get home until 2am, eyes bloodshot from exhaustion and smoky travel.

K
K
Kirby Killer
Culver City, US
Jul 22, 2009 11:10 pm EDT

ANYONE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHO HAS BEEN BENT OVER BY KIRBY'S 3 DAY RETURN POLICY AND WOULD LIKE RETRIBUTION, EMAIL ME AT:

IHATEKIRBY@GMAIL.COM.

I AM GOING TO TRY AND ORGANIZE A PROTEST TO TAKE THIS SALES OFFICE DOWN!

They do not tell you about their return policy and when I called within 2 days, the number provided DID NOT WORK! When I finally got a hold of someone they were extremely rude and unforgiving. If that is not pulling a fast one on someone I don't know what is. I want to make their lives a living hell!

ComplaintsBoard
J
4:15 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - Scam and cheating

First, I would just like to say that I feel bad for anyone who has wasted there time and really thought that they were going to get a good paying job because of some kind of false advertisement. These false advertisements can really put people's hopes up and make people believe that they can actually get an easy way out and make some actual decent money...

Read full review of Kirby and 10 comments
ComplaintsBoard
G
10:38 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Broken product and no one will resolve the issue

The company is not associated with the BBB, which is one thing I should have researched before buying their piece of garbage vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum is tearing up my carpet, and not picking anything up. I have tried contacting the owner for 3 weeks with no responce.
I have contacted the courts to sue them, because they DO NOT care about the consumer. All they care about is pushing sales on this HORRIBLE piece of equipment that they call a vacuum cleaner.

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
M
M
musicprincess042
clearspring, US
May 15, 2012 3:19 am EDT

lady your dumb

J
J
jaxswife
jacksovnille, US
Feb 29, 2012 10:03 pm EST

Syatt of jacksonville is one of the best companys i know. they have helped everyone that they have ever sold a kirby too. so you might just need to contact them again. I know that they answer the phone and get products out to thier customers all the time.

ComplaintsBoard
D
7:54 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - Awful experience

Icor Engineering, a.K.a 'Kirby' vacuum sweepers recruits under false promises, lies by omission, reps go out without business license and are required to have one. Hard for potential employee to research under their a.k.a names, which are nationwide (and all different)... like sub companies. Hard to believe Warren Buffet owns parent company and Scott Fetzer...

Read full review of Kirby and 17 comments
ComplaintsBoard
B
7:26 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Salesmen

The first thing we did wrong was to allow them to come in our house. The head man came in and then acted like it was his house. We couldnt get a word in edgewise because he was talking all the time. But he got in and then he brought another young man in and then he left. We told him several times that we could not afford the sweeper. But they just kept hounding us. Their starting price for it was $2897.00 After hearing the price we knew we couldn't afford it. But the boss came back and said they would drop the price to $2250. Again we told him we could not afford it. He left again but came back later. Which brings up another problem. He did knock on the door when he got here but my husband didnt even make it to our kitchen and the guy just walked in. That really made me mad. Then he said he would lower the price to $1500. Well we said the same thing again, and he left again. But when he came back the last time, he told us they would drop it to $750 and offered us $200 for our vaccum. But also added that they would take anything we wanted to give them that we wanted to get rid of. I finally got sick of all of it and left the living room and told my husband to get rid of them. Well they still didnt go so I called the police. But they left right before they got here. We also found out that the weekend before the police had been called because they were in another town close to us and had spend 6 hours there. NOW THAT IS RIDICULOUS!

Read full review of Kirby and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
M
M
mr. J.k. burkhart
Sioux City, US
Aug 22, 2011 4:59 pm EDT

I was told by phone that my carpet would be cleaned regardless if I buy a .vcuum. Two me arrived; gave a demonstration by cleaning two [2} square yards and left after trying to sale me their vacuum. I told the person who called previouly that I would not buy a vacuum but she sail that did'nt matter and this was part of a survey. My neighbor recomended me and had carpet cleaned but bough a vacuum after demostration. I don't know who to call or if I should.

P
P
Pamela
Millville, US
Feb 16, 2009 12:33 pm EST

Same thing happened to me with the high pressure pitch and the sales person was in my home for 4 hours before I finally caved and agreed. She left the vacuum she used as show and all the attachments and left with my 11 years old electrolux which was needing some extensive work (I was told by my vacuum service company). I was actually a little excited because I did need a new one an was impressed with the Kirby preformance. As the sales woman left, I walked to my neighbors house(who sent the Kirby Co to my house) which she purchased one as well, and told her of my experiance. She laughed when I told her how much I agreed to pay for it and she told me she got hers for hundreds less! Was I mad! I took the contract and found the part I needed to send back to the company to cancel the contract within the 3 day time limit and I mailed it certified with signiture confirmation so I new for a fact they had recieved it and then I waited to hear from them. The 30 day grace period was nearing and I was getting very excited because I knew the Kerby would be mine if they did not come to pick it up and return my electrolux. Five days before the time limit was to end the sales lady called to arrange a time to pick up the kerby. We made a date and I asked her to bring back mine at that time too. She said she'd needed to call me back concerning my vacuum. When she called back she informed me that my vacuum was donated by mistake. I informed her at that time if she didn't bring mine back that she would not be able to pick up the kirby. I never heard from her again. Instead her mamager called, then the owner of the company called offering me a new electrolux for the return of the kirby. I said no. It has been 13 years and I still enjoy my kerby with all the attachments. Thank you Kerby. Paybacks a B****!

ComplaintsBoard
E
8:12 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Scam and cheating

I met the saleswoman in my parking lot and she offered me a promotional free cleaning of any room in my home later that afternoon. I figured, sure why not. So she shows up with two large boxes and two men, one begins talking about the vacuum, the other two set it up. The lady begins her demonstration at 4:45pm... and I like the product. She asks me if I'd go back to using my old Hoover after this, and I said maybe not. An hour later, with filter pads all over my floor, she asks if I had this vacuum would I use the other one. The answer is no, and they take my vacuum.

Then her boss comes back and tells me that if I order from him, I'll get a veterans 10% discount, a students discount and he will knock off $300 for my old Hoover. He then goes on to tell me that, and I qoute: 'just because I like you, if you make this commitment and join the Kirby family, I'll throw in free vacuum bags and shampoo for life.' So I automatically assume I'm getting this amazingly great deal.

I tell them that my husbands not with me, I'm a full time student with two kids, living in subsidized housing and cannot afford it, as much as I like the product. They say my payments will be $89/mo, and that I'm special because they never go this low for a customer. While the price is being fenagled, they had been in my home for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes... and the lady continues her demonstration by setting up the shampooer.

Every time I said I couldn't afford it, they mentioned a new deal, and began a new demonstration. They began at 4:45pm and didn't leave until I agreed to buy their product at 8:30pm. Turns out, my total cost, after 36mo. is $3500. and the salesman lied to me about the free bags and shampoo for life, that was supposed to be included. Also, nowhere on the paperwork that was mailed to me is there any mention of veterans or student discount. I am on a tight enough budget as it is, and feel as though I was aggressively forced to make this purchase and viciously lied to in the process. A single mother of a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old, shouldn't have to feel backed into a corner and threatened in her own home. Now I'm stuck with a $3500 debt that I know I cannot afford.

Read full review of Kirby and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
A
A
angelfire0788
Warner Robins, US
Oct 03, 2010 10:31 am EDT

I work for the Kirby company. All you have to do is call the 1800 number and tell them about this problem. First of all we can't give anyone free bags and shampoo for life. The sales person should be reported. Like I said I do work for the Kirby company but this wasn't right. Please don't think that every sales person for this company is like that. Some of us do have a heart and care about our coustmers and there needs.

ComplaintsBoard
A
3:55 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Rip off

I am so flustered on how retared the Kirby company is being. We came accross an ad for a free carpet cleaning and with having 2 dogs, a cat, 2 small children and a soldier for a husband we really could use the free carpet cleaning. So we set up an appointment for them to come out and clean the carpets for later that week. Soon after the lady got here we realized that it was not a free carpet cleaning she was trying to sell us a Kirby. At first we were trying to be nice and were going to hear her out just to the carpets done. After an hour of talk the lady realized she didnt have all the parts that she needed to do the demenstration and that she had to run next door by her partner to get them. We were shocked that this lady brought 4 other people with her to harrase our neighbors while she was at our house. It took over 3 hours for them to get to cleaning the carpets and were not finished till after 7pm. My husband ask what I thought about it and I told him it would be nice to have but there was no way we could afford it at the time. The sales lady and one of her friends that came over sat there for another 2 hours untill we could not take it anymore and my husband singed for it. The lady told us that we would have to wait a week to get one in but if we wanted we could have the one she used. She swore up and down it was brand new only used on our house bla bla bla so my husband was like fine just leave it. Well after I did an inventory on what was suppose to come with it I found out that a few things were missing. I called everyday for 2 weeks before they got back to me and the only reason they brought it out is because I told them one of my neighbors wanted there carpet done. After using the carpet cleaner on it only twice it broke. I have been trying to get ahold of them for the last 3 months to fix it because there is suppose to be a life time waranty on it. About 2 months after we bought our Kirby the new neighbors had fell for the same scam. They signed up for the free carpet cleaning and got a Kirby sales person. I watch a little bit of their demonstation and saw how completly diffrent it was so I asked the sales guy to come to our house and explain the Kirby to us, pretending we didnt have one yet. When the sales guy came over he told us the last people miinformed us on how to use the equipment, the rules of the contract and a few other thing we werent happy about. The biggest thing was he was selling his package with 3 times the amount of stuff for only $1100 the lady who sold us ours charged us $2700. When I call about the huge price diffrence I was told that the sales man that offered the deal was from a diffrent area code as them so they could charge a diffrent price. I was like well I dont want yours any more I want to return it and she told me that the policy states that you only have 3 days to return it. I am so diapointed in the Kirby for so many reasons and worn everybody and anybody walk away.

Read full review of Kirby and 5 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
5 comments
Add a comment
H
H
Hezz
Menifee, US
Jun 14, 2013 12:54 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had to take back a Sentria 2 model which was a new model, but too heavy for me. I allowed the salesperson to shampoo the carpet in the hall as it was covered in doggy doodoo and peepee stains. I only had a desire for the stains to be gone, but I obligingly bought a Sentria in a moment of weakness as they have some kind of brainwashing tactic. The next day I tried it out and the vacuum head wouldn't rotate. I read and applied the owner's manual instructions, but either I couldn't figure it out or the machine was a used and damaged machine (demo). The shampooing head didn't have suction either and I was not shown how to work that part and was too flustered by that time to read any instructions as I had decided to take the darn thing back. There was just a THREE day return policy and it is a good thing I read the receipt. Anyway, I tried calling the store and no one answered, so I left a message. My mom ended up calling from her cell around ten the next day. Apparently the business hours were only from 9:45 to 1:00. This would have been horrible had I had called after hours! Fortunately the Kirby store is nearby so I hastily stuffed all the parts into my car and took it back. I was supposed to get a follow up call either that night or the next day, which didn't happen! And to my utter shock and horror my mom and I realized that our Shark vacuum was outright taken from under my nose as to cover the taxes on the Kirby. This was not explained to me and I was livid. I had to threaten to use legal action if the salesperson didn't return our Shark, which he did that night. To make matters worse, I supposedly damaged the Kirby which I asked to see proof. The guy then pulled out his smart phone to show a scratch that I may or may not have made. I definitely could argue that it was there already because for all I know the vacuum was a used demo. They would charge me $89.99 (it was post-dated). This is NOT going to happen because I will change my whole account and debit card! If you see a dreaded Kirby salesman at YOUR front door, I would RUUUN and lock the door behind you!

C
C
chris_shanon
, US
Sep 15, 2010 4:52 am EDT

I used to sell kirby (for one day) i had a manager with me and it really sucks when i have to rip off people specially old ones... after that day i quit, felt guilty...

I
I
I hate Kirbys
Olympia, US
Jul 20, 2010 2:40 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I come home to my husband buying that lame [censor] KIRBY, I HATE IT! It's way to big and very heavy. I tried to return it and they said the samething. It now sits in the closet, and i had to purchase a better vaccum for way less! PLEASE NO ONE BUY THAT STUPID KIRBY! run the other way when you see the saleman!

G
G
ge_hang
Menomonie, US
Aug 31, 2009 8:24 pm EDT

yea i should've done the same thing
you know
they came and advertise like 20 to thirty times
and they said that it was kids proof
but now i found out that it was kids burner
don't let your kids get their hand on it
cuz the motor can burn them
and if my kids get burned by that i will sue them
because it burns my once
OUCH! it hurt
i regret trading my rainbow
cuz it was more safe
so yea
next kirby try to advertise towards my family i will just tell them to get the F out
because i really hated their 3 days thing
cuz the advertiser told me whenever i don't want it
just called them
###ing liars
i called and they say passed 3 days
i bet they probably threw my paper away
cuz i send it to them
and they said they didn't received it
"DON'T BUY KIRBY OR YOU DIE UNHAPPY"

R
R
radar
Fairbanks, US
Feb 04, 2009 1:41 am EST

I used to sell Kirby... unfortunitly, some dealers are that way (I got hosed by a few out of town dealers that could sell for less than I paid for the units).

If you can locate a Kirby service center, they can fix it for you. It doesn't have to be the people you got it from.

Hopefully after repairs, you'll be happy with the unit.

ComplaintsBoard
E
6:38 pm EST
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Kirby - Scam

I was suckered into the job just like everyone else. Promises of big money to be made, trips to win, and fast promotion. They lied from the beginning. Telling me i was the to do 15 demos a week no sales and make 400.00 dollars. They said they would have appointments set up for everyone (they did not). They said no door to door selling required (I knocked...

Read full review of Kirby and 24 comments
ComplaintsBoard
V
2:22 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Not a complaint

I bought a Kirby Vac just over 7 years ago.It is fantastic I am really pleased with the product and so far the service, it's been really very good. I bought mine from a friend who worked at the company in Newtownabbey she doesn't work there anymore (long hours) but say she had a good time saying that when she was there (younger and single) that it was work hard play hard.

She said she was treated good and didn't see any scams. The person who posted the complaint really sounds like someone with a grudge. You cant please everyone all of the time. I think you shouldn't name people unless you can validate what your saying about them THIS IS WRONG.

Any how I've been really happy with the kirby and the service.

Read full review of Kirby and 6 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
6 comments
Add a comment
N
N
NB5906@YAHOO
Slidell, US
Jun 28, 2012 10:56 am EDT

SEEKING GAY MEN [protected]

N
N
NB5906@YAHOO
Slidell, US
Jun 28, 2012 10:55 am EDT

ANYONE WANNA CHAT? JUST CALL ME [protected]. GAY MEN PREFERRED

N
N
NB5906@YAHOO
Slidell, US
Jun 28, 2012 10:53 am EDT

HEY NICK YOU WANNA BUY A KIRBY?

N
N
NB5906@YAHOO
Slidell, US
Jun 28, 2012 10:50 am EDT

Nick Is Funny!
NICK LOVES KIRBY

N
N
nb5906
Santee, US
Oct 24, 2009 11:18 am EDT

I do not have anything against Kirby products, just their tactics. I received a notice on my door when I came home form work one day. The notice said, "For You a Beutiful Basket of Fruit, Sorry We Missed You. For your delivery of your fruit, please call [protected]." I decided not to call and search online for this. Sure enough, my local paper did a story on this just a year ago. Very deceiving if you ask me. If you want to sell someting just ask me straight up. I don't get offended just for asking. But, ask once and if I say no, then I mean no. They should consider lowering their prices on their products and put it in a store front. It works for other vacumm cleaners.

J
J
Jon Mather
,
Nov 15, 2008 1:18 pm EST

Maybe you should look at the hundreds of other people that have been screwed over and really ask yourself if you think they all have a grudge against kirby. So far 1 person says they had fun, 1000+ said it was a sham... some pretty convincing evidence.

ComplaintsBoard
V
4:43 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Kirby Scam and abuse!

I was recently bombarded by a couple of Kirby sales people. They asked me if I wanted a room in my home to be shampooed for free. Of course, I said yes, thinking that they were a new carpet cleaning company in the area. I let them into my home, then they started a demo of the Kirby. I admit this is a good product but I don't think it is the ONLY product. The sales rep said that if he sells the most vacuums then he gets a Rolex watch and a trip to somewhere outside of the US. After about an hour and 40 coffee filters on my floor, I wanted the vacuum-it was a good cleaning product. He told me the price-$2499. I told him it was too much and he 'called' his manager, on my phone by the way! Very rude tactic.. The 'manager' took off $100. Then I told him that was too much. He called the manager back and offered me $2300.00. I told them that I had to shop and compare other models and price points. They told me that the price was the lowest and if I bought it later it would be for the 2499 price. I wrote a check, then the next day stopped payment and canceled my transaction.

The smarmy sales guy, the canvasser, tried to shame me for canceling the contract. He tried to shame me for causing his sales person to be eliminated from the contest. I say shame on you, kirby for teaching these people these underhanded, dishonest, and classless sales tactics. The reps must let people make up their own minds on their own terms. Because of this awful encounter with the Kirby people/products I will never consider a Kirby vacuum. I am also shocked that with the way your sales reps misrepresent themselves and the product that anyone has ever bought a Kirby!

Read full review of Kirby and 72 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
72 comments
Add a comment
H
H
Hazard
, US
Mar 26, 2012 8:35 pm EDT

Ok if anyone who has worked for this company please answer this truthfully. I just got hired yesterday to clean the carpets. They said I get 500$ a week for doing 15 demonstrations.. Now do I have to make my own app or do they just hand me 15 apps a week? They said thy get me 15 apps.. But doing a lot of research it seems like they just drop you off in a random neighborhood .. Now I don't know what to believe.. How do I know the people complaining aren't x- employes who got fired and there trying to bad mouth the company? How I know if they telling the truth. Anyone can ease anwer me truthfully I would appreciate it message me back privately thanks

J
J
JMF37013
Antioch, US
Jan 17, 2014 9:57 am EST

When I returned the kirby, they kept my check, and have not issued a refund. Called three imes and no calls returned.
This seems to be the third time this man David Wallace is involved in a Kirby scam, yet Kirby Keeps providing him with the product. He also keeps changing his company name so when you look it up it doesn't show up as a fraudulent company.

M
M
misskristin
Saint Francis, US
Aug 23, 2016 2:46 am EDT

I ordered a part for my vacuum on 9/27. The money was taken out of my account almost immediately, and I have yet to receive the part. I have made numerous calls, and I get a recording telling me the Person at this extension is not available."

I have left many messages, sent many emails. Finally today, I googled them and found they are a scam company.

I learned always google a company before you do any business with them. These creeps are thieves. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM.

Kayla_Jessica
Kayla_Jessica
, US
Aug 22, 2016 7:38 am EDT

I hear that every one hates Kirby, I'm just wondering if its really a scam? I had an interview the company and I want to know if I should take the job.. Any advice.. Please

M
M
Messa072011
Rock Falls, US
Jun 09, 2016 3:31 am EDT

The girl was here for 3 1/2 hours! They kept pressing me to buy one after i said no 300 times i said yes to shut them up and lied snd told them i didnt have a checking acct so i couldnt get one. They tore up my carpet then said it wasnt their fault that it was the people who put it in. And worst of all i had 20 bucks on my table before they got there and when they left it was gone!

N
N
NOT STUPID EITHER
Lakeland, US
Jun 09, 2016 3:31 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well, the vaccum they shoved down my throat no matter how many times I said NO won't pick up pet hair. So my recommendation to everyone out there is don't feel sorry for the BS story about the grandfather that the salesman wants to take for vacation with him and they are having a contest in the company that will help him do so.

W
W
William R. Hulme
Plymouth, US
Jun 09, 2016 3:30 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Within the 3 business day (5/13/09)I mailed the cancellation notice. On 5/20/09 4:40 pm salesman called and wanted to pick up the KIRBY, he came over but did not have my Dirt Devil to return to me. I told him to bring my Dirt Devil back tomorrow and I would complete the exchange. He tried to tell me he would return my vacuum tomorrow I told him no again just bring mine back. On 5/21/09 @ 9:12pm he called and told me he had mine and he would be by in 20 min. At 9:50 pm he came with a Hover vacuum, not my Dirt Devil. Again, I told him to bring MY DIRT DEVIL BACK and we can complete the return. All he could say someone put the Hover in this truck and he had to take the Kirby. I had to be firm with him and tell him again BRING MY DIRT DEVIL BACK AND MY DEPOSIT OF $59.40 AND THE RETURN WILL BE COMPLETE.

A
A
Anonymouslyanonymous
, US
Mar 11, 2016 1:08 am EST

I was a Kirby "customer service representative" as the company that recruited me suggested. I love Kirby as the vacuum, but the distributors of Kirby are the real problems, not Kirby itself. Under a false pretense, the company is like "something" enterprise, but turns out it's a distributor. I was hired very an unethical reason, because I'm Asian. The hiring manager was an Asian, and he said he will hire me because he knows Asians work hard! Bull, just because I'm Asian, I know what's right and what's wrong. Put it this way, a car dealer, although gets paid by commission, is still able to sell because customers need cars. Living in SoCal, cars are necessities, so dealers can easily make money; plus, dealers don't walk to customers, but customers walk to the dealer. Imagine this, you are selling a vacuum at a price of an old car, and you're doing door-to-door! The moment you walk into the house, you're seen as trouble, not a solution! Nobody wakes up one day and say "I need a vacuum". How can I do that? I was supposed to present the potential customers a misleading flyer saying I'm giving them a free carpet cleaning service for one room (if not carpet then it is hardwood floor). But my main job was to do a demo of Kirby! The moment I walked into the house, I'm seen as a liar, and I can't live with that! On the night that I knew I'm going to quit the day after, I did my last demo, and I told my customer, I'll give you a cleaning service regardless of whether you buy the vacuum or not! I told them I'm no salesman, but a customer service rep. I even told my customers that if it sounds like I'm trying to sell something, it's because it's my job to sound like that. On my last demo, the lady I presented Kirby was pleased with what I did, and she even felt sorry for me because I did her carpet which she said she owned for 6 months and never washed it! I was happy just to see a smile on her face, and I told her I'm different from other salesman as I keep my promise! She was pleased with my service, and my manager thought I did a good job. But is lying to customers about free carpet cleaning gonna be a career for me? Not in a million years. There are jobs that pay you well without telling lies. I used to do Verizon Fios, but at least Verizon Fios doesn't lie to the customers! Kirby is a workplace for experienced con-artists, or very very advanced salesman. But just be aware, the company lies to you about the hour, and you lie to customers about the service, will you be happy working for such an unethical company like this? The vacuum itself is impeccably excellent, but the price is overmarked! One customer told me she only paid around $80 for carpet service and she only needs to do once a year. What's the point? Tips for job hunters: if you're getting hired by companies like Kirby and Vector, you really should just quit. If the companies introduce you to successful people in the company, they are probably either lying or those people just couldn't find any other job.

G
G
gggggggggggggggg
, US
Jul 23, 2015 8:30 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

how do i return a kirby just got one yesterday they got me wheni had to much to drink lol...any answers to this would be great im in oregon here is an email...george.s.crouch@live.com thanks in advance

G
G
gp431
Allegan, US
Jan 23, 2015 2:25 pm EST

I agree with all the above I have called several times and got the dealer once he said he would have salesman call and take care of it. I have not heard from them and they wont take my calls goes to voice mail .I called sheriff and they said I would have to take them to court to try to get my trade in and money back as they cashed my check the day they got it.

Trust badge
Collect Your Trust Badge
Be recognized for outstanding customer service

Contact Kirby customer service

Phone numbers

1800 781 556 800 5472 9272 More phone numbers

Website

www.kirby.com

Your Voice Matters: Our Commitment to Genuine Reviews

Empowering Real Experiences

At ComplaintsBoard, we believe in the power of true customer stories. Our platform is a space for authentic voices, where experiences, both good and bad, are shared openly and honestly.

Dedicated to Authenticity

ComplaintsBoard is vigilant in our fight against false reviews. Our team employs robust verification methods to ensure every review reflects a real customer experience, upholding the integrity of our platform.

Encouraging Detailed Feedback

ComplaintsBoard values reviews that come with real evidence. Whether it's a photo, a detailed account, or additional documentation, such substantiation adds credibility to your story, helping others make better-informed decisions.

Balanced and Constructive Conversations

We're more than just a complaints board; we're a community for balanced dialogue. ComplaintsBoard encourages reviews that not only highlight issues but also acknowledge positive aspects, fostering a fair and comprehensive understanding.

Free and Fair Platform

ComplaintsBoard's commitment to maintaining a free and unbiased platform is unwavering. Every review is treated equally, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected, regardless of the nature of your experience.

Is ComplaintsBoard.com associated with Kirby?

ComplaintsBoard.com is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Kirby Customer Service. Initial Kirby complaints should be directed to their team directly. You can find contact details for Kirby above.

ComplaintsBoard.com is an independent complaint resolution platform that has been successfully voicing consumer concerns since 2004. We are doing work that matters - connecting customers with businesses around the world and help them resolve issues and be heard.

Use this comments board to leave complaints and reviews about Kirby. Discuss the issues you have had with Kirby and work with their customer service team to find a resolution.