Is Dyson Worth the Price? Part 1

Dyson cost. How much am I already spending on a vacuum?

First, you are looking at a Dyson for likely one of two reasons: your vacuum just kicked the bucket, or it's about to. You are in the market for something that hasn't lasted for you (probably not as long as you hoped it would) and now you need a new one. You can get one that is similar to what you had before and get the same results, or upgrade or even downgrade, and hope for something better; it depends on how your view of a vacuum. A vacuum is perceived by consumers two different ways:

1. To you, the vacuum is a fundamental tool to keep your home to a high standard of cleanliness and you need to get something good to get the job done right, and take care of what you have. You take the effort to empty out the bin or bag often, don't mind having to spend some money to help your vacuum work better and longer. When it comes time to purchasing one, you go the extra mile and do some internet research, price shopping, and will spend a considerable amount of time in the vacuum aisle playing with the different vacuums to see which one you like the best.

2. To you (and probably most people), a vacuum is perceived as a very disposable item and rarely bother taking measures to maintain it. You'd rather not change the filter (it costs too much, so you'll bang it out once or twice a year), you rarely change the bag (there is always room for more in there, and you can't find more that fit anyway), in fact the only service it gets is a new belt when it breaks because you sucked up a sock under the bed. To you, the vacuum process is as follows: plug it in - use it until it breaks - trash it - buy a new one; no biggie. You are likely looking way at the end of the line of vacuums at the store (no, not the end where the Dyson is, the other end), or the bulk stack of vacuums where they are on sale for $39; you usually grab and go, or just pick the coolest looking cheap one.

So what does that have to do with Dyson? First, consider how often you are having to buy a new vacuum. The average is about every 2-3 years you are forced to cough up the money for one; some go two months, some go two generations. But remember that JUST BECAUSE A VACUUM TURNS ON, DOESN'T MEAN IT WORKS. So if you are the first kind of consumer who values a vacuum, you are likely spending at least $150 every two and a half years, and during that time, buying bags or filters or getting it fixed, etc.; think about the cost on that... it does add up.

Now, if you are a cheapskate when it comes to floor care, and you think all vacuums are the same, you don't mind spending fifty bucks on a vacuum and using it until there is no hope left for it and don't mind dropping another fifty when the time comes, then you'd be better off buying a broom and dustpan and just sweeping your carpet. The results would be pretty much the same, except for the pretty lines your piece of junk vacuum leaves in the carpet. It would pop your bubble on how "clean" you think your place is if a Dyson came into your house and you saw what your fifty dollar vacuum is rolling right over and doing nothing about.