Kirby is still in business and selling vacuums, but the company operates very differently than most other vacuum makers
Kirby Manufacturing Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio, continues to manufacture and sell vacuum cleaners. The company has been operating since 1908 and remains active today. However, Kirby does not sell through retail stores or online marketplaces the way Dyson, Shark, or Bissell do. Instead, Kirby uses a direct-sales model where independent distributors and dealers sell machines primarily through in-home demonstrations and personal sales.
This business model means you won't find Kirby vacuums on Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy shelves. If you want to buy one, you contact a local Kirby dealer, request a home demonstration, and purchase directly from that dealer. This approach has kept Kirby in business for over a century, though it makes the company less visible to shoppers who expect to browse vacuum options online or in stores.
Key Takeaways
- Kirby Manufacturing Company still operates and manufactures vacuums in Cleveland, Ohio, with no plans to close.
- Kirby sells exclusively through independent dealers and distributors, not through retail stores or major online retailers.
- The company's direct-sales model means you arrange a home demonstration with a local dealer to see and purchase a machine.
- Kirby vacuums are built to last many years and come with repair and maintenance support through the dealer network.
How Kirby's direct-sales model works
When you decide you want a Kirby vacuum, you locate a dealer in your area—usually by searching "Kirby dealer near me" or calling Kirby's customer service line. The dealer then schedules a time to bring a machine to your home and demonstrate how it works. This is not a high-pressure sales tactic in every case, though the direct-sales environment does mean the dealer's income depends on making the sale.
Once you purchase, that same dealer becomes your point of contact for warranty service, repairs, and replacement parts. Kirby does not operate company-owned retail locations; the entire sales and service network runs through independent business owners who hold Kirby dealerships. This structure has advantages—a local dealer knows your machine and can service it quickly—and disadvantages, since your experience depends entirely on who holds the dealership in your area.
Why Kirby hasn't switched to retail or online sales
Kirby's leadership has chosen to maintain the direct-sales model even as the vacuum industry has shifted toward big-box retail and e-commerce. The company argues that this approach allows customers to see the machine work before buying and to build a relationship with a local dealer who can service the vacuum for years. Kirby machines are designed to be repaired and maintained rather than replaced, which fits the direct-sales model better than the disposable-vacuum approach many retailers push.
The direct-sales model also protects Kirby's profit margins. Selling through Amazon or Walmart means accepting lower prices and sharing revenue with the retailer. Kirby's prices are higher than most competitors—machines typically cost $1,500 to $2,500—but the company keeps more of that revenue and can invest in manufacturing and dealer support. This business choice has kept Kirby independent and profitable, even as other vacuum makers have been acquired by larger corporations.
Finding a Kirby dealer and what to expect
To find a Kirby dealer, visit the Kirby company website and use their dealer locator tool, or call their customer service number. You can also search online for "Kirby vacuum dealer" plus your city or zip code. When you contact a dealer, they will ask for your address and phone number and offer to schedule a home demonstration at a time that works for you.
During the demonstration, the dealer will show you how the machine picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair. They will explain the different attachments and cleaning modes. If you decide to purchase, you sign a sales agreement and the dealer may offer financing options. After the sale, that dealer handles warranty claims, repairs, and parts orders. If you move or your dealer closes their business, Kirby can connect you with another dealer in your new area.
Kirby vacuum durability and long-term support
Kirby machines are built with metal and heavy-duty plastic components designed to last 20 years or more with regular maintenance. Unlike many modern vacuums that are sealed units you throw away when they break, Kirby vacuums have replaceable belts, bags, filters, and motors. This repairability is central to Kirby's business model—the company expects you to own the same machine for a decade or longer and to buy replacement parts and service from your dealer.
The warranty typically covers parts and labor for a set period (often five years), and after that period ends, you can still buy parts and pay for repairs. Many Kirby owners report that their machines work well into their second or third decade of ownership. This longevity means the high upfront cost is spread across many years of use, though it also means you are committing to one brand for a long time.
Comparing Kirby to other vacuum brands
Kirby's main competitors—Dyson, Shark, Bissell, and Hoover—all sell through retail and online channels. Their machines are typically cheaper upfront ($300 to $800 for most models) but are not designed to be repaired. When a Dyson or Shark breaks after the warranty expires, you usually replace the whole machine rather than fix it. Kirby's approach is the opposite: higher initial cost, but the machine is repairable and lasts longer.
Kirby also differs in cleaning method. Most Kirby models use a bag and a motorized brush roll, which is effective for deep carpet cleaning but requires regular bag changes and filter maintenance. Dyson and Shark emphasize bagless, cordless, or lightweight designs. Neither approach is objectively better—it depends on your home, your cleaning habits, and whether you prefer a machine you keep for 20 years or one you replace every five to seven years.
What to do if you have questions about a Kirby machine
If you own a Kirby or are considering buying one, your first contact should be your local dealer. They can answer questions about your specific machine, arrange repairs, and order parts. If you cannot reach your dealer or have a complaint about their service, you can contact Kirby Manufacturing Company directly through their website or customer service phone line.
Kirby's customer service can help you locate a new dealer if yours has closed, answer general questions about how machines work, and escalate complaints about dealer conduct. The company also publishes user manuals and maintenance guides online, which can help you understand how to care for your machine between dealer visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Kirby vacuum online or at a store?
No. Kirby sells only through independent dealers in your area. You cannot order from Amazon, Walmart, or the Kirby website itself. You must contact a local dealer to arrange a home demonstration and purchase.
Is Kirby going out of business?
No. Kirby Manufacturing Company remains profitable and active. The company has been in business since 1908 and continues to manufacture vacuums in Cleveland, Ohio. There are no announcements of closure or sale.
How much does a Kirby vacuum cost?
Kirby machines typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the model and attachments. Dealers often offer financing plans to spread the cost over 12 to 24 months. Prices vary by dealer and region.
What if my Kirby breaks and I can't find a dealer?
Contact Kirby Manufacturing Company directly through their website or phone line. They can locate another dealer in your area or help you arrange mail-in repair service. You can also order replacement parts online if you want to attempt repairs yourself.
Do Kirby vacuums really last 20 years?
Many Kirby owners report machines lasting 15 to 25 years with regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Longevity depends on how often you use the machine, whether you replace worn parts like belts and bags, and how well you maintain the motor and brush roll. Kirby designs machines for repair and replacement of parts, which supports long-term ownership.