A while back, I found this no-bag Bissell model vacuum cleaner that looked like the owner never cleaned its innards, ever. Even its innards had dust bunnies that never saw the light of day! I have sold several vacuum cleaners that were even dirtier, though.
This should be a non-issue, but where to begin? My tactic: clean it as best as possible and order parts so it runs properly when trying to impress buyers. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It A) has to run; B) not be sticky, and C) have its model information sticker intact.
Ever dismantle a vacuum cleaner before? Unplug it (step zero, really), then heed a few tips for washing and reselling your newly salvaged no-bag vacuum cleaner:
#1: Check the Electrical Components
Pay mind to excessive kinks or cracks along the power cable–potential deal-breakers. Turn it on at a neutral, dry location free of immediate combustibles, to see if the motor runs. Listen well–if it strains or is high-pitched, check the brush; if may have frozen in place.
If it does not run at all and you know nobody (including yourself) who can resurrect broken appliances, consider tossing it as a lost cause. However, most vacuum cleaners are very simple–an electrical engine and tubes–so you often have very few excuses not to try at all.
#2: Order Replacement Parts
Type the model number precisely while searching online for parts and documents. Amazon often supplies interchangeable replacement components, though a few hardware venues or even the manufacturer might do it as well.
If you must replace something, usually a filter, to grant the vacuum cleaner a second wind, raise your selling price in proportion to the parts purchased.
Counter-Point: Why Not Let the Buyer Deal With Replacement Parts?
Nobody goes to a yard sale expecting to pay the runners to remove non-functioning trash from their lawn. They at least ask about testing the device first.
I would be remiss to sell something as-is that also does not function. I see a rusted cast iron gridle being a slight exception because sanding and seasoning it is a straightforward process.
Yet, that is cast iron cookware. An appliance features components, moving parts and chemicals, all of which mean nothing but trouble if they cannot function together.
I am remiss to have you say, to an English-as-Second-Language person for instance, that they have to look online to find “that one filter” needed for the vacuum to run.
If your outfit consists of helping others solve their problems and you want it to be recognized as being good at it, then taking greater pains and going a couple extra miles are par for the course.
After all, I did recommend you adjust the price if you bought parts for it.
#3: Handyman’s Advice
Most screws are metallic. Tote a small glass jar and a powerful magnet to keep them together. If they come in different sizes (lucky me, this one’s screws were nigh-universal), separate them with something like a prescription pill tray.
If you still receive resistance after unscrewing every visible screw, know that you haven’t gotten all of them. The dust was such that I kept missing at least one. ALso, always check beneath the light fixture’s glass–you always find a few underneath. That one took a flathead screwdriver and some gentle patience.
On that note, always have a Flathead and a Philips.
#4: Location, Location, Location, Location
Caked dust can deter anybody seeking to clean a vacuum’s innards (and anybody with severe allergies). Homeowners have it lucky and can hose down a vacuum cleaner’s innards outside or in the garage with minimal fuss–somewhere away from people.
Doing this routine in an apartment complex is another story. If nobody is using the shower or bathtub for a spell, use that as your base of ops. Once everything is unscrewed, bathe the individual plastic components of dust.
Just be sure that, whatever you do or wherever you do it, you’re comfortable doing so. Don’t be afraid to sit down somewhere and not have to stand upright for too long. Get a chair.
#5: Priorities (OSHA Guidelines)
It is best to focus on one project at a time, which helps in tracking the parts and preventing them from sprawling around and consuming your walking space.
If finagling a vacuum cleaner apart becomes a struggle session, don’t be afraid to spend a few days on it–just remember to wipe aside caked dust and unlatch anything not screwed down (and on fire).
If you haven’t done this before, don’t be afraid to take numerous breaks. The cash you get from one repaired/refurbished cleaner should not be the sole source of income. Nobody should race to the finish line, either. There will always be another vacuum cleaner, always.
#6: After all That Effort….
Okay, so you unscrewed everything, checked out the components, unclogged the tubes, replaced (or repaired, if you’re savvy and it’s playing nice) the brush, ran a successful test, cleaned it in and out and even wiped it with 50% (or better) Isopropyl Alcohol for that special disinfection touch… now you have to price it.
How do you go about this?
Ordinarily, businesses factor in labor, but that’s for professional or at least just trained service. Check the suggested retail price, prices on eBay, then prices compared to new models, and demand a percentage of that median price.
“Median Price” is not always “Fair Price” to all buyers. Many walk away without bothering to barter if you aim too high even after factoring part purchases.
#7: Never Be (Become) a Sucker
(This Goes for Buyers, Too.)
As for your price, take cues from seasoned secondhand sellers. While a reality TV show like Pawn Stars is not a comprehensive source of business advice, the proprietors possess some admirable acumen.
After guests with expertise weigh in about a rare or exotic artifact’s price, the seller often asks for that same price. Yet, the Pawn Star boys rarely go beyond 40% of said price. They veer for 15% whenever possible, but give the seller breathing room to barter.
Do likewise, including the breathing room when bartering. Most people think of floors when they buy vacuum cleaners. So, if the model’s doohickey tubes are present, err on the higher end of the equation.
Oh, and always replace punctured tubes and used HEPA filters. If the smallest order for parts was a multi-pack, offer the remainder free of charge.
Conclusion
If you want to impress buyers enough to make them routine shoppers, make sure your goods do not look dingy or damaged. Make sure your vacuum cleaner looks and runs like it has never been used. Do everything it takes to not sell “parts as-is”.
Last Trick: Try asking for 60% market value and see if the person asks for more than half of that. Sometimes, they may think “40%” is a bargain! Better than starting your bid at 40% and getting whittled down to 15%!
If you put up with a rambling blog post like this, then you are obviously well-skilled.
Good hunting.