Complaint Review: KIRBY COMPANY (VACUUM CLEANERS) - Knoxville Tennessee

When I started working for Ultimate Technologies, I was young and naive.  A very dangerous combination out there in the real world.  Anyways, like most people, I was fooled into thinking I could make enough money to support my family.  With promises of $1600 a month, bonuses, trips, the works; I was enticed.  Not to mention I am great with people. 

When I started, I had applied for the position of training.  I mean hey, the ad said they were hiring for customer service reps, appointment setters, managers, product setup and display, and training.  Well, I wasn't trained to train.  I was trained to be a "Dealer".  Not the position I wanted, but with all the "money" they were making changed my mind for the moment.

My first day, being a rookie and all, I was forced to the back of the van.  The nasty, filthy, smelly van.  As if things couldn't get worse, my manager did not favor me whatsoever.  I'm guessing it was because I wasn't the thin, blondes he lusted after.  Needless to say, I wasn't put in any "shows", aka homes.  Finally, at about 6pm, I was put in a home.  My homeowner, or renter, in this case; (something that is very frowned upon in the Kirby business),was an elderly lady.  She couldn't do her own housework, and her daughter had power of attorney over the finances.

After finishing my demonstration, I called my "wonderful" manager.  He sent this freak known as "Coyote" in.  And a coyote he was.  I was not the pressurized salesperson they were hoping for.  I hadn't even discussed the price with the lovely lady.  I knew her situation and didn't feel comforable forcing her to make a decision she clearly could not.

After about 15 minutes of hounding my homeowner, Coyote stormed out of her house.  I was informed to pack up and wait outside.  When I was finished packing up, I tried to explain the depth of my sympathy for the woman, and apologized for the jerk's actions.  I then went outside, where I was waiting for about an hour.  Not the worst that has ever happened.

So even though my first day was a complete disaster.. I was too determined to prove myself to my family and these d****ebags that I had to go back.  Biggest mistake of my life.  Throughout my employment, or I am sorry, contract; I had sold machines, plenty of machines, and earned nothing over $800.  The length of my employment with the company?  Five months.  Call it dumb, call it motivated, call it whatever you want.

Not only did I not make a cent over $800 within 5 mos (while selling machines), ALL of my belongings were stolen by a Kirby rep, and I was forced to room with someone I did not want to while staying in a hotel on a road trip.

I would also like to add that ALL of the people involved in Kirby do some type of illegal drugs/activity.  Everyone.  The drugs range from marijuana to crack/cocaine.  Even the big bosses!!!  They often pick up the drugs on the way to work.  And those "honest" people you're letting into your home, will most likely steal from you whether you buy or not.

And I couldn't begin to count all the times we had the police called on us.  It's a good thing I have no record.  Oh, and the downpayments homeowners make?  Guess what honey, they keep that.  It NEVER makes it to the company. 

Anyways, the point of my report is to expose the scandalous activities that go on in the Kirby world, and hopefully put a stop to it.

AVOID ALL DOOR TO DOOR SALESPEOPLE!!

Now, to shine some light on the "Superstars" of Kirby:

James Chosie: Owner of Ultimate Technologies in Knoxville, TN.  While he is actually a decent guy, his business is not, and that is not something I am willing to forgive.

Wendy Hicks/Cooper: Former owner of Versatility Technologies in Fort Mill, SC.  I say former because she recently lost her business.  This "sweet lil country girl" is far from sweet.  She practices all the same techniques that the other owners do, she just does so in a sneaky way.  Trying to appear as though she is an angel.  Don't let her into your home either. 

James Newcomb:  Owner of Kirby office in Charlotte, NC.  And guess who his right hand man is?  If you guessed Coyote, you're right.  If you ask me, they all deserve to rot in hell, but these two deserve it the most.

David/Lisa Goins:  Owners of Kirby office in Kingsport, TN.

Tisha Finley: Owner of Kirby office in South/North Carolina.

The next time you see an ad that says any variation of the following, beware: Local distribution company looking to hire energetic people.  Currenly hiring for appointment setters, cust service reps, product setup and display, training, and management.  Apply today, Start tomorrow!  Looking to fill 20 positions immediately!  Call for information.  Guaranteed pay 400/wk.

And the next time someone offers a free shampoo, ABSOLUTELY do not let them in!!  You will be in for a demonstration that lasts bout 3 hours, and is complete with a Kirby jackass to tell you how horrible your home is without it.

Always ask for identification or a business license!  You'll be doing yourself a huge favor!!