I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with this questionable company a few months ago and am extremely ashamed to admit I was suckered in by their salesperson. The next day after I purchased the vacuum I read reports on the internet about the company and was disgusted to see many reports titled 'tristar vacuum scams' which included alarmingly similar experiences to my own by customers who endured the exact same tactics this company used to make a sale.
Tristar contacted me in regards to a 'survey' I did in June on air purifiers; they wanted to deliver a gift to thank me for partaking in the survey. After saying no the first time they attempted to deliver a gift (they were very vague when asked what it was) they continued to persist....finally I agreed as I had the day off. When I asked why they couldn't mail it they simply responded with 'we want to show our sincere thanks in helping us with the survey by delivering it personally'. The 'student' they sent was very polite. I must admit it was a fairly good presentation. He stated he was nervous, it was one of his first sales, he was a student, and 'was it okay if I read off of my notes'. After he told me the price, I laughed. I said I couldn't afford it at this point in time. He called his manager from MY phone, wherein he proceeded with a very cheesy conversation with his manager - "oh, yes, she's very nice", etc., etc. After also telling his manager I couldn't afford the vacuum, he offered $400 off if I donated my vacuum, and stated I wouldn't have to start payments until 2 months' time. Long story short, I ended up investing in the vacuum.
Initially, I was happy with the product. But after reading the scam reports I was upset and angry in regards to how this 'company' had used the exact same tactics on other people; they were grossly overcharging for a product that could be purchased much cheaper on ebay. I think what was most disturbing was the reports I read from the perspective of past and present employees of Tristar. My salesperson who was a 'student' read and memorized every single deceptive trick in the book...I was shocked to read the exact same lies used in other people's stories. I couldn't believe allegedly how much money from each sale was going to 'upper management'; how could this NOT be considered a scam...the exact same product is being sold door to door with a price ranging anywhere from $1500 (if you're lucky) to $3000 or higher. Shame on me for not doing the research before I purchased the vacuum but thankfully, in small print, I noted the vacuum could be returned within 7 days. I did not walk, but ran to return my vacuum. Needless to say, management was extremely rude when I brought the vacuum in. Most likely because he wouldn't be getting his $2000 cut from my hard earned cash. In retrospect, everything about this experience was slimy; the only positive experience that arose from it is that I will never fall prey to this kind of deception again.