Clean machines, fair prices

Tittl tries to find perfect vacuum for every customer

By: Charlie Mathews, Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC - Paul Tittl sells a vacuum cleaner that costs $899, but it may not be the right one for all customers, even for those with deep pockets.

"We sell vacuums to customers based on their actual needs, but always a quality product at a reasonable price," said Tittl, owner since 1987 of the Vacuum & Sewing Center, 1104 Washington St.

"Some people have this misconception that they have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality product," said Tittl, who was a vacuum salesman before starting his own business. "But we have great vacuum cleaners that cost between $100 and $200, and will require little or no service."

Tittl is assisted by John Zirk, who also repairs vacuum cleaners and sewing machines, as well as Jill Draves.

They typically ask a homeowner several questions: what do they currently own and do they like it, do they have a preference between an upright or canister vacuum, how many rooms are in their home, carpet versus bare floor, do they have any pets, do they have asthma or any allergies, and how much were they looking to spend.

"That’s so I can meet their needs for the dollar amount they want to spend," Tittl said.

The store will repair all makes and models of vacuums - and carries bags, filters, belts and other parts for dozens of models - "but we’re picky on what we’ll sell," Tittl said.

He carries Hoover, Panasonic, Oreck, Eureka, Riccar, Fuller, CarpetPro, Sanitaire Commercial, Titan, as well as Beam Central Vacuum systems.

Tittl said about 95 percent of homes in Canada are piped or fitted for a central vacuum system, but only about 20 percent in the U.S.

More powerful system

The advantage to the central vacuum system is the portable vacuum is removed from living space, with central system equipment typically placed in the garage or basement.

"It can remove all contaminants from the air and not spew anything back," Tittl, 46, said.

A central vacuum system is more powerful than any portable unit and features a lifetime Gore-Tex filter, with dust and any¬thing else vacuumed dumped into the trash.

Tittl said they can retrofit existing homes and create the piping system on multiple floors. A recent installation in a 1,800-square-foot ranch home cost $1,399 and Tittl said the system will increase the value of the home. "It will have three to five times the power of any portable we sell," he said.

Hallway ports are installed, enabling multiple rooms to be reached via 30-foot hose.

At the high end for portable vacuums, the $899 Riccar Radiance, made in Missouri, features three motors, including one to drive the brush, and two for suction. It comes with a 7-year warranty, including free annual servicing, which would normally cost $39.99.

Like many of the 2008 vacuums, it features a HEPA - High Efficiency Particulate Airfiltration - system removing virtually all airborne particles.

"That is the major trend I vacuum cleaning over the past two decades," Tittl said. "The air coming out of these vacuums is 99.99 percent pure.

"Bagless vacuums have revolutionized the industry, but the filters are much more costly," Tittl said.

"You do get to play with your dirt every time you empty it … but I stopped wanting to play with dirt 40 years ago," Tittl joked.

He said his typical customers are individuals who had machines fixed before "and now they want to give a shot at being their supplier.

"My business is based on customer service, treating customers right and fair even if they didn’t initially buy from me," Tittl said. "That business model has proved itself right over the past 21 years."

Quilting revival spurs sewing machine sales

The same philosophy exists when it comes to selling and servicing sewing machines, which is about one-fifth of Tittl’s business.

"Quilting has revived the sewing machine business," said Tittl, noting sewing has become an artistic expression on such projects as heirloom quilts and embroidered items.

He sells the Janome brand, also known as New American Home, with the sewing machines known for quality and durability.

Prices range from about $299 to the Memory Craft 11000 at $7,499. Tittl said it is a three-in-one machine, able to be used on sewing, embroidery and quilting jobs, and featuring a 7-inch LCD screen, USB port, and interconnectivity with one’s computer.

Tittl said the sewing machine he sold for $2,199 two decades ago would now cost $399, with similar durability but even more features.

Active as a county board supervisor and former city councilman, Tittl said his political life, on occasion, has probably both helped and hurt his business, depending on the stance he took on a particular issue.

But he had a quick answer to what he likes about his business.

"I like meeting all the people, hundreds a month, and we solve a lot of problems every day," Tittl said.

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