SDC Rewards Member Upgrade yours now
Vella Gonzaga

Vella Gonzaga

Administrator
Staff member
Aug 23, 2021
3,709
4,693
113
Electrolux Man

Who remembers the legendary Electrolux Man? This photo, captured in Victoria in 1954, takes us back to an era when vacuum cleaners were still new on the market. Electrolux hired these enthusiastic door-to-door salesmen who would demonstrate the magic of their vacuum cleaners right in your living room! These vacuums were built to withstand the test of time. Did any of you ever cave into the charm of the Electrolux Man and purchase a vacuum?

compressed-nostalgia 5.jpeg
Credits: Facebook/Old Time Photos Of Yesteryear

 
In the mid seventies in Melbourne I was visiting an English friend when the Electrolux man came calling. My friend invited him in for a demonstration, even though she wasn’t in the market for a new vacuum cleaner. She kept saying things like, “I know they’re good hoovers, but I don’t need a new one. I’m happy with the hoover I have now”. (British people call vacuum cleaners Hoovers as it was an early - maybe the first - brand available.) The man kept telling her it was an Electrolux, not a Hoover, bit it went over her head. She’d say, “Yes, Electrolux is a good brand of hoover“. The poor man, with English not his first language, left, reeling with confusion. 🤣
 
My lovely Mum didn't like Salesmen at all, but the one she always welcomed was the Electrolux man. They were always I remember very good Salesmen, and would also suggest solutions if she had any issues with the Electrolux we had. She swore by them.
 
I remember late 60s and the Electrolux man calling . My nan went from having a hoover to an Electrolux and guess what my first vacuum was ?? Yes an Electrolux, and a gift from my grandmother in 1978 although she purchased it from Walton's
 
Yes, I always had Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners, they were the best.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marj53
Oh I remember the Electrolux salesmen well, from my childhood but also after I married.
One visit from a salesman was particularly funny. We had just built our 1st home and couldn’t afford carpet so we’re living on concrete floors and he insisted on showing me the wonders of the latest model. Not taking no for an answer he asked me to get my old vacuum to check it’s performance . He proceeded to turn it on and off, on and off and said hear that noise that‘s the brushes in the motor it’s past it’s use by date It‘s going to pack it in any day. I told him I needed to talk with my husband to get rid of him. Back he came the next week, where I was able to in form him that I’d explained to my husband what he had said and my husband had said … those motors don’t have brushes in them!! I never saw him again😂
 
I had a couple of Electrolux over the years. Very good. Wonder what happened them. Don't see them anymore.
 
I had an Electrolux, and something went wrong with it, my husband puled it apart but could not fix it, so I had to call the electrolux man and give him the box of parts for him to put together. I must say that he was very nice about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marj53
In 1975 back in England my mother had an Elecrolux vacuume cleaner. She also had a Ford Escort car, being a fabricator welder, I put a new front grill and left and right front side panel to replace the rusted ones. As the car could not pass its road worthiness certificate. When the job was complete mum brought out the Electrolux and took the hose from the sucks-ion end and placed it on the exhaust end connected the paint spray devise, that came with the unit and painted the front bottle green, to match the rest of the car. I then replaced all the front end fittings and the car looked brand new. Thanks to mum and Mr. Electrolux's capabilities! May they rest in peace! Amen!
 
Last edited:
I remember those days of Electrolux salesmen. Never any female sales then.
I had a Kirby female sales rep come to my place about 15 yrs ago. The boss dropped her off and left. She was quite cute, but I didnt buy one, (the price is ridiculous) anyway it was 5hrs before her boss returned to collect her. Not sure what the strategy was, but they didnt get a sale.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Penny4
I think I was about 21/22 and looking for a job and decided I would try Electrolux. I went through their school showing how to do a presentation and was pretty good at it and I went out on the road with good salesman. He was selling about five machines a day and at $8 commission per machine it was good money in the early '50s. I found I was not cut out to be a tough sales person. I just could not go for the throat to get a sale. Interesting experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Penny4

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×