I bought one of these a while back and with the outdoor tape the labels have held up very well. Far better than any other option I've tried. Sometimes when DH uses it, the spelling gets interesting. He speaks fluent German, how can he misspell Kanegem???

If you want to find out about the vacuum from the seller on ebay send an email requesting the serial number from the product that you might win. He is gonna love your inquiry but you need to know before you bid. Call the manufacturer with the info they will tell you exactly when the item was made and the status (preowned, refurbished, etc.) Don't forget to ask about the warranty. Kohls department store has a website. If you register to receive sale notices you will autoatically get a 10% discount. If you get a kohls charge card you get a higher discount. Many times they offer free shipping over 75 dollars and sometimes you can buy any 1 item for 99 cents shipping. There vacuum prices are good. I bought a eureka and it is still working well. refurbished items come with a warranty.

I've purchased several different things from Woot, but they've all been new. If you read the full description of the items offered, if there is a warranty it will always be stated as to the duration, and who provides the warranty. For example, today's Woot is a (new) Kodak EasyShare 5100 All in One Printer, Scanner and Copier (for $49.99 -- but it's already sold out). In the Product Info section it shows "Warranty: One Year Kodak" -- so there is a one-year warranty and any claims/service, etc., through the warranty would be made with Kodak, not Woot.

I don't know how hard it is to retrofit a house for a central vacuum, but you might look into it. This and the recirculating hot water pump are two of my favorite things about the house we built in 2000. Newer systems have a Hide-A-Hose feature -- probably harder to retrofit. I am so spoiled! I'm not pushing around an awkward, heavy, noisy, diminishing-suction machine with a short warranty. I don't fill and replace expensive bags frequently or need to hold my breath while dumping a canister after each use. My system cost $1000 upfront -- all tools and installation with four outlets. I needed a new motor ($200) after 16 years. There's just a mild 'swooshing' noise where I'm using it; the motor is in the basement. DH changes the $7 bag 3 - 4 times a year. We have hardwood and orientals that this cleans with suction only. (Heads with beater bars are available for heavy carpets.) The suction is strong enough to capture a fly from six inches away, but I can reduce suction with a twist of a lever to vacuum a bathroom rug without pulling the rug off the floor. I don't know what I might have paid to replace vacuums and buy bags absent this. I'm out $1200 + $400 for bags -- around $80/year, and *total satisfaction* for all of it. I think this should be a plus for anyone buying our house -- certainly for anyone who is already used to the benefits.