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I hear that it's important to buy a Bernina machine through a good local dealer and I get that, but what if you move? I have noticed some substantial differences in prices as well. Of course I want to support local shops but I also want to be a good steward. Is it more about the classes or repairs? Thanks!
I purchased my Bernina when I lived in Charleston, SC. Fortunately, I was able to take the lessons before I moved. Now that I live in Tennessee, I get excellent service from the dealer in Knoxville. Moving has not been a problem for me; but I do think it is best to buy from your local dealer if you want the lessons; otherwise, you will probably have to pay for the lessons. If you are looking at the 830, my dealer said that you could take the lessons on line. If that is the case, you could buy from the dealer with the best price and hope that the dealer nearest you would do a good job with service. Since I have been sewing for 61 years, I am more interested in service. I can usually read the manual and figure out what to do.
Ask before you buy! And get it in writing. Some dealers are not so supportive if you did not buy the machine at that location. If you know where you are moving too find out the dealer there and call them and ask about support /lessons warrenty etc. My mom had a harsh experience with a very $$ Viking... the dealer in the new location was less than supportive.
I moved and the new Bernina place would not give free lessons unless you bought the machine from them.
Free classes are only with the dealer you purchased from. But any classes would only be a few weeks worth, so if those were done right after purchase, I don't see the issue? As for warranty work etc. that would transfer to your new (moving) dealer. If your new dealer has any problems with that, then you just complain very loudly to Bernina and they'll help you. I've never heard of mastery classes being online. If you're considering the new 830, I would highly recommend you do the mastery classes in person and do your research before purchase...this is coming from an 830 owner.
My dealer does as many free user classes as you wantOriginally Posted by Candace
Brother XL-3500i, SQ-9050, Dreamweaver XE6200D
So does mine. The point is, it's the same classes...if the student doesn't learn, well...
So does mine. If you need special help with a certain project she'll set up a time and work on that. She also listens to us and if there are several students who want to learn something she'll set up a special class for all of us; thats with the machine or software. We have monthly emboidery club that's open to all; no matter what machine you have or where you bought it. If you got if from them it's free if not its 40 a yr plus cost of projects. I think its a great value because shes always coming up with new things for us to learn and now that most of us in the class have one of 3 machines she's going to teach us things that our machines will do that others don't but good things for us to know. To me this is a great teacher. By the way, I have a Viking but I think all stores/teachers should be like that. The classes to teach you basics are great but as you start doing more its great to have someone to count on if you need extra assistance. You are right, the student has to want to learn and pay attention. Some take the classes but never do anything outside of the classes.
Judy
My dealer probably has 50 to 100 classes offered free to people who bought their machines through them. The machine comes with lifetime classes-with a catch. You get 1 year, and then every time you get service you get an additional year.
And while some are repetitive (weekends are almost always "meet my bernina") they have them on just about every topic, foot, technique, etc you can imagine. Classes sell supplies in the store, so it is in their best interest to get you into them.
I have a Bernina. I took the classes where I bought the machine, but have it serviced at a different dealer, never been a problem with the warranty, or anything else. I would like to say I love my Bernina and would never have anything else!!
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