Tartan

I would contact the Bernina Rep for your area and see if all the service and classes can be covered by another shop. Have them issue a letter or something to bring with you? I would also bring my concerns to the shop that is closing and say, "maybe I should get my money back and buy at another Bernina dealer." They may sweeten the pot ($ off)for you to buy from them to clear out their shop. I have owned a Bernina before but I recently got the 440 QE. I am an experienced sewer but the classes have been fun and informative.

kountrykreation

If the cost of the machine includes the cost of the 'mastery classes', then the current retailer will not be able to honor that sale in it's entirety. I would expect a discount equivalent to the cost of the classes, or go elsewhere. Once the doors are shut, it will be your problem. Good that you are thinking ahead.

Quiltngolfer

I would ask the LQS if they would give your classes before they close. More than likely they would be willing to do that since you are buying your machine from them. The Bernina isn't hard to use, and there are lots of you tube lessons on the different Berninas.

Sally J

I would probably be inclined to cancel and buy a Viking where you would know you have support. I've heard that others have had problem when the try and get help from another store. Classes and support is as important as possible machine service. Sorry you have been put in this situation.

kathleenq

I would be concerned doing business, with a sewing machine store that is closing. A few years ago,
I had some software on lay a way. The store did not give me the courtesy to inform me they were closing
I learned from a friend. My husband and I had to jump through a few hoops to get my "lay away" money back.
That said, if you need lessons, its best to buy from a dealer who is actively in business.

feline fanatic

$2K is a lot of money in my book too! IMHO a good dealer is essential. I love my Bernina but I also have an awesome dealer. They are an hour plus away but so worth the trip for me and they have deals worked out with LQS for weekly pickup and drop offs of machines for servicing and maintenance.

When I was first shopping for mine I went to a closer dealer and felt like I was a bother when I walked in the door. I went to the dealer over an hour away and was treated like an old dear friend the minute I walked through the door. I have never been unhappy with their service. I love them. And they have a beautiful quilt shop in addition to being a Bernina rep. So a good dealer means a LOT.

calla

My Bernia dealer closed too and I only had one class. Another shop offered owners classes however, I wasn't notified and the time period expired. I only purchased the 230 but my 2 friends purchased the 440's and need classes on there software,...................not happy. calla

GrannieAnnie

Sage advise. If you don't get the answers you want, ask for a refund and go elsewhere.

wolph33

I agree and have 2 Vikings and love them

LTeachergeorge

I also have Vikings (3) and love them. The dealer is 45 minutes away, but I have emailed or called and easily gotten issues resolved. I wasn't a big believer in the classes before the Viking purchase. They have been invaluable -- I was able to take classes multiple times, at no cost, and benefitted from each and every class. They all seemed to touch on different things (or maybe I hit overload quickly on the first couple). I feel like I could take the classes again now if I wanted to, and it's been 4-5 years since I bought the last one. To me, this is invaluable. Good luck to you.