Gwyn

Have you ever tried to do something special for a dear friend or relative? But no matter how hard you try it just isn't working out the way you wanted it too? Here is the story:

About the middle of September I purchased the pictured sewing machine for my friend Trupeach. First they took forever to complete the process of getting paid. Then when they shipped the machine, they didn't look to see if it was all put together or defective.

Finally the day arrives and the machine arrives in Ohio. Janice is beside her self. She has a years worth of sewing all planned. She has also been really sick that week so the package was very welcome.

Imagine her surprise when the crank and all its screws and bolts fell into her lap. They hadn't attached the hand crank...It is like getting that awesome machine you want and having them forget the electrical cord or give you the pedal in pieces.

She tried to fit the machine into the case. Another thing the seller should have done. It is really heavy and she couldn't get it to fit. Frustrated, I called the company and ask them to send a replacement machine with all of its togetherness, together. Crank installed and the whole business installed into its beautiful case.

Everything was fine. The new machine was paid for and the refund for the old machine would come to me after she sent the old one back.

Yesterday I got an email saying they couldn't accept the returned machine because it was a no return item. The sent the money back to my account and cancelled the order.

Now, I make arrangements for a repair man to go to Tru's home to fix her machine and get it going. This is all set up to happen once I pay this man nearly $100.

In the mean time Tru has called All Brands and demanded they fix the machine for free. After a series of telephone calls, they have agreed that if she will package the machine up, they will pay for a UPS pick up to send it back to their warehouse. They will determine if the machine needs repair and make sure it willfit in its box. Goody for them. My account must front the money for UPS and it will be repaid when the machine arrives.

This is a Singer machine. Brand new...So I called Singer. According to Singer, they no longer make this machine and they don't do returns or repairs. The local Singer dealers are independent retailers and can set their own guidelines about what services they offer to people who purchase their machine from another store.

I was trying to do something small that would help my friend be able to sew like the rest of us with machines. She can't use a motor, but she can crank that thing around. I am so upset, I'm ready to fly out there and fix the thing myself. The fresh, new, funness has worn off and now it is just sad.