Considering a Bernina
10-13-2012, 05:04 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 127
Considering a Bernina
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!
10-13-2012, 05:38 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,501
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.
10-13-2012, 05:43 PM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
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.
10-13-2012, 06:08 PM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
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.
10-13-2012, 07:00 PM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,052
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!!
10-13-2012, 07:51 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Yes, Bernina has a top of the line machine, but it is the customer service that sets them apart from every other brand. I have been going to the same Bernina dealer for over 25 years. If he closes up shop for some reason, I know I could travel down the road in the other direction and get the same wonderful service from the other Bernina dealer in my area. I am a Bernina girl for life.
10-13-2012, 08:02 PM
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,713
Ask before you buy ... and then there's no surprises!
As a point of interest ... my for machines purchased from my dealer (Janome+Bernina) you can make an appointment to bring your machine in for servicing with a 24 hr turnaround, providing there are not surprises. They keep a good inventory, so in most cases, it is just the 24 or less. For those who live out of town, they will even do it same day, while you are in town for errands, and so you don't have to make a second trip. For those who did not purchase there, your machine goes in teh queue when you deliver it ... and the appointments are kept, with the others filling in gaps between.
A friend of mine learned the lesson the hard way. She bought a deluxe machine at this dealer and was very happy. Then price shopped when buying her serger. Guess what? not long after she had problems with her serger, and the other dealer didn't follow thru. She totally regrets that "deal" ... and recognizes it was not a good deal!
As a point of interest ... my for machines purchased from my dealer (Janome+Bernina) you can make an appointment to bring your machine in for servicing with a 24 hr turnaround, providing there are not surprises. They keep a good inventory, so in most cases, it is just the 24 or less. For those who live out of town, they will even do it same day, while you are in town for errands, and so you don't have to make a second trip. For those who did not purchase there, your machine goes in teh queue when you deliver it ... and the appointments are kept, with the others filling in gaps between.
A friend of mine learned the lesson the hard way. She bought a deluxe machine at this dealer and was very happy. Then price shopped when buying her serger. Guess what? not long after she had problems with her serger, and the other dealer didn't follow thru. She totally regrets that "deal" ... and recognizes it was not a good deal!
10-13-2012, 08:17 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 6,254
Originally Posted by Candace
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.
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