kaylfordsollimo

Is the store owner leaving the area or just changing over to an online store? If the owner is staying local, I would see if she/he is willing to provide the mastery classes, etc. Otherwise, I would get the money back. Now! Do not wait until June 30th. The Bernina is a fantastic machine - I have one that I bought second hand from a fellow guild member when she upgraded. I also have an Elna 7200 that I bought from a friend who just didn't use it. It is also fantastic. As some others have said, if the cost of the mastery classes is included with the machine and you still want to buy it, that cost should be deducted up front. My 2¢ worth.

momjoy6

How about asking your lqs about it first. It looks like it is only 1 day that you'd be different than their closing date. I'm sure they'd still be able to do that for you. AND, there are many service centers around as long as you take your sales receipt along w/you that you can get the manufacturers warranty honored at. Wish you well in your purchase. RELAX!

vickig626

That happened to me too and I was told I could go to a shop about an hour and a half away....NOT. I had already bought and picked up the machine, hadn't had 1 lesson yet so I was out of luck. I had to learn the machine on my own. I no longer own that machine due to so many service problems with it...too much aggravation to get it to service.

If you don't have a local (or almost local) service center, it's not worth the trouble....even to take it in for cleaning.

I hate when we shops do this to people without any reasonable notice.

But good luck on what you decide.

kaylfordsollimo

Please contact me, I think I might be able to give you some information that will help.
Kay in NJ

jcrow

It's so important to take classes for your new Bernina. My dealer is 2 hours away and over a snowy mountain pass, so I only get lessons in the summer. There is a quilt shop with a Bernina dealership closer, but they won't teach me classes. I didn't know about the closer one when I bought my machine.

Teri D

First you need to make sure that you get a full warranty and the other "perks" that go with a new machine because you mentioned that yours is a "demo" model. And find out if other Bernina dealers will honor that.

I assume that there is a Viking dealer nearby for your "alternative" machine....but how "solid" are they? You might face the same issue down the road with the Viking.

I feel your pain because my trusty long-time Bernina dealer retired and closed his store. Another store in the area took over the franchise but I'm a bit leery of a "new" technician -- although he's been through all the training classes etc.

Difficult decision......good luck.

lfstamper

Call the other dealers and ask them. Bernina always stands behind their warranties and products.

Friday1961

I would ask for my money back and if they gave me trouble, I'd then contact Bernina.

roserips

My BFF is a Bernina tech. Another friend of ours bought a Vicking machine from another company 2 hours away from us. She still is trying to learn her machine because the classes were group classes with multiple machines and she couldn't concentrate on what she needed to know for hers. Bernina offers lots of classes on line even they are wonderful since I have taken many of them myself. I wish I were in your shoes and could buy a new Bernina They are wonderful machines. But the most important thing is to have the support you need local. There are no gurantees in life and things always will change but planning for your future enjoyment of your machine is a smart move. Check out www.berninausa.com you might be able to get some help I hope.

twoxover

hi everyone!

here is the follow up--after the fact that she yelled at my way to sweet of a DH....no way will i ever set foot in her store, in person or online, ever. this experience has soured me on bernina. I still think it's a great machine, but not willing to encounter another attitude.

I'm a viking person-i have a great 350 that is such a workhorse. Today i went to my local viking dealer-about 45 minutes away. over the course of 15 year, i have bought my 350 from him, my babylock embroidery machine from him (an ellure...it's old, but great!) and vacuums. he's been in business for at least 30 years. they aren't going ANYWHERE!

Long story short...I'm getting a viking tribute 140 c. got a GREAT price (even better than the special that viking is advertising) and the little extras coming with it, as well as an extended warrentee through the store. They did not have one in stock...but i played with an 835 and an 875 long enough to know that I will LOVE the tribute. These are people I trust. they aren't fancy, but they do good work.