Quiltingboard Forums - Just Another Post About Buying Long Arms!

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)

- Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)

- - Just Another Post About Buying Long Arms! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/just-another-post-about-buying-long-arms-t207483.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by topstitch (Post 5695177)

Hi Pumpkin, I have responded to you in your private messages, but wanted to add that when I bought my first machine. a Tin Lizzie, there were only 2 other LAer's in my area. There are now 7 of us so the competition is much greater. Also, because I am in a rual area of Va. quilters to not hesitate to mail their quilts off to someone on E-bay,etc. This too cuts down on you customer base. I have stayed busy because I have a very fast turn around. I do not hoard 30 or 40 quilts at a time. I limit it to 5. But once I get your quilt I get it back to you in a day or two. My customers think I am a great business person but actually it is just a personality trait. I lack the gene that enables you to postpone "stuff". There is the fact that I don't sleep also!!!!!

Thank you for your comments Topstitch I appreciate it! I got your PM and will keep all of that information handy, thanks for your input! I really am interested in all views negative and positive so I can make the best decision for myself.

I know what you mean about hanging onto quilts -for me, I wouldn't want something in my house longer than I NEED it to be - I have three kids and four pets and I'd like to purchase garment bags and a hanging rack to store customer quilts on to keep them "safe" but I couldn't sleep at night with 40 quilts that don't belong to me in the house. I am not looking to do that much work either, I don't want a big business. I stay home with my kids so I want them to come first. Not to mention we have four or five really GOOD reputable long armers around here and I don't want to compete with them. I just want to do a few quilts on the side for extra fabric money and maybe a few more than that around December to help pay for our Christmas. But I like to make BIG quilts and I'm just outsewing my domestic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkinpatchquilter (Post 5694497)

I'm really leaning towards a used machine because of my budget - do you think it's a bad idea to buy something as old as the 90's? I mean - I really WANT stitch regulation, but space is a lot more important to me and I'd be willing to sacrifice it at this point to get a bigger work area.

Absolutely buy used if you can find a good deal and the machine is worth it. Most dealers and manufacturers have used machines. If you decide on a Nolting you can call Dan at Nolting and ask any question ... they believe in the truest form of customer service ... you can't go wrong. Good Luck

"You know, silly me, I didn't even THINK about checking out the deals at shows. There is a show in the spring. To be honest, the ONLY reason I'm inclined to go new is for the warranty and customer support."

We purchased a used Nolting 24...WITH warranty and excellent customer service. Be sure to check directly with companies you're interested in. They all get trade-in machines. See which ones give you the best warranty/customer services. Chances are you can get a great machine at a fraction of the cost of a new machine.

Christine

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick (Post 5704817)

I couldn't agree more with your statement....Dan Novak at Nolting is the TOPS in customer service. He's helped us whenver we needed something. The whole customer service dept. there is great.

Christine