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.

Oh what a horrible experience! Why can't people do their jobs anymore? Drives me nuts!!!

Hopefully this will get ironed out and she will be able to use her gift. What a thoughtful person you are :D

I am so sorry to hear of all the grief you and trupeach are experiencing with the machine. I know that Billy "Lostn" could get it up and running if he had it ... I hope this can be sorted out soon. Hugs to the both of you..

what a terrible thing to do to you and your friend. I'd be leary about sending it back, yiu may ot even get a replacement. I know many people buy large items like that online, but I'm scared to even think about it. But you my friernd, are a dear for trying to do something so very kind.

First off, Don't give up you're right to a working product. They will give you many hoops to jump through when they start off like this, but just keep at it.
1. document every phone call with date and time and every thing that has transpired.
2. Find the Address of the CEO of AllBrands and Singer and sent a polite, brief letter stating the facts like you have done here and what you need them to do and by when before you contact your states Attorney General. Send this letter registered so that you can see that it is received.
I'll bet if you do all that then either AllBrands or Singer will be making that machine right for you and your friend.

I sure hope this gets resolved without too much more headache. I would certainly be leery about buying anything from them if that's how they do business!
You are a kind soul.... :D :D :thumbup:

let's wait to see the response to a registered letter to the Biggest Kahuna at Allbrands.

it's an extremely disappointing situation, to be sure, but may all work out in the end.

a bit of perspective here might help. many millions of people go to sleep hungry every night. war, famine, disease and pestilence are their constant companions.

we are all very fortunate, despite having to slog through a major inconvenience from time to time.

What a shame. I ordered a machine from the years ago and they did just fine. I'm hoping they get this fixed for you.

What a great friend you are and so sorry that you both are having to go through all this trouble. Hope you get it resolved soon.

I have resolved the situation. I found a local repairman who is willing to come out and fix the machine. It cost a little less than$100, but it is well worth the money. Of course cost was part of the endevor, but an extra bit doesn't really make a difference. I just hope he will do a good job.