Bad news from my sewing machine tech....my machine is dead, may she RIP. Good News....I get to buy a new machine. I really, really want the Janome 6600. My hubby is a little concerned at the price tag (understandable)....any tips on how to convince him it's (or I'm) worth it??!!!

Get him thinking value for $.

More $ now, means you have a machine that will last you much longer than the lower end ones. That goes for the overall quality as well as in the tricks it'll do!

I use this one on my hubby all the time.....

When you spread the cost over the years I'm going to use it... It really only costs about XXX. I just have to pay it all up front.

I bought a Bernina...which is pricey also...but have never regretted it, or how wonderful my DH is for going along with my choice. They are both keepers!
Claudia

I like this one!!

Of course, there's the "when mamma ain't happy, no one is happy" factor! A happy YOU ... makes life easier for him! :)

you might be able to get a used one on Craigslist won't have a warranty but these machine rarely if ever have any problems I love my Janome. Some sewing machines shops also might have one that was traded in or a floor model as they are now bringing out the 7700 and are getting rid of the 6600's so you really might find a great deal. Also do you have a older machine you could use as a trade in?

you might be able to get a used one on Craigslist won't have a warranty but these machine rarely if ever have any problems I love my Janome. Some sewing machines shops also might have one that was traded in or a floor model as they are now bringing out the 7700 and are getting rid of the 6600's so you really might find a great deal. Also do you have a older machine you could use as a trade in?

sorry double post

I've looked on Craigs List - no luck there. My machine is not fixable, so no trade either. I'm wondering if I might find a deal at a quilt show. There's a big one coming up in the Twin Cities next week.

call around to local shops and see what kind of deals they have before you go to the show so you know what you could get

Take your time when it comes to buying a new machine. However, there is nothing as nice or such a workhorse as the Janome 6600P. The thread cutter saves lots of money on thread, the large 9" harp means a larger area for quilting and sewing. There are a lot of stitches and even has the alphabet but it is a workhorse and could very possibly be the last machine you will ever need. Has the built-in accufeed and needle threader, too. Such value for pennies on the dollar.

Exactly my thoughts!

What is the price? Perhaps it is overpriced and you can get a better price elsewhere. I would say $1400 should be the top price. If it more than that, shop around. Might make him easier to convince.

Actually, there's a newer just this last couple of months, over and above the 7700.

Watch using the "last machine I'll ever need" plea ..... as you can bet it might come back to haunt you, when you want another machine in addition to this one you are buying now.

You could tell him the price on the Bernina 830 first, then tell him that you can't justify spending that much. That will make the Janome look cheap. Worked with mine.

I would at least wait until the show. They often have specials. Also, ask the dealer to see if they have any trade-ins on the prior model. May have most of the features you want at a more attractive price.
Then use the ever popular, how much did that boat/bike/ golf clubs ect. Cost him???

Or there could be a 6600 trade now, with others upgrading to the two newer ones.

When comparing pricing, be sure to know about the in/exclusions .... not all will be sold with the same, and while one looks more/less, in reality it may be the same price if it were apples to apples!

I have the 6600 and love it especially for FMQ. Which ever machine you buy please be sure to find a dealer who will stand by the machine. You should get classes with it, even one would be good as it is an easy machine to use. Look around for a pricing deal. There was a thread on here last week about this very thing and the ladies were getting tables and extra feet with their machines depending where they shopped. The prices were very good also. Your DH will be glad you saved him a lot of money. lol

watch for them on e bay

How many hours of entertainment do you get out of a movie tickets, games, trips per X-dollars each year? How many hours of entertainment will you get from your new machine year after year for the life of the machine? If he likes math, make him figure it out.

Well, dh and I just usually sit down and look over our budget when 1 of us is looking for something new, that would be considered a "big ticket item". I never "have" to ask for permission to buy something, same way with dh to me, but it is just common courtesy to discuss a large purchase, imho. We also know what is really important to each of us...mine is quilting, dimensional embroidery and beadwork...his is fishing and hunting and working on "their" classic car with our son..So, that is how I would go about it...That being said I have to say if there is something I want, I usually get it...sometimes it may be better if dh wasn't so accommodating...hmm...nah...lol... If you have the $$, and it won't stretch your budget, that would be a good thing to bring up to dh...also the fact that usually one gets what they pay for...hopefully you can find a great deal on one...Hey! Call it an early Christmas, your birthday, Mother's Day, Happy Halloween, etc...gift....lol..
Good luck to you!
Kif

I'm wondering if I might find a deal at a quilt show. There's a big one coming up in the Twin Cities next week.[/quote]

There have been great deals at the big quilt shows when they have classes especially. If Janome is supplying class machines, they usually sell them at the end of the class sessions for a great price.
Also, dealers often have great prices and specials on the vender's floor. go online and check to see who the venders are for the show. It might pay for you to call them and ask about the class and vender's specials. Many times the venders add all sorts of feet, tables, etc., plus being a great price. Can't hurt to ask!
Just remember, you want a dealer that will service your machine, and that gives lessons.......many times this is only from your local dealer. Pays to really investigate and compare!

The price I've been finding is $1499.00. Does that seem too high? I will definitely keep shopping around, but it seems like a fair price compared to some I've seen.

One: we are not rich enough to buy cheap stuff , and two: ( I heard that at the show in Paducah!) - go buy the machine, since it is so much easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission!!
The second one works for just about everything -
Greetings from Bavaria!

You are very brave! I have been married for nearly 30 years. Surely he wouldn't toss me out and start over.....he'd have to forgive ;)

A Happy Wife makes for a happy marriage. That should be argument enough!

Show him machines that cost a lot more and then he will thank you for picking a machine that is sooo much lower in price. After all you where only thinking if him.

Be sure to choose well ... who knows? maybe he'll say, oh My Darling, nothing but the best for you! And you just might land a model or two higher than you started thinking about!

Check for "previously loved" machines at your local shop. I have bought great Berninas and they come with a warrantee. The prices are a big savings.

Where in Twin Cities?

You might try a Janome dealer since people owning the 6600 may have traded up for other machines.

Also, you might join the yahoo group sewitsforsale. Lots of people selling machines through the group and I've seen several 6600's.

Good luck.

I like this one!

does he have a boat? :-D

The repairman for my machines told me that the really low end sewing machines (all brands) are not meant to be repaired, but tossed when they fail. He said even if they can be fixed, the cost of fixing them could be more than the original price paid. Is it better to spend a little bit of money for a machine that is not destined to go the long haul and doesn't do what you need it to do, only to be replaced in a few years?
I have the Janome 6600 and I love that machine. It's easy to operate and has all the features in a non-embroidery machine that I need. As stated in previous posts, the lighting is great, the Accufeed is great, and the stitch quality is great. Just my thoughts.

I have had my Janome for 9 years. I have had no issues with it, took all the classes I could, and have had it in for service about 4 times. I love my machine. It does everything I need it to do, except embroidery. I would like to have a machine to make labels with, but I don't want to buy all that thread, so I think I am happy with my machine. My model isn't even made anymore, but she is my best friend. You will love the Janome. The casual quilter's comments makes the lower end machine sound like disposable machines--use them until they break and then throw them out.
Sue

I love my 6600 and you are getting good value for your money!!

If your husband is into tools you could ask him which is better, to get a Craftsman or the most inexpensive one he can find. If he says the inexpensive ones then tell him next time you will go get them for him. Toys really suck when you're trying to do an adult job. Whatever he's into compare it to sewing. Hunting, well maybe he can use a BB gun then, fishing how about a Zebco rod with the closed reel used by people who only fish once or twice. You get the idea. You could offer to consider it your Christmas and Birthday gift(s). Someone suggested just going and getting without him knowing and asking for forgiveness after the fact - wow not a good idea. My ex did this and I resented it every time. If he can't trust you with money how can you expect him to trust you with other parts of your life? If you each have your own account then fine but if you share one then choices for bigger ticket items for either of you should be shared.

The 6600 hasn't been discontinued just because the 7700 is out. The Elna 7300 is almost identical, and I think it's being renamed the 720, not to be confused with the 740. The Baby Lock Quest Plus is very similar, and has been discontinued, so it might be sold for as low as $899 new. It's replacement is the Serenade. The Pfaff Smarter C1100 Pro is another cousin. Just mentioning alternatives that might be available for less. I have no idea how to convince husbands to make purchases.