Sending off Sewing machines to be repaired
 

First of all I want to make it clear that I am not judging anyone, not defending anyone or supporting anything. I have read negative and the positive post on the PDA of problems with people not getting their machines back even tho money was paid up front. My advice to you is always check out the place and owner of the shop you will be sending your machines to be cleaned and repaired. Is it a legit business, does this shop have a license to do this business. You can always check with BBB at the location to find out complaints negative and positive. It is costly to send machines off for cleaning and repair ie the shipping charges to and from, the cost of repairs including the cost of any parts. Make sure you have the shop sign for the machine received and return signature of acceptance and obtain a date the work will be completed and returned to you. I would never send one of my machines to another state for work> I have found that there are shops closer that can do quality work without the shipping plus will complete the work in a timely manner. A little time on research of local shops can save you the hassle and time frustration. Never pay money up front for work that has not been done. I am not here to make anyone upset or feel bad there are better ways of doing business long distance. As I said a little research can save you lots of time and trouble. Glenn

Amen! :) :)

Besides which, I spoke with one of the country's premier Bernina repairman this week (he trains others all over) about this very issue. He remarked that it's hard to do secure shipping without the original box the machine came in. How many of us with 10+ years old machines have those?!

I'll be driving to him and including an overnight stay for myself in the cost of the repair next time as I did this time for 2 machines. He's worth it!

(no affiliation)

Jan in VA

I still have the original box that my embroidery machine came in as I was told that the 10 year warranty was only valid as long as I could ship the machine back in the original packaging!!!!!!!

Bought the machine in February 2007... so that's 5 years and counting!

hugs

Caroline

Jan, who was this repairman? which shop?are you enjoying the Mid-Atlantic show????

I found a man who was just opening a shop in his home town and advertised on craigslist. I went and talked to hime and decided togive him one of my mechanical machines to clean as a test. I met him and his wife and children and left the machine with him. He called me three days later that my machine was ready and did I want him to deliver it. I said no I lived an hour away and would stop by the next time I came over (his shop is close my daughter's house). I picked it up the next week and he charged me $20.00 to clean it. It sewed like a dream. I opened up the machine my self to make sure it was cleaned internally. It was....that was 3 years ago....I must have been his first customer in the new business. I just got back2 machines and left a third one for cleaning yesterday as I'm getting ready for a week retreat out of state and wanted all of them cleaned before I made a decision which ones were traveling....When I asked him how much for the two I picked up he said ...the same...$20 per machine. I would adopt him!!!He has repaired my antique machines inclluding my 1902 Pfaff treadle. He is wonderful

Well said!!

Amen to that!!

I also suggest taking pics of the machine, including the serial number. I hope all those who trusted the "repairman" have finally received their precious machines safely back- finished or not, with refunds. Hard to find someone to service vintage and antique machines. I've learned a lot from reading posts on this Board.

My tip: Always check out a machine yourself right away. You don't want to find out 3 months later that the shop did not return the foot pedal.