Sewing Machines Plus
 

Has anyone bought from Sewing Machines Plus out of Calif.? It seem they have better prices than anyone else. I'm looking for a longarm machine and have had my eye on the Juki 18" one.

Any thought on it also.

Purchased accessories (feet etc.) for a new to me older Viking iris. Was a while ago but everything fit/worked and were delivered in a timely manner.

Do not underestimate the value of a local dealer for support, training and maintenance. A LA is a huge investment and it may just be worth a few hundred dollars more to get the support of a local dealer and a professional installation. I am sure they are great if nothing goes wrong, but what will you do if something does? You very well could be left out to dry and have to deal with the manufacturer on your own.

A LA is very different from a DSM and I can't imagine spending that much on a set up with at least a bit of training to make sure I am threading it correctly that the timing didn't get knocked out of whack in shipping, make sure you have the bobbin seated correctly, show you how to troubleshoot and adjust tension, etc. JMHO. I would never have considered getting my Innova without the support of a local dealer.

I agree with feline that a dealer that can help with training and support is a necessity with a longarm, however I don't think that dealer has to be "local" (depends on the definition of local, I guess). I also have an Innova, but when I bought it the closest dealer was hours away, in another state. Later on a closer dealer signed up, but the only time I needed him for support was to buy something that I could have purchased online if I had been willing to wait for delivery. My husband and I did the setup, after the dealer had done partial assembly at her site. I did get training on purchase (very important), and after that I was able to solve any problems by a phone call to Innova's 24/7 support. The point is still that you need to be able to call on someone for support from time to time. There are probably yahoo groups devoted to the Juki longarms, and you should be able to get more specific information about the Juki and the type of support provided there.

I agree with feline fanatic and dunster. Also check to see if they will charge you CA sales tax. That could add another 9% in your total.

I purchased an Juki longarm from them, never had a problem dealing with them. If you are sure of the brand you want and have checked it out, I would not hesitate to buy from them

i went there http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/juki-tl-2200qvp.php to take a look... great features. and, oddly, when i was on the site, a pop up came to the bottom of the screen indicating that it is a "Google trusted store", whatever that means... have never seen that before :)

Maybe this is a naive question, but won't dealers help support the machine no matter where you bought it? At least enough to get you in touch with the manufacturer, etc?

Otherwise, it sort of sounds like if you buy a longarm you better not ever move to a new area or you're out of luck.

I purchased a pfaff 18x8 long arm machine with grace frame and Qbot computer from sewing machine plus. While the cost of this setup was reasonable...it is not without issues.

1. The machine was delivered in Dec, but it was February before I was up and running. They shipped the wrong assembly kit. It took me three days to figure out it was wrong, and then weeks to get a replacement kit.
2. I had to send in the machine for warranty repair. The cost of shipping rom Texas to California was $150.00. Sewing machine plus did pay for return shipping, but it was expensive "free" repair.
3. Whenever you call the service department, you have to leave a message and wait 24 hours for a return call. They call, give a list of things to try, you try....they don't work, you call back and wait 24 hours for a return call. They tell you to have them paged, but when you call no one answers the phone (except sales dept).
4. Also, the QBot, while an great machine, the only support is a user group. The user group is amazing and they have answered questions for me, but I spent a lot of money on this computer and expect customer support from the company. Having local support would have been invaluable

While my setup is great and I am quilting for customers, my first year was difficult. Sewing machine plus is probably a great option for experienced long armers. If you are a beginner it might be better to spend a little more to be able to have support and training.

I've bought two machines from them, a Juki TL-2010Q and a Janome Sew Mini. Great experiences both times. Their customer service people are really friendly and helpful. I would not hesitate to buy from them again. They are all the way across the country from me and I received both machines very quickly. :)

OK if you just spent 10 Grand on a machine and it didn't run right do you want to have to jump through hoops to get it running? Wait for days before you get a call back? Be expected to fix your own machine via telephone instructions? Struggle with setup for days before you realize the retailer shipped a wrong part? (these are all scenarios I found when googling complaints) I know I don't.

How about on line retailers who say the warrantee is void if you purchase via the internet? (I did find a BBB complaint that said that)

If you buy a LA from a local dealer and move someplace and the machine is still under warrantee then yes, you will need to contact the manufacturer directly for support or they will help you find a new local dealer to support you. If the machine is no longer under warrantee then it totally depends on the tech support of the manufacturer. So one really needs to do their homework. The tech support for my machine is beyond compare. 24-7-365 phone support. But it is really nice to have the backup of a local, reputable dealer. And I loved having them come right to my home to deliver it and set it up at no additional cost to me. I was up and running the day my machine came home. That can't always be said for on line purchases of LA machines.

I bought from a local dealer (about 50 or so miles away) and she was a great deal of help. My DH is good at putting things together so he assembled the frame and set it all up. He made calls to our dealer if he had a problem and also to the manufacturer, who was very helpful also, great company. So customer service is very important. A LA is so different from a DM and often needs adjustments. There is quite a learning curve.

I bought my Sweet Sixteen from them & no problems at all setting it up! Sewed great right from the first stitch!! Very nice company!

I agree with whats being said above about local support on your 1st LA. I purchased a used LA from another state. Although they were good people to deal with, there was no support at all. I have a Queen Quilter 18, made by Tin Lizzie. I did have some issues in the beginning & Tin Lizzie was able to talk me through the issues. They've been great with customer service. But, I would have been better off having bought locally with set up, training & troubleshooting. Now that I have much more experience in troubleshooting & a local person who can come to the house & do repairs on any LA, I wouldn't hesitate to buy online for a better set up.

I've bought lots of things from them, including 2 machines. Before I bought the machines, I checked with my local dealer first re: $$$ and he could not come even close to the price that Sewing Machines Plus quoted. I've given my local guy lots and lots of business over the years so do not feel an iota of guilt when I can save money by buying from an on-line dealer.

I've been very satisfied with dealing with Sewing Machines Plus. I just ordered and received 2 small items; one of them was out-of-stock and a lady from SMP called me and said it was on back order, so I should not worry if I didn't get it for a while. They sent the one item immediately and the back-ordered item about a week later. Very good service. Another time I did not get all the 'free items' promised me with the purchase of a machine; I called their toll-free number and the items were shipped right away.

On the other hand, the machines I bought from them were very basic; for a complex system, I would much prefer to buy locally. You cannot buy really expensive stuff on-line from SMP; those machines, etc., are bought in-store only.

If you're talking about the company in San Marcos, CA, I bought an 18" Tin Lizzie from them several years ago when we lived in CA about 80 miles from them. We had to set it up ourselves, by that I mean my husband did it. They weren't very good in response time when we needed help. I've found in looking for parts/accessories, there are several places that have better prices. The Sales Dept. is quick to respond, not so much the Tech. I'd go with a local company 'cause if you have to have service, you don't want to ship. You'll need a lot of training so you can do most of the maintenance/repairs yourself. I still wish I had gotten a bigger throat machine because although it says 18" you won't be able to do even a 12" square in one go. Good luck.

I have use them for parts. They were great to deal with.

I agree with some of the other posters however - a reputable local dealer might be worth a few more dollars when it comes to training, support and repair.

I am glad you asked this question.. I look at their website alot but I have not purchased anything from the. Now that I hear others have I may venture a purchase :) That being said, I love my local dealer and I would be afraid to purchase a machine from some place far away. Yes a dealer is a dealer and will work on the machine, but I can't help but understand if they put their customers ahead of other customers...

many will not do warranty work at no charge unless you bought your machine from them.

I bought my Janome 7700 from them. Good price and no problems with delivery. However, I am sorry I didn't pay more and buy locally. There are very few dealers in NYC and the few that exist are hard to get to. Even with that said, I know I underutilize my machine because I have so many features that are not clear to me. (Another note to self - quit overbuying!) I had a notable problem once and they were terrific about a replacement and one other time, I couldn't get something to sew properly, I was given to a sewing expert who helped me. They may offer more customer service than I ever pursued so if you do buy from them, see what they can offer you with help at home. On the other hand, if you have a local shop, it really is worth the few dollars more to be able to run in and ask for help. Enjoy whatever you purchase.

I have a Sweet 16 by Handiquilter and I paid far less that the asking price at sewing machines plus. I purchased it from a local dealer who has been so supportive and offers classes on the machine. I didn't want the stitch regulator so that cut the price, but the one advertised didn't come with the mat. My suggestion, check with the local dealer first.

When buying anything online always consider the cost of shipping as part of the purchase price. Buying at a lower purchase price may not be the cheapest way to go if shipping puts the total price higher than another dealer.

I bought a Juki from them in December. Very fast shipping and great customer service. The agent helped me with picking out a machine for my wants and needs. I then found a lower offer online and they accepted that offer. So far, I am pleased with the sewing machine. My only problem is the fact that it was longer than my roller bag. I solved that problem; I bought a small machine to take to classes.

I bought a Juki TL98QE from them in 2008, never been in a shop, other than for cleaning. Never any repairs of any kind. I have used it alot.
Buy from whomever you want, most of us have to spend according to our income.
Always nice to save money.

Thank you everyone for the replies. It wasn't them than changed my mind. It was the finance company they go through. I will see if the bank I do business with will finance it. If he will he will want me to buy local. (As local as possible, the closes Juki dealer to me is 115 miles away.)

I bought my Gammil from a CA company in 2004. They required classes to taken at their store as to keep their reputation from being damaged. If you weren't willing to take the classes they wouldn't sell you a machine.
They had many machines sold to out of staters. None of us had to pay California taxes. Of course we paid for delivery but it was reasonable.
In the 11years I have had my machine I have never needed them to "service" my machine. Once a rubber washer broke and my dh went to the local Ace and got a replacement......as per instruction by the tech dept.
Investigate them and their reputation on line for the machine you are looking at. ....jmho.

I AGREE TOTALLY....And it is nice to see a post from you Dunster!

2.5 years ago I bought a Pfaff 18.8 ftrom them and free shipping and zero interest for my 4 year payments. The price is what what got to me, because I paid 5k for the machine and frame. I spent a little to buy extention to a king size and also for the king size leaders. I had problems with the electronics and had to send it back, and the problem was so bad, they had to send a new machine out to me, and shipping was paid coming back. I have quilted probably 100 toi 200 quilts for myself, customers, and also for QOV and Project Linus and it has paid for itself. I have always quilted on a DSM before and so this was an education. If I had the money I would have probably bought a more expensive machine locally but with the zero interest financing, this was a no brainer for me.

I bought a Tin Lizzie from them 16 months ago. I am very happy. The machine froze up ( from lint so small you couldn't see it). Tech was called back quickly. I was afraid to turn the wheel hard enough to unjam it. I was shocked at the tiny piece of thread that jammed it. I have been very happy with machine and service.

I am fortunate in that they are about 40 miles from where I live, and I have not bought a machine from them I have gone to their store for thread and stabilizer. The people were wonderful to deal with - except they were trying very hard to have buy another machine now that I had mastered my Topaz 20 and a newer version is out. (No thanks, I like being comfortable with the machine I have.) But they were still very nice and did show me what they had on special. Some of their specials are very good.

BEWARE...I bought an embroidery machine from them about 2 years ago. It was supposed to come with lots of "free" software and attachments. Much of that was not received with the machine. When I called them some of it was shipped to me. Some of it I was told - we don't offer that anymore. But I had printed the page I ordered from and the confirmation that listed it. The software they first told me they would ship but then said they didn't have it either. Then a week later after 4 more phone calls talking to 5 different people... they send me a software program. But it turned out to be only a 30 day trial not the full version I should have received. In the end I did not get half of what I was supposed to get for the "good price". I gave up calling them after much much frustration.

I bought sewing furniture and machine inserts from them and they were great to deal with. Everything worked/fit as it should. Their customer service was very good. As for buying a machine....I'd stick with a local dealer as there is nothing like one on one personal support.

I bought my Janome 7700 from them. I had a wonderful experience with them and would buy from them again. I live in Arizona and dealt with the San Diego office. :thumbup:

i bought a few machines from them. They all had problems. Forget about getting service from them, their technician is an idiot who won't talk you anyone on the phone. I had to mail back three machines each time they TRIED to charge me 70 in shipping fees! I called the finance company and they were able to cancel the entire mess. Buy Local and never buy from these thieves!

I bought a machine from them last December. Their price was $300 less than my local dealer, and no sales tax. My local dealer, who I had purchased a $3500 machine from earlier, would not match the price or even come close. Price at local dealer, $999. Price at SMP was $679. Local dealer is obligated to fix it for no charge, as long as it's a warranty item. No problems so far.