What price is fair - Husqvarna Sapphire 835
 

I was in a local Joann Fabrics store today when this sewing machine caught my eye. Both because of the harp space and because of the price. It was the floor model listed for $949.

I currently have a Janome 4800, and was hoping to upgrade sometime this year (had my eye on a Janome 6600). These seem to be retailing for around $1400, give or take. I want a machine that has a bigger harp space.

I test drove the Sapphire - and I was in sewing machine love!!! My Janome feels like a total clunker compared to the way the Sapphire felt. I tried different feet, FMQ, etc. Love, love, love it!!

So, I came home to research the machine (reviews, pricing, etc). I called another dealer in my area. They have the same machine for $989. The lady at Joann's said that model is usually on sale there for $1099. I can't seem to find what the average retail price for this machine is.

My thinking is - if I can get one somewhere else for $989, then $949 for a floor model is a little high. But then again, I don't know how much of a "discount" is usually given for buying a store model. I was thinking around $150. Is this about right? Therefore I was wondering about making an offer for the floor model at Joann's (I was thinking around $850 - $875).

What do you think? What would be a fair price for this model? I haven't shopped sewing machines for some time. I would love a great deal - but also want to be fair.

Dawn

What feet are they including? The walking foot is pretty expensive, so you might ask them to include that, and whatever free motion foot you like.

Janet

I used to sell Vikings in the JoAnns stores and we usually marked our floor models about $100 off. Keep in mind that the sewing machines aren't really used alot. People come in a test drive but really they just sit there most of the time. The embroidery machines are usually going constantly so I would have to have a lot more off of them. The machines have to be checked out by a tech before selling them so you would have that assurance. Is this the 875 or the 850?

Well of course it's up to you but I perfer to open mine fresh out of the box, no one else has used it before.

I would tell her what you found pricewise elsewhere. and then I would ask for the walking foot, and a extra pack of 20 bobbins and see if she would negotiate a little off. If you drove this machine and love it, I would buy it. Each machine has a bit of a quirk sometimes. I loved the sapphire 875 model that I drove in the store, but bought a new one. I am not happy with the new one, it is the loudest machine I have ever used, and after 1 year it is in the repair shop, the threader feature doesn't work, and it has begun to clank. Wish I would have bought the one I drove.

Three years ago I got my Sapphire 830 for $899 (also a floor model). I don't think that price is too bad. I think they go around $1200 new. I'd ask them to throw in the walking foot with the snap on feet. It's expensive to buy separately. Do you get classes with that? I bought mine at a LQS that offers unlimited free classes with purchase. I've brought it in a few times when I first got it and she taught me whatever I wanted to know. It is a little different getting used to because everything is automatic.

I wouldn't pay that for the 835. Also I would only buy one made in Sweden and not the ones made in China so check that out. Not as good.

The model is an 835. Basic feet come with it (I primarily quilt - so my interest in in the 1/4 inch foot, a walking foot and a FMQ foot). Seems like she indicated that the FMQ foot and 1/4 inch foot were both around $30-$35, give or take - and right now their feet are 15% off. I didn't ask how much the walking foot was. How expensive is expensive? I am thinking that one will run around $100 by the comments?

Classes offered with purchase of the machine are two 2-hour classes. I didn't ask where it would have to be sent for servicing should it need that. I will have to check that out. And I think a visit to the other dealer is in order for a test drive. The other dealer also sells Janome I believe, so I could test both the Janome 6600 and the 835 to see what I think. They might also offer me a trade in deal, not sure. I kind of wanted to keep my Janome 4800, but willing to part with it if I need to in order to help hubby feel good about it. :-) I do have another machine that I could use for piecing if I needed to. I think if I part with my Janome 4800, in a couple of years I would search for a relatively inexpensive basic machine for back up/classes.

I so appreciate the input!! Thank you!! :o

Ok, so went to the other local dealer so I could see the Janome 6600 and the Sapphire 835. I believe I prefer to Sapphire. I really like the feature that you press the pedal and off it goes. No more presser foot. Was told the walking foot runs around $120. Yikes!!! That is steep. The price at the 2nd dealer was actually $979 - new. That is a sales price. The manager told me the price usually varies from the price it is now to about $1100. Funny, he recommended the Janome, though he told me he was a Viking person (has a Viking, sold only Vikings for 6 years). Said it was a more heavy duty machine. Especially if I was sewing on heavier fabrics (demonstrated running multiple layers of denim through it). Seeing as the salesperson at the 1st dealer ran very thin fabric through followed up by denim - and the machine took it with no problems PLUS adjusted for the difference in tension/pressure - I am not seeing the Sapphire as being a lightweight. I have the feeling the recommendation is more based on price.

I tried FMQ on the Sapphire. It was like a dream. Tension right from the get go. I am still learning, and I feel like I have to fight with my Janome 4800, it is so finicky with everything being just so. I actually tried FMQ on the 6300 - and seemed just like with my Janome 4800. If my speed is just a little off - have bobbin thread showing on the back. He agreed with me on that, did a quick demo in which he was able to replicate my problem. Some of his stitches were nice, some displayed the bobbin thread on the back. Ditto for me...some nice, others not. With the Sapphire I was able to get better FMQ stitches right off the bat. The thought of spending that much $$$ on a sewing machine and still having some of the same issues with FMQ that I have now - that's just depressing. I think the stitch quality seemed a little better on the Sapphire - but if so, it is not so much that this would sway me off the Janome if I were leaning that way.

Hmmm...some thinking to do. If I do go back to Joann's, I think I will try asking for the walking foot to be included, as well as the FMQ foot and bobbins. Definitely the walking foot at a minimum. When I saw the price at Joann's, along with the harp space and other features included, I thought that model must normally sell for so much more - based on prices I have seen on machines that feature a bigger harp space. I don't feel so pressured knowing that even on the higher end of the Sapphire prices, it is still less than the Janome. And if I am unable to purchase the sewing machine now, I can wait until the next sale comes along. But of course, would rather have it now if possible!! :p

One of the other threads mentioned that the dealers had the 7700 janome on special for a really good price. Maybe check into that.

I have a questions about dealers and repairs. Can you only take your sewing machine to the dealer you purchased it from for repair? I am thinking surely not. But in reading through posts about various machines and dealers - I thought I should verify! I liked the lady at Joann's better than the guy at the other dealer. The other dealer does service Vikings though. So if I end up purchasing this sewing machine from Joann's (and if Joann's can't service the machine - which I think is the likely scenario) - will the other dealer service it? Seems a silly question, because I can't imagine a shop turning away business because they didn't make the original sale, but sometimes you never know.

Oh my, what a dilemna. I thought I was always a Viking person but when I went to buy a new machine, I didn't like the new Vikings - much preferred the substantial feel of the Janomes. I ended up with a 7700.

However, everybody likes something different.

I would be a little hesitant about buying at Joanns only because I've read they these dealers have closed with little warning, if any. If you do choose to go with them, be sure that the other dealer will service a machine not purchased from them. My understanding is that a dealer performing warranty work will be reimbursed from the manfacturer for parts but they eat the labor. One reason why dealers may not want to perform warranty work on machines they did not sell. Although I haven't needed warranty work, I know that my local dealer will give me a hard time if I ask them to service as I did not purchase my machine there. (For me, it would be worth paying the labor charge to avoid traveling to the dealer where I did buy my machine.)

Negotiate hard - I don't think they're discounting a floor model sufficiently. Once thing to remember - in the Joanns I've visited, the machines are still accessible to the public when the "dealer" is closed. The power cords are usually removed but people can still poke and prod.

Good luck in making a decision.

Dawn, I have a Viking Sapphire (875) and love it. It is a wonderful machine and I don't think you will regret buying it. They have a walking foot that comes with 3 snap on attachments, one an open toe , one regular and one a 1/4" which are really great. You can also buy a stitch in the ditch attachment which clips on the walking foot which I love. It is not cheap but very effective. I also have a Janome and like both machines for different reasons. Would be hard to name a favorite

The Viking dealerships at Joann's are independent from Joann's. Mine does repairs. I know that in this economy many businesses are shutting down, and your concern is valid.

My Sapphire 830 bought new years ago cost $1100. I bought it at Joanns but take it to the local Viking repair for serviceing.
It is a great machine and so far no repairs.
They did give me a box of extras that included a table, open toe stippling foot,walking foot,free motion guide foot, guide grip. It is called Quilters Kit IV.
I did buy a 1/4 inch foot but now dont even use it. The machine has a button to push for 1/4 in and then I just adjust the needle for scant.

Check the price of the walking foot; I've bought one for my mega quilter and my ruby and both were over 100. If you can get it included do it.

I have been eyeing the 7700 for weeks and just can't commit b/c of the price. I need to go back to my Jamome dealer and see what they have for a specials on the 7700. If I can get it for a discount I would be walking out the door with it.

Thank you for the additional information about Joann's (and how much you like your Husqvarna machines). That will be one of the questions to Joann's - servicing. I felt much more comfortable with the salesperson at Joann's than the one at the other dealer. The other dealer, interestingly enough, is where I purchased the Janome 4800 I currently have. I have had this machine for 7 or 8 years, it fhas been relatively lightly used (think I have only made 5 quilts) and so far have never had an issue with it. I am hoping for the same with my next machine - though I will be using the next one much more than I have used my current one.

I think I have a plan of attack.
---Discuss with dh (he has no idea I had been pondering a new sewing machine later this year)
---Go to a 3rd dealer and look at the Janome 6600 and try FMQ on it - just to be sure (if I were to go with a Janome, this is the dealer I would use. They sell Janome's and Babylock's)
---Go back to Joann's with my additional questions. If I have dh's blessing, and I decide this is the machine, then I will try to get them to include the additional feet.

I have an almost king sized top ready to be quilted. I am thinking a big selling point to my husband will be that I was going to be spending around $200 to have someone else quilt it. One way or another, that money will be spent.

Will keep you posted on my progress/decision!

I love my Viking Sapphire 855. You do not need a walking foot for the model I have. Love the wide throat and I am enjoying learning FMQ with it. I have had one Janome and hated it but we each have our own opinions of machines. I paid $1800 for my Sapphire 855.

Well, I think I have come to a decision - and it is one I would have never seen myself making! After much reading, researching, back to sew on the Husqvarna again (2x), back to sew on the Janome 6600 again, I decided I was not going to go with either of them. I took my own fabric this time when sewing. The floor model Husqvarna didn't seem to much off of the Janome with regard to FMQ this time around - though I will say the 835 seems like it would be a lot less finicky than the Janome's seem to be to me with regard to getting the tension correct for FMQ. If I were going with either one of those though, I would choose the Husqvarna for a variety of reasons.

After much consideration of what I was really looking for - I opened up my search to straight stitch machines. I just don't need all of the bells and whistles. I actually have what I consider to be a lot of extras on my Janome 4800 - and I never use them!!! I have used only a couple of decorative stitches over the 8 or so years I have owned the machine, have appliqued with it once (would rather learn how to hand applique if I want that on my quilt in the future). What I am really needing is a larger throat for FMQ larger quilts, and a wonderful straight stitch for piecing. Speed is great too.

I narrowed my choices down to a Juki 98Q or a Brother PQ1500s. I was able to test out a Brother here locally. It is over an hour away to test drive the Juki. Plus it is several hundred more than the Brother. At one of the dealers I was at, the sales manager told me that Janome made the same machine for Brother, Husqvarna, themselves (that would be the Janome 1600 I am assuming) and one other manufacturer I believe (maybe that would be Babylock?). He said that Janome simply put different names on them for the different companies. Hadn't read that before, but the machines look very much alike, minor differences in features if any.

Now I just need to decide where to purchase from. It was $899 at the only dealer locally who carries this model. I found it on AllBrands for $599 and on Amazon for $675. Can't see myself spending $300 + tax more to go with the dealer (unless they want to price match - guess it doesn't hurt to ask - but somehow I don't see them doing that. They said $899 was a sale price - regular price is $1399 - YIKES!!!). I love Amazon because you can return things if you need to. The only reason I see myself making a return (or rather exchange) is if I somehow got one of those freak machines that has something wrong off the bat. Have read stories, it does happen. Of course I love the price at AllBrands - and it seems many from this board have ordered from them and are very happy. I think it will be 4 to 6 weeks before I can order. I am kind of wondering if the $599 price will disappear before I can order.

But at any rate, I am glad that I went back and tried the other machines I was first considering again, glad I did all of the research and really thought about what features were important to me and what was not, and that I considered machines I wouldn't have otherwise considered. It seems to me I will have a wonderful machine for piecing and FMQ, another wonderful machine with decorative stitches, alphabet, etc. - great as a back-up machine or to take to classes. AND - if I decide that I later want to get into embroidery - I can always look for another machine whose purpose is that (right now I don't see it on my horizon - but never say never!!). Or, I could always start a savings fund for what I would really LOVE to have some day - an HQ Sweet 16. Though that is more money than I ever see myself spending on a machine. But I did try one out - and I have to say it was wonderful!

Until then - I will become the best that I can be with the tools that I have. And feel good that I have stayed within what is more reasonable for my budget - with what should be a wonderful tool plenty capable for what I need it for! :p

I chkd our LQS that sells Viking and theres runs 1299. I'd make sure I'd get it from someone who'd be there to help you if you needed to learn how to do something on it or fix it. Customer service is important.

What price is fair - Husqvarna Sapphire 835
 

Dear Dawn,

I also was in a local Joann store today (I live in 1,000 Oaks, SoCal) and saw and tried the machine.
I am currently using an old Kenmore that I bought for $25 4 years ago on Craig's list from a guy who was divorcing and his wife left the machine. It's ok, but obviously very basic. I am now hitching to buy a new one with a little more features. I have been told the Juki is also an excellent brand.

However, at my JA store, the Sapphire 835 is priced at $799 (brand new) and comes with some extra feet (but no walking foot) and--I believe-- 3-part class (2 hrs per class). After reading your post and all others, I am really tempted to run back and buy the machine.

Should I do that?
Have a great day
Clarissa

I don't know where you are located at but that will also reflect in the price. I checked my Viking dealer, one of the few that will put on their website the prices they charge for each machine; they put the list price and what they are selling them for. Right now they are selling it for 899; retail price is 1599, they also will take trade ins for some machines. I would assume the price is coming down because Viking just came out with two new Opals and like the embroidery machines, the older ones prices reduce as the new ones come out.

Here is the link for my stores website; it's a great store with great support in case anyone is interested.
http://www.bellafabricsva.com/sewing...tm#sapphire835

I just bought a viking tribute 140 which is the exact same as the Sapphire 855. I purchased it for 999 as it was the store demo. I love that machine. You might want to check this one out. I believe the prices are going down on it as it was an anniversary edition. MSRP was 1900 I think. The extra large harp area is a dream and I haven't had one issue with it in the past 2 months I have owned it. It also came with a bonus bag with 4 additional feet. I only had to buy the walking foot and the spring free motion foot since that is what I prefer for free motion.

Re the Juki 98Q and the BroPQ 1500s..I have the Elna 7100...the same as Janome 1600 made by Janome. I got mine on ebay-new- from a dealer in La. I think I pd about $650 for it over a yr ago...but no tax or shipping costs. It sews beautifully. I just wish it had a top bobbin!!! Then I picked up a new table to fit it--a Janome brand--on ebay for $12.00 I almost fainted. The seller sent me a note saying it came with her machine & she had never used it--sold her machine & forgot about the table. What a deal!

Just a bit of info about buying a Viking at Jo'Anns. Most are very very limited in what "repairs" they do on site. So many ship back to Viking for anything other than cleaning and minor adjustments. This means your machine will be "out " of service probably longer than if you bought from an independent that can do more repairs in the shop. My Mom's Ruby had to go in for service.. and Jo 'anns sent it back to Viking... she was without for 7 weeks. I would be really frustrated if my machine was gone for that long. I have a Viking and my local Sew and Vac has never kept my machine longer than 5 days ( my Mom lives in another state).
DO inquire with both Jannome and Viking what kind of repairs they can do without having to ship out the machine. and if shipping is required who is paying for the shipping for both warrenty and unwarrentied repairs.