What price is fair - Husqvarna Sapphire 835
01-07-2012, 05:15 PM
#11
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
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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.
01-07-2012, 05:34 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA area
Posts: 970
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.
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.
01-07-2012, 07:40 PM
#13
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
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
01-08-2012, 05:24 AM
#14
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
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.
Originally Posted by DawnFurlong
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.
01-08-2012, 05:36 AM
#15
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
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.
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.
01-08-2012, 06:36 AM
#16
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
Originally Posted by DawnFurlong
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!!
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!!
01-08-2012, 07:05 AM
#17
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SOO, MI
Posts: 838
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.
Originally Posted by sewbeadit
One of the other threads mentioned that the dealers had the 7700 janome on special for a really good price. Maybe check into that.
01-08-2012, 08:11 AM
#18
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 580
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 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!
01-08-2012, 11:47 AM
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,326
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.
01-10-2012, 05:34 PM
#20
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 580
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!
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!
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