Trading up a machine-typical dealer operating procedure?
 

I have never traded in a machine before with a dealer (as in bought a machine, then had a year whereupon I could trade up if I wanted, and have the full purchase price I paid for machine #1 be applied to machine #2).

I'm in a position that I might be considering doing this. But - I misunderstood the dealer. Yes, I can trade in and get credited the full amount I paid - but only against MSRP prices on machine #2 (not the sales price).

I wondered - is this how most trade up programs work? Do dealers ever bargain?

I bought a Juki Dx5 where the first one was replaced within a week (because the repair manager indicated he thought one of 2 issues was likely in the electronics and the dealer was instructed to give me a new machine and send the original back to Juki). The 2nd one is not stitching correctly, and is now with the dealer to be serviced/repaired. I'd actually like a refund, but they will not do that, they want to service the machine. I would think because of all the problems they would be a bit more flexible in all of this. We'll see. As it is the machine may be gone for weeks, as their typical service time is 4-6 weeks, but the salesperson I am working with is asking for it to be expedited as it is a brand new machine.

I'm hoping they figure out the issue and the machine works as it should. But I am skeptical, because it seems if something is wrong from the get go (on 2 separate machines no less) - it probably isn't ever going to work as it should.

Did you check for reviews of the problem with your model? Is this a typical issue? Have you contacted the manufacture directly?

You might want to consider selling your current machine (after repair) and then purchasing the new model at the discount price.

Most people love their Juki's and do not have an issue. I am going to say this is not a typical issue, though I can find quite a number references to tension issues, stitch problems etc in the comments on The Juki Girl blog (she does trainings for Juki) - though most people are having issue with their straight stitch machine.

I have sent off an email to Juki. Next step will be to call. I will also be discussing options further with the dealer (from my point of view).

I was just wondering if this is common practice with dealers? Trying to decide what my next step will be (thinking ahead). I'm not sure how easily I can sell a machine that is brand new when the first question asked will be - why are you selling? I would not lie, and I definitely would not buy a new machine that had problems from the get go with stitch quality.

yeah, I do think that is a typically procedure not only with sewing machines but also things like cars, etc. Only time there is a real deal (but no trade in) is when stores are at a quilt show and don't want to lug home all those machines.

My straight stitch only machines have no problems. They are 8 and 10 years old. I would not buy any machine but a straight stitch Juki.

Unfortunately, I have no experience or knowledge with the trade-up process to answer your question. But as a Juki owner, if I were having multiple issues, like you have, within the 1st year then I would definitely be on the phone with Juki headquarters (i think in Florida) pressing them until I had a satisfactory resolution.

I've had to call Juki and they were wonderful prompting my local dealer to adjust my machine (at no cost to me) and it was done within a few days vs weeks. Hopefully, their intervention will help you come to a reasonable solution.

BTW - it's my experience/opinion that the Juki DX models are completely different than the TL models - it's like comparing apples to oranges . While I love my TL2200qvp mini - I just couldn't find the love with the DX2000qvp when looking for a decorative/utility stitch companion machine.

Good luck!

I bought a pre-owned Pfaff from my dealer, never clicked with it traded it up for a new Bernina that was on sale and he gave me the full amount I paid towards my new machine that was on sale and with awesome incentives. Let me just say it was not a top of the line Bernina and he still gave me the machine at sale price and full price credit towards it.

Thank you for the different insights! I will be following up with a phone call to Juki. Though my dealer has agreed my machine is not stitching properly and has taken it in. But with a 2nd machine with problems out of the box - I have to say I really don't want this machine, having lost all confidence in this model (which yes - is totally different than the straight stitch only machines). Which is where I want Juki involved given the dealer will not refund and is saying I can trade up but only against MSRP on a new machine.

Being at the beginning of this process, I am thinking ahead as to what my next conversation with the dealer will be. I suspected more people would say what quiltingshorttimer said (common practice) - but was hoping to see (and experience) what mrsg730 said.

I am not looking to trade up because I want to. If my machine had worked properly, I would not be considering. What I'd really like is a refund at this point (don't even care what they find in the machine, my worry is like a car in a bad accident and "repaired", it is never the same after). In lieu of that, it would be acceptable to me for the dealer to allow me to put full purchase price toward another machine at the 2nd machines sales price. Why should I lose out on a sales price due to a machine that isn't working properly out of the box a 2nd time?

At any rate, appreciate knowing what others have experienced.

Sorry to hear you're having problems- that's so discouraging. I have a Juki but it's the straight stitch only one.

No dealer sells at MSRP. We always sell at the lowest price Juki, Bernina and HandiQuilter allows. We have given a complete refund if our customer doesn't like the machine, for any reason.

We have, however, had customers return a perfectly fine machine, just to find that the machine wasn't threaded correctly or the needle was in backwards. It's always a great idea to sit down with your educator and make sure the problem isn't user error.