I brought home one for repair
 

Someone finally talked me into it. I knew it would happen eventually. Other people have mentioned their machines in hopes I do repair and I have waived them off.

I was checking out the yard sales yesterday and as usual asking about sewing machines just in case one was hidden from sight. The homeowner said yes! they had a machine but they were having troubles with it, and the conversation continued as I explained I take them working or not if the price is right. Somehow it moved to her wanting me to fix her machine. It felt awkward and I explained I am new to this hobby and generally don't do that but she said if I fix it she'll pay me and if I don't then keep it. Well, ok. When she found the box she'd put it into, I saw it was a Necchi. It had been so long since she had the problem she couldn't remember what it was.

I got it home and found it missing the bobbin case, the hook and other underpinnings to the bobbin area so I let her know and she is looking for those.

In the meantime, I cleaned and oiled it and found parts in my stash for it. I had it straight stitching just fine last night so will run the rest of the patterns and see how that goes.

Since we never talked price and now I am likely adding in parts what would be fair to charge her? This is a first for me. I don't want to go too high and I wouldn't want to go too low in case she tells friends and they want help too.

Does everyone eventually get asked to repair machines?

Around here, the sewing machine shops get around $90 to refurbish a machine, parts not included. That usually includes cleaning, lubricating, and checking timing. Then again, they are professionals.

What model of Necchi is it?

I won't be calibrating each and every little part unless something appears to be off kilter. Getting it running smoothly and delivering a good stitch is primary. It's a Necchi 522.

Yikes, it's never a good idea to take on a job without a verbal understanding of cost or price. You're kind of stuck in a pickle now..hope you can manage to at least get some $ for your time . At the least, it will be a lesson learned?

Candace, I am definitely a card carrying member of the learn as you go school. Fortunately, I didn't have to put in tons of time and it appears the issues are already solved. I just ran all the patterns without a problem. Last night when I spoke with her and asked her to look for the missing parts she asked if maybe they could be bought on-line so I am under the impression she is open to paying for parts.

As it worked out I had parts here that work in the machine. Most of the work was cleaning and oiling with minor adjustment. I'll keep it a few days just to be sure it is working correctly, but at least at this time I don't have a huge investment in time. If she is not open to paying me for MY parts, I could easily remove them. ;)

I really don't think that is going to be a problem though. I think she just wants to get her machine working again.

Duplicate!

Me too!!!!

I set a charge rate like this.

$35.00 for a machine that just needs cleaned and serviced with maybe a couple adjustments.
~Up to;
$65.00 for one that needs major cleaning, servicing, and lots of work.
~Then;
$Price Determined On Inspection for one that needs lots of repair and fixing in addition to cleaning and servicing.

All parts are extra of course.

I figure I'll make out decent for most of them, and will probably loose my shirt on some. Hopefully it will balance out in the end.

Joe

Thanks Joe! That's nice to hear some figures and how you determine them. Because this is the first machine I have agreed to see for repair, I had no idea what to say. Once the machine is ready to return I want to have an idea of what I want for the job.

$74.99 for a cleaning here in madison. this is what I paid for my fancy babylock to have it cleaned a couple of months ago. no repairs.
I like joes answer and his pricing, sounds reasonable. call around to any local shops and see what the going rate is. you may want to undercut a little, due to your inexperience. parts... I would again call or go online and see what they would cost and this is what you would charge her.
make a couple of bucks. then you can buy another machine. hehehe