Replies

1. 
   sewchris703 | Jul 14, 2010 11:53am | #1

   With buying local, you get local after sale service.  Operating lessons, repairs, etc.  Buying from a distance, you could face having to ship the machine for service and only getting replies to questions by email or phone.

   On a side note, why do you need to upgrade your machines to more expensive ones?  I use a 1950 Singer Featherweight and an 8 year old Kenmore to sew bridal and reenactment clothing.  My sergers are also well over 5 years old and basic (one 3/4 thread, one 3/4 thread with differential feed).  Just curious.  Machines are individual to each owner, the occasional sewer to professional dressmaker.

   Chris

1. 
   raaaachie | Jul 15, 2010 10:20am | #2

   Thanks for your response, Chris.  The price is almost half to buy online, so I just want to be sure the local service is worth the money.  You have a good point about time, distance and live service.

   I'm not looking to upgrade just because the machines are more expensive.  I don't have embroidery options on my current machines, which I'd like to be able to offer, and I don't have a serger, so I'd like to get one, and if I want to go top of the line, now's the time!

1. 
   stillsuesew | Jul 15, 2010 04:17pm | #3

   I agree that buying from a dealer is a better way to go.  We want them to be there when we need them, providing repairs and parts and the specialty threads and feet that we need, but we don't want to give them the extra $ when it comes to purchasing.  Someday I'm afraid we will have to do all our purchasing on line because there will not be any stores left.

2. 
   sewchris703 | Jul 16, 2010 10:43am | #4

   While an embroidery option or lots of decorative stitches can be a plus, they also add to the cost of the final product.  A cost that your client might not appreciate enough to pay for.  I don't offer that option for that reason.  My clients, while they love the look, aren't willing to pay for it.  I'll do simple things for those one or 2 clients who know what they are asking for before they ask.  For everyone else, I send them to a local professional embroidery place.  Another thing to consider is that while a sewing/embroidery combo machine is embroidering, you can't sew.  So if I do decide to expand my machine collection, I'll get an embroidery only machine so I can sew while the machine is doing the embroidering.   And out of the 26 different stitches, plus stitch length/width, built-in buttonhole, and needle position adjustments, on my modern machine I really only use 2-3 regularly.

   Chris