by asterixsew Moderator 17 Jan 2018

From my question asked earlier today it makes me ask the question as to how far do you have to travel to get your machine(s) serviced by a authorised dealer?

I have a journey that is about 3 hours each way.

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by spendlove Moderator 20 Jan 2018

Five miles. I usually leave mine for a little spa treatment while I am away on holiday, but if I have an immediate problem, I take it in and the lovely man fixes it while I wait. Superb service from people who have become good friends!

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by meganne edited 20 Jan 2018

Does it count being an Aussie who purchased two machines from the USA?

One is a Juki Overlocker, (Serger), which is not available to buy in Aus, nor is there a Juki service centre for domestic machines here in Aus

I am hoping Juki will expand their commercial service to include domestic machines, in the future, until then I would have to ship my machine 8,552 miles back to the States. So I just have faith it won't break down because it is so well made.

My other machine is an Elna Xquisite 2, also purchased from the USA and no longer manufactured since Elna sold out to Janome, who don't make this machine, never have, so they don't keep parts nor do repairs on it.

My nearest service centre was in Mt Gravatt, Victoria, 825 km, (512 miles), but their website doesn't exist any more, so I'm not sure they're still there.

The local repair shop at Boolaroo doesn't touch either of these brands.

I guess it's lucky I have faith in my choices and I really look after them.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 20 Jan 2018

Very interesting Meganne. I know that my dealer sold a machine that ha travelled a similar distance to yours and all 'assistance' is via Skype and email. A good choice of machine in the first place is essential. Fingers crossed your tlc is the best for your machines.

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by sewdoctor 19 Jan 2018

I have a dealer 5 minutes from my house......but I would rather (and do) use one that is an hour away. I trust him and his prices,,,,not so much the other on.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 20 Jan 2018

Lucky you. Just think of many of us as you travel to your hour away dealer for the quality service that he offers and thanks for replying

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by fabricfairy 19 Jan 2018

I am don't have to go far at all very lucky I just ring and he calls in to see Mum on his way home , and can fix any machine , he has 4 Bernina shops and is the State Wholesaler for Bernina . I am very spoilt.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 20 Jan 2018

Lucky you

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by vickiannette 18 Jan 2018

670kilometres each way. Sometimes I freight them, expensive. Needless to say they do not get attention that they should

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 19 Jan 2018

That is some journey. Think you are the Cutie with the furthest for a service

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by rescuer Moderator 18 Jan 2018

I know I am spoiled... The Babylocks are 20 minutes and the Bernina is 15 minutes. Both shops will try to fix the issue on the spot -- if they can. I do have to wait for a couple of weeks if I take them in during the Christmas rush.
Counting my blessings...

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Rescuer you are lucky

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by jrob Moderator 18 Jan 2018

I have to take mine 1.5 hours away IF the traffic is not backed up which is an oxymoron for Atlanta, Georgia. I have to leave it 2 weeks and then make the same 3hr round trip to pick it up. They will make appointments for an additional $25 on top of the $75 fee.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Interesting.

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by aussiequilter 18 Jan 2018

5 minutes

2 comments
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Well you appear so far to have the shortest journey. Now I live that distance from the fabric shop

aussiequilter by aussiequilter 20 Jan 2018

we are only a small town ,but lucky enough to have a patchwork shop that is a Janome dealer ,plus we have a Spotlight ,which is also 5 minutes away in the other direction,which I think is like tour Joannes

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by shirley124 18 Jan 2018

At the moment about a 5-10 minute drive but no easy parking. Shop is for sale and also has announced it is relocating. Not sure what is going on as it says on Facebook we are not to ask questions.

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asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

I hope that you find where he is relocating and you are able to keep having your machine(s) serviced

shirley124 by shirley124 18 Jan 2018

I hope so too.

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by ethan 18 Jan 2018

I get my Bernina serviced in Watford, A ferry trip from Ireland then a drive across England.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Want a good dealer on your way shortly after you get off the ferry? Think that you win on this question. Not a trip you must take too often

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by lique 18 Jan 2018

I am very lucky that my dealer collects my machines from my house. He even carries it down the stairs for me. He then takes it to his workshop (an hours drive away) and if possible and no big repairs are needed he brings it back the next week. He has several drop off points around Norwich where I live. But if I compare the price with What Mops has to pay he is expensive.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

I like the bit and he carries it down the stairs. My husband and I slowly carried my PR650 down stairs when I took it to be serviced. My costs are more than mops but I'm happy with them

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by kustomkuddle 18 Jan 2018

Wow. I have two repair shops within 25 miles, but it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks to get it serviced.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

I do have a guy who services machines half a mile away but ... not accredited... Because I take my machines a fair distance the shop always services within the few days I'm staying near them or it will post. I have never done this option but my friend has

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by dragonflyer edited 18 Jan 2018

I have to drive anywhere from two to four hours each way, depending upon traffic and the day of the week...sometimes I am able to bring in home if I wait for 4 to 5 hours and sometime I need to leave it and then make the trip again to pick it up...

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Similar time journey to me but most of the journey for me is on small UK country roads :(

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by sdrise edited 18 Jan 2018

My dealer is only 15 to 20 minutes away. I guess I am lucky too. They also make house calls if you can not get to them.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

You are very lucky

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by mops Moderator edited 18 Jan 2018

None at all. My great service guys does house calls. Has a van as his workspace. parks it on the drive and does the job.
Used to have a 2hr (one way) trip to the shop I bought the embroidery ones from - they did a good job, but since my son moved from that city I was not too keen to go there, although I still buy my thread and stabiliser from them.
The 'new' tech has serviced my serger for 26 years and when I found out he was qualified to service all my embroidery and sewing machines it was an easy switch. And he is cheaper: €33 compared to €55 in the shop. Guarantee for a year, so any mishaps during that period are free; except costs for new parts - in all those years that happened only once.

3 comments
mops by mops 18 Jan 2018

That red Edit notice makes it glaringly obvious I had some typos to correct :)

aussiequilter by aussiequilter 18 Jan 2018

hehehe

asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Lucky you Martine having house calls for service

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by mrskiki 18 Jan 2018

I have a 1 hour drive each way and then it is sent off for usually 2-3 weeks depending on how busy they are. The good news is when/if I have to send in my Epic she goes to the top of the list.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Sounds a good deal

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by graceandham 17 Jan 2018

About 40 minutes, but then it may be in a queue a few days. And he's great. Actually, his trainee is now great, too.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Another lucky Cutie with a short journey

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by pennifold 17 Jan 2018

My guy Maarten from Thorpe's sewing machines is only a 15 minute drive away from me and close to our son and dil's new home. It's also close to the Glendale shopping centre and my favourite Christian book shop. I spend a lot of time over that way. Love Chris

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Lucky you Chris.

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by 02kar Moderator 17 Jan 2018

I travel 2 hours but I'm able to bring the machines home the same day. A good tech is worth it.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Yes a good tec is worth the journey

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by crafter2243 Moderator 17 Jan 2018

I am so lucky having a dealer within a 15 minute drive.

1 comment
asterixsew by asterixsew 18 Jan 2018

Lucky you

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