What would YOU do?
I have a bit of a dilemma, and I'm hoping that I get some feedback to this little problem so I can have help making a decision.My embroidery machine warranty expires on Thanksgiving Day. I know, not very far off. I can either let it expire, and pay $200 for each service thereafter, or extend the service plan for another 3 years for $500. I've had lots of problems with my machine in the past, and the extension seems obvious. BUT, I'm moving in the spring, and this service plan only works with the chain of stores near where I live now. Once I move, a service call would involve a 10 hour round trip drive to drop it off, and then another 10 hours to pick it up (and about 2 weeks in between). I do not believe the service plan is transferable either, should I choose to sell it, which was something else I have considered. I have a Brother 4500D. I would really like to know what you would do if you were in my shoes. Thank you!
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I would not extend the warranty - even with a lemon - because you can't be certain anyone would take it and 10 hours is way too long to go. Save that money towards a new machine in your new location.
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11271If you can have it serviced one more time before Thanksgiving, without cost, I would have it checked for a final checkup. Sounds like you have had continuous problems with the machine in the past, and as, I do not like to sell a used machine (with problems) to an individual/friend, I would trade it in on a new machine. Then the dealer can, perhaps, get a more thorough refurbishment of it done, and deal with the disgruntled buyer, if not fixed properly.
I love my Brother machine, and have had no major problems at all, during the many years since its purchase. I chose to keep it when I got my 15 needle machine, as I knew it was still in great condition, and would not get what it was worth. So, I kept it for a backup. Sounds like you got a lemon. Get rid of it! I know you are ready for a different "drink", than lemonade!! LOL
Good luck on whatever you decide!
Hugs, Angel
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by justonlyme
26 Nov 2014
Great analogy! I think that your suggestions are spot on with my situation. Thank you!
12500Are you sure that the service plan will not be covered by another Brother dealer? I would double check that. The service maintenance agreement I have on my Vikings will be honored at any company owned store. Hugs. Nan W
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by justonlyme
26 Nov 2014
It was sold through a chain of stores just in my area. I asked about stores outside of this area, and they told me that it was a store special. No exceptions. But I don't feel too bad. The price of my machine has dropped so significantly that I would be able to buy a new machine instead of sweating the legalese. It is no longer worth the huge price of maintenance and repair. Thank you.
11927If the plan doesn't cover where you are moving, forget it! Also, sometimes another repairman may just fix the problem that the one you are going to can't seem to fix. I'd talk to people in the new area about machine servicing & if nothing helps, get a new machine! And forget that brand...after that many times in, the company should have given you a new machine!!
2 comments
by justonlyme
24 Nov 2014
Thank you very much! Sometimes it is hard to know what to do. Having a new area with perhaps a shop staffed with knowledgeable people might make these problems go away.. Or maybe I'll sell it before moving, which will make room for other stuff, and reduce the hassle altogether.. I sure appreciate the input! Decision made!!
35675I think you got a problem machine from the get go. Sometimes, unfortunately that happens. I would consider having it serviced and since Christmas is coming up and end of year sales will be happening, I'd trade her in on another machine.
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by justonlyme
24 Nov 2014
I did get a lemon of a machine. It has been my frustration machine. I think that I will be letting this expire and seriously consider getting a new machine. Thank you!
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360644Is the Service Plan just for regular service...or is it a bumper to bumper warranty? There is a big difference...does it cover labor and or parts if something goes wrong...or just regular annual service? If it is the latter, and it does not cover anything else...I would pass and just pay as you go...to get the service you need when you need it...
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by justonlyme
23 Nov 2014
The service plan is a warranty extension and a full service plan, all rolled in to one. I just counted my receipts for service; over the past 4 years, I've had it in for 17 repairs. Each time, they did a full cleaning too. I've never brought it in just for scheduled maintenance. Maybe it is time to switch brands when I switch houses. Thank you for your feedback.
318466That is a tough one. Personally I would probably not be willing to spend 20 hours driving. Think about the amount of money you would spend on gas. I would have them service it now and pay the regular fee. It is ridiculous to think they would only do that if you sign up for another service plan. After she has been serviced you could decide if you want to sell her or see how long she will last without problems. You might want to check if there is a dealer in the the area where you are going to move too. Tough one.
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by justonlyme
23 Nov 2014
I guess 20 hours of driving, including gas, would cover a LOT of machine service, wouldn't it? I guess I hadn't thought of it that way. I have been unable to locate another dealer within any reasonable distance so far. I may just be selling it and consider a different brand. I won't buy another Brother. Unfortunately, I've had nothing but frustration with this one. Thank you.
109774I would have it serviced before the warranty runs out and then...see what is on offer where you move or would the shop give you a short warranty to cover you for a year so it is covered over the move. Then you have time to find something better
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by justonlyme
23 Nov 2014
I want to try to have it serviced one last time. But the service plan is all-or-nothing. There are no in between plans.
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