Is the janome 500e worth the price tag?
I went for an all day demonstration on the new 500e when my dealer received them here in Aust.
I had a blast and even attempted fsl for the first time.
There was so much to love about this new machine compared to my 350e. however my concerns with it are that it has no free arm and here it only comes with the 2 larger hoops. They are expensive extras here. Besides that it seemed so much more intuitive than my machine and much quicker when searching designs on a usb. I was really happy with the quality of the stitching too.
For those of you that have this machine have you found it worth purchasing? What do you love or not about it?
The other 3 sizes are now available RE10b @ $115 SQ14b @ $125 RE20b @ $145.
I have the 300E and didn't trade it in so feel I have the best of both worlds. I did have a bit of trouble using the needle threader to start but now no problem. This machine does take up a lot of table space. In the shop it didn't look nearly as big so take that into consideration. I love the machine. Good value for the money.
There is a new Brother machine out that is free arm but the price is so much more around the $6,000 looks good in the demo video.
I look at other brands, get their best price and the goodies they will throw in, then go to the one brand I really want and tell them I have not decided on a brand yet, but that the other brand is prepared to give me a very special price with all the goodies thrown in. But I will buy this machine if they throw in the hoops etc...
That normally helped me to get the goodies (like the hoops) thrown in as part of the deal for the brand I really want. These machines are expensive, and if they want the deal, they will try to accomodate you...
It is worth trying over there. Mine gave me lot of extra stuff - 15 spools of 1000m thread, hoops, etc.
Good luck with your shopping!