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From: brotherrandy
Date: 04-14-2006, 11:15 PM (1 of 26)
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I am looking at buying my wife a new sewing machine, she wants to start making her own square dance dresses so they look and fit the way she wants them to. We looked at the Janome Memory Craft 9700 this afternoon, the local dealer has one for $2495. On the Internet I find a MC 9500 for $1500, the only apparent difference seems to be a color screen on the 9700 Are there other differences I am missing? Does anyone know anything about either of these machines? I am not totally comfortable with buying from a dealer in another state, but I also know we will be moving within the next year or so. Wherever we land, we will have to find a dealer to work with that we didn't buy the machine from in the event it needs service, so I am not sure how valuable our local dealer will be anyway. Your help and sugggestions would be appreciated. |
User: brotherrandy
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 9 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-15-2006, 12:10 AM (2 of 26)
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www.janome.com will have all the facts on both machines. A Janome dealer will usually NOT work on a machine bought online. They perfer you buy from them, so they may honor the warranty and service the machine. You will also get perks from a dealer, not online. Dealers from other states 'might' honor the warranty, PARTS, but not the service. I own 5 Janome's and have had no trouble in the past 5 yrs. (11000, 10000, 6500, 300E and the Compulock.) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 04-15-2006, 12:51 AM (3 of 26)
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Good to hear from a fellow dancer. Chrys made a very good point most dealers today will not work on a machine purchased online. I cringe everytime I hear of someone considering buying online. I just had another one come in yesterday. She bought a Janome 10000 that needs a circuit board. Not only is the seller saying it was ok when she shipped it so won't take it back. But she can't find anyone local to fix it. She is out $2400. As much as I would like to help her (and probably will eventually break down and do it) I am always snowed under with repairs from people that supported their local dealers. We (dealers) owe them. The biggest reason I am the only repair shop in about a 100 mile radius is because people didn't support the local dealer so they've gone out of business or to cut expenses had to let the service techs go. Your local dealers will almost always be able to make you as good or better a deal than youll find elsewhere. Then you'll have all kinds of support and training. If you move to another city or state most dealers will welcome you as if you had bought from them. The important point is that you bought from your local dealer. With the better companies the stipulation is that if you move more than 50 miles from where you lived when you bought the machine and it was purchased from your nearest dealer the warranty transfers to your new closest dealer. The dealer has no choice it. Iis in his dealer agreement contract. You should be happy with either of the machines you mentioned. Janome is the best of the machines coming out of the far east. You might want to consider a European machine. For the prices you quoted you could get a very good machine. If you've been shopping on the internet you have probably noticed how Pfaff, Bernina, and Viking hold their value. There is a reason for that. I will not push or degrade any speciific brand in this forum, but the very best non-embroidery machine on the market only retails for $2895 and you can get it for much less. Good luck and hope you move down this way. We always need more dancers. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: brotherrandy
Date: 04-15-2006, 01:26 AM (4 of 26)
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Thanks for the information and from the sounds of things they sound like a good quality machine. I would really like to get her the 11000 but the price tag is almost as much as I paid for my first house. Somehow I just can’t bring myself to spend that much money. At least not until we learn a few things about using these fancy little machines, they have very little resemblance to the old machine mom had that did about 5 stitches and weighed a ton. So let me see if I understand this sewing machine dealer thing. If I spend nearly $3000 and buy this machine in Texas and move to Colorado or Wyoming next year, the only way I can get help from a dealer there, assuming the machine has problems, is to trade it in on a new machine because most dealers don’t want to work on it if it wasn’t bought in their shop? Surely I must be misunderstanding this. If not then I guess the only options are either wait till after we move, or plan on trading it in on the next model up shortly after we get there, which seems kind of silly to me. |
User: brotherrandy
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 9 |
From: brotherrandy
Date: 04-15-2006, 01:48 AM (5 of 26)
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Thanks for the information Tom I knew there had to be some way around things when we move. The only reason we had looked much on the Internet was to try to see how much difference there was in price so we could hopefully get a little better deal from the dealer or maybe se if they could order us a model they don’t normally stock. They don’t have a huge selection to chose from so there is little to compare. The 9700 is the only machine they had below the 11000 other than a babylock, which they had on sale for around $1200. We both liked the Janome a little better it seemed easier to work with the lady at the store had a hard time getting the Babylock hoop to snap into place. Since machines have changed so much since high school home ec. 20 years ago the lessons would be worth a little extra especially since I did more flirting with the girls then sewing in class anyhow. If you are going to nationals in San Antonio we may wind up in a square together who knows. Again thanks for the clarification as far as warranty and service stuff goes. |
User: brotherrandy
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 9 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 04-15-2006, 03:02 PM (6 of 26)
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I am a certified Janome educator. you are right the only difference is the color screen. But the 9500 is also discontinued. If you can find one at a dealer you can get a good price. They will useally lower it to cost to get it out of the store. That is what our shop does. The dealer will also provide you with lessons on how to use those fancy buttons. they are provided with the purchase of the machine. I know we provide 5 lessons free on the embroidery side and unlimited on the sewing side. After you use of the 5 for the embroidery you can purchase more for 20 for a 2 hour course. For that 20 you get supplies like thread and fabric to complete a project. I have alot of fun comming up with ideas. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 04-15-2006, 11:48 PM (7 of 26)
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BrotherRandy, No I think you are misunderstanding. If you purchase a machine where ever you live now from the local dealer when you move the new local dealer will most likely welcome you with open arms and treat you just as if you had purchased the machine from him. Some brands even make it mandatory that if someone that has purchased from the local dealer moves into your area you must honor the warranty. On the other hand...if you purchase a machine over the internet you may not be able to find anyone that will work on it. This is becoming the most common practice but it is entirely up to the dealer. Some brands void the warranty entirely if the machine was purchased online. A third instance is if you go out of town to purchase the machine. For instance if you live in Dallas and are visting someone in Waco and decide to purchase a machine while there. Although your Dallas dealer will work on it he will not honor the warranty. Warranties state that you are to return the machine to the selling dealer for warranty work. (Dealers are not compensated for warranty repairs) I hope this clearifys it up for you. Bottom line is that if you support your local dealer you should be welcomed with open arms anywhere you go. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: brotherrandy
Date: 04-16-2006, 02:45 AM (8 of 26)
| Tom thanks for the clarification on the warranty and service stuff. I figured I must have had things somewhat confused. Sewing machine warranties sure work a lot different than car warranties. This is one more question we need to ask our local dealers before we decide which machine we are going to buy. Here we are pretty much limited to Janome, Babylock and Singer. The closest Bernina dealer is about 100 miles, and the nearest Pfaff dealer is 140 miles. Which makes going there for any classes unrealistic. Which means we will probably end up with the 9700, assuming they can guarantee the warranty will transfer wherever we move. |
User: brotherrandy
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 9 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 04-16-2006, 01:20 PM (9 of 26)
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Unless, Janome has changed their policy (I quit carrying Janome about 10 years ago but since the new local dealer doesn't repair I work on a good number of them) your warranty is through the selling dealer. However, in most cases your new local dealer will want to make a customer of you and will therefore honor the warranty even though he is under no obligation to. Aimee would probably know if the warranty transfer policy has changed.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 04-16-2006, 02:08 PM (10 of 26)
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so, what happens to the phrase.."manufacturer's warranty" if a dealer chooses not to honor it? It does not say "dealer warranty at his choosing?" sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: bluebirdie
Date: 04-16-2006, 02:31 PM (11 of 26)
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Through my own limited experience, I have found that sometimes it's helpful to try to contact the manufacturer regarding warranty before purchasing. You can probably get most manufacturer warranty honored eventually but how much heartaches one is willing to go through to get that is another story. Brotherrandy, it's very smart of you to do the homework online and then purchase locally. I do exactly that for a lot of our purchases. From all the answers I read, it sounds like a hessle for warranty coverage once you move. I know how nice it feels to have a passion such as dancing. Will it be worthwhile to wait till after you move? That is, if your wife has some old machines that she can get by with for the time being. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-16-2006, 02:40 PM (12 of 26)
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Because if you want to buy the machine online, or e-bay...you have the option to SEND IT BACK to the manufacturer to get it fixed, on YOUR time and money. Dealers are under no obligation to service machines not bought from them. (although most do, because they want your business.) Only the manufacturers are under obligation to make sure the warranty is enforced. But if you buy online, then the online seller is obligated. Ebay, you take your chances.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Tom Land
Date: 04-16-2006, 05:24 PM (13 of 26)
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When talking warranty there are two major components...labor and parts. Almost all machines have either a 10, 20, or 25 year defective parts warranty. The key word there is defective. It does not cover normal wear, damage due to missuse, or damage due to poor maintenace. This portion of the warranty is covered by the manufacturer who will reimburse the dealer for the parts. This portion of the warrranty seldom comes into play after the machine is more than a few years old since defective parts ussually show themselves by that time. Any Authorized dealer of a particular brand should honor that. The labor portion of the warranty is entirely the responsibility of the dealer. He gets no compensation for the labor. Therefore he is reluctant to honor the labor warranty of a machine purchased elsewhere. Most manufacturers have a regional or national service center where you can send the machine to have it repaired if you don't have a local option. In that case you are responsible for shipping. Shipping a machine to them should always be the last resort. I don't want to step on anyones toes or offend anyone but your best service techs are not at those service centers. (I started there) Once a tech knows what he is doing he leaves and gets a job somewhere that pays better. There are some exceptions such as someone that feels the health insurance package is worth staying for, but the majority of the time your machine will be worked on by someone who is learning. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 04-16-2006, 05:42 PM (14 of 26)
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Sandy,almost all if not all warranty cards say to return it to the selling dealer for warranty work. That dealer is obligated per his dealer contract to honor the warranty. Some, like Pfaff go a little further and obligate the dealer if someone moves into his/her area. Pfaff's warranty reads that should you move more than 50 miles from where you lived when you purchased your machine the nearest dealer to your new home will be responsible for honoring the warranty. The only exception to that is that if you didn't purchase the machine from your local dealer where you previously lived then your warranty would still be through the selling dealer. For instance if you live in Memphis, bought your machine in Nashville and moved to Little Rock. Your warranty would still be in Nashville. Had you purchased the machine in Memphis where you lived the warranty would have transferred with you to Little Rock. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-17-2006, 12:21 PM (15 of 26)
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This discussion has proved once again how valuable this site is.. I have learned a great lesson today.. and it is .... I am so grateful that my Janome Tech is my dealer's Husband.. Yes , that is correct, her husband, so I feel sure that he will not be changing jobs...Thanks , friends, for giving me a good dose of the warm fuzzies today..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-17-2006, 09:26 PM (16 of 26)
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My Janome dealers husband is the repairman too...makes for a nice experience. I get great advice, fabric, service, friendship and great machines.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Gaya
Date: 04-27-2006, 08:49 PM (17 of 26)
| I have a Singer 498 purchased around 1969...it has done a power of work but now everytime I use it something goes wrong and I have to travel a long way for repairs which cost around $80 to $100 each time...hence the decision to buy a new machine. I decided on a Janome as my d-i-l has one and loves it. At first I thought a DC3050 and then upgraded (in my mind) to a 9700...then I visited my first shop and changed my mind again to a MC6600P and 300E ... the two cost $AUD200 more than the 9700. This website has provided me with useful information as I did not know anything about a digitiser or a customiser for example! I fully realise the benefits of buying from a reputable dealer and certainly will do so but am wondering if anyone can think of a better machine(s) choice. I have never done quilting but would like to try and the same goes for embroidery. This will be my last machine(s) so it is an important decision. I am used to a free arm and that is causing hesitation about the 6600. I seem to make a lot of drapes and light canvas covers as well as using lightweight dress material, so it has to be sturdy and versatile enough to do all that. Right now I would appreciate advice on the right machine(s) to purchase. Many thanks. |
User: Gaya
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 04-27-2006, 10:31 PM (18 of 26)
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Gaya, If you are considering a machine for quilting...the 6600 is a machine for that. It has the acufeed foot that is like a built-in walking foot and comes with the quilter's extension table and a variety of other quilting feet. But this machine does not do embroidery. So if you want to do sewing and embroidery, then another machine would probably be a better choice.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: Gaya
Date: 04-30-2006, 06:29 AM (19 of 26)
| Thanks for your advice Judy. I am going into the city next Friday to spend some time at a different shop....so will see what they have to offer. The 6600 really seems to be the one at the moment if I can get "over" the lack of free-arm. I might get this one and forget the embroidery one at the moment as I think one machine would be enough to learn given that it is going to be so different from my present Singer. Anyway, I have to make up my mind before the end of May as there are presently specials for Mothers Day. Will let you know how it pans out. |
User: Gaya
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Gaya
Date: 05-16-2006, 12:30 AM (20 of 26)
| Well thanks for all the valuable advice I received on this website. I purchased the 6600 and the 300E from a shop with a full time mechanic who impressed me no end. He threw in lots of extras for a cash deal and even said he will overhaul the old Singer at no cost. I was so pleased with all this. I took home the 6600 and was to have my first lesson (they are unlimited) on the 300E last Thursday and collect that machine at the same time (was not in stock). Well, my mother took ill and I had to travel interstate. My husband collected the 300E and dropped off the old Singer at the same time. I will now be travelling interstate every week until I get my mother settled in a nursing home, so these two machines are going to be idle for at least a month. Still not to worry, I am so glad I have them and am really looking forward to having time to get to know and use them. Thanks again for all the wonderful help I have received....I really do appreciate it. |
User: Gaya
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 05-16-2006, 07:28 AM (21 of 26)
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Sorry to hear about your mother. Hope things go well for her. I can relate to what you are going through as I had to do the same a few years ago with my father. Glad that you got your machines. Remember they will be there later when you have the time to enjoy them. Good luck and thanks for letting us know what you bought. Take care. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: kathybarbara
Date: 05-26-2006, 06:45 PM (22 of 26)
| We live in Marco Island, FL. I bought my first Janome (decor 3050) at the Naples Sewing Center in FL. Before the holidays (2005) I decided I wanted to buy the Janome 6600. We live in MA for the summer/fall months, and I started to research the pricing on the 6600. I made numerous calls to Janome dealers to see if I could get a "buy". The dealers told me they were not allowed to ship machines to other states. Yes, I did find some deals on ebay...but I was pretty skeptical. So, back to FL and I bought my 6600. Since then my FL dealer has closed his store. Here on the Cape (MA), I just bought the Janome 300E. This dealer has two stores here on the Cape and will be opening a third. The service and support you get from an authorized dealer is well worth the extra dollars you spend. So, beware of those super deals you see online. |
User: kathybarbara
Member since: 10-18-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Gaya
Date: 02-12-2007, 06:12 AM (23 of 26)
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Gaya, If you are considering a machine for quilting...the 6600 is a machine for that. It has the acufeed foot that is like a built-in walking foot and comes with the quilter's extension table and a variety of other quilting feet. But this machine does not do embroidery. So if you want to do sewing and embroidery, then another machine would probably be a better choice. HeyJudee, thanks again for your advice. The machines were not idle for one month...it was 8 !!! I have just taken them out of their boxes this last week. All is ok with the 6600 but having problems getting the computer to recognise the flashcard for the 300E. All my other computer stuff (eg camera and portable hard drive) are recognised on the USB port but not the flashcard. Was given Customiser 1100 with 300E but it says to install 1000 (which is on the same disK)...just finding the directions a bit confusing but my son is driving up here tomorrow to see if he can help me. He is a computer guru unlike his mother! Also will phone Janome again tomorrow. They are excellent here in Victoria - always willing to help over the phone. So far I have managed the penny farthing bike and a flower design which had three lots of flowers in the one design. So I was pleased with that for a start. I have just used the 6600 for minor reapair jobs to date and am very happy with that. Just thought I would let you know. Nice to be back on line after all this time! |
User: Gaya
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 02-12-2007, 07:05 AM (24 of 26)
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I purchased my Janome 9700 almost 2 years ago from the closest dealer (35 miles away) and wanted to purchase a Decor 3050. SO, I purchased one from a Dealer that is 40 miles further. WHY? My "dealer" never has anyone on staff (he repairs the machines) to answer questions, demo, etc. when I can come in. The educator only works 3 days a week and I just can't work around her schedule. She does not work on Saturdays. The other DEALER is fully staffed with very friendly and helpful people so I chose to go there. I live "rural" tho I am a metro gal and frankly, I get sick and tired of the "support the locals" when the "locals' aren't all that service oriented, friendly, have the selection, etc. Why is it that the customer has to make all of the compromises to appease the dealers, independent shop owners, etc. A warranty is a warranty is a warranty. If the dealer shuts down, you are still out of luck! Thanks for listening.. I just prefer to shop where I feel welcomed and get the service and support with a smile. sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: Gaya
Date: 02-12-2007, 05:12 PM (25 of 26)
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Dear Sandy Girl Don't feel guilty...I did the same thing. I shared your frustration. I went to a shop in the city closest to me but was not impressed with the salesperson. I then went to Melbourne and spent two days going from shop to shop until I found a guy called Peter who is also a mechanic. He threw in lots of extras for me and was very nice...I could relate to him. I only have to phone and he is always there to help. I felt he was genuine and gave me a feeling of security as I felt I was plunging into the unknown with two new computerised machines - last machine was a 1969 model! I must say though that the Janome people in Melbourne and also tech support in America are absoultely fabulous. I went to bed at 1 am and by 7 am there was a very detailed answer for my problems. (The portable unit which holds the flashcard is faulty - not Janome's fault but the manufacturer CompactFlash). So here I am in a remote place receiving assistance from across the other side of the world! Email is wonderful! I am fortunate to now have a new saleslady in the shop closest to me and she really knows her stuff. I am going to take lessons with her. Peter informed me of this and it has made life easier. Perhaps you will be lucky like me so keep checking your closest shop - things change! |
User: Gaya
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 02-13-2007, 08:18 AM (26 of 26)
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Gotta love Australia at times. I move all over, and have never had a warranty problem like you are all describing. But I think that is because of our Consumer / Fair Trading laws. About the only issue I have had is that I have had to send it to my nearest capital city, but that was probably my closest repairer at the time too.
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
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