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From: mozeyrn
Date: 07-24-2007, 07:33 PM (1 of 14)
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I'm interested in purchasing a Janome 634D serger (Elna is out of my $$ price). I hope if there are any hidden flaws with the Janome someone will tell me. I'm looking for a 4 thread, diff feed and does a relatively neat rolled hem. The dealer nearest to me (43 miles) said that it's better than the Brother 1034D (for the same price) and does a better rolled hem - but it's not up to the level of some high end machines (that's ok, I can't afford high end anyway). I don't want to get in over my head and figure getting a basic machine with dealer support is the way to go. He's saying that the training is not included in the purchase price and it's $100 extra. This includes one-on-one training (until I'm comfortable on my own so it's not a one-time deal) and a discount on service. Am I being taken for a ride or is this a normal price? Using a dealer is new to me. Also, is there a big difference between the 634D & 644D? Do I need to change the cover plate on these machines to switch to rolled hem? Thanks for any advice! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: karen v
Date: 07-24-2007, 09:06 PM (2 of 14)
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Hi I bought a new Elna and a used Pfaff from my dealer and they give me lifetime unlimited lessons for free, so I guess there is some variation in the dealers. I would try to negotiate free lessons or purchase from another dealer...I just have to call and make an appointment, I can't just show up unannounced for a lesson, but I think that is reasonable. Karen V all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 07-24-2007, 09:35 PM (3 of 14)
| Usually when someone asks about purchasing a machine or overlock, so many will say "buy from a dealer for the support ". . .and usually that support is free. I've only purchased 1 machine from a dealer and my lessons are free but I, too, have to make an appointment. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: lendube
Date: 07-24-2007, 11:12 PM (4 of 14)
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Any dealer I've dealt with has offered free lessons. Sometimes one on one and sometimes in a class but there's never been a charge as long as I've bought either the machine or software from them. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-24-2007, 11:40 PM (5 of 14)
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I got a free lesson with my Pfaff sewing machine and serger and free, for life -- "what now Dorothy" -- phone calls in an emergency. Fortunately I don't have many of those. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-24-2007, 11:47 PM (6 of 14)
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Whenever I have purchased new machines, the lessons were always free even though I had to make an appointment for them. Even when I have bought used products, the lessons were free. I would report this dealer to Janome HQ and ask them about what is included with the purchase of a new machine. Even though, it is 43 miles to this dealer, I would be very leary of him. Sounds like he may not be an authorized dealer and service center. He might only be authorized for sales and hasn't had the proper training. You may be able to find a used Elna serger for the same price as you are considering for the new Janome. I don't own any Janome products so I can't comment on their reliability and sturdiness. Personally, I would look elsewhere for a machine. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: ddreev
Date: 07-25-2007, 01:11 PM (7 of 14)
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Maureen, I don't know anything about sergers but, if you belong to any sewing groups or know any other sewers in your area asked them who they use. Most dealers are good and knowledgeable people but,you always find a few that aren't. I have moved around a bit and talking to other sewers has been the best way to find a reputable dealer. One time I had to take a machine into a dealer who I knew didn't have a good reputation but, he had just been awarded the dealership for the authorized service for my machine. I was having a minor problem with my automatic buttonholes(it was going a few threads to far). They called and told me I needed a new board and It had to be the upgraded board to fix the problem, $300 for the board and $80 to put it in. I went and picked up my machine and payed them for looking at it. I then drove 90 miles to the next authorized dealer who I knew was reputable. The timing was off on the machine and I cost me $40 for the service. They also told me if I had needed a new board I did not have to up grade. So ask around, a good dealer is a wonder full asset. Dorothy D.
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User: ddreev
Member since: 05-29-2007 Total posts: 69 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 07-25-2007, 11:50 PM (8 of 14)
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Buy the dealer not the machine. If the dealer is reputable he is going to steer you right and is going to make sure you get all the training you need to insure that you are happy with the machine.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 07-26-2007, 10:14 PM (9 of 14)
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But Tom, are there dealers out there that charge for training when the consumer buys one of their machines? He told me the price of training & I almost dropped the phone. It sounded like a ploy for me to pay more. He never even mentioned the machine was no longer being made (Janome 634D) and when I asked, he didn't carry the upgraded version (644D) either. I've started looking elsewhere & have found a couple of dealers but no one does any kind of decent training. - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 07-27-2007, 08:39 PM (10 of 14)
| Have you talked to Susie at Susie Q quilts in N Fort Myers ? She's a Janome dealer & really sweet. I'm not sure if she gives lessons if you don't buy from her but do know they have some classes you can attend at times. I have her phone # & address if you don't. Just an idea. Also I was told they were still selling the 634D. Maybe I was told wrong. We've lost so many dealers here. I'll check with Janome on that serger Monday. It has been one of their best sergers that's not computerized.I may be at Susie's tomorrow, if so I'll ask her about lessons plus the serger if she knows. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 07-28-2007, 07:37 PM (11 of 14)
| Maureen, You were told correctly about the 634D. It is no longer made. I ask Susie today about it. That really surprised me as it's a great serger but I guess they can't continue making all of their machines. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-29-2007, 01:41 AM (12 of 14)
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Maureen, you also might want to check out another Janome serger which is the model 1110DX. No, you do not have to change the plate to do a rolled hem. I don't think you need to change the plate on the other mentioned models either. There is also a Janome 744 free arm model (not to be confused with the Elna 744 coverlock). Discontinued models might be available new in box from an on line dealer at a lesser price. Buying from a dealer on line you will not have lessons of course but I think most of the Janome sergers come with a video that shows just about everything you need to know about using the serger but you may wish to pay more and have the lessons and local dealer support. I hope you find a serger you love. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-03-2007, 11:57 PM (13 of 14)
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Maureen, what type of serger did you end up buying? In my Nancy's Notions catalog today there was a EZ-Lock (Babylock brand) for $299. You can see it on her website at www.nancysnotions.com. Hope this helps. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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From: Tom Land
Date: 08-06-2007, 10:52 AM (14 of 14)
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But Tom, are there dealers out there that charge for training when the consumer buys one of their machines? He told me the price of training & I almost dropped the phone. It sounded like a ploy for me to pay more. He never even mentioned the machine was no longer being made (Janome 634D) and when I asked, he didn't carry the upgraded version (644D) either. I've started looking elsewhere & have found a couple of dealers but no one does any kind of decent training. It is rare for a dealer to charge for lessons on a machine he sold but I have heard of some that do. It might be he is trying to get the price lower for for people that don't need the training and then charging for the people that do. Most dealers want to make sure you are happy with the product so always offer free training. I don't care if your buying a used $100 serger or a new $1800 one. I want to make sure you are enjoying the machine and telling your friends how much you love your machine and me. I think I would be looking for another dealer. This is just a personal opinion: even when I was Janomes 7th largest dealer 3years running, the only serger I liked was the 234D. I have never really liked Janome sergers. This is based on how the machines feel and perform compared to others... not their reliability record. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
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