halleyscomet
 
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PA USA
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Date: 1/31/12 9:16 AM After having a cleaning business since 1990, I'm seriously looking into another line of work. I just recently took my Pfaff in to get it repaired and they were so busy. They said it would take a month to have it repaired. So I thought that must be a great business to get into. My sewing room in my basement is large and the perfect place to have my business plus my husband has every tool ever made. I have seen manuals that you can order but how good are those. Wouldn't a hands on class be more beneficial? Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated! |
skae
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In reply to halleyscomet
Date: 1/31/12 9:28 AM hands on would be beneficial? Books to read, Classes I don't see what they are so busy about. It takes a month here too.
 I know before christmas they we're so dead they we're asking for repair work. I think that would be a fun business to get into. Check at your local collage. Look at online classes . I think it would be fun to repair older typ machines. New one classes would be a must. Have fun deciding.
-- Edited on 1/31/12 9:29 AM -- ------
ý1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
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halleyscomet
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Date: 1/31/12 11:17 AM Just in the time I was there, she had six machines just sitting on the counter for repair. |
sew2006
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In reply to halleyscomet
Date: 1/31/12 11:42 AM For older mechanical sewing machines this may be a way to start. For newer machines under manufacture warranty only an authorized dealer can work on them without voiding warranty. Only way to learn to service new computerized sewing machines is the training given by the company and it's for techs working at a dealer. Replacement parts for current machines are not available from after market sources but to dealers direct from manufacture of each brand. ------
Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, |
Learn To Sew
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WA USA
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In reply to halleyscomet
Date: 1/31/12 11:54 AM Talk to Gothdom, as she does this for a living. She can tell you the good and the bad of this business. She loves vintage machines and has many of them.
If she does not see this, send her a PM, as you are a member. ------
I enjoy quilting as it calms my mind
Bernina 630 / no embroidery module
Pfaff 2036
Babylock Molly
Bernina 1200DA serger |
tgm and Kittys
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WI USA
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In reply to halleyscomet
Date: 1/31/12 12:06 PM Some of the repair techs have like an apprenticeship. I would think this would be beneficial for the shop & for you training on how to repair/maintain sm. DH had applied at one of our local shops but they had already taken on a young person to train & then hopefully hire. .... It seems no matter what you take the sm for repair they are around 6 weeks to 8 weeks out. 
Definitely good to have more than 1 sm here so if one is in for repair the other one can pick up the slack for her/him... ------
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NM gal
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Date: 1/31/12 1:31 PM There is actually schools for sewing machine repair. Google: sewing machine repair schools. |
Al Johnson
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Date: 1/31/12 10:59 PM There is a guy who comes in to my work almost every day, for 2-4 hours, to repair and adjust our industrial machines. Busy guy, he is. We would like to be able to have him in more, but he needs to service his other customers, too. ------
A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles. |
FrBasil
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PA USA
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Date: 2/1/12 9:24 AM Regular repair of industrial machines (or domestic machines used by commercial enterprises, such as schools and the like) would likely be key to the success of a repair business. You'd likely want to get certified through at least 3-4 manufacturers, too. I'm not sure what the cost of it is, but I'd suspect some of it involves you being a dealer.
In my previous area, the local repair shop closed its retail storefront and went to a "we pickup and deliver" model, allowing the owner to do repairs at home. That saved a lot of money, as commercial storefront space is expensive in most areas.
I suspect the income potential for REPAIRING (as opposed to purchasing, refurbishing, and reselling) vintage machines is likely pretty low. Tell someone it'll cost $100 to do the work (representing perhaps 2-3 hours of your time), and they'll notice the brand new Brothers at Walmart sell for $150. I think they'd only take that option for machines with sentimental value. |
PattiAnnJ
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In reply to FrBasil
Date: 2/1/12 1:09 PM Quote: FrBasil
Regular repair of industrial machines (or domestic machines used by commercial enterprises, such as schools and the like) would likely be key to the success of a repair business. You'd likely want to get certified through at least 3-4 manufacturers, too. I'm not sure what the cost of it is, but I'd suspect some of it involves you being a dealer.
In my previous area, the local repair shop closed its retail storefront and went to a "we pickup and deliver" model, allowing the owner to do repairs at home. That saved a lot of money, as commercial storefront space is expensive in most areas.
I suspect the income potential for REPAIRING (as opposed to purchasing, refurbishing, and reselling) vintage machines is likely pretty low. Tell someone it'll cost $100 to do the work (representing perhaps 2-3 hours of your time), and they'll notice the brand new Brothers at Walmart sell for $150. I think they'd only take that option for machines with sentimental value.
I have noticed a major fabric store and local quilt shop in my area have signs in their windows indicating sewing machine service.
I know both stores, and this is a pick-up and return service.
I have used the one service as I know the work is being done by the dealer who closed his local store and now operates just his main store which is too far away for me to make a two round trips.
When you have a machine with a 25 year warranty you probably should stick with the dealer who is authorized by the brand. |
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