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Member since 12/13/11
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Re: Sewing machine warranties (posted on 12/7/18 11:33 AM ET)
Does using a non-brand certified tech to service a sewing machine affect the warranty? Or - does one need to use a brand authorized service center/tech for servicing?



-- Edited on 12/7/18 at 11:33 AM --
  
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Posted on: 12/7/18 12:37 PM ET
In reply to dmfurlong
Are you in the US? If so, there is a 1975 federal law called the Magnusson Moss Warranty act, that, at least in the case of cars, has been interpreted.to say you don't have to use routine dealer service in order to maintain the warranty. I would assume the same would apply to sewing machines, but I am not a lawyer.

The act does apply to warranties in general and has a couple of interesting provisions, including one that requires ambiguous warranty statements to be construed against the maker of the warranty, and that you are allowed to examine warranties before purchase for any product sold for more than $15.

I have never had a warranty claim on a sewing machine or serger, but I have occasionally come on what appears to be "willful ignorance of the law" on a couple of other items. Mentioning the state AG's consumer office and the Magnusson Moss Act has either improved their memory or convinced them it was going to be less painful to give me a replacement part than deal with government lawyer letters.
-- Edited on 12/7/18 at 12:38 PM --
  
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Posted on: 12/7/18 1:00 PM ET
I’m not familiar with the laws kayl has cited and will defer to her. But a few thoughts as a consumer and having worked for years for dealers and teaching for another now.

Personally - I would like the authorized dealer to service my machine - and I’m talking general service, cleaning etc as your post said service it vs dealing with something covered by warranty. That’s because I want to keep them in business so they’re there when they’re the only ones who can do a fix on a particular make/model. That said I’m pretty particular about keeping my machine cleaned, oiled, maintained myself and don’t do a general service often.

But what if someone services your machine and messes something up? I ask because I’ve seen it happen. Even though the places I worked were generous about the “bumper to bumper” warranty/service first year, if something occurs because another repair person who didn’t know the machinery causes a problem we charged for the fix - it wasn’t something inherently wrong with the machine that was covered by warranty and while if a customer caused a user error problem we’d work with them but taking it to someone not trained by the manufacturer created an issue - differs story. Off the top of my head I’m recalling two sergers, one pretty pricey when new and a midline computerized sewing/embroidery combo that this happened to after customers took them to a general “we repair all makes/models” place.

It’s a vague question and really if you just had the machine cleaned, dust and lint blown out, very generic superficial service like that basic to most all machines and without incident - who’d know? I may be extra cautious but I don’t take chances with my cars or sewing machines. And will be going back to that model with my bike as well. Ultimately your choice! If never a warranty issue to deal with you’ll nevertheless know anyway!!

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Posted on: 12/7/18 1:11 PM ET
In reply to dmfurlong
I don't know whether you "have to" use a certified tech to maintain a machine warranty.

However, I agree with Karen. If you have a very expensive machine, were something to go wrong during the servicing, you may encounter additional problems. These modern machines are so highly specialized & computerized. A certified tech is provided training for the machine and is also given of check list of what's needed to be gone over.

If you have a fairly inexpensive machine (say under $500), it probably would be Ok to just have a good tech look at it. If you have a machine that's several thousands of dollars or over $10K, I think it's worth it to find an authorized tech. That will best protect your investment in the event there's a snafoo during maintenance.
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Posted on: 12/7/18 1:18 PM ET
In reply to Karen31
And the flip side of this is what happens when the brand no longer has a "certified shop" locally. Or never had a local shop to begin with.

I take my Jukis to a Brother dealer in the next big town for routine service. At the time I bought the machines, the closest Juki dealer was an hour and a half away and didn't carry those models. Though Brother machines and I have never gotten along, he has been servicing and fixing any brand of machine for the last 30 years (met him when a friend asked me to check out a used machine, and found him knowledgeable and someone I could trust.) I asked him if he would be comfortable working on my Jukis, and he has taken care of them since.

I would far rather take my machines to him than to the fellow who now owns the closest Juki dealership: I don't trust him as far as I can drop kick an anvil.
  
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Posted on: 12/7/18 1:41 PM ET
Trust of course always a consideration. We don’t know where the OP is in the process, just shopping, an owner, what brand/model or if there’s a dealer nearby. A lot of these factors go into purchasing decisions. But one other consideration even if comfortable having a general (ie some older mom and pop shops) shop or another brand dealer do anything other than the basic cleaning/service - if something occurs that requires parts - will they be able to get what’s necessary? Just too many variables/unknowns here for a single definitive answer!
-- Edited on 12/7/18 at 1:43 PM --
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Posted on: 12/7/18 1:51 PM ET
In reply to Karen31
"My guy" points out that he has the same priority for Juki parts as I do... i.e., I might be waiting awhile. I can live with that. I can also live with the thought he might find something that needs fixing and is beyond him, that I might have to take it to someone else. He is also comfortable with that.

My first computerized machine would be 22 now-- it has been rehomed last year with someone who needed a decent machine. Still hasn't needed parts, and is now out of warranty.
  
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Posted on: 12/7/18 2:27 PM ET
In reply to dmfurlong
Quote: dmfurlong
Does using a non-brand certified tech to service a sewing machine affect the warranty? Or - does one need to use a brand authorized service center/tech for servicing?

You didn't say which brand of machine you have. Please read the warranty fine print that came with your machine. It may say your machine has to be, or may only be serviced by a brand authorized dealer technician,otherwise the warranty is void.

A local area Pfaff Brother dealer technician serviced all local Sears Kenmore sewing machines. Some dealer technicians are authorized to service different brand machines.

Some independent technicians are very good, others not so good.
  
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Posted on: 12/8/18 9:11 AM ET
Thank you. I should have included more details, but was trying to be more concise in question than rambling.

I'm considering a trade deal by my dealer on a new machine that's had issues, and of course they always tell you about their service plans. If one took their machine in for general service once a year it more than pays for itself (actually, it's almost like getting 2 free). Not sure what all it covers.

But it had me thinking about servicing, warranties, etc. I actually have a sewing machine guy I trust and prefer (30+ years experience, and previously had a retail shop). He's got a reasonable turn around time also (dealer quotes 4 weeks). Works on all brands BUT I don't know specifically which brands he's certified for.

I rarely buy service/extended warranties. I think this one is for 4 years. But I think of things like, what if we move (it's within our realm of possibility), etc. As I said, I don't know what else it covers, I was just calculating it face value if I only needed it for yearly servicing. Which I'll admit, I keep my machines clean, and good or bad, have never gone in yearly, haven't felt like I needed to.

I was also trying to remember what I'd read previously about warranties and servicing/repairs. If I go with the deal, I would read the warranty and also obviously know more about what was included in the service package.

  
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Posted on: 12/8/18 9:19 AM ET
”new machine that’s had issues” what does that mean? That exact machine? If so, how is it still “new” or that model? If the former, it may be resolvable or a lemon. If the latter, why buy a known problem?
  
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