I brought home one for repair
#1
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Someone finally talked me into it. I knew it would happen eventually. Other people have mentioned their machines in hopes I do repair and I have waived them off.
I was checking out the yard sales yesterday and as usual asking about sewing machines just in case one was hidden from sight. The homeowner said yes! they had a machine but they were having troubles with it, and the conversation continued as I explained I take them working or not if the price is right. Somehow it moved to her wanting me to fix her machine. It felt awkward and I explained I am new to this hobby and generally don't do that but she said if I fix it she'll pay me and if I don't then keep it. Well, ok. When she found the box she'd put it into, I saw it was a Necchi. It had been so long since she had the problem she couldn't remember what it was.
I got it home and found it missing the bobbin case, the hook and other underpinnings to the bobbin area so I let her know and she is looking for those.
In the meantime, I cleaned and oiled it and found parts in my stash for it. I had it straight stitching just fine last night so will run the rest of the patterns and see how that goes.
Since we never talked price and now I am likely adding in parts what would be fair to charge her? This is a first for me. I don't want to go too high and I wouldn't want to go too low in case she tells friends and they want help too.
Does everyone eventually get asked to repair machines?
I was checking out the yard sales yesterday and as usual asking about sewing machines just in case one was hidden from sight. The homeowner said yes! they had a machine but they were having troubles with it, and the conversation continued as I explained I take them working or not if the price is right. Somehow it moved to her wanting me to fix her machine. It felt awkward and I explained I am new to this hobby and generally don't do that but she said if I fix it she'll pay me and if I don't then keep it. Well, ok. When she found the box she'd put it into, I saw it was a Necchi. It had been so long since she had the problem she couldn't remember what it was.
I got it home and found it missing the bobbin case, the hook and other underpinnings to the bobbin area so I let her know and she is looking for those.
In the meantime, I cleaned and oiled it and found parts in my stash for it. I had it straight stitching just fine last night so will run the rest of the patterns and see how that goes.
Since we never talked price and now I am likely adding in parts what would be fair to charge her? This is a first for me. I don't want to go too high and I wouldn't want to go too low in case she tells friends and they want help too.
Does everyone eventually get asked to repair machines?
#2
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Around here, the sewing machine shops get around $90 to refurbish a machine, parts not included. That usually includes cleaning, lubricating, and checking timing. Then again, they are professionals.
What model of Necchi is it?
What model of Necchi is it?
#3
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I won't be calibrating each and every little part unless something appears to be off kilter. Getting it running smoothly and delivering a good stitch is primary. It's a Necchi 522.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
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Yikes, it's never a good idea to take on a job without a verbal understanding of cost or price. You're kind of stuck in a pickle now..hope you can manage to at least get some $ for your time . At the least, it will be a lesson learned?
#5
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Candace, I am definitely a card carrying member of the learn as you go school. Fortunately, I didn't have to put in tons of time and it appears the issues are already solved. I just ran all the patterns without a problem. Last night when I spoke with her and asked her to look for the missing parts she asked if maybe they could be bought on-line so I am under the impression she is open to paying for parts.
As it worked out I had parts here that work in the machine. Most of the work was cleaning and oiling with minor adjustment. I'll keep it a few days just to be sure it is working correctly, but at least at this time I don't have a huge investment in time. If she is not open to paying me for MY parts, I could easily remove them.![Wink](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png)
I really don't think that is going to be a problem though. I think she just wants to get her machine working again.
As it worked out I had parts here that work in the machine. Most of the work was cleaning and oiling with minor adjustment. I'll keep it a few days just to be sure it is working correctly, but at least at this time I don't have a huge investment in time. If she is not open to paying me for MY parts, I could easily remove them.
![Wink](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png)
I really don't think that is going to be a problem though. I think she just wants to get her machine working again.
Last edited by Mrs. SewNSew; 06-15-2014 at 10:34 AM.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
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I set a charge rate like this.
$35.00 for a machine that just needs cleaned and serviced with maybe a couple adjustments.
~Up to;
$65.00 for one that needs major cleaning, servicing, and lots of work.
~Then;
$Price Determined On Inspection for one that needs lots of repair and fixing in addition to cleaning and servicing.
All parts are extra of course.
I figure I'll make out decent for most of them, and will probably loose my shirt on some. Hopefully it will balance out in the end.
Joe
$35.00 for a machine that just needs cleaned and serviced with maybe a couple adjustments.
~Up to;
$65.00 for one that needs major cleaning, servicing, and lots of work.
~Then;
$Price Determined On Inspection for one that needs lots of repair and fixing in addition to cleaning and servicing.
All parts are extra of course.
I figure I'll make out decent for most of them, and will probably loose my shirt on some. Hopefully it will balance out in the end.
Joe
#9
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Thanks Joe! That's nice to hear some figures and how you determine them. Because this is the first machine I have agreed to see for repair, I had no idea what to say. Once the machine is ready to return I want to have an idea of what I want for the job.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Delavan
Posts: 468
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$74.99 for a cleaning here in madison. this is what I paid for my fancy babylock to have it cleaned a couple of months ago. no repairs.
I like joes answer and his pricing, sounds reasonable. call around to any local shops and see what the going rate is. you may want to undercut a little, due to your inexperience. parts... I would again call or go online and see what they would cost and this is what you would charge her.
make a couple of bucks. then you can buy another machine. hehehe
I like joes answer and his pricing, sounds reasonable. call around to any local shops and see what the going rate is. you may want to undercut a little, due to your inexperience. parts... I would again call or go online and see what they would cost and this is what you would charge her.
make a couple of bucks. then you can buy another machine. hehehe
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