Help! Did I get ripped off by my sewing machine repair guy?

[nabigus]

Okay, I dropped off my machine--a 1973 Singer!--to be repaired today, and got a call right before closing that feels like a scam.

Basically, I needed to have 4 things done:
1. replace feed-dog (sp?)
2. repair "accelerator" on foot pedal, which went kaput
3. figure out why other stitches besides straight and zigzag weren't working
4. general tune up and oil job

The guy called at 6 pm (closing time) and told me that it would be about $275 to repair, and that they had it open and were working on it. I said I'd need to think about it, since it would probably be worth thinking about a new machine. He said that since it was open, they would do the repair, and if I wanted a new machine, I could get the 275 I paid in repairs as a credit on a new machine. I think I had baby brain or wasn't thinking clearly, because I said, uh, okay, I guess.

Called him back 2 minutes later, once again in my right mind, and no one was picking up.

Anyone had a machine repaired? How much was it? Am I being scammed? And if they've already done the repairs, what should I do about it????

I'm feeling like SUCH an idiot.

[courtenay_e]

Ummmm, well I've been scammed by a sewing machine guy before, so I know how you must feel. I don't know the going price of those repairs, but what I'd do is call around to other repair shops in your area and find out what THEY'D charge for them. It'll give you a better idea of whether you should be paying that much or not. I think I'd probably pay a half to three quarters of the price you were quoted (and it could very well be more in NY, just because EVERYTHING seems to cost more there than it does here...), but I can't be totally sure...the all metal-ness of that singer makes it valuable for parts, so if you want to keep it, I would...especially if they're going to try to trade you for a machine with plastic parts in the innards.

Hope that helps. If all else fails, call them tomorrow and tell them you'd like to take it for a second opinion.

[oldgirl,newtricks]

You know, it really doesn't sound too bad to me. But I live in an area of high labor costs. I would imaging some of that is parts and the rest labor. Sometimes, to find out "why" something isn't working takes a bunch more time.

Personally, to keep a good, solid machine like that running I would think it would be worth the cost. You can't purchase a decent machine for that amount. We have one repair guy in town with a great reputation and one not so great. I just make sure I go to the one with the good rep and then not worry about the cost.

I buy older machines. My newest one is a Bernette and I find myself going back to the old Brothers and Singers. If you like that machine, I would go with it. Unless you are really ready to move into some type of fancy machine, the oldies are goodies.

Gloria

[nabigus]

All's well that ends well, as it turns out. I went to the repair shop in the morning, and we basically negotiated the cost down to half of what they quoted me. I feel it's more than fair, given the amount of work they did. Now it runs like a dream, and all the functions work again. yay!

Thanks for the advice!

[sabrinat]

Glad it turned out well and that your machine is working like a dream! I love my singer too!