I'm a big fan of Bernina, bought a 10 yr old used one and used it over 10 yrs as well. Had it maintenanced a couple of times. Had the motor replaced by "Billy" at the Humble Bernina. I trusted him for years. Finally, they said it was too old (which it was - but it was the best for my sewing). Back 5 years ago, I had a serger that I had forgotten how to set up for a rolled hem and I had a deadline for a customer (working at home), couldn't find my booklet for the instructions. Putting the machine in my car, I drove to a sewing store- Humble Sewing Center (Sew & Vac Outlet) which I started visiting more often and I got to know the owner, Brad. In my panic of a deadline I drove to the Sewing Center and spoke to a middle aged woman with blonde hair that I needed help and if someone could just show me how to adjust the dials for my rolled hem. THE EXACT WORDS FROM THIS WOMAN WERE: "IF YOU DIDN'T BUY THE MACHINE FROM HERE, WE CAN NOT HELP YOU..." I stood there in disbelief!! I am not used to being denied help from a sewing project. I tried to explain that I was coming in there recently, I did buy a different machine and gave my Bernina as a trade-in. This was at the time this sewing center was renovating to expand their store and the owner, Brad, was in the background. I left and never wanted to return, which I haven't. I throw out their mail and asked to be deleted from emails.
That's when I drove over to the Bernina store and asked for help. Those ladies jumped into action and brought me to one of their floor models and showed me on one of those. I was so grateful and full of joy - you can't imagine!!! 'This'... is the way our community should behave, to help anyone, and not to choose. Is that good business practice to DENY a customer in need of help on a sewing project?? Really Brad??!! (I have never returned!!)
With Bernina, I have bought things there in the past, some expensive. But their prices for the fabric, I can not afford. Sorry. *They did not discriminate me in any way*. Certainly not like the Humble Sewing Center, along 59 South. I tell this story to many. Bernina Store is still my favorite. Haha, I need to go back there again this week. I hope they see this,
Barbara V. read more