[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by cklar1223

As always, there is another side to the story. I work at A-White and am familiar with this case, though I am not the manager. What the original writer left out is that the sign she is referring to has the basic service charge for different types of sewing machines and vacuums,including the first entry - $69.00 for a non-computerized sewing machine. Then it shows the $50.00 service charge for anything above that. When the machine was brought in, a note was made on the repair ticket that the cost was $69, for regular service and to call the customer if it would cost more. The repairman talked to the owner on the phonte, telling her that there would be an additional cost of $20 labor + parts. It seems as if the owner misunderstood that the basic charge would still apply and OKed the repair. If she had decided not to do the repair, there would have been no charge at all, even though he had spent time taking it apart. We do not have a "bench charge", as with other repair shops. In general, there is a minimum charge to take apart a machine to clean, oil, check tensions, etc, that ranges from $69 - $89, depending on machine type. If the repairman tests the stitches, etc., that's it. If there is more work needed, he calls the customer for an OK. If the customer is not available, the machine is held.

There are many people who come in or call in about service and opt to get the NEW Singerr for $69.00, rather than pay for the repair. For most of them, I assume that works out fine. However, please keep in mind that today's $69.00 Singer is no where near the quality of the 40-year-old one. It is not even made by the same company and is not sold in sewing stores. Yes, they can be sufficient for a casual sewer using simple fabrics, but they come with no support and no one to ask for help. I can't tell you how many people buy these machines (and others that they buy elsewhere) and come in to ask us to show them how to use them. Some offer to pay something, but many expect the help for free. Unless we spend significant time with someone, we do not charge them. I am just stating a fact, not implying that this customer would do this.

Finally, I am sorry for the misunderstanding with this customer, but I do believe that our pricing was consistent and honest in this case. Colette Klarman

I believe that most people assume that the basic fee would be credited toward the actual repair fee and not added on top.