Repair Estimates

Repair Estimate

• All services at Millard Sewing start with an estimate. This gives us a chance to inspect your machine to see its current condition and let us know how much work we are in for so we can let you know how much it will cost before completing any work.
• The full charge of the estimate is applied to the approved repair.
• Estimates are an estimate.  Occasionally prices can fluctuate based on finding more problems as we get more involved in the repair.  We try to communicate the possibility of this during the initial estimate when we see the potential for this to arise. This is more likely to happen on machines that do not stitch at all when they come in which makes them harder to fully evaluate during the initial estimate.

Preparing Your Machine For Repair

We service all makes and models of Sewing Machines ranging from the 1800’s to today’s brand new machines.  That makes it very difficult to have test cords, controllers, bobbins, feet, and the like on hand.  We ask that your machine comes in with everything you need to sew.  If you don’t have it all, then we can sell you replacement parts in most cases.

You should have:

• • Foot Control
    • For non powered heads such as treadles, hand crank machines, and commercial machines which use a table mounted motor, this is not necessary.  If your machine has been hard wired into a cabinet using a “block cord” that can be left in the cabinet.
  • Power Cord
    • For non powered heads such as treadles, hand crank machines, and commercial machines which use a table mounted motor, this is not necessary.  If your machine has been hard wired into a cabinet using a “block cord” that can be left in the cabinet.
    • This is included with the foot control cord on some models.
  • Bobbin
    • If your machine needs a bobbin to sew, we need a bobbin to estimate it.
    • Does not apply to sergers, coverstitch, or chain stitch sewing machines.
  • Presser Feet
    • Regardless of which features you may or may not use on your machine we need to test all of the functions of the machine to properly diagnose and service it. At the minimum we will need a standard zigzag presser foot for all machines that offer a zigzag stitch.
    • Other functions may need other additional special feet to test.
      • A satin stitch foot is often needed to properly adjust balance for stretch stitches and decorative stitches.
      • A buttonhole foot would be needed to test the buttonhole function.
      • ETC
  • Embroidery Hoop
    • All  embroidery machine estimates require an embroidery hoop so we can test the machine.
    • We prefer the original type hoops over stick on or magnetic type aftermarket hoops for estimate purposes.
  • Other Accessories To Include
    • Nothing else is necessary to include for service, but some things may help to trouble shoot or get better results.
      • Thread
        • If you are having problems with a particular thread please include that so we can replicate the problem.
        • If you have a favorite brand of thread and want your tensions set to that brand and weight of thread when it leaves please include it or let us know which brand and we can try to accommodate your request if it is one of the many brands we offer.
      • Stabilizer
        • We always have stabilizer on hand to test embroidery machines, but if you are having problems with a particular type, please include a couple of hoop sized pieces for testing.

Time Frame

• On average, we take one to two weeks after the machines arrival to complete an estimate. Sometimes this may take longer.
• All estimates are handled in the order in which they arrive.
• Once an estimate is approved the machine goes in line for repair.

Repair Time Frame

Repair costs are not included in the price of an estimate.

• • Repair time depends on the level of repair needed and will vary depending on workload.
  • Special order parts will cause a delay in repair time in many cases.
  • Below is a general guide.
    • Tier 1 — 1 to 2 days from approval
      • Tier 1 repairs would be maintenance and general tune up consisting of a cleaning, lubricating, and adjustment.
      • This may include small parts replacement like needle plates, bobbin cases etc.
    • Tier 2 — 1 to 2 weeks from approval
      • Tier 2 includes all of Tier 1 and adds things like gear or timing belt replacements.
    • Tier 3 — 3 to 4 Weeks
      • This can include all of Tier 1 and Tier 2 as well as motor, light and other rewire options, circuit board component replacement and things of this nature.