5 Mistakes to Avoid when Shopping for a Longarm
1. Not considering upgrades or included features when comparing prices.
Not all machine packages are created equal! When shopping for your machine, be sure to make a list of features you need and want. Find out the prices for each of these features for the different machines you are shopping and compare the final totals. You may be surprised to find that once you have added additional options to Machine A that the price increases by thousands of dollars. Also, consider future costs such as software upgrades. Are they included and if not, how much will this add to the price in future years.
On the flip side, are you purchasing a certain brand because of one particular feature? If so, consider what type of quilting you mostly do. Will this feature help you accomplish your goals? Is it a high quality feature that will work how you expect it to work.
Gammill Pro Tip
Our Build & Price feature will help you determine the cost of a Gammill with the options and features you would like to have. Features such as electronic channel locks, thread break sensors, hand wheels, clamps, led lights and advanced stitch regulation are always included in the price of our machines. Plus, software upgrades are free. Check out our price comparisons to see how Gammill compares to pricing of other brands.
2. Not taking a close look at the warranty
There are a wide variety of warranties available from longarm companies. Some questions to ask and consider:
- How long is the machine warranty?
- What parts are covered? Most will have a separate warranty for electronics.
- If your machine does need repair, what costs are covered? Labor, in-shop, travel, etc.
- And, if you plan to use your machine in a business, does the warranty include commercial use?
Gammill Pro Tip
All new Gammill machines come with a lifetime mechanical warranty against defective materials and/or workmanship, a one-year tablet warranty, and three-year electrical parts warranty. The Gammill warranty also covers commercial use of the machines. This Warranty extends only to the original purchaser. Our warranty covers household and commercial use. Read our complete warranty here.
3. Not considering the longevity of the machine and its parts.
Take a look at the average lifespan of the machines you are researching. Be sure to talk to other machine owners as well. How long have they owned the machine before it needed to be replaced or needed major upgrades or repair? How often does the machine need to be serviced? Will you need to take the machine into a shop to have it serviced or does the technician travel to you? What are the primary components of the machine? Plastic parts and components will likely fail much quicker than steel and metal.
Gammill Pro Tip
At Gammill, we build machines to last not just years but generations. Gammill customers are using machines that have been operating reliably for more than 35 years. In fact, durability was one of the reasons Paul Statler chose the Gammill to place a computerized system on when he created the technology in the early 1990s. He made the first computerized machine for his wife, Mildred.
Quilter Kim Diamond saw the machine and wanted to buy that very one. Today, Kim is a nationally known quilter, educator, and pattern designer and she is still quilting on that very same machine.
4. Not having the support you need to be a confident quilter.
You have purchased your dream machine, now what happens? Compare the delivery and training process of the longarm brands you are researching. Who will be delivering and setting up your machine. Will you be provided training and what does that training include? Next, look at ongoing education to see how often educational events are offered by the company or dealer. Are they accessible and affordable to you? Does the company and/or the dealer provide technical support? And, what is the quality of that technical support? When you call the company or dealer, will you be speaking with a knowledgeable technician? Will your dealer be accessible to you for future questions and needs? Also, take a look at online support and resources such as maintenance videos, blog articles, help systems and even the social media community.
Gammill Pro Tip
Our Gammill Advisors are your expert guides to purchasing, using, and maintaining your longarm machine. They will assist you in finding the longarm that is the right fit for you, bring it to your location, set it up and provide the training you need to confidently use your Gammill. Gammill offers a wealth of education and training opportunities including hundreds of online videos, online classes, in-person classes and retreats around the world, phone support and more.
5. Not having a machine that grows with you.
When considering a machine purchase, look at the longevity as it relates to your own plans. Will you be able to upgrade or add computerization in the future? Will the machine grow with you to accomplish your quilting goals? Do you think you might quilt for customers one day in the future? If so, how does that change your plans? If you are selecting a computerized machine, take a look at the advancement of the software. Is the software versatile enough to meet your needs as your skills or business grow?
Gammill Pro Tip
Gammill machines can be upgraded to add Elevate or Statler computerization. If you may want to upgrade to a Statler in the future, you will want to select a machine head that is at least 22 inches.
Upgrade an existing Statler to an Ascend on a Statler machine that has a Mod G or newer controller and Breeze Track, or as a retrofit for any Gammill machine with a throat space of at least 22 inches.