I just bought the Singer handheld sewing machine from Walmart. I've put rechargeable batteries in it. Well, it won't turn on! This is the second one I have bought that has done this. The first one came on and worked for 4 seconds. This one won't even come on.
Am I using the wrong batteries?
By Amber L.
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It's probably not you. Sometimes retailers are shipped a 'bad lot' meaning that particular job lot is dodgy. The problem could be anything from a faulty wire caused by human/machine error on the production line to one or more of the components having been manufactured incorrectly long before ever reaching the production line.
Unfortunately this happens a lot with mass produced items destined for the discount big-box stores because the whole marketing scheme from the retailer's professional buyer to maker (and all the little guys in-between supplying components) is designed for one thing only - making money. There is no quality control, there is no interest in making a quality product. They just want the most money for the least quality.
Take the handheld back to Walmart where CustomerService will tag it and throw it in a bin to go to Big Lots or to be recalled - yes, if enough numbers of a faulty product are returned most retailers will pull the product and very discretely post a notice they're recalling/exchanging.
And if you really need a handheld sewing machine, find a local Singer (or other maker) sewing centre and buy from them. Well worth the extra money because those handhelds will have been built to a higher standard - because the retailer's professional buyers have insisted on a quality item up to their brand standard.
Personally, if you've found a need for a handheld machine, you probably really need an inexpensive starter full size sewing machine. Singer makes several ranging in price from $99 to $350 (£69-£250). Janome and Brother also sell good quality entry level machines.
*The important thing if buying a 'real' sewing machine is to be sure to purchase a 'top drop-in bobbin' machine, the side and front loads will put you off sewing nearly for life because it's so hard to seat the side and front load bobbins.
**Don't waste your time with one of those 'mini' machines. You can get some performance from them, and they are great for someone who already knows how to sew and is trying to teach a total newbie or child but otherwise they are frustrating and tend to break soon after coming into your home.
Not worth it, but make sure the batteries are put in correctly. I burned mine up by having the batteries in wrong. I wish they would devise a better way of marking the direction for battery placement. The symbols are so hard to see.
Mine won't start also even with new batteries and placed correctly!
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