My wife and I have been wanting to get a sewing machine for a few years. There are several projects that we’d each like to do and our girls want to make some clothing items. Last week after doing some research and watching auctions, I picked up a Necchi 524-FB on eBay. 
No matter what brand sewing machine you own (Bernina, Singer, Simplicity, Kenmore, Elna, Riccar, Necchi, Pfaff, Viking, White, etc) having a copy of the owners manual is important. If you’re DIY’er or someone that performs their own maintenance having a copy of the service manual is even better. (I’m still looking for a copy of a Necchi 524FB service manual) Sewing machines can last for decades or longer but they do require occasional care and maintenance.
I looked around online and decided to purchase a manual from an online shop called Sewing Center US. Their manuals are PDF scans of the actual manuals. Some places sell photocopied or bound fascimiles but I just wanted a PDF. Dozens of places sell manuals like these; I just happened to choose Sewing Center. Well, after I’d paid for my manual I tried to download it using the link they emailed me. What I received from my download was a cartoon image of a manual. 
Well, I tried the download a few more times to make sure I hadn’t done something wrong and then emailed customer support. Through the course of the afternoon I emailed them probably three times. The next morning I received an email from the operator of the site. In it, he sent me a direct download link for a Necchi 524 Lycia — not my machine. I have a Necchi 524-FB. So, I emailed him to let him know I had the wrong link and could he please send me the correct link. For one day I waited. No response. Nothing. I sent another email the next day. Not rude emails just reminders incase he was busy or forgetful.
It’s been a week now, I’ve still heard nothing and I’m out $10. $10 isn’t a lot for a manual but it’s a lot to pay for the wrong PDF and deplorable customer service. I’m probably going to pay for another manual from a different site. I just wanted to warn you in case you thought about purchasing a manual from Sewing Center US.
Does anyone need a manual for a 524 Lycia?
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Update: 11/1/2009
I purchased a manual from SewingMachineManual.net and had it downloaded within 30 minutes. It cost me ten dollars.
