Empisal sewing machines are **** and so is their after sales service!

I bought an empisal sewing machine a few yrs ago and didn't use it. Mainly because there's zero after sales service when you buy the product, no one shows you how to set up your machine. I've recently also discovered that if something goes wrong with your machine you're pretty much on your own. Yes they say they will repair it for you but they don't tell you they'll keep it for months, until you phone and throw a tantrum. 2 months ago I wanted to do some mending on my clothes but the hook timer wasn't working well so the bobbin couldn't pick up the thread. I sent it to home of living (empisal head office) through game stores Lichtenburg. Long story short is that eventually, after 2 months and numerous enquires with game and home of living, they eventually gave back my sewing machine. I collected this morning and when I removed the bubble wrap I discovered that the ****l pins for inserting the top thread were broken, both of them! So they fixed one problem and created another. I can't sew without an outlet for my top thread so I'm stuck. My advice to anyone, please buy reputable brands in the same price range, which you can service such as singer, brother, jenome, etc. Most seamstresses and tailors I've spoken to tell me to avoid empisal products like the plague. Don't buy their products even if they're on promotion. Thanks a lot empisal, I'm sure the company founders are very proud of their successful ****!