Some folks are not prepared for the louder noise of a serger compared to a sewing machine. Standard domestic sergers all stitch at a rate of 1300 stitches per minute compared to modern day domestic (non-industrial) sewing machines which stitch at a rate of 840 to 850 stitches per minute. Some solutions to making it quieter are – folks put a folded towel, yoga mat, shelf liner under their serger. If you want a really reliable method – use a class typewriter mat – it really does dampen the noise better than most of the other choices above. You can purchase one here for $24.95 http://mytypewriter.com/newclassictypewriterpad.aspx