Machine Snobbery?
#21
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Yep...I find most QS's have some type of snob working behind the desk...They do want you to purchase thru them because most are paid on small salary and mostly comissions on machines sold...And yes, all dealers will tell you why their machines are the best. Most dealers if you buy from them give free classes and discounted quilt classes. Also 10 percent off on supplies if you buy for class.
I've even run into shop owners who are fabric snobs...I do allot of scene applique and have asked shops why they don't carry more fabric such as people, villages, towns, trees, water, sky etc...And the answer is "Well your looking for Country and we only carry Contemporary fabrics...And they way they say it...it's like Country design has a disease...Well, excuse me..You fabric snob...Let me move on to somewhere that appreciates my money.
I've even run into shop owners who are fabric snobs...I do allot of scene applique and have asked shops why they don't carry more fabric such as people, villages, towns, trees, water, sky etc...And the answer is "Well your looking for Country and we only carry Contemporary fabrics...And they way they say it...it's like Country design has a disease...Well, excuse me..You fabric snob...Let me move on to somewhere that appreciates my money.
#22
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
#23
In this world there will always be mean girls and bad boys. Even in kindergarten it's "my toy's better than yours." Just enjoy your machine, make beautiful quilts, and spend your money on fabrics to make more quilts !! Let those who want to spend their money on machines go right ahead. Take the high road! And smile all the way to the bank!
#24
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 525
I think there is definitely a degree of snobbery among some quilters over machines, fabric, types of quilts, etc. just like in any other area of life. There are just some people who have to make you feel small to make themselves feel big. But we just have to smile and let it roll off our backs like water off a duck. As my momma always said, never argue with an idiot, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
#25
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
actually dealer shops have a contract with the machine companies they sell for...they really do not have to offer you classes at all if you buy a NON-dealership machine!
Do not blame the shop person, she is not being a snob it is just that the machine company has rules.
Our Bernina shop sells Bernina and Janome and that is ALL she is allowed to do repair/cleaning on! If she get caught working on another brand, she loses her licensing with the machine company!
Same at the Pfaff shop..he is only allowed to work on Pfaff machines!
and neither of them will do classes on machine NOT bought at those stores!
Do not blame the shop person, she is not being a snob it is just that the machine company has rules.
Our Bernina shop sells Bernina and Janome and that is ALL she is allowed to do repair/cleaning on! If she get caught working on another brand, she loses her licensing with the machine company!
Same at the Pfaff shop..he is only allowed to work on Pfaff machines!
and neither of them will do classes on machine NOT bought at those stores!
I agree with the others, there are other avenues of learning. Also, if you elect to go to a shop for hands-on classes, visit the shop before registering, if they make you feel comfortable; you will learn more and not be stressed over the "attitude climate" during the session. Afterall, you are paying for the class so get as much out of the experience as possible.
#26
Don't listen to her I have bought all my machines in stores or online, I only purchased my expensive one from a dealer, all are mass produced anyways for many dealers and shops , like the other board member said she was just mad you didn't buy from her, trying to guilt trip you and make you feel like you bought an inferior machine. I would take the class somewhere else as well because that is poor customer service.
#27
Couldn't agree more!! Some of the most proficient quilters in the world use vintage machines with no bells and whistles. It's NOT about the equipment.....it's about the talent and creativity of the user!!!
#28
Our Brother dealer cannot give free classes to those who buy the mass-market, rather than the dealer line. They can't afford it.
It isn't that they look down upon the mass market machines (there are a few of the project runway machines that overlap between the mass market/dealer lines and they recommended I just buy that on amazon) it is that the dealer support is built into the price of the machine.
Our brother dealer offers a $200 package where they offer lifetime classes for a mass market machine, as well as the basic cleaning that would come with a dealer purchased machine.
It isn't snobbery, it is business. $50 sounds reasonable for most classes, IMO.
It isn't that they look down upon the mass market machines (there are a few of the project runway machines that overlap between the mass market/dealer lines and they recommended I just buy that on amazon) it is that the dealer support is built into the price of the machine.
Our brother dealer offers a $200 package where they offer lifetime classes for a mass market machine, as well as the basic cleaning that would come with a dealer purchased machine.
It isn't snobbery, it is business. $50 sounds reasonable for most classes, IMO.
#29
I ran into this years ago -I was young and didn't really know how to sew - I asked at a Bernina dealer about learning some basics - boy you would have thought I was dropped in the sewer before I went in - they did not want to talk unless I purchased a Bernina - needless to say I never returned and I have been a little prejudiced against Bernina since then. Sorry that you were not treated well - at least you have some $$$ to afford more fabric. Woo Hoo...
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Arizona
Posts: 4,039
I concur! She was charged more money for her class because she didnt have one of their machines??? that would be the last time I shopped there!!
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