I got my Janome 10001 from my local dealer when he was at a show. It was a demo model and I got it very inexpensively. My lucky day. Have had it 5 yrs now without a problem.

no, i purchased all my machines online.

i gave local and show dealers every chance to get my business and Sew Vac Direct beat them every time.

Yes... I purchased my Viking Designer SE (which was the top of the line at the time) at a quilt show in Lancaster. The price was $2000 less than what they were selling in the stores. The vendor I purchased it from offered new owner classes in his store located in PA, not good for me as I live in MD. However a LQS let me attend her new owner classes and the two shop owners worked all the details amongst themselves. In the end it was a win/win/win for everyone.

At the sewing expos I've been to most of the vendors are hosted by local dealers, so it's the best of both worlds.

WOW! How cool is that? I've never been that lucky. And I'd love to have an HQ 16. That would be the dream of all dreams for me. Course learning how to use it would be another dream! LOL

You might keep an eye on ads for the next 2 months. Many dealers have Christmas specials.

I purchased my first Bernina many years ago at the Dallas Quilt Show here in Texas. I still have that machine and I have purchased and traded up several times from the same local dealer that sold me that first machine. Don't know if I would purchase a machine without having a local dealer to take care of any problems that might come up.

mltquilt