I know what you mean...I have been sewing machine snooping for a couple years...so when I decide on one I will know who has what. Well...there really isn't anyone I really think is a great shop. Sewing machine dealers need to wake up and know we are not just stupid housewives who don't know anything.

I talked to the owner of one of the shops here a while back and told him I was interested in just a newer machine with a bigger sewing area....I already have their embroidery machine (that I don't use any more for embroidery), he told be to trade in my expensive machine on a quilting one...for just $800. more. I said hmmm...that one has a 1.5" bigger harp....that is about $500 and inch for a no frills machine...no thanks I will suffer with mine. He laughed and said...guess that was true...and walked away.

I just bought a new Brother machine from Joanns. I ordered it and at the time it was free shipping. It is a XL 3750 and I love it.

I own 2 Brothers one from the local dealer, and one I purchased on line from Kens sewing center in Georgia, and both had excellent customer service before and after the sale, I would speak to the shop owner and if he did not respond in the manner you expected try Kens on line, there are lots of places that can service the machine, including the local dealer. I had "lesson" coming to me for the embroidery machine, but have never used them as I subscribe to some yahoo boards and get all the help I need. I have taken my machine in once for a minor problem at no cost, and it is due for a checkup and cleaning, I purchased it in 2010. These are really trouble free machines. The other Brother I own is the 15oo series quilter which I adore.
Good Luck
Pat

I had the same problem with one of the owners in my area...very downgrading. I had bought three machines from them and wanted another light weight machine to bring for classes. They do offer alot of projects and quilting classes, etc. most the project classes are free if you bought your machine from them. I also live near them so its great for me. Anyways, after they made me feel cheap and would not really come down on the price I shopped else where on line. I did find a dealer that was willing to work with me and I bought the machine $300.00 less then my place wanted. If interested where contact me. I bought the NX 450 Q and really like the features. I have the Quatro so wanted a cutter and auto needle threader. But most of all got it for a good price...waiting for my dealer to notice I bought elsewhere...lol Serves them right !!

I just got a new Brother for Christmas that I'd been saving for. I did all my research online to choose what machine would give me what I wanted (needed) for quilting & when I went to my dealership all I had to do was tell them what I wanted. The Sales person had very little to do with it other than ordering it for me & calling to say it was in. I got the Laura Ashley NX2000 & just adore it!! Good luck with whatever you choose!

I want a new brother too, but my Mom says we have to keep the one I have.

How about it's babylock "twin"? Is there a good BL dealer?

Bought my Brother from Amazon.com and a dealer in another state, and it was a refurbished, which can be anything from someone opened the box and returned it to there was something wrong and was fixed. First one didn't work and called and few days later I had another one SQ9000 with 80 stitches and it sews beautiful. No brother dealer around here and no problems learning. But we have sewing machine repair people IF I need one so not worried. Love Baby lock but pricy when retired, and have other machines, I just wanted one with fancy stitches I didn't have and it was under $140. With a Kenmore 19000 made by Janome that does embrodery, Kenmore all metal from late 197-'early 80's, 201-3 and treadle, don't need any more, but WANT a FW in worst way. Oh well, maybe someday.

I have a Bernina that is 18 years old, and I use a dealer/shop close by that services ALL brands of machines. I live in a rural area, and if I had to find a dealer for Bernina AND a dealer for Brother (another machine I have), I could go over 200 miles to get machines fixed.

Rofl! I always wanted a sister, since I have 2 brothers....