I am on a VERY tight budget, but travel 45 minutes instead of 8 minutes to go to a particular quilt shop because they not only run specials, but the owner is very friendly and helpful.
She happens to be a dealer, too, and honored my warranty even though I didn't purchase my machine there. She gave me free owners lessons, too and lets me use her machine since I'm disabled. Now that's customer service, but it works! She has gained many people from my town even though her stock isn't quite as big. She has an e-newsletter with all the classes and sales for the month.