Unless the store abuses their machines I wouldn't think the trouble is due to it being a floor model. I bought a floor model Janome about 4 years ago and never have had a bit of trouble with it and got full warranty. The store I bought it from always stays with customers when they try out their machines. On the other hand there was a store that loaned their machines to customers when they took a classes. Wouldn't buy a floor model from them. Hope you get your problem straightened out soon.