We have a Viking Dealer and Bernina Dealer with in 20 miles of us and I know they both provide great service. I bought a Viking (Designer) I had 2 other Viking machines before I bought my Designer and that was after I looked into a Bernina. I prefer a Viking over a Bernina. I think they sew so much smoother and even sound better when they sew. I think you should see if you can't sew a small sample on each machine at the 2 different shops. That way you will know kind of what to expect. It really is a personal thing. But I would never trade my Viking for a Bernina.