There are several machines that Janome does not permit to be sold on the internet; usually their latest and greatest. I purchased my home machine at a local dealer (although not the one closest to me because they are awful!) but for my class machine (a 3160 QDC) I purchased online and have been very happy. My dealer will service any machine but will only do warranty repairs on machines purchased from them. I have no problem with that and wouldn't expect them to do otherwise.
Love my Janomes!