For fabric, notions, thread, batting, etc, I love shopping on line but I know what brands I like and I usually end up going to the same vendors. Bobbin Central for thread, Hancocks of Paducah, thousands of bolts, Fabric depot for fabric. Notions I shop around sometimes to consolodate to save on shipping, sometimes I am looking for very specific items that only a few vendors carry. So far all of my online shopping experiences have been good and I have no nightmare tales to tell.
But for a sewing machine, nope, I want to test drive like a car. I want a dealer nearby I can go to for servicing and trouble shooting etc. I wouldn't by a car on line, nor would I buy a sewing machine nor any other high ticket item. I want the support of a brick and morter shop should anything go wrong.