[QUOTE=DonnaC;6977111
And just because I feel compelled to mention this every time the subject comes up... this was verified by someone on this very board who called directly to a manufacturer. The idea that machines made for big-box stores or for home shopping networks are made differently is a MYTH. Thus, a Brother is a Brother.... a Singer is a Singer... and so forth. They're all made in the same factories. You may find slightly different models of machines in different places, but it would be cost-prohibitive for manufacturers to set up different factories, one with cheaper materials. So if anybody tells you that (including a dealer) it's bunk.
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You are exactly right. There are specially ordered models made, like the Project Runway machines that may have a specific set of features or come in pretty colors, but they are still made just the same. The machines for the most part that the big box stores carry are typically the lower end machines that the dealers don't want to carry in their stores because they make their money off the high end machines. In my area the only time any of the dealers have low end machines in the store is around Christmas time. Unless a model is an exclusive for HSN or whoever, a dealer can order any of the models the big box stores or other vendors sell. They just don't want to. It's all about the benjamins.
As for the comment made about Walmart machines not having a steel frame, do some research. You'll be very surprised to learn which low end machines have a full frame in them and which high dollar machines don't.
Cari