I guess it depends on how high end of a machine you're looking for. Normally, the dealers in my area only have the high end machines in the stores, anything on the lower end they will order but you have to haggle to get a lower than MSRP from them. But being this time of year they will have a few of whatever lower end machines the parent brand is pushing for Christmas gifts. I'm a die hard Brother fan, they make great machines but I had such a bad experience with my local dealer I won't go back. I agree with taking a road trip to check them out, it's the only way you'll know what kind of dealer you have. You can also check and see if they have a web site, if so they might show what machines they carry in stock.
Cari