.when you purchase from an online store or from a bigbox store, you get NO dealer support.
That's true but, you can return the machine there and get an extended warranty dirt cheap and you can't at a dealers. They will faint if you even ask about a return policy. I want an embroidery machine too but will certainly not start out with a top of the line one. I'll start with a small set up ,probably the 4 or 5 inch hoop Brother at Amazon or even Walmart, and learn the ins and outs before investing thousands for the big boy.