I usually don't deal with the smaller ma & pa stores for any major appliance purchases, not just sewing machines purchases anymore.
Me either. We buy from a large appliance discount store because the returns are hassle free. I quit buying from a machine dealer because you cannot return a machine if you find you don't like it or just can't bond with it. I don't buy high end machines anyway so buy online. I would ask if returns are accepted before buying anywhere.