Of course, buying online you don't get the advantages (if any) that you may get from a local dealer (unless you're talking walmart or joannes
I will not by sewing machines at Joanne's. Bought one about a year ago (Singer, low end), and it did not work at all. Returned it and Joanne's told me they don't take returns. and the factory didn't want them back. Joanne's finally relented - sort of- and said they could accept the return if I paid a $15 restocking fee. That was it for me.