I have a new Brother that is made for Walmart and on the Brother website it shows this machine and you could buy it from them if you prefer. I also checked my user book and there is a dealer in a town just northeast of me. So I can always take it over there to be serviced. My user manual also says this machine never needs oiling which surprised me. My machine has more or as many stitches as more expensive machines I have looked at. I am not a professional sewer and felt it was good enough for me to use for sewing together quilt blocks.

As I posted in another question earlier....I worked in a quilt shop/sewing machine dealer store for years. Some manufacturers DO NOT allow regular current dealer models to be sold at BIG outlets or on the internet on auctions, etc. They have certain machines for these outlets. Or they sell out dated models (that didn't sell or have been upgraded to better model). Joann's, Hancocks, Wally World cannot answer any questions about the machines that they sell, cannot even demonstrate or teach you how to use it. You cannot take it back to that store for warranty......what do you do??

Definitely.....only go to a Dealer! They are Mom & Pop run stores and that is what America and free enterprise is based on......so support your local dealer! They can give you free lessons on your machine, parts, service, warranty......and usually some "free" type of goodies when you buy a machine from them. Most dealers carry low-end inexpensive machines too!

Remember.....the old adage....you get what you pay for....money-wise.

i think if you are well versed in sewing machine quality and know exactly what you want, you can buy the machine at a place other than your LQS.

if you decide to purchase else where double check that you can have the machine serviced nearby.

one of the LQS here will only service machines purchased thru them while all the other local sewing type stores do not have that rule.

I generally look at quality, price and features. If a local store can give me a price break, or let me pay on time, then they would have my business. Otherwise, I comparison shop everywhere - online, big box stores, and even pawn shops.

that dealer did not tell you the truth. plain and simple. he was trying to scare you into buying one of his machines. he's a bully and apparently hopes you're stupid.

you have already proved you are not stupid by checking up on his tall tale. prove it again by NOT buying so much as a pin from that chump.

others have pointed out good reasons to buy from a local dealer if you can afford to.

-dealers are not obligated to service or repair machines not bought from their shops. so, if you buy a used machine, or a new one from a big-box or online store, you will likely have to ship it to the factory to have any warranty work done on it. (that will depend on the policy of the place you bought it.)

-if you buy a machine you think you can't master without help, then local dealers are the best source for classes. (however, i'd be surprised if they turned down a chance to charge you for a class just because they didn't sell you the machine. it's the freebies you'll have to do without.)

if you have a local machine repair shop, find out which brands you can take to them for warranty work, which kind of work they can do on the premises and which will require shipment to the factory. focus on those brands and shop around for the best price.

if you don't have a local repair shop you'll have to choose between
-buying only from a dealer (they usually charge the full manufacturer's suggested retail price) so you'll have a local source of service and repair
-buying from another source at a lower price while risking the possibility you'll have to ship the machine off if it needs work.

if you can save hundreds or thousands buying elsewhere, and the machine you choose has a really good reputation, it might be worth the "risk". just keep all of the original packaging and set aside some of the money you saved in an emergency fund.

wherever you buy it, make sure to ask lots of questions about their return policies, whether and how they stand behind what they sell, etc.

Most LQS that I know will offer you a discount if you ask for it, or give you a nice gift......and they offer layaway too. It's not always about just the price.........service counts too!

I don't know if there is a difference in the machines, but I know the LQS is giving me lessons on my machine and is just a phone call away if I have any questions or problems. And they can repair it locally if I need it. All big pluses for me.

Joann's does not sell Husqvarna Viking machines. There are independent Viking dealers who rent space in the Joann's stores. So purchase there is a purchase from a dealer, not a big box store..........

Yep, just like with brakes. They come off the line one after another and get stuffed into different boxes. It seems kind of dishonest charging people for a "quality brand name" and giving them the same thing they could get at a much lower price.

Patrice said it all...'very nicely" and I agree....most of us know how to operate a sewing machine..and new features come with a cd or the info is easily obtained...people just starting out should start small ;till they see just what features they want. Our local LQS sells good machines and does repairs on all models but there are no used machines. There is not a big selection of fabric..they do have classes at about $75...My new machine was 1400 in a store 600 on line....good luck folks