please don't paint us all with the same brush. i work for a big box store and i pride myself and the other staff that work in this dept. in knowing about the machines that we sell.
yes you may get someone else that works in the store, not our dept. that don't know about them.

I buy big box when I can save money.....I do lots of research on line first so I can be an informed buyer :D

Viking machines sold at JoAnn's are not sold by JoAnn's. They are sold by an authorized Viking dealer leasing space in the JoAnn's store. I too have purchased 2 Viking machines at JoAnn's this way.

While it is nice for a variety of reasons to buy from an authorized dealer, the key thing, in my opinion, is that you have someone (nearby, if possible) that you trust to do maintenance or to repair the machine should something go wrong. A good sewing machine repair service should be willing and able to work on a wide variety of sewing machines.

I saw a documentary on TV that showed how all gasoline is the same and comes from the same plant.

I have been told that machines are not serviced at Joanns and Hancocks but it you buy from a dealer you get service & also classes on how to use them. I have only bought mine through dealers.

I only own 1 machine, and it was purchased at Wall-Mart about 11 years ago. It works great , and has been a work horse for me. I am in the market now for a bigger machine, and I am also lost as to where to go or what brand to buy.

My problem is that my Husqvarna-Viking machine was purchased from a dealer who has since gone out of the business!! Now where do I get it serviced, and get more "promised" lessons?
:-( perky2

I can't tell you how many folks end up in our shop with one of those clunkers from Wal-Mart that needs serviced. They are NOT the same machines. And our shop does NOT charge MSRP! Customers can get a chance to try the machines, compair features and have someone show them how it works. Not just pick up a box and head to the checkout. If we disregard the expertise of dealers who know and service their products, someday they'll all be gone and we will only have Wal Mart.

i don't think anyone was suggesting the everyone disregard a local LQS as a source for their next machine purchase.

i believe many of us have made several comments in support of LQS and high-end dealers.

however, we are also mindful that most people simply cannot afford to buy their machines at an LQS or other high-end dealer. we must also be considerate of those who choose to not spend all their money on a high-end machine. they wisely choose to review their own priorities; recognize the difference between "want" and "need"; and they want to get the best machine they can for the amount they feel most comfortable spending.

we are simply offering them our best advice about how to shop as wisely as possible - no matter where they buy their next machine.

there are a mind-boggling number of brands and models out there priced with the majority in mind. it isn't easy to choose. we are trying to help others - based on our own experiences - select machines that will fit their budgets and particular needs as individual quilters.

as an aside, i'm pleased to hear that your LQS does not max out the price your your machines.