I want a new Brother, but.............
 

I don't like the Brother dealer in my area. They have an excellent repair person, but the sales people leave a lot to be desired. Do you think I should buy the machine from them even if I'm not happy with them or go to another dealer, which would be about 115 miles away. If I go the other route and it needs repairing, could I take it to the local dealer? I'm caught betwixt and between --- any thoughts?

Go to your local store and ask for the manager or owner of the store and deal directly with them and not the sales people. If the repair person is good, skip the sales floor. However, if the other, further dealership offers classes with purchase, that's really something to consider.

I have two Brothers and have never even seen a Brother dealership. I didn't know they existed! Bought one at Walmart and one online. Love them both. The Walmart one is pushing 10 years old and has never needed a repair. I think I'd stick close to home since you like the repairman. How often will you have to deal with the sales person once it is purchased? You can research all the features you want online. Just walk in and tell them what you want.

I bought mine at Amazon. Free shipping too. It's computerized with about 60 built in stitches and came with all kinds of different feet and even a walking foot attachment. I assume a repair person will repair a brother machine no matter where you purchased it from - money is money. But, you probably won't need him anyway. Good luck no matter what you decide. I really like my brother.

I'm in the same situation with my only local Janome dealer. I really want to up grade but the management, sales and service dept leave much to be desired. I have been treated poorly every time I have gone in. They sell fabric also but I don't frequent there because of their attitude. The last time I went in to buy fabric because I couldn't find what I wanted anywhere else was the last straw for me. I found some fabric and took it to the cutting area. I had to go break up a chatting session among the staff to get my fabric cut. A "regular" came in and came to the employee that was cutting my fabric and wanted help finding fabrics to match the sample she brought in. The employee stopped cutting my fabric and went off with the other customer. I stood there for a good 7 minutes waiting. I finally just left without making a purchase. We are moving out of state within the next three years so I am just holding out.

What is it with some of these businesses? Don't they need customers?

Like pyffer, I bought my Brother online and haven't had a problem with it (knock on wood). It came very well packaged and in a timely manner. I don't see why you couldn't see the local repair man if you end up having a problem with your machine. Maybe he has a business card and you could take it in to him personally and not to the dealership if you don't want to see the sales staff? Just a thought.

i've had a brother for almost 20 years and it has not needed a repairman. a also have a newer one that i can take to guild and classes

I bought the $199 Brother from Walmart. When it needed repairing, I took it to my local dealer. You could do the same.

The repair estimate was $60, so instead of having it fixed I got a $100 trade in for my broken machine for a new Pfaff.

If the repairman is good I would go locally. I would also talk to the owner of the store directly and tell them his staff is not very helpful and has made you think of going to another dealer. Might get some sense in them to fix the problem. I also hardly go into my dealer for my brother except for servicing. I buy all my supplies and accessories cheaper online. However, my dealer is a pleasure and I would be comfortable going in but like the others said I have had brothers for years with no problems so it is up to you. Will you really be going in that much that you have to deal with them, once a year for servicing is not that much especially if the repairman is excellent.