I have been following this thread and just had to comment on your post. For many years Kenvore machines were made by Janome, as are New Home. Most of the big machines manufacturers were more than willing to make their machines for big retailers to be sold under a private label. Brother also makes machines for others. I noted a post that thought that the machines sold by JoAnns, Walmart had cheaper parts, not entirely true, unless they change a model number or private label it in someway. I teach sewing classes locally one on one and have seen so many machines that I can tell you that unless someone needs fancy stitches, if it straight stitches, zig zags, goes forward and reverse its really about all one needs other than a zipper foot. A lot of the old singers only did straight stitching, and forward/reverse and some dropped their feed dogs, not all. Perfect for quilting. Give me vintage metal gears any day over the plastic junk that is computerized and has gears guaranteed to disintegrate. I am sure some of the top of the line machines have better service records than others, but for me I know what I do not need. There is no place for snobbery in the marketplace, no wonder those people had business failures.:)

I agree, she wants you to upgrade, hold you ground! I still have a Viking 1+ and still love it! I needed it cleaned and the owner of the store tried her best to tell me that it wouldn't last forever. I told her I loved this machine. Still using it today!

I had a brother cs6000i and loved her while she was working, and I did work her daily, even fmq on a king sized quilt. The machine did everything I asked until the day she locked up (after 3 years of use). The repairman said she was toast as the plastic gears had stripped, so I bit the bullet and bought a Janome 6600. I could tell right from the start that this was a well built machine. I haven't regretted the cost once and I am sure that she will outlast me by many years. A new brother, Singer, or any of the other "cheap" brands may be appealing, but think twice. They will not last with the constant use a quilter puts a machine through. The older Singers, like previously mentioned are still good machines because of the metal parts and simplicity of design, but the new ones are mostly junk. JMHO

If the shop offered a "how to use YOUR machine" class - then it should have been honored with no belittling commentary.

I have some older "simpler" machines that sew beautifully. As someone else said, if it does a decent forward and back stitch and zigzags decently, for many people that will take care of 90% or more of their sewing needs.

One has to take into consideration what type of sewing (or styles) one might do.

I'm a jeans and t-shirt person. I need "muscle" in my machines, but not many fancy stitches.

If I worked on/with satins, laces, sheer fabrics, etc. -my needs might be different.

I have had several different types of machines...as of now I have a Brother PC-420, and a Brother PQ-1500...and I love them both! They both have several of the "high end" options such as a knee-lifter and a thread cutter, and I just could not see paying more money for a "brand" name...when my machines have exactly what I wanted! I also have run into what I would call "machine snobbery"...I just take it with a grain of salt, at my lqs meetings, my machine works just as good if not better than a lot of the other more expensive machines. Not only that, but this way I have money left over to buy more fabrics!!...:) I also must say that at the lqs I attend most of the ladies I am in group with would never make someone feel "less than" about anything, let alone the price/brand of their machine.
Take care all,
Kif

Folks do put on airs.

The machine/fabric snobs--it is their shop and inventory, they may only work on specific brands, but there is a polite way to treat people, even if they are not customers today. I, too, have experienced curt answers when inquiring about machine repair. A polite explanation of franchise rules would only take seconds more than the brush-off.

Our late, lamented local Singer store sold Singers but the repairman would work on anything. The sales staff were always patient and polite.

I have had several different types of machines...as of now, in addition to the vintage Singer 66 I inherited, I have a Brother PC-420, and a Brother PQ-1500...and I love them both! They both have several of the "high end" options such as a knee-lifter and a thread cutter, and I just could not see paying more money for a "brand" name...when my machines have exactly what I wanted! I also have run into what I would call "machine snobbery"...I just take it with a grain of salt, at my lqs meetings, my machine works just as good if not better than a lot of the other more expensive machines. Not only that, but this way I have money left over to buy more fabrics!!...:) I also must say that at the lqs I attend most of the ladies I am in group with would never make someone feel "less than" about anything, let alone the price/brand of their machine. I totally understand local sewing machine shops needing to make a living, but to pay several hundred more dollars for the same machine is just not something I want to nor am financially able to do. That's one great thing about this board, we all have differences, and we can all embrace them, and share our of love of quilting and ideas with each other!
Take care all,
Kif
Oops, went to edit last post, instead did a double post, sorry!

Well just let me change that. I have a new-to-me Singer 301a and I love her to pieces or maybe that should be "I love her piecing". There aren't any Singer dealers in my area anymore but that wouldn't make any difference. I have an older computerized Singer, a gift from brother, and a 1930's Singer and I like them all. The 301a may become my favorite, though I enjoy the fancy stitches on the comp. and the easy piecing on the oldie.

I favor simplicity in machines I have to operate and maintain--my kitchen range with burners, broiler and oven and nothing else and the plainest washer and dryer I could find. If I could have a car without a computer I'd be happier than a cow in clover.

Does she think the high end machine the dealer sells are made by hand? They are mass produced too. They may have more stitches and other amenities (and a higher price) but every sewing machine is mass produced.

P.S. I too would go elsewhere. I have no patience with people who make snide, passive-aggressive remarks. Too vexing.

Oh yeah, the lady was protecting her territory - and sales. I just find it deplorable that a reputable place would resort to such tactics. Shame, shame, shame. It would be a store I would have trouble visiting again.