Machine Snobbery?
 

I bought a Brother SE400 from Amazon. It's a combination embroidery/sewing machine and it was on sale. I called a local sewing shop about classes and told them my machine. The woman commented about my machine being mass produced (isn't everything mass produced) so they don't sell the machine and I would have to pay $50 for the class. No problem and I attended the class today. My machine was the simplest one there and the only one a combination machine. During the class again it was mentioned about mass produced vs dealer. What's the difference and is there an "attitude" about buying machines online or at stores other than sewing stores?

She just wants to sell you one of her expensive machines. If it was me I would
go someplace else. I learned to quilt on my own and using the internet, buying
a few books and reading this board. If I'm looking for a technique I usually
google and if I can't find the answer I just ask here. There are all kinds of tutorials
here and on the web. I save my money for fabric. :o

Don't let anyone make you feel bad because you bought a machine that isn't the most expensive one out there. It is a bad shop owner or teacher that would make a student feel bad because their machine isn't the most expensive one out there. There are snobs everywhere, but there are also lots more people who are nice. If there are any other quilt shops near you try taking a class at one of them. You might find a total different attitude by the shop owner, teachers, other students. Enjoy your Brother and if you can do what you want to do with it then I hope you have it a long, long time!!!!! And by the way I have one of those very expensive machines and it is used for both quilting and embroidery-lots of quilters have machines that do both. I only ended up with it because another man talked my dh into getting it for me-other wise I would have been thrilled to have a Brother machine-Lots of quilters on these boards have them and LOVE them!!!

Kat

Our Brother dealer cannot give free classes to those who buy the mass-market, rather than the dealer line. They can't afford it.

It isn't that they look down upon the mass market machines (there are a few of the project runway machines that overlap between the mass market/dealer lines and they recommended I just buy that on amazon) it is that the dealer support is built into the price of the machine.

Our brother dealer offers a $200 package where they offer lifetime classes for a mass market machine, as well as the basic cleaning that would come with a dealer purchased machine.

It isn't snobbery, it is business. $50 sounds reasonable for most classes, IMO.

I don't think it was the price of a class but the low class of someone who would talk down to the owner of a machine she didn't consider worth buying. Some people can get very biased about what they're selling and don't realize that at some point that very person might just consider buying what they're selling. We all have to start somewhere and my somewhere 20 yrs ago is what I'm using today. Good luck on your purchase. I'm sure you will be very happy with it. Get what you can out of the class and then go somewhere else if you need more help.

some people are just like that---a different shop may (behave) differently-
a number of years ago i found a dealer who had my long-arm- and offered a class- i had my machine for over a year but had not had any classes and thought i might find it benificial- so signed up- it meant traveling 170 miles- and the class was $75-
the woman who (taught-and i use that loosely) actually had a totally different long-arm- different brand/manufacturer- and spent the entire class working on the display machine---and telling us all the difference between that one and hers---i learned more about her machine than i did about the one being demonstrated (my machine) so really felt that i had wasted alot of money, time and distance....i guess you just never know- i do know there are plenty of people out there that use brother machines---even from wally world- and do very well with them- even offer classes- maybe you could talk to someone in a local guild and find other people who do not have the (snobby attitude) to learn with.

I would guess that the dealer is feeling that the internet sales/'mass produced' machines are taking some of what he/she feels is their rightful business.

Also most likely the 'mass produced' machines referred to are actually produced in greater numbers than the more expensive 'dealer' machines. Doesn't make one intrinsically better or worse because of the volume of production of a particular machine in my opinion. I've come across or heard about 'lemons' in either category - but not very many.

If a machine fits your budget, does what you need it to do and works well for you, that's the main concern, not where you purchased it or how much you paid.

My opinion? Use what you have and can afford. Beautiful quilts don't know what kind of machines they were made with and they don't care. Neither should we.

I agree with you 100%!

I have experienced this in regard to sewing machines. I can afford to buy a more expensive machine, but they are intimidating to me and frankly-I hardly use most of the functions on my more expensive machines (the most expensive cost less than $800). I was considering buying the machine you have and think it is a great value for the money. I am sorry you had to experience this persons attitude. I hope the class was worth the price and that the instructor was nice.

Pat

I go to Bernina workshops quiet often and I don't own a Bernina. As long as I buy fabric and supplies from the shop, the owner doesn't care what I sew on. I usually take my FW. Any shop owner or dealer that talked down to any customer about what machine they have would never get a penny of my money.

Interesting thread - as I've just purchased a new machine also - traded Bernina for Janome. Both are great machines and both do well at what they were intended for. It seems to me that attitudes toward different brands of sewing machines are similar to what people think of car brands - ie., some people are convinced that Chevy is the only brand or maybe Ford. My Dad would never drive anything but a Chevy nor buy any appliance other than Kenmore!

I'd say -- run, don't walk to another shop. The cost of the class may be understandable, the attitude is not.

I have had the same problem with some "snobbish" dealers. I just don't go back. I hope your machine serves you for a long time. As someone else suggested, ask around and you'll get ideas where to go for classes and where not to go. Good luck.

Excellent answer! I have one of the "better" machines and also several old vintage machines. Guess which ones I would prefer to sew on...it certainly isn't the high priced one!

I have experienced similar "snobbery". It just cracks me up to be treated in such a way by someone making minimum wage and a fabric discount!

Yep...I find most QS's have some type of snob working behind the desk...They do want you to purchase thru them because most are paid on small salary and mostly comissions on machines sold...And yes, all dealers will tell you why their machines are the best. Most dealers if you buy from them give free classes and discounted quilt classes. Also 10 percent off on supplies if you buy for class.
I've even run into shop owners who are fabric snobs...I do allot of scene applique and have asked shops why they don't carry more fabric such as people, villages, towns, trees, water, sky etc...And the answer is "Well your looking for Country and we only carry Contemporary fabrics...And they way they say it...it's like Country design has a disease...Well, excuse me..You fabric snob...Let me move on to somewhere that appreciates my money.

actually dealer shops have a contract with the machine companies they sell for...they really do not have to offer you classes at all if you buy a NON-dealership machine!
Do not blame the shop person, she is not being a snob it is just that the machine company has rules.

Our Bernina shop sells Bernina and Janome and that is ALL she is allowed to do repair/cleaning on! If she get caught working on another brand, she loses her licensing with the machine company!

Same at the Pfaff shop..he is only allowed to work on Pfaff machines!

and neither of them will do classes on machine NOT bought at those stores!

well, it is THEIR shop and they can choose what they want to sell! Some only sell batiks, some only sell THimbleberries...just depends on their customer base! Does not make them snobs...just secure business owners!

and making minimum wage and a discount makes them a lesser person HOW???

In this world there will always be mean girls and bad boys. Even in kindergarten it's "my toy's better than yours." Just enjoy your machine, make beautiful quilts, and spend your money on fabrics to make more quilts :) !! Let those who want to spend their money on machines go right ahead. Take the high road! And smile all the way to the bank!

I think there is definitely a degree of snobbery among some quilters over machines, fabric, types of quilts, etc. just like in any other area of life. There are just some people who have to make you feel small to make themselves feel big. But we just have to smile and let it roll off our backs like water off a duck. As my momma always said, never argue with an idiot, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. :thumbup:

Business practices/licenses, etc. does not justify poor manners. Regardless of what brand or price of a machine, no one deserves to be made to feel inferior! If there were only one brand/model machine available on the market, you can be certain that someone would still think their machine is the best - not a good testimonial of human nature.

I agree with the others, there are other avenues of learning. Also, if you elect to go to a shop for hands-on classes, visit the shop before registering, if they make you feel comfortable; you will learn more and not be stressed over the "attitude climate" during the session. Afterall, you are paying for the class so get as much out of the experience as possible.

Don't listen to her I have bought all my machines in stores or online, I only purchased my expensive one from a dealer, all are mass produced anyways for many dealers and shops , like the other board member said she was just mad you didn't buy from her, trying to guilt trip you and make you feel like you bought an inferior machine. I would take the class somewhere else as well because that is poor customer service.

Couldn't agree more!! Some of the most proficient quilters in the world use vintage machines with no bells and whistles. It's NOT about the equipment.....it's about the talent and creativity of the user!!!

I don't think paying $50 for a class was her point...she paid the money to take the class, and then was singled out as having an inferior machine in front of the class...and THAT is not good business, and it'd be a cold day you know where before I EVER spent another dime with that dealer.

I ran into this years ago -I was young and didn't really know how to sew - I asked at a Bernina dealer about learning some basics - boy you would have thought I was dropped in the sewer before I went in - they did not want to talk unless I purchased a Bernina - needless to say I never returned and I have been a little prejudiced against Bernina since then. Sorry that you were not treated well - at least you have some $$$ to afford more fabric. Woo Hoo...

I concur! She was charged more money for her class because she didnt have one of their machines??? that would be the last time I shopped there!!

Don't allow that attitude to make you feel less with your new machine. You paid for the class, enjoy it and learn from it. The negative is her issue not yours.
Keep smiling at her, the very least she'll think you goofey too!

Oh and yeah, I do believe there are machine snobs everywhere.

I am thrilled for you to get a new machine. I don't think they should single you out after you paid for the class. That is unkind. Best to you.

so sorry to hear about the extra for classes with out there machine. I have been to 3 Quilt places for classes.
People come with all kinds of sewing or sewing ebroidery machines. They have been very good about that, one shop
even carries your machines in and out for you. They do not pushed to by material, or things. They do make you get a book or patten or made up kit for class. All brands, Adventure Quilts, Jo Jo's Quilts, are great places here. They even have some free classes and sew for a cause, dogs, children's hospital, cancer, etc. There is one quilt place I will
not mention but they are as you say, you need to buy everything here. It is well known about them, and I have heard
some stories. Just keep looking there are better places or make a group with friends., wishing you good luck.

If she was a smart dealer, she would welcome you, take the $50 that you are willing to pay for the class, and hope to keep you as a happy customer who, someday in the future, may purchase a machine from HER next time!

enjoy and luv the machine you chose. start of with eleanor burns, imo, and read everything on this board, and you'll get there. it's important to be able to afford you hobbie.

I forgot to add, I have that exact same machine and it is a little workhorse. My husband bought it reconditioned online, and I have never EVER been unhappy with it! I used it daily for at least 5-6 years before I bought a larger straight-stitch machine with a 9" harp. I still use that little Brother for lots of things including retreats, special stitches that my big machine doesn't do, and embroidery.

You will not be sorry you picked that machine.

Great point!

I was trilled when a couple of yrs ago when my DH bought me a Brother Project Runway. He research and found it to be a machine with very good reviews and was $500+ (which I consider expensive) It does all the embroidery I need to do, I use it on quilting projects and clothing items also. I proudly take it to classes and have NEVER had anyone say a word about it. Of course, this LQS is in a small town a county over and I've seen all kinds of machines there. And a wonderful shop owner and employees that treat everyone the same!...
In the future if you have a Ag Extention office or adult ed classes, check into them, they are often cheaper and your everyday type of people there.
To be honest, I am glad I wasn't at your class because my mouth might have ran faster than my machine was! lol
I also would have let her know that she just lost my business and my friends as well.

My LQS is a Pfaff dealer and repair person, I use a 12 yr old Janome, my friend has a Kenmore from the late 50's we have both taken several diffrent classes from them Have never had a bad experence there. I have seen Singers, Brothers, Berninas, you name it I have seen it in her shop for classes. If we have a problem with our machines she or her DH will walk us through it untill the problem is found, they have explained about there contract and not being able to actually work on the machine. They do have a refrence list posted in the class room with numbers and who to ask for when we need help with a machine that is not there brand. The are the only sewing machine repair people in the area but they can point us in the right direction. I do know she will give classes on Pfaff's that were not purchased in her shop one of her customers baught a Pfaff is AZ last winter came here for the summer and shop owner gave her lessons on it. Of coures this is a really small town so everyone knows what everyone is doing! LOL