No dealer around??
 

I'm wondering what you all do when there is no dealer close by? No chance to try out a machine or discuss prices? I definitely would love to try out a Brother, but the nearest dealer is over 100 miles away from me.:confused::confused::confused::confused:

It sounds like you need to attend a quilt show. There would be vendors there who would have a variety of machines you could try. They also offer great prices on their machines at the end of their show.

Road Trip! Quiltngolfer has the right idea. Go to a Big Show. Or go to the Brother dealer one afternoon with a friend for a day trip. Choosing a machine is tough, you want to try out as many as possible.

Yes, it's worth the trip. Especially if you are looking at a higher end machine. Think of all the time you are going to spend sewing. You want to be happy with your purchase. I would call ahead and make an appointment with the dealer, most will be happy to accommodate you.

I agree. Hopefully there is a quilt show that will draw a lot of dealers to the quilt show near you. Then you can try a wide assortments of sewing machine. Be sure to tell them what your budget is at first otherwise they will want to steer you to their most profitable machine. Remember, sewing dealers are just like car dealers. Do your homework first such as checking reviews and prices you can see what is selling on eBay. The dealers at the end of the quilt show do NOT want to take the DSM home with them because they will have to sell them used. They are just right for the plucking. Good Luck !!

I would want to drive to test some out, but I can imagine that would be a real pain if they were too far away. Then what do you do when you have problems? wow, I drive 40 miles to my dealer and that about kills me

I agree with a road trip. However I will confess I bought my Juki TL2010q sight unseen without ever having sewn on one! I based my decision on lots of research and reviews. I did buy it from a local dealer who ordered it direct for me I case I had problems with it I could get some local support though. It is perfect and a great choice for me.

Another place to try out machines is the state fair. That is also a good time to buy, as dealers always are able to give discounts at that time.

I'd never buy a machine model until I'd test drove one. Road trip. If you don't drive bribe a friend with lunch out. 100 miles isn't far...
Or...there have been many recommendations on the board for the Brother machine Walmart sells, you could buy one of those?

I guess it depends on how high end of a machine you're looking for. Normally, the dealers in my area only have the high end machines in the stores, anything on the lower end they will order but you have to haggle to get a lower than MSRP from them. But being this time of year they will have a few of whatever lower end machines the parent brand is pushing for Christmas gifts. I'm a die hard Brother fan, they make great machines but I had such a bad experience with my local dealer I won't go back. I agree with taking a road trip to check them out, it's the only way you'll know what kind of dealer you have. You can also check and see if they have a web site, if so they might show what machines they carry in stock.

Cari