Sewing machine debate:what to do?
 

We have a condo in FL that we'll use much more in a few years. I don't have a machine there yet but I'd really love to. I'd like to have the same model in both places. I went to my dealer -just to look today. My model has been 'retired' and actually remade with the same features with a different look and a higher price tag but now it comes with a walking foot, quarter inch foot and a hard case. Came home and talked to DH who said to try Amazon and it'll ship for free to FL with prime shipping. Found not just my model and the newer model my dealer had but the newest model (different color), same features, same price as the dealer's, same foot and case package. Now, of course, I needed to muddy the waters further, called a shop that has my original model still and it's $99 lower but then I still have the problem of getting it down there and it won't have the hard case or the two feet which I do use.
The best thing might be to wait but I'm feeling torn.
Any patient people have any thoughts for me?

If it were me I would go with whichever option has the most features/accessories for the best price.

My first thought is I would wait and buy one in Florida if you have a dealer close buy. I have nothing against Amazon - in fact I order from them fairly often. But with a sewing machine you want to be sure it works and if there is an adjustment needed you want a dealer close by. So not sure where you will be in Florida - but that is my thought on the issue.

Florida has a lot of quilters. I would wait until you get there and buy one. I bet you can find a good dealer there. Then you will know where to get service.

That's a very good point. I really trust my dealer up here. There are options there -both in Palm Harbor and Tampa from what I can tell from doing a search. It would be fun to go looking down there, too. Thank you, all.

I would personally wait and buy it in florida so that your dealer is there if there are any problems.

Yes, that seems to be the best idea. DH and I've talked it over and I may just wait until we are down there for longer periods of time to make the purchase. After all, there do seem to be more machines coming out often lately. Just caught up in the excitement of it all! Thanks again.

I am in that area what brand machine are you wanting?

Personally, I would go for the dealer, that way, if there's any problem, you take it back to the dealer and he takes care of the problem, you can't do that with Amazon or any of these online "stores".

Cybrarian, could you please PM me? I'm a loyal Janome user. I'd love your take on where to go when the time is right if you are okay with that.
I did call the Joann's on Curlew before we decided to hold off for now. I can live without a machine down there but I'm just so anxious for that new part of our lives. I guess I just wanted to hurry it along.

I agree with Quiltngolfer. I would wait until I get there.

I have purchased 2 Brother sewing machines through Amazon. No shipping issues and both machines run great.
My 3 rd Brother sewing machine I got from a dealer since that was the only way to get it.
If I could have gotten it from Amazon I would have done so.
The return policy through Amazon is pretty straight forward.
Frankly I think ordering from Amazon is less hassle too.

Hmmm I would get the one with the needed feet and the lower cost. I still live in the same place but both of my dealers, 2 different machines, either have moved or are out of business. Also when I needed service they were of not much help and the cost would have been the same at another dealer. I think you know the machine and how reliable it is. Do you anticipate many issues?

My machine has been no problem at all. Just has needed normal cleanings, which they all need. I'm going to put this on the back burner for now. My real life sewing sisters are saying go for it.

For now, I'm getting a soft case for my Featherweight and will take it down as a carryon next time we go. Am still considering the new model on Amazon but am holding off for a little while on making the decision. Thank you all for your input.