Nammie to 7

I can sew on any machine my dealer has - and they give me lots of pointers on the machines I'm interested in. When I was shopping for the last machine I bought (just a few months ago) he did tell me I wouldn't be happy with some of the machines - I prefer Berninas - I did purchase a Bernina 350 and love it. Wouldn't buy it if I couldn't sew on it in the store.

suern3

The dealers I have seen usually want you to try out the machines, get your hands on them and fall in love Even at the quilt shows, the vendors love to get you to try the machines. What's with that place? Go somewhere else.

BellaBoo

I would call and ask the best time to come in and be assisted with test sewing on machines to find the one you want to buy.

PaperPrincess

I also find this strange. When I was looking for a machine, I went to several different dealers who all sold different brands. They all let me use the machines and ask as many questions as I wanted. To me that's one of the main differences between buying from a dealer and buying a machine-in-a-box from a big box store.

Dolphyngyrl

you should be able to touch the machine during the demo, and bring different fabrics and see how thing work. they should demo the basic features and be upfront about pricing and what type of financing is available for each machine. they usually will demo first then let you try usually in their presence. They should want you to be comfortable in your machine choice, especially since its an investment in their dealership for servicing and also parts and supplies.

debquilts2

If they don't let you touch it before you purchase what kind of dealer is it. I would be leary about what kind of dealer are they to fix and repair. Or do they stand behind they machines.

Josieneedles

Thanks!,, I am going to research other brands. All turned out for the best. I would have come home with a model that did not have all the features I was looking for just because it was in stock. Now all I can think about is that big beautiful dreamweaver.

Emma S

Josie: Glad you opted to find someone more agreeable. Can't imagine why they would have the attitude but I would want someone that was easier to deal with just in case a post sale problem occurred.

Lucio

Another thing for you to "expect" is that sewing machine dealers are akin to car dealers. They use the exact same negotiating skills. Do your research on line, determine the average price and get them to add as many sweeteners as you can---such as walking foot, quarter inch foot, extension table and good carrying case. If you think you have gotten the best price you can, head for the door to see if they let you get away without making another offer.

Prism99

I have never heard of a dealer not allowing hands-on time after a demo! That really is a first for me. I wonder how many cars a dealership would sell if they did not allow buyers to test drive themselves before making a decision???

If you are near a state fair or a large quilt guild show -- dealers often have machines set up for people to sit down and try. At these times you can often get the very lowest sale price possible on a machine, I think because the dealers sell so many machines at these shows they get a bulk discount from their wholesaler. Even if you don't go to the state fair, if you go to a dealership during the fair (and the dealer has a booth at the fair) you can get the sale price.

In any case, I agree with negotiating. Even if you don't feel comfortable dickering about actual price, definitely request add-ons such as additional feet or other accessories. And feel free to walk away to "think about it". You can always come back and say you've decided you want the machine if you can get this and this and this thrown into the deal.