Re: Want to Buy Janome Memory Craft 4000

On 13 Oct 2005 09:23:23 -0700, "MSMenagerie" <wadingthru@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>The sales persons were nice and informative until they realized my
>budget was less than a $1000. Then they were exasperated with me and
>sought other people to help me.

They must have been getting a commission on machines sold. Perhaps
they don't realize that the vast majority of machines that are sold
new carry a price tag well below $1000.

> I wasn't allowed the freedom to just
>take my material I brought and try out a few machines. They hovered
>over my shoulders.

We encourage people to bring in the fabrics they use and try various
machines. Some of them are shocked that we wil actually let them sit
down and use the machine instead of just watching staff demo the
various functions. If the store is not busy at the time, someone may
"hover over the customers' shoulders", mainly to be available to
answer any questions.

> I wanted to try some different brands but for some
>reasons was hearded to one brand at each shop which I assumed had
>something to do with the return the shop received if I bought that
>particular brand.

That could be the case because some machines will provide a higher
margin for the dealer. We usually try to determine a customer's needs
as to functions and features, then may "herd" them toward a particular
brand or range of models that meet those functions and features.
Sometimes a particular stitch is only available on certain models.
Some models don't have a needle threader, some have front-loading
bobbins and the customer wants top-loading. Some people have no idea
what they want, so we'll start at one end of room and go through all
the machines and their features.

<snip>

>All that said, if you can afford it, a new machine may be better. If
>you are a new sewer with a shop nearby that offers lessons you can
>benefit from, go with a dealer. They have to make a living too. If
>you don't fit into these categories, put on your research hat, dig deep
>into the patience bin and find a good second hand machine that suits
>your needs. Just my two bits.

There are two types of customers shopping for machines: those who do
a lot of research and have an idea of exactly what features they want
right down to the brand and model; and those who "want a sewing
machine". We get a lot of people who buy a machine at a big box store
and can't even get someone there to tell them how to properly thread
the machine, where to put the bobbin, etc.

I think having a strong network of local dealers is essential for the
future of the sewing machine industry. We get visitors to our store,
from areas where there are no local shops, who say they have not sewn
in years because there's no place close to them to buy a machine and
get support. Some companies almost seem to be encouraging that
situation. In recent years I have seen a brand of machine being sold
through big boxes at prices lower than the wholesale cost to that
company's own dealers. I noticed one company's ad suggesting consumers
could get their machines through Amazon.com. Way to support your
dealer network!

Anyway, that's enough rambling for now. I just wanted to make some
comments from "the other side".

gwh

.

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