Buying a sewing machine can be a challenge. I’ve got some advice that can help with your decision. Because I sew a lot and own several sewing machines, people ask me fairly often for advice in choosing a sewing machine for themselves. Usually the questions are concerning the brand of sewing machine, the price of the sewing machine, and the features that I consider necessary.
I’m happy to offer my opinion on any or all of those questions, but my #1 word of advice for buying a new sewing machine has to do with WHERE to buy a sewing machine. My advice is always that same. Buy your new sewing machine from a sewing machine dealer.
Recently, I decided to buy a new basic sewing machine so that I would have a back up machine for my “good” sewing machine that is getting older. I wanted a Janome sewing machine so that all of the accessories would be interchangeable with the sewing machine I use most. You might expect that since I knew what kind of machine I wanted and what features I would need, that I’d just log in to Amazon and have this machine on its way to me with that famous Amazon two-day free shipping. That is NOT what I did! Not only would I never buy a sewing machine from Amazon, but I also never recommend that you do that.
Instead of clicking that “buy now with one click” button, I drove to my local Janome sewing machine dealer.
1. At the dealership, I can see the sewing machine in person. The dealer, who was trained by the sewing machine company will demonstrate how to use the machine. I can sew with the machine myself, just as I would test drive a potential new car.
2. Sewing machine dealers offer repair and cleaning services to their customers. Once a year when my sewing machine needs to be professionally cleaned, I take it back to the dealer where I bought it. I can also return to the dealer if my sewing machine should need to be repaired.
Last year, while working on a sewing project, I accidentally sewed over a straight pin. My needle broke, and I could not get my machine to sew properly. Because I depend on my sewing machine for my small business, this was a crisis. I immediately called the dealer who is also known as The Sewing Machine Doctor. He advised me of a few things I could try to get the machine working again. None of those suggestions worked, so he agreed to take a look at my sewing machine that same day! Would I have gotten that kind of service from Amazon? No way!
3. I am supporting a small business in a nearby community. As a small business owner myself, I know how important it is to support other small business owners who can sometimes feel that we can’t compete with Amazon, Walmart, and other huge businesses.
Buying a sewing machine locally, just makes sense. If you find yourself in the market for a new sewing machine, I hope you will consider shopping at a local sewing machine dealership. I can guarantee you’ll be glad you did!
Do you have a local sewing machine dealership in your area?