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Member since 6/15/11
Posts: 116
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4 Replies
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Posted on: 3/1/13 12:38 PM ET
I noticed that when somebody asks about what sewing machine they should purchase people always respond that they should go and test some machines. Sounds like great advise. But, I found when I was looking for a machine that all of the dealers had horrible hours. Every place around me was just opened from 8 to 5 during the week, opened from 10 to 2 or 3 on Saturday and closed on Sundays. Since I work typical business hours during the week the weekdays were out. That just left the few hours of Saturday for me to do any sewing machine shopping. And, Saturdays are usually crazy busy due to having 2 elementary school age children. So, it took me forever to find a machine that I liked. In fact, I ended up buy one from a local dealer that had a booth at the county fair. I was able to check out the machines there because the fair was every day of the week except Mondays (it runs for about 3 or 4 weeks). So, I was just wondering if places have better hours in other parts of the country? If not, when do you find time to go try out and check these machines?
  
Member since 5/28/11
Posts: 10718
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Posted on: 3/1/13 8:53 PM ET
In reply to WantToSewAgain
Mine are they same. All the dealers are open 8-5 and part of the day on Saturday. None of them are open on Sunday. Classes and lessons are the same. Since most of them are 40 min or so away as well that adds to the challenge of getting there.
  
Member since 5/6/07
Posts: 683
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Posted on: 3/1/13 9:31 PM ET
In reply to WantToSewAgain
Basically the same around my area (Northeastern Wisconsin) with the exception of having one late night during the week closing at 7 instead of 5. That is for two dealers and their late nights are the same, Thursdays. Then we have a Babylock dealer that is open until 6 M-F. All of them have varying Saturday hours, the latest closing at 4. We had a Bernina dealer inside of a Hancock Fabrics that kept the same hours as the store including nights and Sundays.
  
Member since 2/3/07
Posts: 2304
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Posted on: 3/1/13 9:44 PM ET
Here locally we have three dealers. 10-5 Tuesday - Friday, and 10-2 on Saturday. One is open on Mondays, the other two are not. Have to drive 50-100 miles to get to dealers that are open 9-5 and on Mondays, and until 4 on Saturdays. Nowhere are the hours convenient for people who work typical business hours. Makes me crazy!
  
Member since 10/27/10
Posts: 5869
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Posted on: 3/2/13 4:08 AM ET
It's also hard on those of us who work atypical hours. I work 7pm or 11pm until 8am. I would like to stop by right after work, but 10am is too late-cuts into my sleep.

A quilt shop, Janome dealer I really like is closed Mondays, and it would be so convenient to stop by there after my Sunday night into Monday shift.

Most local dealers are open one or two evenings a week, which is nice if its my night off.

My FAVORITE quilt shop/Bernina dealer has found me sleeping in my car after work, waiting for them to open. They left me in early :)
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🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
  
Member since 3/9/09
Posts: 11323
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Posted on: 3/2/13 7:28 AM ET
In reply to WantToSewAgain
My BL dealer is open Monday-Saturday 9-5, closed Sunday.

My Pfaff dealer is Tuesday-Saturday, 9-5, closed Sunday and Monday.

My Bernina dealer is Tuesday-Saturday 9-5, and Sunday 10-4, closed Monday.

So it's hit the BL dealer on Monday, the Pfaff dealer on Saturday, and the Bernina dealer on Sunday. Except I'm on the Full Monty Wagon for the rest of this year...no buying nuthin'!
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I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
  
Member since 10/28/06
Posts: 300
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Posted on: 3/2/13 8:07 AM ET
As an employee of a small business ( bridal shop) we run into this. We offer after hours by appointment. If a dealer is interested in making a sale, they may accommodate your schedule. If they give you after hours appointment, they will probably be a great supportive dealer.
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Dawn T.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 3/2/13 10:33 AM ET
I find that the best way to try out a variety of machines is to go to a sewing show.

You can take a note book and compare many machines at once.

This is what I did over a few years before I bought my current machine.

I was saving money and tried all the lines over about 3 years.

I have bought two machines this way now. One I bought at the show on the last day for about 1/3 list price. The other I tried at the show and found at the dealer about 5 months later being sold as a demo for 50% off.

There is no sewing machine store in my town anymore, (still 2 fabric shops), so I have to look further afield. I work 6 days a week, so it is even harder to get to a shop.

The store to the north that I used to go to for classes, is open late one or two nights a week, plus if there is a class on a Sunday you can shop. I have ordered accessories for my machine from them.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 10/4/04
Posts: 525
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Posted on: 3/2/13 11:07 AM ET
Some quilt shops in our area of MA are also sewing machine dealers, and are open all day on Saturday, several hours on Sunday, and sometimes are open one evening a week. Just a few though . . .
  
Member since 3/8/10
Posts: 11006
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Posted on: 3/2/13 11:28 AM ET
In reply to WantToSewAgain
Yes it is kinda odd to know when the one dealer is open. Sometimes he is open on Saturdays sometimes not. Never opened on Sundays & usually not there on Mondays. It is just hard to know really.

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