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Posted by Kate Dicey on October 14, 2005, 7:31 am
G. Wayne Hines wrote:
> 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.
The only time I was ever treated like this was by a Janome dealer at the
NEC in 1998. Helped put me off Janome machines for life! Wasn't the
only thing, but it surely did not encourage me to buy, and I *was*
looking for a TOTL machine at the time, just not the embroidery one with
the bigger commission!
>
>
>>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.
This seems to be standard practice in sewing shops here in the UK. Both
my local ones have been MORE than happy to sell me machines for less
than £100 used, and under £300 new: just as happy as to sell me my £1100
list price whizzy thing! A satisfied customer is one that comes back.
A cherished customer will come back often and bring friends and family!
>
>
>>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.
You sound like my pal Wilf! Over the years he has sold me 2 brand new
TOTL machines, one new budget machine, and a couple of good used ones.
And got repeat custom on shedloads of thread, fabric, etc. as well as
custom from several friends.
>
> <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
>
Choice is good. Sometimes we need to save the pennies, sometimes we
need the network.
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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