Is there any hard cold facts (written documentation) that any brand of sewing machine from a big box store is actually made differently than the same machine from a dealer store? Of course dealers would say there is a difference and of course big box stores would say there is no difference. But is there written proof anywhere or is it all hearsay? I am omitting the service factor you get from a dealer. I just mean in how they are manufactured and the quality of the parts.
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Big box vs. dealers
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
I was told that you can tell by the model numbers. The standard models carried by dealers will be the same as available to every dealer and their repair manuals are the same so any dealer can repair any standard model. Big boxer's may have different model number.
Told by a dealer - but I've checked model numbers carried by both - the models carried by big boxers actually may have different parts because the big box buyers can "design" the features they want included and the quality of the parts (metal vs plastic I assume) and they are given their own model numbers. I've had 3 different dealers in 3 different states tell me that people have brought in big box machines that they couldn't repair because their regular dealer parts wouldn't work ... and I believe they were all Singer's.
So both statements can be true ... I guess it would all depend on who was involved in the design of the machine. You have to evaluate each model individually. But I expect that BY MODEL NUMBER they would all be standardized. You would need to see the repair manuals to see the quality of the replacement parts and I don't know if they make big box manuals available to dealers.
Just my personal observation. Hope someone can confirm!Last edited by Judy, USMC; February 6, 2014, 06:06 PM.
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
I don't have any knowledge of sewing machines. However my brother owned a trampoline manufacturing company. When walmart contracted for units they specified certain things - type of springs, thickness of pads, number of rows of stitching to get the price down. Most consumers could not see the differences but they were there. It would seem that the same holds true for sewing machines.Ann
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
This is an intereting subject. My question is why would any manufacturer change the quality of their product just because the seller wants different things used in production which than changes the quality of you product. Why would they just say to that seller they cannot have my product to sell
As someone who makes something, I would not compromise the quality of my product for anybody
Its terrible how the retail process works. And it is kind of sad that the producer of the product has to sacrifice the quality and their reputation to sell something
Or am i totally off base and reading/thinking wrong on this subjectKaren
Life is short - Live everyday to the fullest
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Walmart has huge buying power for one thing as does some of the other big box stores. When they approach a small to medium producer and want to double or triple their sales that may be how they can stay in business. And I am sure they are a big customer of Singer, etc.also. Not agreeing with it. I support my small local stores as much as possible but in some areas they have been run out of business by the big box stores. Very sad I think.Ann
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Originally posted by Kgrammiecaz View PostThis is an intereting subject. My question is why would any manufacturer change the quality of their product just because the seller wants different things used in production which than changes the quality of you product. Why would they just say to that seller they cannot have my product to sell
As someone who makes something, I would not compromise the quality of my product for anybody
Its terrible how the retail process works. And it is kind of sad that the producer of the product has to sacrifice the quality and their reputation to sell something
Or am i totally off base and reading/thinking wrong on this subject
Before I buy, I want to know if there is a difference. I am looking at a Brother that could be bought in either place. I won't need lessons and as far as maintenance, I have always done my own (comes from growing up poor. You do for yourself). The one I am looking at is the PC420 for all the bells and whistles at a price of $350. I am also considering the Janome DC3050 with less bells and whistles. Both machines have very good reviews and I don't take "names" into account. The Janome has less and is $100 more.Hugs,
Joanne
There are no mistakes, only happy accidents. - Bob Ross
A girl needs to surround herself with TONS of happiness.
Happiness = fabric!:icon_woohoo:
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Originally posted by Kgrammiecaz View PostMy question is why would any manufacturer change the quality of their product just because the seller wants different things used in production which than changes the quality of you product. Why would they just say to that seller they cannot have my product to sell.
....
And it is kind of sad that the producer of the product has to sacrifice the quality and their reputation to sell something
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Originally posted by Ahamblin View PostWalmart has huge buying power for one thing as does some of the other big box stores. When they approach a small to medium producer and want to double or triple their sales that may be how they can stay in business. And I am sure they are a big customer of Singer, etc.also. Not agreeing with it. I support my small local stores as much as possible but in some areas they have been run out of business by the big box stores. Very sad I think.Hugs,
Joanne
There are no mistakes, only happy accidents. - Bob Ross
A girl needs to surround herself with TONS of happiness.
Happiness = fabric!:icon_woohoo:
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
This video is a few years old but had great info to watch for when buying a sewing machine. Hope it helps.
How to Buy a Sewing Machine - CONSUMER ALERT - YouTube"I'm putting together a list of 100 reasons why I am NOT relentless!" - Sue Heck, The Middle
Leonard: For God's sake, Sheldon, do I have to hold up a sarcasm sign every time I open my mouth?
Sheldon (intrigued): You have a sarcasm sign?
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Makes me want to open up my machine, and see what is inside.Originally posted by pcbatiks View PostThis video is a few years old but had great info to watch for when buying a sewing machine. Hope it helps.
How to Buy a Sewing Machine - CONSUMER ALERT - YouTubeBlankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love
Marilyn......
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Wow.. I had never heard this before! I always went with a dealer or smaller store for the repair issues (thinking they'd be better to deal with for repairs than a place like Walmart) Plus, the people at a dealer or smaller store would not only have sale people but those people woud have some kind of knowledge about the machines...while Walmart not only has no sales people, but if they did..they probably wouldn't know much about what they are selling. But what parts come with the machine sold where...boy, hadn't thought about that. Interesting discussion.
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
Originally posted by pcbatiks View PostThis video is a few years old but had great info to watch for when buying a sewing machine. Hope it helps.
How to Buy a Sewing Machine - CONSUMER ALERT - YouTubeKaren
Life is short - Live everyday to the fullest
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
I had a Viking Huskystar C10 and that so explains someof the issues. I had bought a long folding table to sew on and none of the stitches would work. It had worked fine on my dining room table. The new table would bend just slightly with the weight of the machine and it would appear that the machine would flex also. I am guessing that there was no support frame inside. I did see a machine like my new one at the dealer taken apart for cleaning and it has a solid frame. Very informative video even if it was a little biased.Ann
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Re: Big box vs. dealers
It is just a guess but I would think that Walmart and the other big names stores would do the same thing to sewing machines as they have to all the other small appliances, have them specifically made for them and have them made with cheaper parts than the manufacturer usually makes the item. This makes me mad so I try to avoid buying appliances there but do to very limited places to buy, sometimes there is no choice.
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