The Perfect Sewing Machine Sales/Repairman

Aha. An interesting thread. =) One high school summer I had a job at a flooring store. I learned early on not to judge a customer by his appearance or (apparent) interest. Some sm dealers never grasp that. It's been certainly educational to accompany my young neighbor who is a Viking person. (Not that the specific brand matters.) The dealer was a pretty young thing whose daddy or husband bought the shop for her for a hobby. Her employees were Authorities but rather dim. They commanded such advice as "Change your needle after every hour of stitching". Not so much interested in 'dealers', the big deal with a substantial investment of our creativity and time and money is a tech who knows his stuff. I will stoop to bribery, flattery or even a banana nut bread to keep one glad to help me. Polly

1) He will be interested in establishing a relationship with me, as I am a dedicated sew-person, a repeat machine purchaser, and a consumer of repair services.I make this clear from the beginning--if he lets me get a word in edgewise before he leaps into a sales spiel. 2) He will want to know how he can meet my needs. He'll ask me what I am looking for: what features do I want? What type of sewing do I do? What's my budget? Do I want a used machine, or a new model? 3) He won't immediately begin pushing his special-of-the-month, or the new machine which makes him the biggest commission. These are his needs, not mine. 4) When I come into his shop for the first time, I am not going to buy anything. I've learned the hard way to suss out his customer ethic before I get serious. Those first five minutes in his shop give me a pretty good idea. Does he greet me? How does he treat other customers? Is he a good repairman, but a poor salesman? If so, is he smart enough to hire a person to demo the machines? Is the employee knowledgeable and helpful, encouraging a hands-on approach to the customer? And don't hard-sell me. I know what I need. I've been in shops where the saleslady was reluctant to let me try the machines. If I can't try, I certainly won't buy.

I'm sure I will think of more qualifiers, but I thought I'd throw the subject out for discussion. Cea

All great points Cea, however it seams (pun intended) that those qualities have gone the way of the Dodo bird. I get requests all the time for items that someones local shop told them were no longer agvailable you have to buy a new machine and I have a dozen on the shelf at a fair price. Not sure how these people think they will stay in business. Actually sewing machine shops are dropping like flies lately. Glad I am older maybe I can survive for the remaining years I can work.

Ron, Give me an old-fashioned repairman any day of the week--he's more likel y to have the qualities I listed.The best of them don't mind sharing inform ation and helpful tips, as you do online. May you live forever-- the younge r generations all want to be rock stars. Cea