After visiting several specialty shops looking for my first 'grown up' machine I ended up back at this little gem. The sales lady here (Joan) after hearing my budget and what I was doing didn't try to upsell me into a $1800 machine. She showed me my options and explained in detail about each machine. I didn't buy right away instead went home did some research on the machine I was interested in (Brother SB1329 vs. small Fuki forget model) and decided I would go check out used machines at their larger facility on ValVista and Main. Well I walk in and as expected due to the fact I'm a bit younger than most clientele I get attention just as I walk in. I explained to the very kind and knowledgeable woman helping me what I was looking for and my budget. She never even showed me used machines. She went right in with a 'starter" Janome machine for around $1200.00. I have no ill feelings and walked away with much more information than I walked in with. She took her time showing me different features and educating me on big box store machines vs. machines from a dealer. However, I had a bad taste in my mouth since she didn't even show me used machines when I let her know that's what I was there for. I will shop at either store in the future but the store on Dobson and Main won my loyalty. Thank you again Joan for not trying to sell me a Cadillac on a Toyota budget :)
Oh in case your curious I ended up with the Brother Simplicity SB1329. So far loving the machine. A bit heavy on options right now for me but I'm sure I will grow into them.