I was looking to buy a serger last Christmas and stopped to see what Jomax had, as I was in the Westminster area. A woman came out and pointed to a model and said that was what they had. I didn't know very much about sergers, and she didn't offer to let me test it out, or tell me anything about it. So, I left. A few months later, I was in the market for a new Brother sewing/embroidery machine. Brother dealers are few and far between. I shopped several dealers, in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Jomax gave me a good price. While it was not the best, they were the closest dealer to my home, so I bought my machine from them. I should have learned from the serger experience, and gone to the dealer that was about 20 miles further. What a total mistake I made. My machine was a fairly new model, being on the market for about 6 months before I made my purchase. While it was a new model for me, it really wasn't that much different from some of the other Brother models that they sold. Yet, when I went back for my ""get acquainted"" class, no one really knew how to use it. It was a wasted trip and a waste of about an hour or so. I left with so many questions that weren't answered. Having already owned a different brand of embroidery machine, I was able to figure this new Brother out by myself, for the most part. A few months later, I went back to buy some software. This is not an inexpensive purchase, at all. Nobody knew anything about the software, except for the price. All they could do was look it up in the book and tell me how much it cost. I asked if I could see it demonstrated, and they said their computer wasn't working properly, and only the owner could fix it. The owner was in the back, and I am quite sure could hear our conversation, but never came out to offer assistance. They really don't seem to care whether they sell anything or not. Now, I'm stuck dealing with them, because of my warranty. This was a $4000 purchase. I've learned that where you buy a machine is every bit as important as which model you buy. I love my Brother, but am basically hanging out here with no support of any kind. I don't know how they've been in business for so many years, and not have somebody in the shop that knows anything. Having purchased several sewing machines, and a new serger, over the years, I know how a good dealer should operate. I've had several very well organized get acquainted lessons. Jomax sells you the machine and then they are done with you. I'm really afraid to leave my machine there for it's upcoming maintenance check. I'm not sure if I can go to another Brother dealer for service, and have the warranty honored. But, I am going to check. Jomax does offer their own extended warranty, as long as you get your yearly service done by them. I'm not sure if it's worth it.
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