Complete and utter failure of my shopping fu

[dianec42]

I phoned (or attempted to phone) 11 sewing machine purveyors in the local area today. I am in search of the Quantum Futura cheap-ass embroidery machine.

The first three numbers I called, I didn't even get an answer.

I found a place that carries Berninas, a place that carries Vikings and Janomes, a place that carries a single White (where's my barge pole?), and a place that carries an industrial model the size of a refrigerator. There is a guy in Westchester who seems to really know his stuff, but he's a total snob about the machines. (Good for him; I'd like to be a snob about the machines too, but I simply can't afford that at the moment.) There was a lady in Torrance who didn't have any embroidery machines at all but suggested I should call the other lady in Torrance -- yes, I just called her and I can't afford her Berninas, kthxbye.

I would really like the CE-200, which comes with the design-your-own-designs software included and has more stitches. Singer's own web site cannot tell me where to purchase that machine. For the CE-100, I am about to do the unthinkable and drop by the local Wal-Mart after work. Yes, I am that desperate.

Sigh. This machine seems to fit a niche that the retailers won't admit exists. Places like Target and Jo-Ann won't carry anything this high-end, and the "real" sewing shops won't carry anything this low-end. But... but... the whole concept is SO COOL!

Sigh. If Wal-Mart fails me, only another 20 or so places to call tomorrow. At least it should go fairly quickly.

Comments

[siderea]

?

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

I typed in Los Angeles, CA and pushed the big button....

"Your search - CE-200 Quantum Futura - did not match any local products in Froogle."

Welcome to my week. (-:

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

The results are all on dot-coms. All the ones I've tried so far quote terrifying shipping times... I'd prefer to buy from a bricks-and-mortar store, because internet returns are a bitch if there's anything wrong with it. Desperation may win out though.

[lyzard13.livejournal.com]

joann's doesn't carry it? not even a joann's super store? i have one by me - well, not really by me - in Porter Ranch and they seem to have lots of fancier stuff... you might want to at least give them a call before being sucked into buying from walmart hell.

[cahwyguy.livejournal.com]

Are you up near Porter Ranch? We're in Northridge. Small world. (My wife is into sewing).

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

The super store in Torrance was useless. As was Wal-Mart.

I'm giving up and getting it from Amazon.

[cahwyguy.livejournal.com]

Karen says there is a store in Northridge that should have it.

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

Too late. I'm sorry, I know I should have called, but I just can't face any more running around on this. (-:

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

Are you willing to buy the CE-100 or CE-200 online? Lots of appear to carry it, and offer free shipping.

[cahwyguy.livejournal.com]

Send me your phone number (cahwyguy -at livejournal.com) and I'll have Karen call you. She should have some ideas. She's also going on Quilter's Run starting this weekened, so she can check all the Southern California stores for you.

...or you can call us (try around 9pm) at 818 772 5098.

[cahwyguy.livejournal.com]

Karen says she has an idea of where to get it, so do call or email us your phone number.

[madbodger.livejournal.com]

If you find any decent computer machines with Macintosh support, let me know.

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

Believe me, I'll be shouting it from the rooftops!