By Dara Syrkin

Consew vice president Doug Glenn has heard tales of woe from fabricators. Here’s what he’s learned:

“If you buy a commercial sewing machine from an Internet company, you will be at risk of paying freight both ways for service on the machine, while under warranty, even if the machine arrives to you DOA. Some machine manufacturers’ warranties cover workmanship, but not freight, and often, it must go back through the dealer (online retailer) to be covered under warranty. Be a wary buyer and ask upfront what the dealer knows about sewing. Try to get answers about folders, binders, attachments, thread, etc., and see if you’re satisfied with the answers. Advice: Buy from a local dealer who knows his/her trade. Buy your toaster, shoes and other garb on the Web.”

Dara Syrkin is a freelance writer from Minneapolis, Minn.