Big Business That Doesn't "Get It"

I was surprised last weekend to have a notice (aka advertisement) pop up on my Face Book page indicating that Pottery Barn is now selling vintage sewing machines for decorative purposes.

In near disbelief, I followed the link and ended up here: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/found-sewing-maching/popup/more-views.html

They claim the machines were manufactured in Europe from the 1920s to 40s. In addition to German-made Singer, they have Durkopp, Phoenix, Victoric, Gritzner, and Kohler--although the buyer doesn't get to choose.

Pottery Barn is selling them for $199 each.

I contacted Pottery Barn and pointed out that...

Even if this machine were inoperable, it usually takes very little to
make them work. Even without a motor, they can be treadled--and with
minimal care they'll last longer and work as well or better than any of
the "new" sewing machines on the market.
Seems more than a bit crazy to me!

Pottery Barn replied:

Thank you for contacting Pottery Barn.

We apologize for any inconvenience.  Pottery Barn does not sell sewing machines.  Please provide more information regarding your inquiry,so we may assist you.

If we may be of any further assistance, please contact us via email.  Alternately, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-922-9934 from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm (PST), seven days a week.

Kind regards,

I replied by sending them the link and saying it certainly looked like it was for sale.

They wrote me back and said:

Thank you for contacting Pottery Barn.

We apologize for any confusion.  These sewing machines are meant for decorative purposes only. 

If we may be of any further assistance, please contact us via email.  Alternately, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-922-9934 from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm (PST), seven days a week.

Kind regards,

So, I wrote them again:

That is exactly the point!  You've taken machines that could easily be repaired so that they will sew for another 40 to 100 years (much longer than any currently available "modern" plastic wonders will sew) and have created overpriced "decorative" items!

They replied:

Thank you for contacting Pottery Barn.  We regret to learn of your disappointment that we are selling sewing machines from the 1920's to 1940's for decorative purposes.  While we do not know for sure, we suspect these were determined to no longer be functional and have been successfully repurposed.

However, we appreciate your feedback and will forward it to our Buyers for their future buying decisions. 

If we may be of any further assistance, please contact us via email.  Alternately, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-922-9934 from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm (PST), seven days a week.

Kind regards,

Okay, they don't get it.  Here's what I get:

I do believe in using vintage sewing machines.  I love their engineering, and mechanics, and the fact that with a little attention (aka oil) they're willing to work well decade after decade, often for well over a century. It breaks my heart that these are being sold at inflated prices for some rich person to have around for "cute" when there are so many people in the world who would be thrilled to have them to use.

Sadly, I also get that a few resources and the will to make a profit mean that some very usable machines will be merely "decorative."