Mass merchant entry level machines do not have features that save time and give better performance such as automatic thread trimmers instead of using scissors, auto needle positioning stop up or down to remove fabric or turn corners, speed limit for stitch by stitch control, jam proof systems, more power and presser foot lift for going over jeans seams, 1 step buttonholes rather than manual, and more than 1 buttonhole style, drop feed dogs for darning and free motion work, straight stitch needle plate to prevent fabric from going down underneath with the needle causing jams, etc. You can start with a more basic machine but customers upgrade when they have problems which the above features solve. John Douthat, owner tech, AllBrands.com