To answer above questions, yep using plastic bobbins and they came with the machine. Thanks ladies

The good news is - they gave us our refund! And we didn't even have to make a fuss. Went to a different spotlight store and the salesgirl was sooooo helpful and nice. Interestingly she was in her 20s and the witch at the other store, who was very unhelpful, was in her 50s. Anyway refunds are done and she even took the time to talk to us about the other machines they sell, what the difference between models was, and what she recommended. Turns out she runs her own sewing classes on the side so we think she had a good idea about it.
So now we are on the hunt for a new machine, something for less than $250, hopefully we'll find a good sale in the next month or so. Salesgirl said the brother 2600 was very good (RRP $348) - we are a bit nervous about getting another brother machine but it wouldn't be the bottom model at least. Also the 2600 has a top loading bobbin so she said that eliminates any bobbin tension problems...
I'm just so happy to get the $ back