Help! Need opinions on used embroidery machine
 

I am looking at a used Ellegante 2 embroidery machine online so I won't be able to see it before purchase. It was purchased in 2008.The owner said she used it "hard" for 1 and 1/2 years and then it's been in a box since then. What are your thoughts on buying this machine? Would I be taking too big of a chance?

Maybe you should ask why she quit using it.

She said it was used as a secondary embroidery machine and then boxed up in anticipation of moving.

I would ask if she had it serviced by the dealer after she quit using it and ask to see the receipt.

I bought a used Bernina 440 with embroidery and the machine was pristine. The embroidery unit had not even been used and was new in the box (confirmed by the stitch count on the machine). The embroidery unit had a factory defect - a bad board that cost me $400 to replace (warranty does not transfer from original owner). It has worked great since (5 years now). I got a great price, but after that it wasn't a great deal, just an average one.

The moral is make sure is is checked by a dealer and everything works fine. Otherwise it can be an expensive lesson.

I loved my used Ellegante 1, until I got my used Janome 11,000. The Ellegante has 4 hoops and does a large rectangle area, but it is large and heavy. The 11,000 is easy to change from sewing to embroidery, the Ellegante I used only for embroidery. I guess it is now my secondary machine.

I only payed $2000 with $600 more to upgrade it. I got a ton of stabilizer, thread, designs, and a whole lot more. I was never able to figure out the new hoops for use with borders.

If you were in Northern IL you could try out mine first to see how it feels.

"used hard" and a secondary machine?? hmmm...sounds like the owner had an embroidery business. Without an in-person test drive or talking to the repair person as the machine is being checked out, I wouldn't consider this machine. The price would have to be so cheap that you won't lose much if it fails to work.

No way would it be prudent for you to buy it without test driving it. I recently sold my mothers because she passed away. I sold it for $3400.00 and it was test driven and picked up at my house. The machine is heavy and shipping will cost a fortune. It sounds like it was used for a small business and therefore might not be in the best shape. You didn't say what the asking price is, if it's a really low price that would be another red flag. I had my mom's machine cleaned and serviced and it cost around $200.00. Boards and other parts are expensive and the machine is 4 years old, new models are out with great financing.

I generally have 2 embroidery machines going at the same time, a big one and a little one, and I don't have a business, I just do a lot of embroidering, so I can understand the "secondary" machine comment.

I have sold 2 embroidery machines in the last few years - a Brother 8500D and an Innovis 4000D. The gal who purchased the 8500 was able to pick it up and I sat down with her and "trained" her on the machine. The gal who bought the Innovis wasn't able to do that, her sister picked it up and delivered it to her, she lived 8 hours from me. I used both machines a lot but I had them both serviced before I sold them to be sure everything was in good working order, and I provided the buyer with the receipt of service as proof. If you, or anyone else, is going to take a chance on a pricey used machine like this one, the seller should have it serviced before you buy. It's just the right thing to do.