i bought a bernina active 240, which I love, on clearance in December, this machine was usually well over $1.5K, I got it for 1/2 that. it was a floor model, used for 6 months. i bought it to have a dedicated machine for classes and retreats, as well as a general back up machine to my 440, which I also love. you can get a great deal if you shop around, not every Bernina dealer has the same price or offers the same "floor model" clearance specials.