Originally Posted by
mlaceruby
I would be careful of the walmart machines
the brother dealers here would not service or work on them.
Just a thought.
I would check about a warranty on used machines
I mean there is used and USED!
I have had mainly vikings and they have a use function that tells how many hours of sewing and embroidery time has been clocked on the machine.
I agree; be careful where you buy it from. I learned yrs ago that you can have two machines, same name and brand but one was made to be sold at Walmarts and one at a LQS and the quality is so different. It's the same way for things that are sold at warehouses; if you notice the serial # or model will normally have an extra letter or two or added #s to show what it was made for.
You can't put a price tag on (you can but need to consider) having a good rep/dealer to help you when needed. I've gotten 3 Vikings and the last two have the timer to see how many hours were logged on the machine. The first one, My Ruby had 7 and now my Diamond Deluxe used at the Viking convention and sold as used has 1 minute on the timer. I guess it was a machine set up to use but wasn't; lucky me. I get warranties with them all and classes. I also got my first Viking on eBay, that one I got a 2 yr warranty on and it's a good thing because I had a few problems but they got fixed.
Another thing, check the hoop size. Sometimes people forget about this when looking and price is a big concern. In the past yr I have yet to use a 4x4 or even a 5x7. I love the larger hoops and will do lots of designs at a time. Don't limit yourself too much or you'll get bored and frustrated and the great deal won't be so great after awhile. While Disney does make great designs there are so many free designs out there (or low cost) for kids so don't let that be a factor. I know that Babylock has some emb only machines that are lower priced. I have used the latest Brother and while there are things I love about the machine that my Diamond doesn't have, there are things that mine does that Brother doesnt' and I wouldn't part with. I do love Vikings. Check out web sites for free or low cost designs. I love oregonpatch because they represent more than one company and I get emails each day as to what co has what sales. Like today one has designs for 75% off.
I'm just trying to say, becareful of where you buy, of what you get, if only one thing about the machine is interesting like Disney Designs remember there are tons and tons of places to get free or reduced designs, especially when it seems finances are an issue like for most of us. It may be better to save up to get what you want instead settling. Also, I know that like for Viking (others do too) has a lot of specials in you LQS that are no financing for 36 mos and thats a good deal.