I got mine last year for $4500. Was told that BL sets the prices. The laser is okay and have yet to use the sensor pen successfully. The best thing is the dealer though he is too good of a salesman as he has sold me 2 berninas, a BL excape and 1500 quilters pro. One bernina I upgraded to a 153 bernina and don't know how he talked me into the crescendo. Niece now has the bernina. My daughter has the excape (I think it's called an Audrey now). i have a fw to take to class. The crescendo is toooo heavy to cart around.