quiltingnd

What should I expect when I go in to buy a new machine? Can I haggle over price? Should I expect extras thrown in? Should there be return policies? Should I do anything before going in and buying a machine?

GrandmaSewNSew

Yes! You should not only expect to haggle, you're expected to do so! For example, I went to a dealer looking for the Brother Dream Weaver VQ3000. He showed me his price sheet with the MSRP price of 5995 and the store price of 4795. I said I could get it much cheaper from another source (as it turned out that source and online shop that a lot of people use quoted me an incorrect price of 3000). When I told the dealer the price he said if I could get it for that price, he'd order some too as he couldn't get the machine bulk wholesale for that. (Later I called the store and they had told me to "come on down" the day before when the gave me the low price- now when I questioned it, they said, oh, they must have made a mistake- Anyway the dealer said that the lowest he could go was 4000. While at the store I fell in love with a higher priced model (how did that happen ) and the MSRP was 8399, store price was 6695, and after a lot of going round and wondering if I could afford it, he offered it for 5300.
I learned my lesson the hard way. When I was much younger I went into a sewing store and bought a machine at the price listed on it. Can't remember if it was the MSRP but probably. Never thought to ask for a lower price or "extras". Now I know better. The stores certainly can't give the machines away but there does seem to be a lot of wiggle room at some shops. You can also get very good deals (so I've heard but not done this) at quilt shows.
I have to add that I think this goes for the higher end machines. I'm not sure if there is a built in margin on lower end machines and doubt you could go into a big box store and get a lower price but I'm not sure.
Forgot to add: if a store doesn't give a lower price they will probably give you extras and sometimes you can get both. Before you go in you should try to find out all you can about the brands that are available in your area and keep an open mind. You may like a machine once you've tested it or you may not. I read everything I could on all the machines that were in my price range/available range here, on Pattern Review, and blogs. Even though I'm fairly sold on this machine I will go to other dealers and try other machines before I buy. Sometimes you can buy a machine without trying it out (like the Juki 98/2010Q) but that is rare and you really, really should "do your homework". Then you'll be happy with your decision.
Good luck in your search and I hope you find what you want.

PaperPrincess

Bring some fabric with you to do test sews. The dealer may have fabric there, but bring a sample of what you normally sew. After a demo, they should let you try any machine they have. If they don't, look for a new dealer. You should get free lesson(s). Some dealers will let you take the lessons as many times as you want, so you take the lesson when you first get your machine, then, after you use it for a while and know what to ask, take it again. I would also ask about trade ins. Often they will come with lessons and a warranty.
I personally would not buy the machine on the first visit. Take notes on the features and prices, go home and really think about what you are looking for in a new machine.

quiltingnd

Is there a place to buy sewing machines online? (I've not seen any of the ones I've liked on ebay or anywhere else for that matter?)

jollyquilting

I bought on online but didn't get the extras, but love the Janome and I got a good deal. Delivered to the door too. There is a place in Denver who will give lessons reasonable. I am housebound and unable to use that service but Janome is pretty easy to use.

NJ Quilter

There are places to buy online, however, I'm not familiar with them. When I bought my Viking about 10 yrs ago, yes, I was able to haggle and get other 'stuff'. Lessons were included.

One thing the dealer did tell me at the time was that an online Viking purchase would void the warranty. Not sure if that is still true (or even was at the time) but they cam close to the online price so it was of no consequence. But be sure to check out warranty status with an online purchase.

AliKat

When I bought my last machine not only was the price agreed on but some accessories were included and on top of that a life long 20% off any additional accessories. So, ask if you can have future accessories discount too.

atun

i think you can find lots of type in amazon.com such as these ones:

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quiltedsunshine

When you buy online, you don't buy from a "dealer." Sure, you get an amazing price--because they buy thousands of machines at a time, and get a very good deal. However, you don't get classes. You don't have a service warranty. And there isn't someone to answer your questions. If you have a problem, it won't do much good to call Amazon.

It usually doesn't do much good to haggle over a price. The dealer has a price range they have to stay in, to keep their dealership. If they go below it, they could loose their dealership. You should get free classes and a service warranty -- like free service for the first year. Some dealers will add a percent off on anything bought with the machine. A lot of times, there are special financing deals -- like 36 months with no interest.

As a sewing machine mechanic, I look for a machine with the best stitch quality. As a consumer, some are looking for convenience and bells and whistles. The one thing that bugs me about the newer machines, is the forward/backward wiggle of the needle bar. One timing setting is the needle/hook distance. If your needle wiggles forward and backward, how can you control the needle/hook distance? You can't. So grab the needle bar and see if it wiggles. It has to wiggle side to side, but not forward/backward.

Good Luck with your purchase!

Sandygirl

I bought my machine 30% off of $5,000 MSRP. It was a floor model and only a few weeks old. I Stocked up on extra feet at 10% off . I was happy. She is a top producing Dealer too. They sell the volume and have the best prices.

Paying CASH is king when it comes to the final price paid. No trade in, no financing, paid cash. THAT scenario is your bet in negotiating the final price. I emailed my dealer a few days prior to black friday and asked her what her bottom line price was on the Janome under these terms. She sent me the price. Sweet!

Sandy