Buy machine at quilt show?
 

There will be a quilt show, within driving distance of my home, later this month. I'm going to the show, and I'm wondering if it would be a good place/time to buy an upgraded DSM -- Janome, Juki, Bernina. Do the vendors offer good deals on machines at the shows? Do local shops often have vendor booths at the shows, and if so, do they offer show discounts on their usual machine prices? Is it possible to buy the machines that have been used at the show (for classes or vendor demos)? If so, is there a "best time/way" to buy? Wait until near the end of the show? Or buy it early and pick it up later? How does one find out whether a demo machine is available for purchase?

Thanks!

I bought my Sweet Sixteen at a quilt show. It was one used in the classes at the show and I got a good deal on it.

I would research the ones you are interested in beforehand, so you are familiar with prices. Then just go and ask questions and see what's available. You'll know if you are getting a good deal if you do your research beforehand.

Yes, local machine and fabric vendors will be there. You can ask at the booths what the deal will be for the machines used for the show. Often, they will sell the used machines at a discount, but you can't pick it up until the last day, or at the local vendor after the show. They will often have show special pricing on new machines too. Every manufacturer may be different so you will need to wait till the show and ask the specific vendor about the machine you are interested in.

The demo or classroom machines will be discounted to much better pricing than the "sale" prices on new machines. Often what they call sale prices at the big shows are only a few dollars less then what the dealers normally charge any way. This is what I saw at the last big show I went to. The classroom machines were heavily discounted though, some were as much as half off after the show.

Cari

That all sounds swell! Thanks to you all for your help.
I will be researching machines and prices before the show. I'd love to get a good deal on a demo/class machine. I guess there will be lots of people wanting to do that too? If so, are there any tricks to sealing a deal before someone else does? And who should I ask about machines used in classes -- not the instructor, probably, but who?

I almost bought my Bernina 440 at a show. I did get a written price on it, and was assured that my local dealer would be able to do the servicing. But - when I checked with the two nearest dealers, they said that they would not be able to offer the classes and service that they offer on machines that they sell. One of the dealers did agree to meet the show price, however, and I purchased the machine through him, getting his classes and service too.

Thanks for that, Dunster. I will keep all this good information in mind!

When I bought my janome 12000, it was from my dealer who had a booth at the Houston quilt show. I was unable to attend the show, but he had several machines he brought back with him. He gave me the special pricing he had at the show, which was a big savings. However, I had tons of problems with this machine and he ended up giving me a brand new one. Great dealer.

If you have county fairs in you area you can get some good deals from your local dealer

That is a great dealer!

If you buy the machine early in the show and then have to go back for it at the end, be sure to make arrangements for them to get you back in so you don't have to pay admission again.
We did that when we made a big purchase at a fair and the seller just had us call when we were at the gates and he came and met us and brought us in. Saved us $30.00.

Watson

I would test drive at the show but purchase locally. Unless the machine you have your eye on isn't available locally. You can always ask at the show, who's local and call the local to double check what they say. I have heard of Bernina not offering classes when a machine is purchased from someone else.

Since this show is fairly close by, definitely check the vendors--many will be local to the show. I bought my Elna Quilt Queen Pro in 2011 at a show and paid $500 less than the store price. I did end up picking it up at the store so they could show me all the features again. But often, vendors will want to NOT have to load up machines so will let you take on the last day. The class machines are usually even a bigger discount cause they are now considered "used" instead of demos. good luck!

Thanks for all the helpful ideas and information! I would like to buy from a local dealer if possible. But a great price on a demo might persuade me otherwise. I am looking for a good basic quilting machine, preferably mechanical, with at least a 9" harp if possible, knee bar, needle up/down, and adjustable presser foot pressure. (A little worried that it might be too fast for my nonexistent skills at this point ;-). I'm thinking something like a Juki 2000 or 2010? Maybe dealers bring mostly computerized machines to shows though?

You can get good deals at shows. My dealer is always at the shows in my area and he does sponsor some of the classes so there are always used classroom models at shows.These tend to be the good deals. If it is a newly released model the dealer generally has less deals on them unless the manufacturer is having a special. My dealer for the classroom models the people in the classes get the offer first and then at the end of the show he will offer them at a special price and if they don't sell then it will be offered during their sales throughout the year. To me the best deals I have found on machines is at my dealers special events like floriani or anita good. I have seen machines at good price with tons of extras thrown in. I bought my machine before going to one and the next upgrade I do will be at an event. Generally me dealer doesn't like to haul stuff back from a large show so going towards the end might be a good idea if its a large volume dealer like mine

I bought my juki at a quilt show. I got a good discount as it had been the machine they had set up for free motion quilting. I purchased a trolley to fit it in which made it easier to transport to my car. I've never regretted the purchase.

I hope I can be so lucky. I wasn't planning on taking a class at the show since I'd undoubtedly be out of my minuscule depth. Heck, I'm not entirely sure whether there will be dealers at this show - this will be my first time attending a show, and this is a fairly new show (the Los Angeles Quilt Show). If you're not in the classes, how do you find out if any likely machines are being offered at the end of the show?

(and Dolphyngyrl, what are the Floriana and Anita Good events? See how clueless I am? ;-)

I purchased my Janome 8900 at MQX. I was the first one to use the new machine in a FMQ class. They told us the machines would be offered at a great deal and could be picked up on the last day of the show...but having explained that I was leaving that afternoon and lived 3 or 4 hours away, they packed up the new machine and I was able to take it home with me so I had been the only student on the machine. Plus the Janome rep gave me extra feet, bobbins and a stand-up thread spool.

I would call my local dealer and see if they will match the show price. Most important, ask about service after the sale.

Do your homework BEFORE the show. I would check with local dealers to see if you will be able to get classes and service for a machine you do not buy from them. The one big advantage to buying local is getting service and classes locally. DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU MAY BE TOLD AT THE SHOW! People will tell you what you want to hear so they can sell a machine.

I bought a bl at a local county fair several yrs ago. Did get a "discount" on it. But now reading how dealers are so willing to sell these machine at these "discounted" prices, I'm wondering what the mark up is actually on them. I know all things are marked up for retail sales, but some things are just so price inflated makes one wonder just how must is something really worth.

This is a really good point. I've heard very often that local shops will only offer classes and maintenance on machines from their shops. If you aren't local, I'd price the machines at the show, then call a local dealer and let them know what you want to buy, see if they'll either honor the classes/maintenance or match the price. You can't beat having the classes and/or a place to go when you need help with things. Especially where you aren't paying an arm and a leg. I know one local store where anyone with any machine, as long as you have a basic knowlege of your machine can take their classes but you do pay. The good thing about this shop, even when I was taking my low end machine and most of the class had a top of the line one, no one ever said a word because I had the machine I did. My machine did everything thiers did but some things I just had to do the old fashioned way. Like cutwork

Yes I will definitely ask local dealers about price matching. I do have a funny feeling, though, that this particular show won't have many dealers or machines on offer -- it's only their 3rd year and it may not be on many dealers' radar. Doesn't matter to me, much. I'll still enjoylearning and seeing the quilts!

First of all, test drive all the machines that are at the show. Make notes comparing features, pricing and what felt comfortable. These machines can not be sold as new, they are called open boxes. If there is one you have fallen for, just ask the dealer what all he will include. They don't want to be have to package these machine up and bring them back to their place of business. I found it to be very much like buying a new car. And don't be hesitate when making a deal to tell one what the other is offering.

I really think it is always best to buy from a reliable dealer who provides service and lessons when making a large investment. It pays in the long run I believe. Happy shopping.

Yes, definitely a good time/place to buy. I looked around first and then bought at the end of the show. Your preference. Other questions, you will have to inquire at the booth how they work. Good luck.

think you ill have trouble finding a mechanical with a needle up/down features--but that alone would be worth it to get a computerized! Also, with a computerized, you can get machines where you can adjust the speed, which is nice when FMQ on it. So don't be afraid of a computerized--some very nice machines. I've been very pleased with my Elna (which is made by Janome).

QShortTimer, I know you are right -- I don't see many mechanicals with the features I'd like. The Juki TL and HZL-F series seem to have most /all I'm wanting, but I don't see mechanical Berninas equipped with them. I started out thinking I'd like a Janome memory craft of some sort, but they are more computer than I'm wanting. I would like to find a mechanical, since I'm not interested in fancy stitches etc. and I fear that, like our cars, more computerized features = more to go wrong and more expensive repairs. Realistically, I'm sure that a straight stitch mechanical with the desired features would make me very happy, especially since I will probably still have my Janome Magnolia with more than enough zigzag and stretch stitches for any future needs. The hunt continues!

Don't be afraid to ask about previously owned machines. If they offer a warranty, you can't go wrong.

I purchased a used Brother PQ1500 used for $400, which is about half of normal retail. You can usually find it on sale for $599 or $699. It is an awesome machine. Straight stitch only, knee lift, auto thread cutter, 1500 spm, 9" harp, needle threader, extension table, and it is mechanical. I bought it 5 or 6 years ago and haven't had a single problem with it.

You mentioned that you wanted something mechanical with a 9 inch throat and needle down. Both the Brother PQ1500s and the Juki 2010 fit that description. They are straight stitch only machines which may be all you need if you want something for piecing and FMQ.

The Brother PQ1500s is very easy to control as far as speed goes even though it doesn't have a slider for speed control. I think the Juki 2010 may have a slider for speed control.

I also bought my PQ1500s used for about what Peckish paid for hers and have had no problems whatsoever. It just depends on what your price range is. To get a computerized machine with the size harp of the Brother PQ1500s, you will end up paying a lot more than even the new price of the PQ1500s which can often be found at the on-line stores for around $700.

The going rate for used ones is between $350 and $400.

Rob

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I want to know who I bring it to when it has a problem. local dealers may not service the machine. and it can be costly to insure and ship. id rather buy from a local shop. they sit down and go over the machine with you and help as much as you need.

I have the Juki 2010Q and love it. I also have a Bernina 630, but mostly use it for embroidery. My Juki is my "go to" machine for piecing and quilting. Since it is a straight stitch only mechanical machine, I don't think you will need classes. I bought mine from a local dealer and there were no classes included and I had no problems learning to use it from the manual.

There are some dealers here that can service other brands, even if they don't sell them. You should check with them. Since the Juki's are rather basic and semi-industrial machines, they tend not to need as much service as the computerized machines.

Hope this helps.

I bought my Bernini at a quilt show several years ago, a great deal.