Did I make a mistake buying the Janome 6600?
 

I just won a bid on EBay for a Janome 6600 sewing machine for $300 (and $42 shipping). It was sold as is without its original power cord or a foot peddle. It comes with no attachments or anything else that usually comes with the machine. The only assurances that I have that the machine works is from the seller. It should arrive at my house by Saturday.

Here is the bid picture for the machine: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201636572582...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I calculated that it will cost me about $100 to get a foot peddle, cord and bobbins; so it raises the price to $400.

I am so nervous, do you think I did the right thing buying this pig in a poke? Or do you think I should have passed on the deal. Of course, it is too late now to have 'buyer's regret'.

Does anyone have any suggestions about getting the accessories for these as inexpensively as possible?

Looking at the sold listings, you got the good Ebay price. I don't know if that's a good price in general, but it is what it is.

Accessories inexpensively : Ebay! or Amazon.

I think you got a great deal.

If they guaranteed it works, and it doesn't then E Bay will make then return it. So, you're covered that way.
I would get the power cord and foot pedal right away so you can try it out.
That's a great deal if it all works out for you.

Watson

I don't know enough about all the varieties of machines to answer your question, don't know what it would cost new but if it works and buying accessories is less than a new one that would be a good deal. In general I guess that is the gamble. Sometime you get a great deal and sometimes you get a dud. I try to remember to ask myself -can I afford to lose this money if it doesn't turn out to be what was expected. If I can afford the risk, I take it, if I can't I pass.

It was described AS IS with no returns, so what you get is what you get. Even if you have to take it in to a sewing machine mechanic to have some repair done, it could still be a bargain. The machine has a great reputation. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Missed the AS IS part. Still...I'll bet you could argue it with E Bay if they said it worked (in writing) and it doesn't.
Dunster is right, the machine is a workhorse so hopefully all will be well.

Watson

I have 20+ sewing machines, and my 6600 is my main, go-to machine, despite my love for all my vintage beauties. I adore that machine, and it's so easy to use that my 9-year old niece has also fallen in love with it and has informed me that when I die it belongs to her. She told me that the noise the scissor-cut button makes is the "happiest sound in the world" - I think I agree!

I think one of my favorite things about the machine is the Accufeed. Invest in some Accufeed feet for it, you will not regret it! The big harp sure is handy too.

I also recommend buying some Janome-brand bobbins. My machine is not picky about fabric or thread or anything else, but it's VERY picky about the bobbins. I can't see any difference between knock-offs and the name brand bobbins, but I get occasional tangles and skipped stitches if I use knock off bobbins and perfect stitches if I use name-brand.

All in all I don't think you'll regret it at all, and you got it for a great price! I paid a LOT more for mine and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat if mine were stolen or somehow damaged beyond repair. :)

The machine is rated highly by any gals I know who have one. It's a Janome and they last a long time. I think it should be okay. I would just take it to a dealer and have it looked at and buy the accessories you need.

I know a few of my acquaintances have this machine and they love it. Where else do you think you could find this machine at that price??

mac, One thing that might reassure you is the fact that the seller has a 100% approval rating. Good luck! The machine sounds wonderful. Let us know how it turns out.

So you are the lucky one! I was watching that auction and had to resist bidding on it -- I'm just feeling a bit too new at all this to order a machine just yet. But I am very pleased for you. Hope it is in good shape and that you're up and running soon. Please post back to let us know how it goes.

It mentioned that it had a start stop button and that will get you to sewing without a foot pedal. In fact i developed a hip problem and had pain while using my foot pedal and now totally sew with the start stop button.

I love my Janome 6600. I don't use the foot pedal I only use the start/stop button I don't think you need it. I know I what I paid for mine and it sounds like you got a great deal

I am a leery person when it comes to someone saying it works, yet there is no foot pedal that goes with it. As is or not how do they know it still works if they don't have a pedal. Was it their machine or belong to someone else?

Assuming it works, the machine was a bargain! I've had a 6600 for several years and love it. The only trouble I really ever had was free motion quilting. But it sews beautifully. As others said, you can use the start/stop button. Or if you have other Janome machines, you can probably use the pedal/cord from one of them. Enjoy it!

If it only needs a power cord and foot pedal, but is otherwise in good shape, you got a great buy. I love my 6600--perfect machine. It cost $1300 new (well worth every penny).

I stay away from things when a seller says "as is, and they don't know much about machines" However, maybe it's a great machine working well. Hope it works great.

How does the seller know it works if they had no plug or foot peddle? I would only buy a plug to test to limit extra cost and use the stop start button to check it's working.
I hope it is all you require as the model is an exciting machine.

I find that brother feet will fit the Janome, as a matter of fact I was told that brother makes the Janome. Good luck with your new machine.

You should always check out the rating of seller to verify the worthiness. It looks like you're in luck this time since he/she has all 5 star rating. You should be okay! Enjoy your machine.

I think you got a GREAT deal! The 6600 has an on/off button, so I never, ever use my foot pedal. I only dig it out when my 12 year old daughter uses it. Purchasing all the feet that it normally comes with could be speedy, but when I consider which feet I use, I'd only purchase the open toe accufeed foot, 1/4" foot with metal edge, zipper foot, standard foot and open embroidery foot, oh, and the fmq foot... You'll still come out ahead. I regularly see 6600 machines on craigslist for anywhere from $800- $1500 and they always sell.

If it works that is a good price. I paid 1075.00 four years ago but it was on a janome sale. They go usually from 1200-1500. I have never used my foot pedal as it has the automatic stop start button and my small janome's foot pedal was broken and a friend told me to try to get used to it without it. I have never missed it. Wishing you the best of luck.

You got a fabulous deal if it works, and I would take the risk on a seller with a 100% satisfaction rating. The last thing they want is negative feedback. You have the upper hand with your ability to give feedback ratings and comments. I have the Janome 8200 which is about 2 models newer than the 6600. When I was looking, I was very tempted by the 6600. Heard all good things. But the used ones were $700-1300 in my area on Craigslist, and NO dealers had them. People who have them keep them and love them, keep them and might still upgrade, keep them as back-ups or second machines. There's a theme here, see?:) They are very intuitive, easy to maintain, and do lovely stitches. Buy Janome parts for it, though. My entry-level electronic Janome (DC 1050) didn't like knock-off feet. Take a deep breath and look forward to Saturday!

I really think you're going to be happy with it.

You probably will love the machine once you get it accessorized the way you want. You can always go to Ken's Sewing Center (online) and look up the right feet and then research Amazon for prices. You will be fine. You are probably feeling like I do after you buy something...was it the right choice? It will be fine, and you will be happy with it.

I think Craigslist is more of a risk than ebay. At least Ebay has feedback.

One thing I pretty much figure is a given, that if you buy a used machine, you most likely will need to have serviced anyway. Which is fine, as long as I figure that in for the aggravation factor. Now if I purchased from a sew/vac as a used machine, I think there will be no issues, or minimal at least.

I have a Janome 6600. I bought it about 2006 and paid $2000 for it. I have five Janomes but this is my workhorse. Even if you spend another $100 you won't regret it .

I think you made a big mistake.

I would think that is a good price. I bought my Janome 6600 used and paid $1000.00. I bought it from our LQS where they service it completely before selling it. I felt it was better for me to have someone close in case I had any trouble with the machine. I love, love, love my Janome 6600. Hopefully, you can get a cord and foot pedal within your budget. Please let us know how your situation works out. I will be anxious to hear.

She did not make a big mistake.....Ebay protection would help if it doesn't run. The Seller is a regular on Ebay...they would not risk their rep. This machine sells for $1200-1800. I have two of these machines, they are real workhorses....post after post on this model uses that term, workhorse. I would have bid on this machine. GREAT BUY. Check out Brubakerssewing.com, Kens, Allbrands.com for your feet. The Accused feet are specific to this machine, but other snap on feet, like Brother work too. I would get the Accufeed open toe foot, the 1/4 inch Accufeed, 1/4 inch regular foot, zipper foot, ....I'm pretty sure you will have the zig zag foot on it. Call your local dealer and see if you can bring it in and test it with their power cord, or use a friends or quilt guild member's. Use the start stop, and then use their foot. If it runs, you are good to go. YOU WILL LOVE THIS MACHINE....WHAT A BUY! BTW there is a Yahoo6500/6600 GROUP you can join that may also help you find those feet. Best wishes...if you have any questions or issues, PM me. Diana

SEWING MACHINES PLUS has Janome bobbins on sale 20 for 9.99...more packs as well. The 1/4 inch snap on foot is also on sale and the clear view quilting set is marked down from $35 to $17.....click on the 6600 then accessories...it lists the extra feet... the regular feet you will have to look up individually. BTW the suggested MSRP on the 6600 is $2400. Of course our dealers sell for less.

SEW VAC DIRECT has your foot pedal for $69. Others including sewing ,machines plus is $99. You have to shop around and check for shipping too. Use the net....

Try this for buying feet. http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/janome-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

MAC,
I HAVE PM'd you some info. Diana

I love the Accufeed foot...use it all the time.

I bought a janome from a shopping channel and it was a great little machine. I bought all of the available feet at a local quilt store for it so inexpensively I was shocked! I hope you got a great deal and that you will love your new "baby".

Probably has the start/stop button that works without a foot pedal...nice feature too.

I see in the eBay listing the machine's light is on so why are they not sending you the power cord. They had to have it plugged in for the light to be on !! Hope things work out but there's always eBay for backup, if needed.

Oh, so that is how he got it to run. I was wondering how he knew it hummed and had good power without having a foot pedal (or is it 'peddle'). That solves one mystery.