Estate sale machine advice needed today!!
 

This morning I went to an estate sale that featured a Bernina 230 for $550.00. The receipt showed that the machine was purchased in 2006 for $975. I was able to do a beautiful straight stitch with the machine really didn't have time to read the manual and familiarize myself with the machine. I contacted a Bernina dealer before I went who said a newer machine in great condition would be worth about $500. Every little lady that stopped to see the machine said that they thought the price was WAY too high. I offered $350 and they countered at $450. Tomorrow I will go back and see if it's still available. Would $350/400 be a fair price for this machine or still too much? Thanks for your input!!

I would stick with $350. The dealer is probably going by Ebay listing prices. Estates sales are held to get rid of stuff not keep it. Usually the ones I go to the prices go to 1/2 at the end of the sale of what is left.

The machine is 8 years old. I think it's *really* hard to get more than half price for a machine that old in a private sale (or on Craigslist), even if it's a Bernina. However, the sellers are probably going by eBay sales. Here is a link to "completed" sales for this model on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_saca...mplete=1&rt=nc
The prices in red indicate the machine did not sell; only the green prices indicate a completed transaction. EBay prices are typically higher than local prices simply because there are so many buyers looking at the machine.

I personally think that $350/400 is a fair price for this machine.

It would have to be in absolutely perfect condition for me to pay that much. Should have everything with it as if it came out of the store brand new. I would want to see the manual and all attachments. It has been used. Is it cleaned? Sorry , I'm just atightwad. I would pay closer to $350. Take a piece of denim and see how it handles that. I always keep a piece or two of fabric (approx. layer cake size) in my purse. Never know when you're going to come across a great deal.

I agree $350 is still a good price for them to get. If the Dealer said they are worth about $500 then you know chances are they buy or trade in value gives the customer about 1/2 of the $500.

What is the price of a new Bernina with the same features? In my area one seldom sees a Bernina, Viking or a Pfaff at a sale...........why is that I ask myself. And I so like my 230 quilters edition, also any extra feet? I purchased the walking foot, and paid extra for the knee lift. I would pay the $450.00.

I LOVe both of my Bernina. Get it the denim test (great idea) and if there are the feet and the manual, I WOULD pay the $450.00. I never met a Bernina that I didn't love !! Good Luck and please post what happened on this thread PLEASE !!