I found a dealer for the Janome 6600 that is only 40 minutes away from me. I have never bought from a dealer and am wondering what questions I should ask. Do they offer to throw in bonuses or do you have to ask? What accessories should I ask for or buy to do quilting? I am floundering so any advice would be truly appreciated. TIA

You can do some bargaining with the salesperson. They typically work on commission, so will usually sacrifice a little something to get the sale. A good thing to ask to be thrown in is a walking foot for the machine.

Be sure to bring your own fabrics to try machines out. Take your time and try out several brands, models, etc. If this is a machine you want to use for both piecing and quilting, also bring a practice quilt sandwich to test free motion quilting.

I personally prefer machines that are quiet; loudness or clunkiness indicates to me less precision in the parts.

Don't feel obliged to make a decision on the spot. Get the salesperson's card and tell them you want to think about it. Also, be aware that many dealers will not take back a machine if you change your mind. It's very important to be sure of whichever machine you eventually take home. If that means trying out machines at a variety of dealers, take time enough to do that.

If the machine you choose has many features you are not accustomed to, be sure you are close enough to take lessons at the dealership to learn how to use your machine to its full potential.

Also, ask about used machines while you are there. Many people trade in a perfectly good machine for the newest model. Often you can get a better machine used than you can for the same money new.

Don't settle for someone "showing" you how the machine works. Use it yourself & then you will know what questions to ask - before you get home. Bring a small quilt sandwich with you. Use the 1/4" foot, walking foot, button hole maker, etc.

Don't commit until you are sure you are comfortable.

Write out your questions before you go and write out the answers when you are there or you will forget!

My dealer here has one on sale for $1800.00. wish he'd give me a trade in. ask for anything, you never know these days what they are willing to do to make a sale.

Also check online prices; even ask here for prices. The Janome 6600 is a popular model so a lot of people have purchased it. I looked at it a year or two ago and was quoted $1600 at the State Fair; however, a few months later the price had dropped.

Make sure to try the machine you will actually bring home. You could like the smaple and the actual one just isn't quite the same.

You should be able to pick one up about 1200 for new and 900 for gently used.

1200! That would be great. Thanks everyone for the advice. I feel more confident now. This board never lets me down! :lol:

If you cant get it for about 1200, think long and hard before buying it. I got mine almost a year ago for 1349 with 6 months same as cash and the new 7700 has come out since then.

I think I saw a new one on ebay for 1200 the other day.