Input on ebay machine
 

I'm watching an ebay sale right now for a sewing machine, a Bernina, that is government surplus. They say it seems to work, but they haven't sewn on it. Basically I guess it powers up and the light works. There is no needle and no bobbin in the case. Would you take a chance on this?

No, I would not buy it. You have no guarantee that it even works. Is there a return policy that allows you to ship it back at their expense if it doesn't?

I wouldn't buy it either. To me when they say "it seems to work, but haven't sewn on it" makes me think that something IS wrong with it. Why wouldn't they try to sew on it? Ask them that. I would buy from someone else as you may be buying one with a lot of issues. Good luck. There are great deals on ebay for sure when it comes to machines :)

Depends on price. It would have to be VERY inexpensive for me to buy it..

Thanks everyone. This stores sells strictly government surplus. I don't think they know anything about sewing machines. It's being sold as they received it with no needle in it. It is returnable, but I'm leery and will pass on it. Wish I'd found it sooner cause it's close enough I could have driven up and tested it out. Guess if it's meant to be, there'll be another, right?

Government surplus???? A sewing machine? Really? Very puzzling!

I have purchased sewing machines from ebay and been very happy with them. I make sure that the seller accepts returns and has a very high seller rating, like 100%.

Yep! I called & talked to them. It's from some government agency that uses sewing machines they said.

I was looking at a used featherweight on etsy. The condition listing mentioned that the wheel turns, but it was not tested for sewing. The seller "suggested" that it was a working machine. I asked does the needle go up and down when you turn the wheel? The answer was a big NO. There are a lot of non-working machines out there with some very carefully written descriptions, so be careful.

(fortunately, my lust for a featherweight has diminished, lol.)

Be careful!