Hi nellebelles - ouch! But, you know what? My red flags went up that you got an email from a detective that "says" it was stolen??? I'd want some proof - which, of course you're going to have to show for the buyer protection refund anyway. I would suspect a partnership of selling and reclaiming that machine!

Just my two cents worth!
Sara

PS I bought a Bernina Deco embroidery machine on Ebay in 1999, and had a great transaction. However, the warranty did NOT transfer and my local dealer wasn't very cooperative about talking about anything except trading up! Classes were only if you bought from them, too...

I bought the Brother Disney Sewing/Embroidery Machine on Ebay in 2005 and love it. It was considered refurbished, but you would never know. It was packaged just like from the factory in brand shiny new condition. All parts sealed in bags, etc. I have really enjoyed it, and the dealer answered my emails efficiently. I did the buy now.

Thanks all!!! I put a payment down on the Bernina 440! Yeah! It has been a long time coming. I called a lot of local shops, found my best price and then went to the store I wanted to buy from. They honored the lowest price I found. I am so happy.
I chickened out of buying on line. My husband convinced me when he said that he would never buy a used car with out first test driving it. That worked for me! Maybe a machine that wasn't soooo expensive, but for this one I am going new!!
Thanks again for all of your terrific advice. What a great group!!!!

I have a sewing machine "on the truck" as we speak.

I have owned a New Home Memory Craft 7000 for 20+ years. I found one for my daughter and was the only bidder because the electric/foot controls had been lost. I figured that someone who sewed so little she lost the foot control, would not have sewn much at all. The machine was Pristine/ I went to SewingWishList and found someone who sold me a used electric/foot control.

I just found another one where no one was bidding and the seller has a high rating and also a return policy. Seems as though people will not bid on a machine unless they are less than $25. This machine originally sold for better than $1500. I have phoned Janome about machines listed on eBay and have always gotten helpful information.

I found these machines, when bidding starts low, wind up selling for about $400. I have gotten both of mine for less than half that amount. I think it was because I played the "waiting game" and won.

For this one, the seller agreed to delay shipping while I was out of town. I am expecting it on Tuesday next week. I anticipate another great machine. I have 2 daughters, and this one is for #2. But I will keep it and use it for a while to make sure it is OK.

That's about all I purchase on eBay, with exception of books on half.com

I'm really happy that you are getting your new machine! And getting it from a dealer. I love ebay, use it all the time for lots of stuff, however, I did go to my dealer and bought...guess what...a clean used 200E from them. With that relationship, I got free lessons and they are super helpful, I would have missed all that if I had bought it on ebay.

Congrats! Can't wait to see your new girl!

But then.....My son has bought 2 used cars on ebay. one was a Beamer great condition and then just recently a Toyota Camry for the granddaughter just graduating high school. Maybe Ebaying isn't for everyone, but there sure are some great deals out there! :wink:

I bought a new Janome from Ken's Sewing Center on E Bay and was very satisfied with the machine, shipping, etc.

Don't give me ideas about buying a Bernina! Oh, I have just been dreaming about one for some time and may have to check out what E Bay has these days. It is one of my favorite places to shop! I just bought a Dyson vacuum (I know totally off subject) and it has been wonderful!

(I would question seller about "how" they ship--ie. pack for shipping.)

I love Ebay...even bought a used Toyota Corolla Wagon for work from a dealer in Ohio (about 6-8 hours from my home). Anyway, back on track. I am sooo glad you decided to go with the Bernina from a dealer. I don't know about your dealer, but mine has a great rep and gives great tradeins. I got a used 440QE, with very few hours on it for about 1/2 the price of a new one with all the attachments. free lessons and the remainder of the 25 year warranty. I am in love!! Went back and got a good deal on the embroidery module 3 weeks later.
When buying on Ebay, I do as the others suggested - research the product and the buyer thoroughly.

Good luck with your new machine! Enjoy!

Aside from everything else mentioned, I would look for a seller who clearly states in the ad that they are very experienced in packaging sewing machines. They should describe how they pack too.

If you don't see this information up front (which is the best way to see it, as it indicates the seller realizes that packaging is critical for sewing machines), email the seller before bidding and ask how the machine will be packaged. They should reply with a detailed description that includes double-boxing.

The key to safely shipping sewing machines is to pack them so *nothing* inside moves during transit, and so that the case is protected against knocks with a thick padding of styrofoam or other material. Packaging a sewing machine properly is something of a science. Occasional sellers of machines usually do not understand how to package properly, and many of the packaging places also do not understand how to do it properly. A seller who takes it to a packaging place still often won't get the correct packaging.

Always take out insurance on a sewing machine purchase. Whether or not the machine has been packaged properly, you need that protection against damage in transit. Understand that you are paying for the insurance so, if there is damage, the machine is still yours, you have to file the damage claim, and the damage amount will be paid to you. This is not the seller's responsibility!

I have had great luck with ebay, my theory has been and still is, never bid more than you can afford to loose! Check out the sellers' reputation, what is the feedback and comments. It wouldn't bother me to buy one on ebay!