Would you buy a factory refurbished sewing machine? Everyone tells me NO on a refurbished embroidery machine, so is it the same with a sewing machine. I want to buy a computerized machine for piecing and general clothes construction. I have a Juki setup for my quilting. The machine I'm looking at is a Brother 5500 and its got a full warranty. Its only a $100.00.
What would you do???

it just depends, who are you buying it from?

Ken's Sewing in North Alabama, he's an authorized dealer been in business for 40 years.

I buy all of my machines from him! Yes - go for it :thumbup:

I like Ken's, too. He makes things right. I do understand about an embroidery machine, there is alot that can go wrong because it is more technical. But I have purchased several items from him and if there was an issue, he made it right.

I have a referb machine I have had it for 5 years and I love it. It works perfectly I bought it from overstock.com. I agree with who you buy it from Kens is amamzing I love them!

If it has a full warranty, why not? Sounds like he is a trusted dealer who can fix it if you need him to. Go for it! :thumbup:

I have bought many machines from Ken's over the years (I tend to trade like my hubby does cars) and have found them to be honest and dependable. And if you have any problems, they will do everything in their power to make it right!

I say go for it!

It's like buying a used car. If you buy from a reputable dealer who has checked and overhauled the engine, then you are good to go. You already know the machine has some time on it, but a reputable dealer would determine if the machine is still worth it. Sounds like your dealer is a good one.

Ken is wonderful to work with! I got my machine from him and my PED basic, I was having a problem and e mailed him I got an answer back in less than an hour and he told me what to do and it works great.

Refurbished doesn't mean there was anything wrong with the machine. It could have just been an opened box. they are returned (for whatever reason), checked out by a repairman and sold as refurbished.

I bought a refurbished Brother PC6500 combo machine from Ken's 3 years ago. I have not had 1 bit of trouble that was not operator error and nothing I had to call them to see about fixing.

I'd buy another machine from him if I had any money. I want a lightweight computerized machine to tote around.

If it is a machine from Ken's you'll be fine. They check them before they send them, as far as I know.

I would probably buy it

i bought a refurbished (mother board- the brains, heart and soul of my machine---the main computer component) from the company that makes my machine, it was guaranteed for a year...had it for almost 3 now...very happy with it, since the New one that came in the machine did not last that long. i have no problem buying refurbished if it is a reputable source and they guarantee their product...mine refurbished mother board saved me almost $500.

YES I would as long as it was from a local dealer with a great reputation and had a good warranty on it. IMHO

It would be like buying a used car try it out before you buy it. Ask questions about what the warranty covers is it a one year warranty from the factory? if not may not be worth it.

Can it be repaired locally or do you have to send to the factory to get repaired? if sent to factory do they pay the charges both ways?

Are both parts and labor or just parts? if it is just parts then no not worth the trouble of a buying a refurbished machine. and always read the fine print!!! I have gotten burned by not reading it!

I have a refurb'd brother machine from him, it's fantastic!

i have bought several machines from him. He is great and customer support is wonderful.

I say go for it too, if it is free shipping.

Thanks for the input everybody. I ordered a Brother XR7700 and according to tracking it will be delivered this afternoon. Whew, that was fast.

I bought a Brother HS2000 computerized sewing machine from AllBrands.com last year that was factory refurbished. That basically means someone bought it & didn't like it so it went back to the factory, was gone over & now I've got a machine that any & all kinks have already been taken care of. I love my machine & it's been working almost non-stop since it got here with no trouble at all.

Is there any kind of warranty with it.

I thought I read some where on the board that Computized machine can have problems with their circuits or boards (sorry have older machines - so not sure of the correct term)