This seems like a deal of a lifetime....
 

I have been looking to purchase an embroidery machine... specifically Brother. I went shopping @ local LQS and about passed out over the prices of some of these machines. :shock:

I have found a used Innov-is 2800D for $2,500. My LQS priced this machine to me for $3,599!!!

Here is what I have found out about the machine:
1. Machine is 1 year old
2. Total count of stitches is 6m+
3. Seller says machine is in excellent condition and she has upgraded to the Quanttro ($8,000+) due to having a larger frame.
4. Seller said that she has never had any issues with the machine and that she will take to her local LQS (where she bought machine) and have serviced to confirm in perfect condition.
5. All accessories that came with the machine will be included.... plus PE Designer software.
6. So.... @ her asking price (she may take less), I would save approximately $1,200+

The machine is a few hours away from me.... but seller said she will set it up and demo it for me.

What do you think? Is this a deal of a lifetime? Would you purchase it? How about others who have the 2800D..... do you like it? I make good money.... but am very conservative with it!!! So, this is a hefty purchase for me.

I appreciate your feedback and input.

Thanks a million!

I don't know BUT I wanted to mention that 'maybe' your local LQS will refuse to service it or help you in anyway. Yes I've seen that happen time and time again. The LQS price might include all those items and more. Good luck with your choice.

I have the same machine and love it. Be sure to test it out and get used to putting the bobbins in correctly (don't ask me why I know this :))

Our Brother.Pfaff dealer services all of the Brother machines (and other brands as well) regardless where you purchased your machine and is very nice about it.

Call your dealer (or have a friend call and act like she is from somewhere else and see how she is treated over the phone if you want a "new" opinion) to see if they will service machines purchased elsewhere.

The software added to it is great...wish I had it :)

Thank you sandyquilts and moonwork42029!

Moonwork: what type of embroidery thread do you use?

I bought my Bernina 440QEE used, it was 1 year old and very lightly used. I paid $2,500 when the going price with embroidery was around $4,000. Two things about buying used is that the warranty did not transfer from the original purchaser and you do not get the free classes from the dealer. I paid my dealer $200 to take the classes, and have continued to take my machines there for service, but I have always felt like kind of a stepchild ... Still don't regret buying it used. I later bought a Bernina serger used (used once for 1 class) for half the new price and paid the local dealer again to take the classes.

I'll have to check (don't tell anyone...I'm at work...peeking every now and then :eek: ) It works great for us and they have so many colors. It runs around 2.99 / spool . I think it's polyx40. I know Glasgow is 1/2 across the state but English's in Reidland (Paducah) is super great to work with.

How does this work for people who move from another state and already own a machine.

JMO but that would be more than enough reason for me to never step foot into that kind of business again. If I am offering to pay for a service they offer and they refuse to provide it, obviously they don't really NEED my business... ever.

I moved from another state and have had no problem with service from the Bernina dealer here. Fortunately, I had taken the machine and serger lessons before moving. I am sure I would have had to pay for lessons if I needed to take them here.

My dealer offers free classes with the purchase of the machine - you can take the classes if you purchased the machine elsewhere but you pay for them. I feel that my dealer has been more than fair with me - he will trouble shoot over the phone and will get my machine in and out very quickly. I'm more than willing to pay the price to get that kind of service. I know that others have had no issue buying used - I just don't like to do it.

I just ran into this with my own LQS. I asked for a price of a new longarm they were bringing in and the clerk told me I would have to wait a week and see it at the Quilt Show and get a price there. I have bought several machines from them but won't be going there again. Bought my new longarm out of town that same day.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your thoughts/advice.

I know buying used is a risk and will miss the "free lessons" from LQS. Upon further email exchange with seller, she has come down an additional $300. So final price is $2,200..... with software. Guess I need to do some more praying over this..... and see what God wants me to do. He definitely knows what is best. :)

I'm a bit concerned about the 6m+ stitches. She said that she has made 3 quilts and lots of baby gifts.

For those who have machines with 'total stitch count'..... does this sound like a lot for a 1 yr old machine?

Many thanks!

It is worth the drive to check it out and I am sure there are a couple of quilt shops along the way. Take a friend on a road trip. Good luck

I have that same machine and love it. My local shop sevices any machine that comes in. In my opinion, you have found a god deal.

A friend of mine bought a Bernina at the Paducah show last year. That's when I found out Bernina pays for the first lessons..I think about 3 of them if you buy new. Since she bought at the show our closest Bernina dealer at first didn't want to do her lessons since she didn't buy from her. After my friend told her that she intended to buy other Bernina stuff she got a better attitude. I learned my lesson on buying used though. I like any lessons. BUT if I was to get such a deal I might have to buy used again. LOL

Sounds like a wonderful deal to me. I have a babylock Elegante and love it. Wish I could have found a deal like yours though!

I use Sulky 30 or 40 wt. Gutermann and Coats and Clark thread and all work fine on my machine. The 100% Polyester is best as it has a nice sheen, but I can use some of old thread stash for practice.

Have fun with the machine.

I have 21mil stitches on my machine, I do an awful lot of embroidery on it. I have had it since 2005, so that is about 2.65mil per year. So yes I would say 6mil is alot of for one year. Now, on that screen there is also "count since last service" get that number as well. Find out where she services the machine. You may need that information in the future if you have to take your machine in.

Watch out and abe careful. Used machines like that sometimes don't carry the manufacturers warranty. Check and see if the warranty transfers.

I did not buy my machine used but a friend has. The warranty did not go to her but she went to where the machine was purchased and asked if they would show her how to use it and they were very happy to. My suggestion is talk to someone who sells the machines, I think dealers know that no matter where the machine is bought if they are friendly and willing to help you, you will purchase your supplies from them. And as everyone knows quilters must have a large fabric stash and every tool made!

I bought a used Bernina from eBay for thousands less than the local store. Wouldn't take anything to them for service. If you want this machine, buy it. Don't worry about getting it repaired. There are always people to fix your machine.

What is you just moved into the area and needed the service? Would the dealer be so callous to tell you to go back where you came from to get your machine serviced? That's like cutting your nose off to spite your face!

I have two Brother sewing/embrodiery machines and three Brother sewing machines. I bought four of them used and have been more than happy with them. I have taken them in for service over the years and never been given a problem. The one embrodiery machine had to be sent to Brother direct and they fixed it and sent it back. I love all my brother machines I have a total of 5 of them.