I agree with the others. You got what you wanted and was satisfied to pay their price. I don't look for deals as much as I look for a place that I think can give me and my machine good service. I figure if I have to pay a little extra, it'll be worth it in the long run of things. Enjoy your new machine. One of these days, just one of these days, I hope to have one of those machines; but until then, I'm happy with the machines I own.

I think sewing machine prices are about as coveted as new car prices. But bottom line, if you like your machine (or car) and are happy with the price you paid, that's all that really matters.

Enjoy your new machine! You 2 will have many fun years ahead together.

I too found it difficult to find any deals other than a "show discount." And I searched on the internet to see what people paid, but found nothing. And I was willing to drive out of state to get a better deal! When I was finally ready to get the bigger Bernina, I went to the local dealers booth at the quilt show and asked what price he could offer if I paid cash. He didn't mark the machine down much, but he was very generous with the "trade in" prices for 2 machines I said I could trade in. One of the machines was from the 50's and he said he was going to donate that one to a woman's shelter. I know paying cash isn't an option for a lot of people, but I think that's what got him.

If you love it and it is paid for, I wouldn't worry about the price. You can't take back the transaction.

I just bought a new machine and while I didn't negotiate on the price of the machine I did ask for some extras to be thrown into the deal. I got the extension table, walking foot with extra feet so I felt pretty good about that. I used to sell Vikings so I know what people can get with just asking. All they can say is NO.

I look at it this way, if I bought what I wanted at the price I could pay then I don't bother thinking there could have been a better deal elsewhere.

I see where people claim to have negotiated a better deal through a lower price, or extras thrown in, and maybe that worked for them, but in Houston, I've yet to find a dealer that will negotiate. About the best you can do is try to get them to match another store's price, and even that can be difficult sometimes. One dealer wanted me to bring in a full written quote with what the price included (even the stuff that was in the box) and signed by the owner of the shop that gave me the quote. In other words, we're going to make you jump through hoops to get a better price. It's maddening.

You love the machine and you're fretting over "maybe" you could have found one cheaper? Come on, Kitty. In economics there is someting called opportunity cost. Suppose you had found a machine for $50 less. How much was the time you would have spent in the search worth? If you think in terms of minimum wage and you spent six or seven hours in your search, it's a wash. If you had spent more time, you're in the hole. And if you think in terms higher than minimum wage it will take you a much shorter time to be in the hole. I won't sit in line at a gas station to save three cents a gallon because even if I fill the tank, it won't save but $.48 and my time is worth more than that to me. Now, go pet that machine, turn it on and sew like a demon or an angel, whichever suits your fancy. froggyintexas

well put,do not price shop after the purchase

I feel the same as you about my sewing machine purchase. I bought my Babylock Crescendo last year. Went to another dealer to inquire about the TruStitch and saw my machine for half the amount of what I paid for it plus a lot of extras that I should have received but didn't. I love my machine so I have no regrets but wish I had gone to this dealer from the start.