Sewing Machine Prices
 

I bought a new sewing machine 6 months ago. I found researching fun but pricing difficult.

I found it very hard to actually get a real price on sewing machines.

I bought my sewing machine for the price listed at the store but upon doing more research I read that some people negotiated prices.

Now I'm feeling like maybe I got a bad deal!

I bought a Janome 6600 and love it.

I bought the same Janome, and like you love it. I did not find much variation in the price from dealer to dealer

Enjoy your machine and don't look back. What is done....is done. We all learn.

sandy

Thanks Sall....that makes me feel better!

I bought a 6600 too, and I didn't really negotiate either. I bought it during the local quilt show so they already had a "special price" on it.

I may have gotten a better deal elsewhere if I really shopped around since I live in an expensive area, but I figured any extra costs wouldn't really be huge and are worth it to help keep the local dealer's doors open for when I have problems or questions.

Zero regrets. Love my machine and adore my dealer!

I discovered that buying a sewing machine is just the same as buying a new car. I bought both of my Bernina at major quilt shows. Since the dealer had to open boxes to display the DSM, they usually are willing to drop the price rather then carting them home in an open box.

If you love it, that's all that counts. You did the most valuable research which ensured that you'll get years of pleasure from your purchase. Enjoy your new machine and don't look back!

If you got what you wanted, great move on, its like everything we buy if you look hard enough you can find it cheaper, but then count up the cost of your time, spent researching, your gas costs, whatever, whatever, if I get something at a price I'm happy to pay, then I move on and dont look back, theres no point in thinking what if? .

I have found there isn't a lot of differences in prices in the name brands if buying from a dealer. The manufacturers have sales that they all have at the same time the only exception is if they are vending at a local quilt show. Even then if your dealer isn't showing there they will normally match the price (unless you were buying a demo). I think (I have been wrong before) that the dealers are told what they can and can't do and with very few exceptions stick by that.

the big difference between a car and a sewing machine is the car dealer wants you to finance (they make extra $) whereas the machine dealer will a lot of the time give you a 5% discount if you pay cash (they have to pay for that special financing or credit charge)

If you love your machine , that's what counts... don't beat yourself up over a deal that is done.

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.

Kitty, I purchased the same machine (used) from the dealer in Champlin, MN. However, mine was 2 years ago from the original owner, Walt. I've been told that he did like to negotiate prices and really loved the interaction with the customers. When he passed away, his daughter took over, and it was a totally different story. She was all about the bottom line. The store has since changed hands again, and I have not idea how the new owner looks at negotiation. What I can tell you is that I love having a shop that is local for repairs, classes and the occasional supply.
I did a lot of research before purchasing and there is another sewing store nearby. When I started asking around, several people told me that they had purchased at that other store and wish they had purchased from the Champlin store instead, because of the customer service. Also, when your machine needs repairs or cleaning, it happens right there in the store. I hated the idea of my machine being sent off to another location with just a paper tag identifying it as mine.
Long story, short, second guessing your purchase will just make you crazy and suck the joy out of it. Close the door on doubt and move forward! Have a great day, Spring is coming!

I always think about any major purchase in terms of value. Take the amount you paid for it and figure out the return you will get from it. The first sewing machine i purchased with my own money was roughly $100. I then purchased about $50 in fabric and made curtain and window coverings for my entire home. After that first project my sewing machine was "paid" for in savings. What it would have cost me to buy manufactured curtains was probably double what i invested.

I even considered the same thing before i bought a table saw that rarely gets used. But, after the first project it paid for itself with the savings.

What you are going to make with that machine will more than pay for itself in time. Maybe not after your first project but it wont take long. Then it doesn't matter what you paid for it as long as you are happy in the end.

The other thing about buying a new machine is to consider the dealer you will have a long time after the sale to deal with. They can make or break the love of your new machine as time goes on. If you trust and have a good dealer, dont worry about whether you might have been able to save a few dollars elsewhere.

Glad you love your machine. Enjoy it.

Some dealers will haggle, most won't.

If you love it and are happy with it - let it be. I too never knew that people negotiated sewing machine prices. Several years ago I purchased a top of the line serger at the "going price". Later I actually went to work for the same shop and was amazed at what the guidelines were for negotiations were. Next time you will be a bit more aggressive - meanwhile enjoy your machine !!

It often seems like manufacturers have very good prices at the big quilt shows. Plus, you get to test lots of machines in one place.

sandygirl is right. just enjoy the machine. you already paid for it. so what's done is done. there's always goin to be someone who gets a better price. just enjoy!

as mention earlier in other posts the mfgrs. may offer good prices, you will not find these same machines at your dealers. and when something goes wrong, you have no one to turn to. you are responsible for shipping it back to mfgr. better to support your local dealer. they are who you go to for support. why not support them.

I second this!! The local dealer is the one that is going to be there to help, and supporting them with our purchases is well worth it, even if it is a bit more. The return in service and friendship is priceless.

I bought a 'new' car & it wouldn't start on the third day. My husband called the dealer, mad, & said he felt we were ripped off. The dealer said my husband was ruining my joy of owning my 'new' car by being so upset about a minor complication. The dealer said he'd fix it. He'd come to our house with a loaner & bring it back to our house. But the big thing the dealer talked about was how my husband was ruining my joy over my car. And he was. And you are doing the same thing to yourself. Have joy owning the new machine. You might of got it cheaper on ebay or some obscure place somewhere, but you did what you did & you love it. Don't take the joy out of it. By the way, they fixed my 'new' car & it hasn't had any problems in four years. And when I say 'new', I mean new to me, not brand new. I couldn't afford a brand new car. But I bought a brand new sewing machine & a old used sewing machine & I saw on ebay that I could get both cheaper, but I have a dealer close by & I love my machines (all four of them) & I could afford to pay for them, so I'm dancing in my sewing room. Keep the joy!!