My Mom wants to sell her Singer Featherweight 221K - except she wants me to do the "selling". Machine sat unused for twenty years, and she has no use for it.

Recently had motor lubricated, and it is in good working condition. It has all parts as far as I can tell, plus the original manual, cabinet and carrying case.

Any thoughts on how to sell it? Any idea how to price it? Is it worth selling through an "antiques" store?

Photos in a couple of weeks...

Lynne

How much are you selling it for? Why don't you keep it for youself?

Why not sell it here? You need to become a regular first (based on number of posts). Check the "classifieds" section of the website to find the rules.

Price of a featherweight is often very dependent on decals. The more pristine the decals, the higher the price. Where I am, featherweights often sell for about $300. If it comes with the case and attachments, $350.

The most difficult thing if selling long-distance is properly packaging the machine for shipment. Many machines are damaged during shipping because of improper packaging. To avoid the packaging issue entirely, you could advertise for local pick-up. Craigslist would be a good place to list the item for free. Newspaper ads cost a little but can also be a good place to advertise -- especially in the smaller, more local papers.

Edit: Oh, yes. Why not keep it for yourself?

I think an "antiques" store would be one of the worst places to sell a featherweight. They would want to pay you $50 for it and then would try to sell it for $400-500. Direct selling is a much better option for you, especially since there is a persistent demand for featherweights.

I am sorry I don't have the answer but wanted to say ho from Washington state also. To get an idea try looking then up on eBay and Craigslist that should give you a basis.

Keep it for yourself. Right now I'm bidding on a Singer listed on EBay. Won't know if I get it for a while. Keeping my fingers crossed. Your Mom should be happy to pass it down to you I would think.

I am looking for a singer fw. where do you live in WA? I live in ND

I think you should keep it for yourself, of course if your mom will let you. Good luck in what ever you decide. :)

You should really consider keeping it for yourself. You will be glad you have it later since it was your Mom's. You could end up passing it down through the family.

Pam M

They are listed on craigslist near me also. I'd prefer going that route if I were selling so I didn't have to mess with shipping. Buyers can meet you in a public place unless you're selling the table, too.

I bought a FW via CL, my first FW, first CL purchase, first used machine, first vintage machine. We met in public and I paid cash after a quick look. I think you should seriously consider keeping it or buying it from your mom. You might really regret selling it one day. If I were to sell one of my FWs in good condition with the case and accessories, I'd not take less than $300. If it has the scroll faceplate or a special badge (A Century of Sewing 1851-1951, or others, it's worth even more).

You want to sell it?????????????????????? A lot of us will be shocked to hear this.
They are such wonderful machines!!

Whatever you do, don't sell it to an antique store!! You could sell it here when you become a regular ( so many posts in 2 weeks or something like that. It's in the rules for selling)
Craig's list, ebay, just to name a few.

They are highly sought after machines.

Thanks, All,

Why not keep it, they ask... My Mom needs the money. Social Security only goes so far.

The last thing I need is more stuff around the house that I won't use. Ditto for my kids.

It sounds like best bet is this list, followed by Craigs List and/or EBay.

Lynne

With the rules for being able to sell here the way they are your best bet is Craigslist.

The ad is free. You can ask what you want for it and sell it local and avoid having to pack it and ship it.

If it's barely used you should be able to get at least $300.

I am sure a day will come when u will wish u had not sold it,,,,,,,,,,,

First thing is find out how old it is, then see what assesories and if a case is with it, look on craigs list, e-bay or contact a reputable dealer and find out what they are selling for, I paid $200 for one and $350 for another, but have seen them for sell as high as $500, good luck