I would talk to one of the Dan's at Nolting and see what used ones they have. I have had my fun quilter about 6 years and bought it used from another dealer and they still worked with me to get everything right for me. I would buy from them before I would chance craigslist buy.

If it is a scam, and there is no machine, then the "sellers" would be unwilling to provide a serial number. Of course there could be other reasons, including that they don't feel you need it, or that the machine has passed through several hands and they don't want you to know that. Tell them you want to try out the machine before making a decision, and you will be bringing some people with you (preferably at least one man and one person who already has a longarm) but no money. Then get the serial number and check it out with Nolting. There are too many horror stories about craigslist, so you need to be careful. If you do decide to purchase the longarm, go there with the cash and enough people (and tools) to help you take it home right then. Be sure to get a receipt for your payment, with a full list of everything that is included in the purchase.

Some people are suspicious of Cashier's Checks. With all the technology around today, I would bet they could be forged. To me, Cash means Cash. I am like the rest of you, I would not take $4000 dollars to the first viewing of the machine. Maybe $100 to get them to hold it if you decide you want to buy it.

Cash does usually mean cash. With all the tracking now, your bank will link the cashier's check to your account when you cash it so they probably don't want that. And I agree with Barb, they probably could be forged.

A 10 year old Nolting is not too old for a long arm. i learned on a Nolting hobby quilter and like previously stated their customer service is excellent.

Is that including the whole set up..commercial metal table, poles, leaders and bobbin winder?? If it comes with all that then I personally would buy it.

I bought a used HandiQuilter 16 from Craigslist for $5,500 cash. DH and I drove over 150 miles one way with truck and trailer to pick it up. Met the seller and she was upgrading to a bigger machine. Later she called me to see how I was doing with the machine.

I have found that most quilters are honest.

I agree. But this is a craigslist ad - you don't know yet that the person is a quilter, or even that he or she has a longarm.

I don't think it's unusual to ask for cash - that's certainly what I would do if selling my longarm. And I have sold and purchased things on craigslist without much concern for my safety, but nothing in the $4000 range. Just be extra cautious.

You cannot get a better LA than a Nolting. But it is weird that she will not give you the serial number.

Could easily be a scam. I almost bought an embroidery machine until he said it was in Florida, and he was somewhere else. It was just after they had a big storm. It was one of those really good deals.....ha ha. I bet that poor puppy had been soaking in sea water for some time. I passed on it.

I agree with this. Such things do happen on Craigslist. If you've asked for the serial number -- and it doesn't matter why you want it! -- and the seller refuses or hasn't given it to you, I suggest you move on. Also, the request for cash is a red flag, imo.

I think we are given those feelings of unease to protect us. I believe they are God-given. If you are getting red flags, then don't go ahead. When you do try a machine I would bring my own thread, fabric etc. Some longarms are very temperamental and you need to know that. I know this because I have one! You might want to call longarm dealers in your area because they might be aware of a customer who is looking at upgrading but need to sell their longarm. The dealer could hook you up and also probably has info on that particular machine.