Used Sewing machines
 

Has anyone purchased a more current sewing machine from eBay? If so were you happy with your purchase or do you regret going that route? I know I don't get a warranty and classes and what not from a dealer but I'm comfortable with the machines I'm looking at, and part of my decision making process does take this into account. But I know there are any who simply wanted a different machine, they might be downsizing their machines, etc. I've thought of selling mine on eBay.

Dawn

....and maybe, if there is a dealer near you, he might be willing to give you some guidance, even though you do not purchase the machine there you could be a potential customer for other things...can't hurt to ask.....

let us us know your final decision....good luck!

I wouldn't purchase a higher end machine from an individual. I think you do get the best $$ deal that route, but I would much rather spend a little more and get a used machine from a dealer. There usually is a limited warranty & classes.

Yes, I purchased my PQ1500s from eBay. I purchased it used from an individual, not from one of the Ebay dealers who sell new machines on eBay. I've been very happy with it and ended up saving quite a bit of money over what I would have paid if I'd bought it new.

Before I buy anything from Ebay I check out the seller's ratings. In addition to their ratings, I look very carefully at the listing and if I am not clear about anything in the listing I use the feature that allows you to ask the seller a question.



Rob

I've purchased 2 machines from friends who were upgrading. 10 years ago my husband bought a reconditioned machine for me from overstock.com and I've been satisfied with it. I've never purchased a machine from eBay, and I don't think I ever would. I'd be too nervous about shipping charges and the potential for damages, and I live in a community where it's not difficult to purchase good used machines from individuals or dealers.

I didn't purchase, but I sold a sewing machine on the Yahoo group Sewitforsale. It was a few years old and had a lot of sewing left in it. I just didn't need it after I got a newer machine with more features. It was win-win for both the buyer and me. Good luck!

I purchased a Babylock Elegante combo sewing/embroidery machine on EBay and had absolutely no problems. I recently traded it in for my Dream Machine and got $100 more than I paid for it.

I bought a Babylock Symphony on eBay and it has been a great machine. The card to register the warranty was in the box so I went online and the machine had never been registered so I got the warranty which is probably rare. This was a private seller who bought the machine and didn't like it because it was to modern, she was used to mechanical machines. Don't be afraid to ask the seller if you have any questions, I did with the symphony. I wanted to know why they were selling it because it was not listed in the ad, I also asked about how the machine would be packed for shipping.

Having the original box is a plus. My friend got a great deal on a demo machine at a quilt show, but it didn't come with a box. It eventually developed a couple of issues, and the dealer had to ship it to the manufacturer. It was still under warranty, but she was required to purchase a box to the tune of $120 just to ship it in. That was the only way the manufacturer would accept it!

I've bought machines from shop sites on the Internet and been very pleased with the 24 hour delivery. I've purchased old singer etc work horse from eBay where they will arrange delivery and been delighted with the machines.

While I never have purchased one from ebay, every machine that I have was purchased used. Four from Craigslist, one from a dealer and my mid arm from someone here on this board. If it is a good price and leaves you with some room money wise to fix something if it is not right I would go for it.

You can use PayPal and if the machine is damaged or not as you thought you can get your money back.

The thing that would worry me when buying from a person on eBay is that the packing wouldn't be adequate to protect the machine. It could be a big hassle to get that resolved.

How does one determine the value of a used machine?

I've been looking at Accuquilt machines on ebay. Still haven't decided...

I have purchased several vintage machines on eBay. Love the last Viking 6430 I purchased. One or two were disappointing.

I have purchased sewing machines on ebay and it was a satisfactory transaction. Keep in mind, however, that every seller is different. Just because I had a happy outcome, doesn't mean you will too. If you feel comfortable that the seller is trustworthy, then go for it. My sister recently purchased one o the high end Babylock machines on ebay and found a problem with it immediately. The seller paid for the repairs....it doesn't get any better than that.

As with any purchase, know your product. I purchase a lot of things online, but I usually have researched the item before. Also, only purchase a using PayPal. That way if you have a problem, they may be able to assist you. If you don't use PayPal for purchases, I suggest to people that they get a small limit credit card from their bank and use it for all online purchases or bill paying. It is simple enough to transfer funds into this account (on bill paying day or before a larger purchase) and this protects you from someone taking this number and misusing it. Unfortunately, in today's world you should be careful about where you credit card numbers are floating around!

I agree with rryder. Check out and read the comments about the seller. Ask any questions and see what their answer is. (such as when the machine was last in for servicing).

The dealer could also be annoyed that you did not purchase from them and CHARGE you big bucks ....or refuse to help you or service the machine. This happened in our town the dealer refused to service machines not purchased from him.

I have purchased all of my singer vintage machines from E-bay. Never a shipping problem or broken machines. I was aware they would need service. Any machine purchased from e-bay or other used machine sites I would always do service to make sure it is in top condition.

I have bought several machines on ebay. One was a bust and the seller took it back and paid for the return shipping. Buying from a dependable seller with an excellent feedback for selling modern computerized sewing machines is crucial. Read every word and look closely at all pictures....and be sure to look for stitch samples. Do your homework and you can save a LOT of $$$$

Well, I bid (and won) an Elna Excellence 740 on eBay. (This machine is twin to the Janome Horizon 7700). The machine is coming from a sewing machine shop, has been serviced and sewn in by an authorized Elna technician and was a trade in (original owner was moving up to the 760). I had a couple of phone conversations with the seller (shop), which was very helpful. While I still have a little bit of nervousness, in the end - I felt comfortable enough to proceed. It is a beautiful machine that I would not be able to purchase at retail. Hopefully my gut instinct is correct, in which case I will have a wonderful machine that will be a joy to use. I can't wait until she arrives next week!

I bought my longarm very used it is real old and I am happy with it

I bought a Bernina Aurora off eBay for $1400 about 10 years ago. The local shop offered to sell me one for $3000, same model and year. It was packed in original box and I took it in to be cleaned after I had it 9 years, absolutely perfect machine. The seller had a 100% seller rating and it was a floor model. Never ever regretted it.

I bought my Janome 6600 from EBay about 2yrs ago. It came in original box and perfect working order at a good price. I did do my research on the seller as well as what the going price was on a new one.

I purchased an Elna Excellence 740 off of eBay last week. It came from a shop in another state, and I was able to speak with the seller multiple times with various questions I had. The seller shipped the machine the same day I bought it/paid (last Wednesday) and my new sewing machine arrived on Saturday!! The seller threw in a few extras with my machine as well (including an accufeed foot stitch in the ditch, a see through quarter inch foot, some Aurifil thread, and a whole case of blue bobbins!). I have been sewing on her since!! Love the accufeed system, LOVE the stitch in the ditch foot!! I feel like I got a fantastic machine at a fantastic price!!! I just need to name her, because she's too pretty not to name!!!