Sewing Machine Sellers by Type
 

Those selling sewing machines tend to fall into one or more of several broad categories. Here are a few:

A. Just wants it gone and it's priced to sell. "Take it away!"

B. Has no idea what it is and/or what it's worth.

1. Jones hand crank in good condition: "old sewng mashing...motor broken I think it neds work $15"

2. Singer 15-90, beat up, dirty, missing parts: "Beautiful antique sewing machine with gorgeous gold decals in a sweet table that can double as an end table. Rare! $400."

3. White FR with worn decals in carry case: "Belonged to my great grandmother and is a family heirloom. We moved from Ohio back in the 1960s and my father worked while my mother stayed home and took care of us. She made all kinds of clothing for us with this machine so it has seen much love! We hate to part with it but we are downsizing. Near-mint condition. Sacrifice at $400."

C. Country of Origin Bias seller: "Husqvarna Viking sewing machine. Foot pedal missing. Made in Sweden and is the Volvo of sewing machines. $1000."

D. Haven't Thought This Through: "$100 but will consider offers. Won't go below $40, though."

E. Hard to reach: "Calls only after 11 pm. I don't text. No e-mails, please. Hurry, this one won't last."

There are more types and tons of examples. Contribute your observations!

Hahahaha!! I knew this would be funny from the title.

Incredible optimist: It would be an easy fix, just get the part at the Singer store. *The machine is probably missing several parts as well as being rusted and unable to move. 250.00 firm

or the "Pseudo expert"

"Earliest patent is 1846, making this one of the first machines ever...." on an 1890's machine referencing Howe's first patent..

or "partially aware"

"Model" number AA1234567

you see that kind of flowery flow on menus every day :) Even makes brussel sprouts sound delicious

Don't forget 'semi-mint'. :)

Beautiful 1890's singer treadle in excellent condition. Free shipping to the lower 48 only. $250,000.00 firm, need to send son to medical school. Any questions call 555-5515 before 5pm. Thanks for looking :).

Yes....they ARE out there...
Thanks for the giggle!

How about the ones in non-working order that will make great decorative pieces and therefore, they should sell for hundreds of $'s!

You've got most of them pegged pretty well. :D
The one seller you don't see a lot of is the "Realistic" seller who has a machine, knows what it is and is asking a reasonable price.
I tend to buy most of my machines from thrift stores and sellers in the "I just want it gone" category. The incredible optimists and pseudo experts all want too much money.
Rodney

We can add "repurposer/upcycler" here too. "It wasn't broke before I got it and now I'm going to charge more because it's art!."
Rodney