What to look for in ads?
 

I'd love a featherweight singer 221. I've been looking on eBay and some machines have dozens of bids, others have none even though it seems the machines look just as nice as the ones with 20-30 bids. I know the price of a 221 isn't as high as some sewing machines these days, I'd like to not make a mistake and bid on a bad machine since vintage machines are new to me.

The biggest thing is pictures for me. Examine the pictures closely for damage to the machine and case. I think in the case of 221s people are more likely to go nuts on the bidding for machines that have all the accessories with them, maybe not realizing that a box of Singer low shank feet isn't terribly expensive to buy separately.
Rodney

The last 3 estate sales I went to all the attachments were included. The prices ranged from $300.00- $400.00. They were in good condition. with the exception of the last one. She wouldn't let me test it. That was $400. I'm just going to hold off because I'm really more interested in a DSM for quilting with a large throat.

There was a FW on CL in this area recently for $175 in great shape. If you're not in a hurry to get one, I'd wait for a far lower price.

Even at $225 they don't sell fast here in central NY. (on Craigslist, that is)

What a good question, I have wondered the same thing. Some go pretty high in price and others just sit. We have a Guild member trying to sell her featherweight for $400. Way to rich for my blood. I have always assumed that the ones that are way high with no obvious special features are bid up by the person that posted the item thru another alias. But it may be due to location.

They usually go for about 325 - 350 here. I did find one once at an antique shop for 155- it was a later model, very dirty and ran a bit rough - was going to buy it until the dealer told me that it didn't include the bobbin case, accessories, foot controller with cords and case - it was just for the bare machine, nothing else - he was going to sell those separately to get more $ - (he was definitely an unusual character) - he should have just charged more and sold a complete machine. Needless to say, I walked away.

Good for you, costumegirl. I would have too. I hate when sellers do that.

I would have asked him if he bought his car that way???

I would have asked the same thing! LOL! If I am looking at a machine, and truly, I don't buy many, but if the only picture shown on the auction site is from the back, that is a complete turnoff -- although it may not be true I perceive it as being slightly deceptive! I want to see the front of the machine first thing -- showing the back implies there's something to hide. I know that's not always the case, but it sure raises the hair on my head.

Jeanette