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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: pretnichols
Date: 10-20-2005, 10:23 AM (1 of 12)
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Hi, I'm new to yoru site but I love it! I wish I'd known about it last year when I was making some doll clothes. I'm sure I could have gotten some great tips! Anyway, I had originally indicated that I was looking for a sewing/embroidery machine. However, since I'm not sure that I'll get much out of it, I've changed my mind and am going to purchase an embroidery machine, a low end one (read "cheap") to see if I truly get my use out of it. I know nothing about any of the brands, except what Joann Fabric sells. I'm open to all suggestions, since I know absolutely nothing and the last machine that was purchased for me was in 1977. I've been looking on Ebay, but am hesitant to buy something electronic from there and then find out it doesn't work. I'll keep doing my research, but any thoughts or suggestions are very welcome. Thanks ladies! Peggy Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: debsews
Date: 10-20-2005, 10:40 AM (2 of 12)
| My only thought is that you have to really do your homework before you purchase anything off ebay. I started looking on there for the Viking I have now and I found that if I was patient and looked at the dealers I could get as good a deal with a warranty and classes from them. Also I have heard so many stories about missing parts so you have to ask about every item that is supposed to come with it so you have a recourse if it's not there. If it isn't listed I always specifically ask and then keep the email for evidence. My other thought is always buy as good a machine as you can afford because you will be disappointed if you love to sew and you outpace it quickly. I did buy the low end for a sewing machine from Viking and still have it for a backup when the good one goes to the shop for maintenance. I also bought a very low end serger from WalMart and was always disappointed I hadn't done a better job of researching and looking for what I wanted. I just bought a Huskylock 936 for 150-200 more than ebay with warranty and classes so I'm happy. A lot of people do fine with ebay but buyer beware is my motto and ask lots of questions. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 10-20-2005, 10:45 AM (3 of 12)
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Several of my online friends have purchased machines off Ebay and have been happy with them. Just be sure to purchase from a reputable seller that has a guarantee. Read the feedback! My first machine was a Brother PE150. I used it for over a year and never had a problem with it. photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-20-2005, 11:02 AM (4 of 12)
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I am very much in favor of buying machines from local dealers. The local dealer should stand behind his new or used machines. Even used machines in are ususally tuned up and adjusted with parts replaced by the dealer before selling. Many times, the local dealer will offer guide classes that will teach you the basics of your machine. Many have trade in/trade up policies that will allow you to recoup most if not all of your purchase price if you should decide you want a higher model machine within a certain amount of time. The vast majority of machine companies will not honor a warranty from a machine that was purcahsed online. That warranty can save you hundred of dollars in parts and labor. (I just had my machine repaired. Several boards were replaced and it was in the shop for some time. Just one of the parts that was replaced was over a thousand dollars.) Even if you have to spend slightly more on the machine purchasing online, you'll have to pay for shipping and handling each time it is returned for repair. If you have to pay shipping once and return it once, would it make up for the money you saved? Besides, there is something to be said for being able to look a person in the eye and tell him what is wrong and knowing it is in a shop where you can pick it up verses having the machine half way across the country from you. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 10-20-2005, 12:06 PM (5 of 12)
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I agree with GreenDragonLady in that you need to make sure you are buying from an authorized e-dealer. Read the descriptions very carefully--some of them will say "like new" or refurbished. I personally would not buy a machine with that in the item description. When I do my searches, I always put "new" in my search line. That way I can make sure I'm looking at a brand new machine that's never been sold or used by someone else. I do remember that there are 2 very reputable e-dealers on E-Bay for sewing machines, but their names escape me right now! Good Luck, and welcome to SWN!! Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-20-2005, 02:25 PM (6 of 12)
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I believe the support and training you get from a local dealer are worth more than the money you save buying on line or even from a retail fabric store or department store. Not to mention -- since Pam already has -- repair issues. But -- as for refurbished machines or gently used -- that can be a real money saver. My sewing machine was a demo model, then cleaned and serviced for me by the dealer. I have the same warranty as if it were new. The serger I bought was used to teaching dealers how to work that model before it moved into my house. It too is treated as new by the dealer and manufacturer. But I saved a lot of money. Both are wonderful machines. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-21-2005, 02:56 PM (7 of 12)
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As a diehard Ebay shopper, I have to agree with Pam and Dorothy in this. If you have problems with your machine, especially in the warranty phase, you certainly want to have a dealer locally. I can't imagine having to package up my machine, ship it half way across the country, then wait 6-10 weeks until they ship it back again and hope and pray it gets there and back in one piece! Plus, the bonus of buying a dealer is CLASSES! Unless you have someone to teach you, you can extremely under utilize your machine. I've only bought one brand new machine, the others have been given to me, and its been hard teaching myself things on the gift machines. Thank heaven for sisters and MIL who sew and who can help out!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: bunzino
Date: 10-21-2005, 03:29 PM (8 of 12)
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I bought a Viking Lily on eBay and am very happy with it BUT I watched to see what was available at what price (so I could get a deal) for a YEAR before doing it and emailed the seller a lot so I could get a feel for her. Also, you really, really, need to spend a few weekends or evenings schlepping to stores and trying out all the machines. You don't allow anyone to talk you into anything. You bring your own fabrics and do everything on the machines YOURSELF -- asking for help. This research is essential -- otherwise you're just tossing a couple hundred. We all have our opinions about machines, but that's not really worth much to you. Go out and create your own opinion. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 10-22-2005, 04:36 AM (9 of 12)
I bought my very first machine on Ebay. I spent several weeks beforehand choosing the right machine, asking for advice in forums etc. Also the professional sellers are more reliable. My seller even had a real shop and a website. I have never regretted my purchase, this was my first machine and it's very special to me.  That being said I'm not sure I'd do the same for an electronic machine. You might need local support for such a machine. Make sure your local dealer would agree to repair it. Ask the Ebay seller whether the warranty can work with any dealer or just with him. English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-22-2005, 09:18 AM (10 of 12)
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It has been my experience with Ebay that it is rather like buying something blind. You never know the exact condition of what you are buying. Sometimes it is in top shape and lovely, other times it is dirty and marginal. Personally, I have a really hard time sending much money into oblivion and then hoping that someone I don't know who lives hundreds of miles away will send something expensive back and that it will be exactly what I expected. However, I did spend $267 on an antique hand crank Singer sewing machine and it is absolutely beautiful. The appliques are almost entirely intact, sews beautifully, and has all its accessories and origional manual, so I did OK on that deal. If you purchase though, be sure and use a credit card that will back your purchase if it doesn't work out.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 10-22-2005, 09:11 PM (11 of 12)
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Thank you ladies for all of your input and insight. I had been hesitant, but you've reinforced my decision to go with my "gut" that this isn't a good idea. Where I live (suburbs of Chicago, IL) there are plenty of places I could take a machine for repair, but I had not even thought about classes. I certainly want to take advantage of the majority of the features of a machine. I think the biggest problem I have is that I do not know how to do much with my current machine, except zippers & straight stitching. So, if I buy a new machine, I want to know & learn everything I can. I really appreciate all of your input. I guess the next step is to try some machines out, as suggested. Thanks again ladies, you are a wonderful bunch! Peggy
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 10-23-2005, 02:36 AM (12 of 12)
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I sold one of my barely computerized machines on Ebay and the buyer was very happy with it. I am going to sell another soon because I upgraded again. [I'm done upgrading now!!] I would say to make sure the seller has great feedback, can ship the machine in the original packing and email them before you bid to see if they are responsive to you. I have bought and sold high ticket items on Ebay lots of times and had excellent results. Been using Ebay for 6 years now and would not hesitiate to buy a machine from there.In fact I bought my serger from there.No problems at all. |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
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