Replies

1. 
   mem | Oct 12, 2005 08:05am | #1

   Are you experienced with embroidery machines? I have benn using a Janome 300e for the last year and have been sewing generally for about 35 years . I think I can more or less sew anything but I have to say that having access to my dealer and some lessons has been essential.I wouldnt have had the pleasure which I have had . without their support.

1. 
   ElSews | Oct 12, 2005 07:43pm | #2

   Hi mem,

    

   Thanks for the note of concern.  I am pretty experienced with embroidery machines and I am the mechanical/electronic one in the house.  I don't seem to have a problem figuring out these things.  So I am not concerned about having lessons from a dealer.  If it was a serger, that would be a different matter.  I have no experience with them and they seem a lot more complicated to operate.  I have been looking at those at dealers and would definately purchase one from a dealer and have lessons.

   But I am concerned about buing something expensive on eBay.  I have never purchased anything on eBay.

    

   Thanks,

   El

1. 
   kmm410 | Oct 13, 2005 12:35am | #3

   Hi El,
   I'm very experienced on e-bay and have bought a Brother Embroidery machine from a private party on e-bay. It's a great machine and I got a great price. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself though. First, check their feedback to see how many transactions they have had. If there are any negatives, read them. It's not uncommon to get a few (1-3) because there are just some people who are never happy. But, if there's more than a few I would be careful about that seller. Most businesses will give phone information about their store off e-bay. Call and ask questions about the machine. If they don't list their phone number, e-mail them through "ask seller a question" and ask for it. Tell them you are interested in the machine but have a few more questions. Also, check how long they have been on e-bay. You will find this information on the upper right hand corner of their feedback page. If it's been for a long time, odds are they are reputable or they would have been pulled off already. Ask if they have a return policy and what it is. Ask if there's any guarantee with the machine and if it's a refurbished machine, used machine or new. These questions should give you some solid answers and will help you decide about them as a seller. I wouldn't be afraid if you get all the right answers and they have a return policy that is fair. You can get a great machine at a great price on e-bay. Karen

1. 
   ElSews | Oct 13, 2005 07:39pm | #4

   Hi Karen,

   Thanks for the information.  I will definately do as you suggested.

   Best,

   El

1. 
   KarenW | Oct 13, 2005 08:05pm | #5

   El, you've already been given much good advice.  A couple other things to think about....

   These are pretty high end machines, in terms of both price (even at ebay prices) and complexity in terms of what all they can do.   Although the individual says they are a licensed dealer, be aware that most manufacturers prohibit their dealers from selling new machines on the internet - if they're used that's ok.  But just because you're buying from a licensed dealer as the ebay seller, it's still a used machine and  though a new current model, the original warranty is typically non-transferable.  Some dealers will do the warranty work anyway in the interest of having a customer for accessories, parts, notions purchases etc., some will charge only for labor, others won't do any warranty work or service if the machine wasn't bought from them.  I'm not trying to scare you off,  but read the berninausa.com message boards for more info on the 200 - seems like a great machine but many people have needed tweaks, adjustments, fixes, fine tunings, and other service on their machines - performing these repairs and service is part of the price of buying it from a dealer - if you need the same adjustments on yours, how soon will you eat up any savings?  At service costs in my area of $80-120 it could go fast, depending on how much you save.  Just some food for thought.  I've bought and sold plenty of machines on ebay, but not typically current/near current tol models so that service issue wasn't a question. 

   Good luck with your new machine whatever you decide!

    

   Karen

2. 
   ElSews | Oct 14, 2005 07:09am | #6

   Hi Karen,

   Thanks for that good advice.  That really gives me something to think about.  I am starting to think that going with my dealer would be a smarter way to go.  I hadn't realized that the machines could have such problems.

   My best best to you,

   El