Have anyone bought an embroidery machine from e bay? I have seen good prices but I am afraid what if it is a lemon? how do we know if the machine is the one in the picture?, what if they take my money and never hear from the seller? something else, I read sometimes it says the machine has blank hours of used, how do i know that,? sorry too many questions, hope someone can answer one LOL

Thank you all for your comments, I do not have any problem for service, a Brother representative makes house call to check your machine, last month he cleaned and oil my Brother embroidery machine, Kenmore sewing machine, and two sergers, he came from the capital to my home, at the end i paid him 1,800 pesos that is around 50 dollars! I do that every 3 months, since I live too close to the ocean, clases? i will find the way, maybe books or yahoo groups, youtube? He told me to find a good ULT brother for him it is one the the best, not to buy any of the innovis serie he says the machine parts are very tiny and it is very difficult to fix. If i have a chance i will look for an ULT serie machine, thank you again, you all are great//////////1

Hi Mary, if I remember you live miles from any dealer and quite a drive from the nearest town? My dealer sold a machine to someone who took it to the other side of the world. It is too far from anyone to get it serviced so they take pictures and email to the shop in the UK who then send instructions back. I know a number have bought from ebay, both my machines were from the same dealer and were lightly used and the shop had their service history. They are always at the end of the phone should I need help. I live a 5 hour round trip from them. I feel part of what I paid is for the after service. Many dealers sell through installments which makes payment less painful as the money doesnot leave you all at once. Good luck with your choice

just make sure you go through Ebay not through their private email. you are not protected if you do a side transaction. Ebay states it everywhere.

You got a lot of good answers. Make sure you have a dealer within driving distance to take the machine in for maintenance. don't ever think that you won't need maintenance. You will, even if it it only a yearly check up. Kay

1 comment

by gerryb 13 Oct 2012

Also be SURE the dealer will service your machine since you didn't buy it from them! Have heard horror stories about that!

I've bought a Bernina machine and a Pfaff machine on Ebay. They both worked great. Plus the money she makes from the machines is used to rescue dogs in her area. Just make sure you a comfortable with the transaction. If it sounds too good to be true, thats when to be careful.

I bought 1 machine off ebay and the other off craigslist. The one on ebay was new in box and the seller had good feedback and score. No surprises. Just make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

I purchased my machine on ebay....check the seller ratings as well as ask lots of questions....good point about the classes...however, I bought a machine on ebay and saved over $2000....I did have to pay for classes but the shop let me get merchandise to equal the amount of the classes...I actually got more than just the machine...I got some accessories that they had bought as well...I would definately buy on ebay again

I have now brought 3 embroidery machines off ebay. Upgrading each time. Have since sold 2 of them back on Ebay. No problems. Ask for their phone number & speak to them in person. Ask lots of questions. xx

If you have doubts ASK seller a question. I buy & sell on EBAY. I had purchased a Babylock Ellisimo and an Ellegante embroidery machine on Ebay ,but I asked all kind of questions before I bid /purchased my items. You are protected by Ebay and Paypal(you can use your own credit card)So if your item arrives damaged or is not what you wanted 99%of sellers offer you a return even though they show -NO RETURNS ACCEPTED. Paypal also guarantees your money. I buy almost everything on EBAY as I have difficulty getting around.I always ask sellers any questions and have found sellers are ready to help. Please don't hesitate to shop on EBAY I would guarantee this to anyone.Lessons at most shops run about $ 45.00 per 1 hour lesson if machine was not purchased at the store. Let me know if I can help.

I have bought an ambroidery machine on ebay. No problems. I knew whqat machine I wanted by researching it first. Then I bought from a dealer I could call on the phone and talk to before the purchase. My machine was reconditioned when I bought it and I love it. Good luck, Susan

I have bought two machines from ebay--janome 9000 and janome 300ethe 300e came from a pawn shop and the other from some one who got a larger one.I had to buy the hoops for the 300e but got them from a place tn texas who was really reasonable. I have had the 9000 checked and was told it was in exellent shape. the 300e runs like a charm. Because we have no janome dealers in my state i found one where my son lives so he takes them back and forth when I need to have them checked. others may not be so lucky as I have been

Ask for the serial number and maybe where they got it from. The dealers here in lower Alabama keep lists of owners by serial numbers. Certainly helped when my machine was stolen. Computerized machines have the hours of use and blank hours stored in them.

I bought my machine on Ebay and had no problems with it. The post listed all the things that came with it. It is a leap of faith when you buy something you have never seen in person, but take the advice people have given you if you choose to buy on Ebay.

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by pennyhal2 13 Oct 2012

Also, keep in mind that if you need lessons on how to use this machine, you will have to pay for them at your local shop. They may charge you $300-$500 for the lessons.

by bevintex 13 Oct 2012

And should you be in need of repair in the future is a someone nearby will will work on it?

I have bought new with no problems. A lot I see on ebay don't have hoops or cords or something you really need that would have to be bought seperately. Ask a lot of questions and good luck.
Bev

Yes I have.. I would only collect, and pay for the machine on collection so that I can ensure its it working order ect.. I travelled an hour for my last machine and worth the journey and every penny I paid for it :-)
big hugs from London - Maria xx

I bought my first embroidery machine from ebay. It is a Janome 1000 upgraded. I asked lots of questions first. I was lucky. I received the machine in good condition and never have had any major problems with it. I just take it to a local dealer for annual servicing. Yes I would do it again.

I bought my Brother PE-770 there last year from Mr. Vac and Mrs Sew and am thrilled with it. I recently had a slight problem with it and he walked me through it over the phone. He is within driving distance of me and at one point I said maybe I should bring it in for an annual servicing and he said, no, it's too soon. I love them!

I use Ebay a lot, but not for very expensive items for the reasons you state. It might be worth looking for one that is listed as to collect.

I've bought a total of 3 mach's from ebay..really took a chance on the last one--Bro ULT 2002 & no stitch count app in it. I've been soooo pleased--use it almost every day..set up my 2003 ULT just to sew. Yep, I'd do it again--but...I asked questions of the seller and got good answers. Buy w/Paypal to be protected..or your credit card if you can. And is there a return policy? Shipment is expensive, so get all the info you can.