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What’s the best way to sell a machine?

feismom | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I have a Babylock serger that I would like to sell.  It’s about 6 months old and I haven’t used it much.  Can anyone suggest things that work well for selling machines?  Someone has the same model listed on ebay but the current bid is significantly less than I would want to accept for the machine.

Replies

  1. gogojojo | | #1

    I wouldn't go by the current bid as an indicator.  As an experienced ebay seller (and buyer), I can tell you that the serious bidding happens in the last hour.  You might want to search on your model # and then check the box on the left side of the screen that says "completed items".  Then you can see what that model has sold for in the past.

    1. feismom | | #2

      Thanks - it's a new machine so there haven't been many sales - I'm not seeing any except the current listing on ebay. 

  2. solosmocker | | #3

    If I can digress a bit, did you just not like serging or were there specific issues to this machine? I ask because I am close to buying a babylock and am interested in any reviews on these sergers. I only need a basic machine for my type of sewing but I need one with ease of threading and tensions. I am interested in your imput and thanks very much if you can respond.

    1. user-112898 | | #4

      Hi solosmocker!

      I have the babylock imagine, and I like it a LOT!   But I've got to say that the store I bought it from offers "How to Use your Serger" classes.  If I hadn't had those available, I've got to say that even the video wouldn't have sufficed to teach me to use it.  The directions all around aren't great.  When I was looking at it, the saleslady (after painstakingly showing me everything) asked what my bottom line was.  I told her I was just looking at the store for information, but that I planned to go home and buy one on ebay.  She said that I could do that, but that if I bought it there, I could start using it the next day (happened to be a Saturday with that particular class!), as opposed to sitting it in the corner of my sewing room until I figured out how to use it, or gave up in frustration.  Very good advice that I'm passing on to you! 

      Linda 03052

      1. solosmocker | | #5

        Linda, I absolutely agree. I personally would never buy a machine from ebay or anyone online as long as there was a dealer around. I have developed a great long term relationship with my dealer where I previously lived. It definitely pays off. She even referred me to a great dealer around here, but I have yet to go introduce myself. I think the death of my old serger will speed that up.

    2. feismom | | #6

      I bought the babylock because of the automatic threading feature and because of the flexibility with the cover/chain stitches as well as the overlock.  It's relatively easy to set up and there only seems to be one quirk on any of the threading (you have to loop the chain looper thread an extra time for some unknown reason).  The machine comes with lots of really nice tools - needle threaders and holders etc.  I'm looking to sell the machine because I need the money.  A good dealer helps and I have no complaints about mine. 

      1. mygaley | | #7

        Dealers often have customers waiting for certain machines to be traded in.  If you could come to the right financial agreement, perhaps your dealer has a buyer.  This would really mean good will for the dealer, as well as some profit.  Galey

        1. Teaf5 | | #8

          I agree: start with the dealer first. Used sewing machines have only the value that the consumer finds in them, and that is surprisingly very, very low in general. Sewing machines depreciate the moment they are purchased, and you may never get close to what you paid for it.However, someone looking at buying machines at a dealership would be in the market and would be eager to get a recent machine at a good price. The dealer may not want to list used machines if he/she thinks it will cut into the sale of new ones, but may want it to offer to customers who otherwise couldn't afford to buy there.You might want to list your machine in a community center or craft center where people interested in sewing or costuming might be taking classes. Or, your local fabric store may know of people interested in buying used machines.

      2. betsyv | | #9

        Feismom

        Have you tried craigslist? Is there an active city near you? I just bought a used Viking 350 via craigslist in my local area, so no added shipping to an ebay auction, and since it's local, you have an opportunity to inspect anything for sale or scope out your buyer.

        http://www.craigslist.org  There is a list of cities, states, and countries on the right side. Click on the one closest to you. Then click on the household category in the middle. It's easy to post a listing. Photos help sell stuff. There is also a wanted category - you could search for someone who is looking to buy a serger.

        Good luck,

         

        Betsy V

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