where to get a decent price for slightly used SM?

I've never used a Babylock, so have no idea there. But Elna is a great machine. I've owned Elnas for over 40 years. I started with the Elna Supermatic -- top of the line at the time. I sewed everything on that -- my wedding dress, jeans, lingerie, even a small suitcase. Bought an Elna Club in 1995 when I was planning to sew bridesmaid dresses for my son's wedding and my daughter took the Supermatic. A few years later, she was having problems with it (I think it just needed a good cleaning) and wanted a different machine, so I sold her the Club and bought the Quilter's Dream model that I had been drooling over. The Supermatic went to my sister and I recently brought it back home to use for a spare. I cleaned it out and oiled it and it still sews nicely. I'm going to take it in for a good going over because it hasn't been used for a number of years. I also have an Elna serger.

Julia in MN

What about a full refund from the company? Is that an option?

Karen, Queen of Squishies

Yahoo has a group called SewItsForSale that you could list it on. I have considered getting rid of my Janome 6600. I just don't enjoy sewing on it. It had a problem but DH fixed that but I just don't enjoy it. I think there would be a big loss trying to unload it so I just haven't been sewing much. I honestly think you are going to take a big hit $$$wise to get rid of it. Sometimes that is worth it though. I feel your pain. I was nearly as excited to get my machine as I remember you were. I just was thinking, the local guilds will let you run an ad in their newletter. Maybe you could try that? Let us know how it works out. Taria

Musicmaker wrote:

Unfortunately, since the dealer can find nothing wrong with the machine, they have only offered to trade in. I emailed Baby lock and they told me to talk to the dealer. I haven't asked the dealer outright for a refund, so I could ask, I suppose. I'll let you know.

Musicmaker

I have a Babylock Ellageo embroidery machine that I love, both for sewing and embroidery. That's why, when the Viking decided to act up, I bought the Quest-----big mistake. I haven't quite decided what to do with it yet. The dealer will give me a good deal on any machine I want. Only problem is, I'm not sure what I want. I'm going to wait till I go to the Expo in Novi the end of Sept. and play with many machines. I'm very disappointed in the Quest. Gen

I like my Elna a lot. It was my main machine until I got a 6600 a couple years ago. Now it's my class machine and it runs great. Why not go and at least play on the different Elnas your dealer has and see what you think before you decide?

marcella

If you sold it on EBay, wouldn't you have problems with the buyer, if the machine isn't working properly? Or would you divulge all that when you list it? Don't forget about Craig's List too - we've had really good luck selling things there (& giving things away). I would definitely have a follow up conversation with your dealer before you take a loss on the machine.

Pauline Northern California

Pauline is right; if you sell it on eBay you should disclose the problems, so the buyer is aware. Your local Craigslist is another option.

-Irene

I agree. I have a 'very' used SM that would be great for somebody's backup but I don't know how to go about selling it. My old Bernina 1230 is moody now. Sometimes she sews a lovely stitch; sometimes she decides making cross-stitches and eyelets would be more fun. I couldn't put her on ebay without the buyer clearing knowing. That would be mean to the buyer and a pain in the neck for me. Polly

Musicmaker: Do you have a LQS that is not also an SM Dealer? Perhaps the owner would allow you to post a sale notice on the bulletin board. This how I found the FW that I bought about 10 years back. Posting at a regular fabric store would reach people who sew but may not quilt. A guild newsletter ad is also a good way to reach quilters.

Lots of people may want that SM but are looking for a bargain. As long as you are frank about why it does not suit your needs, and are willing to take a fairly deep price cut, I think you will find a buyer. Since the machine is still pretty new, the warranty is probably still active; you need to check about transferring that if you sell the SM. Good luck.

PAT in VA/USA