The price of used embroidery machines is often lower than their newer counterparts and they can work just as well. They can be risky if not properly trained. What should you know about used embroidery machines before you buy one? Where can you buy one?
USED EMBROIDERY MACHINES ARE A LOT LIKE USED CARS.
Did you know that new cars lose a significant amount of their value the moment they leave the lot? The same goes for embroidery machines.
It’s worth less once the machine has been taken out of its box and started stitching designs. A barely used, well-maintained machine could be a great bargain and can fetch you a lot.
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USED HOME EMBROIDERY MACHINES
If you’re patient and willing to travel, you can often find great deals on used home embroidery machines.
You can make it easy for Ebay and Facebook Marketplace to recognize you if you frequently search for used embroidery machine on these sites. These sites will know that you are interested and can offer more information.
When I began searching on Facebook Marketplace for a used home embroidery machine, more listings started to appear in my feed. It was not an accident that the used Brother Pe535 popped up in my feed nearly immediately after it was posted. I was the first to contact the seller, beating out six other interested buyers. This is because Facebook knew exactly what I was searching for.
Is it possible to understand why someone would sell their home embroidery machine? The buyer was frustrated with trying to figure it out. She didn’t take the time to understand how it works, failed several projects, and then quit. She wanted the machine out of her life as soon as possible.
Another seller that I spoke to wanted to sell her machine for embroidery because she couldn’t see well enough to use it.
I have often seen people selling their embroidery machines when they are ready for an upgrade. It’s not uncommon to find an old home embroidery machine that has a 4’x4” hoop, such as the PE535 or the SE600. These machines are great for beginners but many people quickly grow to love the craft.
Check out the blog: How to convert an image to an embroidery file for free in 2022
EMBROIDERY MACHINES FOR COMMERCIAL USE
Many people eventually outgrow their 4’x4” embroidery machines. However, some individuals also grow out of commercial embroidery machines.
Someone might feel their 6-needle machine inadequate and want to upgrade to a 10-needle model. This is a great time to grab a commercial machine.
However, I believe that the best deals on used commercial machines are those who want to get out of embroidery. A person who is upgrading will be more likely to sell their machine for a cheaper price. To help finance their next purchase, the upgrader will need to make sure they get as much money as possible on their current machine.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN USED EMBROIDERY MACHINES
Low stitch count
An embroidery machine’s stitch count is the number of stitches it has produced. The stitch count on an embroidery machine is the number of stitches it has made. It works in the same way as an odometer for a car.
This number can be found by going to the appropriate menu on your embroidery machine. You will be able to view the number of stitches that the machine has produced, as well as the time since it was last serviced.
What is the average number of stitches for an used embroidery machine? A machine that can reach a million stitches quickly is possible, considering most embroidery designs have between 1,000 to 10,000 stitches.
According to one owner of an embroidery machine, the machine is only “just getting broken into” at 1,000,000 stitches. You can expect 20-30 million stitches per year if the machine is heavily used.
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Young age
The technology used in embroidery machines is not as advanced as other industries. A machine that is 10-20 years old can still work well. Old machines may have obsolete memory cards and cables that you might not be able use.
One example is a used embroidery machine that was described online as having a floppy drive to transfer designs onto it. It might prove difficult to transfer embroidery designs from your computer to the machine since most computers haven’t had one in 20 years.
Excellent maintenance history
Regularly serviced embroidery machines will perform better than those that aren’t. However, only the most organized and diligent embroidery machine owners will keep track of every service. You can easily see the machine’s last service history through the interface. It’s worth asking the machine service provider how often it has been serviced.
My single needle machine is serviced every year. I also practice good machine maintenance. But multi-needles are my work horses. You can go several years without having one serviced.
The RISKS of Buying an Used Embroidery Machine
There are obvious risks involved in buying an old embroidery machine. It is possible to pay too much. A machine could be a complete lemon. You could also buy a machine that is completely useless and you never learn how to use it. You can reduce some of these risks by following the steps below.
- Do you want to research the make and model of this vehicle?
- See the machine in action. Ask to see the machine in action, and if possible, get the owner’s help.
- Compare prices Search for comparable embroidery machines and learn about pricing.
- Take a look at the resources. Are there tutorials or lessons available online? Is there a Facebook group for this model?
- You don’t have a warranty if you purchase your used embroidery machine directly from the seller. You may be able to get one if you purchase it from a dealer.
- Insufficient financing. Used machines, especially those purchased from Craigslist, are usually not able to be financed.
- It not being possible to have it serviced or repaired. You shouldn’t purchase an embroidery machine brand that can’t be serviced locally. You will likely find someone who can service any type of embroidery machine in a large city. It may be difficult to find a service provider who can service certain models of embroidery machines in smaller towns.
Difference Between Embroidery and Printing
BENEFITS OF BUYING AN USED EMBROIDERY MACHINERY MACHINE
There are many unexpected advantages to buying an used embroidery machine. First, the machine is more reliable than new machines. Second, it will let you know if you are getting a good deal. Ask members of embroidery Facebook groups what price they paid for the machine, and then use that information as a guide to determining the asking prices.
The model is also well-known because it has been around for several years. This means that there are many people who have used it. You can get tips and tricks from other users. If the model is old enough, many people have written about it. Ample reviews exist online.
A second benefit to buying a used machine may be that the previous owner might offer to show you how it works.
Is that crazy? My embroidery friend bought an embroidery machine from a woman who also included a lesson. She provided her contact information, and was available to answer any questions.
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FIND A USED EMBROIDERY MACHINERY MACHINE FOR SALE
Dealers are selling used embroidery machines
A local embroidery machine or sewing machine dealer may be a good source of used machines. If they sell new machines, then they will often also sell used models.
If they are a Babylock dealer, they will most likely sell used Babylock embroidery machine.
A local dealer can offer a variety of benefits when you buy an used embroidery machine. Even though the machine may have been used, you might be eligible for a warranty. You might also be offered lessons. Even though the lessons are not included with the machine, they can provide training. Finally, the local dealer is the best place to take the machine back for service.
You are lucky if you live in an area where there are many dealers that you can purchase a used embroidery machine. You can visit all these dealers and let them know what you’re interested in. They may be able to contact you if they do not have the machine you’re looking for.
You can also see how the staff treat you and decide if this is the store that you want to take your business to.
For sale: Used embroidery machines
You might be able to find a used machine for sale on Craigslist or Ebay. You can also search Facebook groups that help people sell and buy used sewing and embroidery machines. Sew It’s for Sale.
Used embroidery machines for sale online
You can find used embroidery machines online at a few websites, including:
Commercial Embroidery Services
HOW TO SELL A USED EMBROIDERY MACHINERY MACHINE
Remember that you may need to upgrade your embroidery machine at some point. If you purchased the machine used, it is possible to sell it for less than you paid. These are the best places to sell it back when it comes time.
Best of luck! Happy stitching!
USA Embroidery Services 