Where to Buy A Sewing Machine

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A lot of folks want to know where to buy a sewing machine. But, I hesitate to tell you where to buy a sewing machine for one simple reason.

It causes everyone to shop at the same place and look for the same thing.

In the past, I’ve been guilty of sharing specific sewing machine models I’ve enjoyed using. But, I didn’t know  it would cause everyone to start looking for the same model machines. It’s very problematic for everyone to search out the same models because it makes machines harder to find and artificially drives up the price.

Likewise, it’s hard to find a machine and get a good deal when everybody shops for a machine at the same location. For this reason, I’m going to be very strategic about how I share where to buy a sewing machine.

Here’s a few brand new sewing machine shopping options.

Local dealerships are always my first choice.

Local dealerships are usually the best place to buy a new machine. They are the best because you get to test out the machine before committing to making a purchase. You also have financing options so you don’t have to pay for the sewing machine all at one time. Likewise, there are often special deals offered. Some have gotten a free quilting foot or even a free jelly roll pack in exchange for making a purchase.

I also like the idea of being able to get classes on how to use a new machine. These courses are often offered by local shops and are a wonderful way to get acquainted with a new machine. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people with the same hobbies and interests.

Sewing Machines Plus

Sewing Machines Plus is a wonderful place to find the newest sewing machine models. They also have an open chat where you can ask a representative questions. I’ve used this site a few times to purchase items. Since I liked the site so much, I became an affiliate. This isn’t a biased plug for the site as the affiliate. I truly do like Sewing Machines Plus and have never had a problem with any of my personal orders.

Bed Bath and Beyond & Overstock

These two companies merged. So, I am including them together. You wouldn’t think of these places as ideal for buying a sewing machine, but here me out. Bed Bath & Beyond works similar to Amazon because there are many shop owners who sell their goods thru the site. The beautiful part about buying via Overstock or Bedbathbeyond is the coupons! Sometimes the store-wide coupons do work with sewing machines! This allows buyers to get great deals.

Here’s a few pre-owned sewing machine shopping options. 

Shop Goodwill Online

The prices (at this time) are pretty cheap for undesired sewing machine models. However, high demand sewing machine models end with very high bids. Also, there is not guarantee a machine will arrive to your doorstep in one piece as it can be damaged in shipping. Do remember there are no refunds for machines messed up in shipping!

While the online store doesn’t offer refunds, Goodwill does allow you to contact the specific location and pick up the sewing machine in person. Of course, in person pickup only works when the buyer lives close to the location where the sewing machine is being sold.

Goodwill

Some Goodwill store locations do still sell sewing machines at their locations. However, there are far less sewing machines being sold in-store. I try to check Goodwill stores in rich neighborhoods at least once per week. When I go, I always make sure to look inside plastic storage bins and suitcases as these are places where sewing machines and typewriters do hide.

Local Thrift Stores

Local thrift shops are a wonderful place to shop vintage or preowned sewing machines. Since a lot of these places still operate offline, you are more likely to find sewing machines when you visit. But, local shops often mark the price up above the machines value because they think they’ve gotten something rare. You can try to negotiate a deal with the shop owner. Most times, they are willing to talk business as they just want to make a sale.

Habitat for Humanity

Sewing machine tables come into Habitat quiet often. Most of these machines aren’t in the best of condition. But, the beautiful part is you can often work out a deal with the manager (especially if you don’t want the table).

I mention the table because non-sewing folks often don’t understand a sewing machine can be removed from it’s table by simply removing two screws. If the manager agrees, you can get the sewing machine at a discount price and they can sell the table separately.

Many times, I’ve struck a deal this way because 90% of  Habitat customers don’t sew. These customers are interested in using the sewing table as a night stand, but not interested in buying a table with a sewing machine inside.

Local Tag Sales & Estate Sales

You are doing great if you are able to find a tag sale or estate sale without bidding online. Offline tag sales and estate sales are where you will find the best deals. I always go straight for the guest bedroom because 9 times out of 10, its where the sewing studio is located. Sewing machines and fabric stashes are often very underappreciated. So you can get some good deals. However, when the sewing machine and/or sewing supplies are placed on an online bidding website, things can get very interesting. I’ve seen prices for sought after sewing machine models go way beyond what they are worth. So, just be careful.

Mercari

Mercari is a place where I sell things online. But, it is also one of my favorite places to shop sewing machines. I enjoy Mercari because they offer local pickup and delivery at very cheap and affordable prices.  This eliminates the need to drive to an undisclosed location and pick up a sewing machine from a total stranger. It also eliminates the chances of a sewing machine getting messed up in shipping. You don’t have as much variety in machines with local pickup as you do with shopping the general listings.

But, regular listings with shipping are available too.  When you don’t shop for local machines, the prices for shipping can get quiet steep. So, do keep this in mind.

Craigslist or FB Marketplace

You can always find great deals on either one of these platforms. But, the problem is the people. You don’t know who you’re meeting or if it’s going to be safe. You also don’t know if there will be some miscommunication leading one or both parties to not show up at the appropriate time. Likewise, there are lots of scammers out there. So, you really do have to be careful and take every precaution when using either one of these platforms to purchase a preowned sewing machine.

Local dealerships

Local shops are an often overlooked but wonderful place to get pre-owned sewing machines. These machines come into local shops on trade in and are serviced by the local dealer. Since the machines have been worked on, you can be at peace because you know the machine is ready to sew. Occasionally, there will be a problem with one of these preowned models. So, make sure to see if there is some sort of return policy available.

Well, Here is a summary of my recommendations.

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