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Member since 9/7/10
Posts: 114
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Posted on: 9/19/10 4:17 PM ET
I have read now over these forums that you never want to pay the list price for a machine as the dealer will usually come down in price.

Does anyone have any tips on how to best haggle for the machine you want (once you find it)?

Can you just ask them to give you a lower price? or should you try to get extra goodies (thread, needles, add ons etc?)?

What are your buying stories...
  
Member since 12/3/09
Posts: 982
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Posted on: 9/19/10 4:25 PM ET
In reply to emaj
I'm not a great haggler, but I know it's not good to look too interested. Be aloof. We all know there is something just around the corner. Don't go in with the maentality that you have to have something today. You can even look disappointed and say "I'll keep it in mind" then, walk away. If you're buying new - I don't think anyone ever pays full retail. You have to wait for a sale. They probably have two really good sales per year. Now, hopefully a good haggler will respond. Good luck, Bert
  
Member since 1/20/10
Posts: 3195
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Posted on: 9/19/10 4:45 PM ET
Do your research ahead of time and know solidly what your max is. Be realistic with your price, and don't budge from that. Do NOT fall for the "if you buy it right NOW we'll do this for you" ploy. I have shrugged, given up, and walked off a car lot....only to have them call me several hours later with an OK to my price. Too bad for them, because I had already bought another car elsewhere!
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a blog about creativity, sewing, vintage sewing machines, and...... life :)
  
Member since 9/7/10
Posts: 114
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Posted on: 9/20/10 0:08 AM ET
Thanks for the replies!

Thats funny about the car dealer, I will have to remember that :)
  
Member since 3/4/05
Posts: 5265
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Posted on: 9/20/10 0:17 AM ET
Just figure you can most likely get it for about 40% the list price. Paying cash, buying something they have in stock or buying more than one item can help.
-- Edited on 9/20/10 0:20 AM --
  
Member since 4/17/09
Posts: 1678
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Posted on: 9/20/10 0:48 AM ET
In reply to emaj
Quote: emaj
Does anyone have any tips on how to best haggle for the machine you want (once you find it)

Okay, this is mostly for the internet, but I'm a pretty good haggler. After you have found the machine you want, call and ask about it. Ask the price and if they are willing to price match if you find it cheaper. Sometimes they will say, this is about the best I can do. IGNORE that remark. Just say thank you and hang up. Okay, say their price was $900. Call another business and ask how much they want for the machine. If they say $1000, say oh I just spoke to so and so and they have it for $900, if I decide to buy will you price match or can you beat this price. You'd be surpised at how many will beat the price you quote. You can use one business against the other, they do not check with each other. I once called a business and asked how much a machine was, he said it was on special for $1499. I told him I just wanted the machine and original accessories nothing else and I didn't need the special they had. He said that was the best they could do. This was early in the morning. I called three other places and I managed to find it for $899 because each dealer outbid each other. I then called the first place that quoted me $1499 and told them I found it for $899 without the extras, would they price match. Now it was four hours later and the salesman needed to make a sale before the end of the day, so he checked and they did it. The reason I went back to the first place is because they had the best warranty of all the places. So I guess a good start would be to decide where you want to buy the machine. I did this locally also. But all the local dealers know me very well and I usually don't need the classes, so I usually manage to get what I want. Sometimes it takes them a week or two to come around, but they usually do. HTH Flo

ETA: Good online stores: Sewing Machines Plus, Sew and Vac Direct, AceSewVac, Ken's Sew and Vac,Sewing Machine Shop and Sewing Machine Outlet. These are the ones that come to mind right away.


-- Edited on 9/20/10 1:00 AM --
  
Member since 9/7/10
Posts: 114
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Posted on: 9/20/10 11:31 AM ET
Great tips! Do you find it easier to deal with them over the phone then rather than go in person? do you haggle more once you get into the store?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7614
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Posted on: 9/20/10 11:35 AM ET
I've found it difficult to get a store to give me prices over the phone. They want to deal face to face.
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If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
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Posted on: 9/20/10 12:11 PM ET
Don't pay list price. Ask when there will be a sale, etc.

Floor models should be cheaper too.

You won't know unless you ask.

Even on sale machines, ask if they can come lower. Be specific on the price. I often get extras like a wheel trolley, designs or extra feet.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 9/20/10 3:22 PM ET
When I got my Brother Innovis, I did the attitude where I'm not really having to have a machine right now, just looking. I kept going in though, and kept looking at it, acting like I just couldn't make my mind up. This was Allbrands, when they actually had a great GM who was ON the floor all the time. He and I got to know each other, and he finally one day offered me the machine at a price I couldn't pass up.
The trick was that he knew I wanted a machine based on how many times I was going in, so he offered me a great price to help me make my mind up. Some dealers aren't this savvy though.
Too bad he's not there still. He knew what customer service was about. No one there currently even wants to help you, but I digress.
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution


When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
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