Where Can I Sell a Sewing Machine
As a craftsperson, hobbyist, or business owner, knowing where to sell your sewing machine can be difficult. From online marketplaces, to brick and mortar stores, to even garage sales and flea markets, there are a variety of places to sell a sewing machine— most of which come with their own pros and cons.
Talking to one’s current sewing machine retailer is a great place to start. Many times, when a new model of the same brand is purchased, the retailer will take your old machine in as a trade-in, or you may even be able to return the machine with a small penalty.
For those looking to make a bit of cash, they may find that it’s more difficult than they think. Selling a used sewing machine, and particularly a vintage one, is difficult even with the advent of e-commerce. Doing so requires some knowledge of the specifics of the model you have, the condition it’s in, and its current market price.
A great way to determine the value of your machine is to take it to a local repair shop, which can provide an appraisal of both market value and repair costs. Consider it an investment and budget accordingly into your costs.
The next step is to establish where to list the sewing machine and begin the process of selling. Craigslist is a great choice, as it’s a localized platform and you can easily search for postings. You’ll be able to gauge the competitive landscape, see what prices people are asking, and establish what features the available machines have.
If you’re willing to go the extra mile, you might want to consider Facebook, eBay, and Etsy stores. These all involve a $10 account fee and come with various levels of labour, from listing the machine, setting up a shop, taking and editing photos of the product, positioning it’s worth, and keeping up with customer service. Consider hiring a professional photographer for the product images to help capture all the details of the machine and imbue a sense of trust.
Other options include consignment stores. If you’re in a small town, many places allow people to showcase other people’s items for a commission–– usually around 25 to 50 percent. A great way to locate these stores is to look for large signs that have a “we buy” message. The consignment store will usually take the item and prepare it for sale, or buy it outright. However, this process can take up to two months.
Garage Sales/Flea Markets
If your sewing machine isn’t particularly valuable and you are located in a small town, then having a garage sale or visiting a flea market is a great way of selling it. You don’t have to worry about managing product photos or descriptions, and it’s a great way to reach the local market. Of course, there may only be those interested in a bargain, but you’re able to immediately negotiate price, as well as demonstrate the product in person.
Determine the expected price and be cautious of underpricing, as nowadays people tend to also compare prices online when seeking good deals. Make it as easy as possible for others to purchase the machine and you can even offer to take it away from the flea market–– a great way of making sure it doesn’t become display furniture forever.
When holding a garage sale, consider tagging all of the items for sale with a price. This eliminates the hassle of haggling and allows buyers to purchase an item without needing to engage in tough negotiations. Also, always make sure to check that the thread is securely wound and that the machine is correctly cleaned, oiled, and maintained.
Evaluating the Competition
Prior to selling, always take the time to look at what others are selling their sewing machine for and the state they are in. Taking a quick look at popular places on the web can give you a better understanding of what you can expect to earn. Not only that, but it can help you to feature your machine against other competitors in terms of condition and pricing.
Take note of the price, the year of manufacture, and any additional accessories, such as threading instruments or a walking foot. For vintage models, search for the serial number, which you can find on the transfer plate on the back of the machine. If found online, keep track of it and make sure to double check for the pricing and year of the unit.
Be knowledgeable about the machine you are selling and take into account the pros and cons of each marketplace and the type of markets they cater too. Ads of any kind should be short, informative, and interactive so as to engage buyers. Don’t be afraid to answer questions, provide additional information, and tell a good story.
Marketplaces to Avoid
Be cautious of any platforms that appear to be fraudulent or unsavory. A great rule of thumb is to trust your gut instincts–– if something or someone looks too suspicious, then it likely is. Also, note that the most competitive markets occur primarily around holidays, when the majority of people spend their money. Mid-February to mid-May is a prime season for selling machines, while mid-August to mid-October is another.
Additionally, avoid bulk-selling sites, as many of them tend to offer lower prices than you would normally receive from other sources, such as through a reseller. Try to go for more personalized platforms to maximize your return on investment.
The Benefits Of Selling A Sewing Machine
Finally, it’s important to remember that selling a sewing machine can be a great way to upgrade or to buy a better one, while being able to finance the expenses and receive money back into your pocket. Selling a machine can present an opportunity to purchase the one you’ve been wanting, or to invest in accessories, textiles, and more.
When selling a second-hand machine, both the seller and buyer can benefit. Not only does the seller get to recuperate their costs and make a bit of cash, but the buyer can get a machine for a fraction of the price.
Selling a sewing machine requires understanding the market, from determining value to pricing, assessing competition, and planning the sale in the most effective way. We hope this article has provided some helpful information on where to sell a sewing machine and how to maximise the most out of your sale.
Using Online Platforms
Online platforms are a great way to sell a sewing machine, as they offer a global reach to buyers and a convenient way to market a product. Though setting up shop on a site like eBay or Etsy may require a one-time fee and a little bit of knowledge, the rewards can be great, especially if the product is placed in the right category and marketed to the right audience.
Online platforms such as eBay and Etsy also offer a secure payment system and guarantee both buyer and seller satisfaction. Plus, for those looking for an extra edge, you can always contact the platform customer service for support in order to smoothly transition from novice to experienced seller.
Listing an item online increases the chances of a transaction, as those looking for specific items are more likely to find what they’re looking for within the blink of an eye. And with marketers being able to set free shipping and more, shoppers have more options and incentives to buy.
Teaming Up With Re-Sellers
Teaming up with re-sellers is another great way to maximize sales. Most re-sellers pay by check and only charge a 5-10 percent commission rate, though it’s important to note that they’re unlikely to accept vintage machines or ones that require any sort of repairs. They may also only accept models of higher-end machines, such as a Janome or a Singer.
Before you hand over the machine or sign any agreements, it’s important to keep in mind that the re-seller will likely inspect the machine, and may potentially reduce your original offer price. It’s best to compare the potential payout with other marketplaces before deciding.
Preparing The Machine For Sale
When preparing the machine for sale, always make sure to consider the customer’s needs. The sewing machine should be properly cleaned, and have a few feet, bobbins, and needles, as well as some extra accessories and a hard carrying case, as these add value to the machine.
Not only should the buyer feel satisfied when buying the machine, but also the seller, who can walk away with some extra cash, which can be used to purchase something new, or to invest in a new hobby.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, sale of a sewing machine can be a profitful if challenging endeavor, but with the right preparation, list of marketplaces, and setup, you can make the most of your machine. So here’s to success and finding the perfect buyer.
