Singer 221K - what to do?
#1
My Mom wants to sell her Singer Featherweight 221K - except she wants me to do the "selling". Machine sat unused for twenty years, and she has no use for it.
Recently had motor lubricated, and it is in good working condition. It has all parts as far as I can tell, plus the original manual, cabinet and carrying case.
Any thoughts on how to sell it? Any idea how to price it? Is it worth selling through an "antiques" store?
Photos in a couple of weeks...
Lynne
Recently had motor lubricated, and it is in good working condition. It has all parts as far as I can tell, plus the original manual, cabinet and carrying case.
Any thoughts on how to sell it? Any idea how to price it? Is it worth selling through an "antiques" store?
Photos in a couple of weeks...
Lynne
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Why not sell it here? You need to become a regular first (based on number of posts). Check the "classifieds" section of the website to find the rules.
Price of a featherweight is often very dependent on decals. The more pristine the decals, the higher the price. Where I am, featherweights often sell for about $300. If it comes with the case and attachments, $350.
The most difficult thing if selling long-distance is properly packaging the machine for shipment. Many machines are damaged during shipping because of improper packaging. To avoid the packaging issue entirely, you could advertise for local pick-up. Craigslist would be a good place to list the item for free. Newspaper ads cost a little but can also be a good place to advertise -- especially in the smaller, more local papers.
Edit: Oh, yes. Why not keep it for yourself?
I think an "antiques" store would be one of the worst places to sell a featherweight. They would want to pay you $50 for it and then would try to sell it for $400-500. Direct selling is a much better option for you, especially since there is a persistent demand for featherweights.
Price of a featherweight is often very dependent on decals. The more pristine the decals, the higher the price. Where I am, featherweights often sell for about $300. If it comes with the case and attachments, $350.
The most difficult thing if selling long-distance is properly packaging the machine for shipment. Many machines are damaged during shipping because of improper packaging. To avoid the packaging issue entirely, you could advertise for local pick-up. Craigslist would be a good place to list the item for free. Newspaper ads cost a little but can also be a good place to advertise -- especially in the smaller, more local papers.
Edit: Oh, yes. Why not keep it for yourself?
I think an "antiques" store would be one of the worst places to sell a featherweight. They would want to pay you $50 for it and then would try to sell it for $400-500. Direct selling is a much better option for you, especially since there is a persistent demand for featherweights.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
I bought a FW via CL, my first FW, first CL purchase, first used machine, first vintage machine. We met in public and I paid cash after a quick look. I think you should seriously consider keeping it or buying it from your mom. You might really regret selling it one day. If I were to sell one of my FWs in good condition with the case and accessories, I'd not take less than $300. If it has the scroll faceplate or a special badge (A Century of Sewing 1851-1951, or others, it's worth even more).
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