Sisty88

So I'm going to buy a new sewing machine tomorrow...all the online prices in the UK are the same as my local dealer so I am going to buy it from there so I get the after sale support!
I just did a quick Google search and discovered (to my horror!) that the price of the machine in America is $1049, which works out at just under £700. The price of it here is £1399! That's double! I honestly just can't believe it!
Does anyone know why there is such a massive difference? I'm tempted to order it from the US and get a transformer for it! although then I'd miss out on the after sale support!
I'm hoping to get them to knock a bit off but I'm not an experienced haggler and don't really know how to go about it!

Annaquilts

Hmmm no idea why it is like that but I think my train of thought would be the same. However do you have import cost like a tax? also you would need to be double sure the machine would work with a transformer. Sorry that the machine is so expensive. I personally never needed much after support so I would get the cheapest set up.

Skittl1321

In addition to import taxes. Maybe their overhead costs of their shops are much higher- so the aftersale support costs are in the price.

Plus supply/demand. That's the price the market will bear.

Sisty88

Ooh, good point on the import tax! I've been caught by it before so should have thought of that! They'd charge me 20% plus whatever they charge for dealing with the payment (some horrendous amount I'm sure!)
I don't know much about electrics but my dad seems to think it would work with a transformer and he's pretty handy with that kind of thing...I think I'd be nervous about it not working though!

Prism99

Sewing machines on transformers don't last as long; it's hard on the machine. I wouldn't do it.

stella63

Hi, I know what u mean I live in the UK and its not only the machines that is so much more expensive than USA the fabric is, as well as any grace products from just one shop that does them. soooo frustrating. What machine are u buying? I have two Janome's and a Bernina 8 series.

Sisty88

I'm getting a juki, either the hzl f400 or the f600. I fell in love with the f400 last time I was at the shop when I was working out how much I needed to save up, but my mum just gave me some money so I can afford the f600...it's just put me off a bit knowing how much cheaper it is in America!

Sisty88

Ooh, thank you! I didn't know that! I think I'll definitely buy from the UK then!
Anyone got any haggling tips? I'm hoping to get a decent discount after my discovery!

Sewnoma

I just recently learned this too - a friend of mine recently (just 3 days ago!) moved from the US to the Netherlands, and she sold all of her sewing machines rather than take them with her because of this. The things you learn!

Congrats on your new machine, I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get!

stella63

Good luck, I hear juki is a good machine. I live in Essex and there isn't many sewing machine shops so u can haggle a bit as they wasn't your custom. They can only say no, you should at least try for £100 off the price. If you are bold try for more and meet in the middle... ..Nothing to lose.