Janome Sew Mini Refurbished?
 

I saw on Overstock.com that they have Janome Sew Mini's for $49.99 + 10% off + free shipping. The catch is that they're "refurbished." I've wanted one of these little sewing machines for a while but couldn't justify paying $100 for something that I don't know how much I'll use it. KWIM?

So, my question is - have you ever bought anything refurbished from Overstock before? If so, what was your experience? Did it break down 5 minutes after you opened the box? I can buy a brand new one from Home Depot for $56.99 + shipping. What do you all think I should do?

I think I might be leery of a refurbished model. They have the Sew Mini on sale at Hancocks today for $39.99. Probably a better deal. This is where I got mine:

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome...VVviewprod.htm

Mine was a lemon. It broke the second day I used it. I had to ship it back at my expense and then pay to have it shipped back to me. I used it once or twice after that and had the same issues with it. It now collects dust and will be thrown away during the yearly "trash" pick up since at least that's free.

It was a huge waste of money, even more so since I bought it at my LSS to "support a local business".

I'd spend a bit more, go to Walmart, and get yourself a Singer.

Others have had better experiences than me though.

I'll echo the others. I'd heard that these weren't great machines first-hand, I certainly wouldn't trust them refurbished.

i have no idea on the machine my input is on refurbished in general. Before my babies i managed a high end photo chain where we sold refurbished cameras. They were junk. Unless someone was specificly looking for a camera to fix, or tinker with - i wouldn't suggest it. Refurbished can be pretty beat up- and it may not be their 1st round at being "repaired" and resold.

I bought mine at Hancock Fabrics also for $39.99 on sale. I drove there (25 min. drive) but, worth it. I love this little machine! it's lightweight and easy to use. Esp. since I'm not a sewer per se.

There are a few other threads on here concerning the Janome Sew Mini, and it seems the majority LOVE this little machine. I own one, but have yet to use it! I've had mine over a year and paid about $49 for it brand new!

Well, I just bought a brand new one at a Hancock store for $39.99 ~ they had one left & it was calling my name. I'm not much of a sewer. Actually, that's an understatement. I borrowed a machine from a friend, & she had to show me how to thread it, & well, turn it on & use it, lol. The Sew Mini will do what I need it for, & as long as I didn't get a lemon I think it's a great deal!

I bought mine- on sale at Hancock right now. Mine is FABULOUS. I love it, love it, love it!!

Same here...Hancock on sale and I LOVE mine. I have even used it to sew patches on my kids scout uniforms...never a problem.

Ooooo....good to know. I HATE sewing on those patches!! Why aren't they iron-on?!??

I love my janome mini. But would not suggest to get it refurbished. Not that I have any experience with refurbished stuff. I just like to get things brand new instead. I paid around $50 for mine at hancock fabrics a few months ago.

If you have a store near you, not only will you save on shipping but they are offering an extra 10% off on your whole purchase (can get a coupon in the flyer). Woo Hoo! Off to get one (actually off to ask my sister to get me one)...Sale is only through Sunday for the machines. Then they go up to $49.99.

BTW, thanks for the heads up on the sale ladies! You are all so awesome!

I am another vote for the "lover" of the Janome Mini. I suppose there are lemons with any machine (like the Escort I had back in the 90s).

I just ordered mine at Hancock...thank you everyone for your wonderful input.

OT:

Sorry about your Escort Lemon. We still have a 95 Escort wagon which was my dd's in college. We helped her get a new car and she gave the wagon to us, because it had no trade-in value. My sis has now been driving it for the last 5years and it's still going strong.:)