Does anyone have any experience buying sewing machines on ebay? I've been looking for a cheaper Viking, particularly, and there seems to be a few good ones. I have only ever won one thing off ebay, though (and it was a book), so I'm sort of nervous. Should I be asking a lot of questions in advance, or just go for it?
The ones I'm looking at are these, all of which have good reviews on patternreview:
http://tinyurl.com/p9q84f
http://tinyurl.com/q9ve43
http://tinyurl.com/qt6ypx
And this one, which I have already asked if they're planning on putting it back up on ebay, since there are no bids and the auction is almost over.
http://tinyurl.com/lu3mcv
I've bought a number of machines off Ebay; I mainly go for older mechanicals, but have purchased several computer-era Vikings. Mostly, the experience has been good.
Be aware of the feedback rating of the seller (all the ones you listed are 100%) -- you can also check the detail to see if that feedback was based on selling or buying.
My personal feeling is that when it says "Machine has been serviced", they mean they oiled it themselves. You can ask if they meant the machine was serviced by a technician. When they say "machine works well", they mean they turned it on and the needle went up and down. You can ask if they can post a picture of some stitching samples.
Still, these are all pretty current machines and appear to be in good condition. I have a #1 and really like it -- like you said, it's highly regarded on the sewing forums.
You might also check "Completed Listings" for these models to get an idea of ending prices.
Also, if you win a machine, you can offer to pay extra for good packing (like double boxing). In particular, ask them to secure any loose objects (like foot pedals) by taping them to the machine (I've had a couple of machines ruined by foot pedals bouncing around). Crumpled up newspaper is NOT adequate packing material -- a 20 pound sewing machine will smash through like that like a 20 pound bowling ball (even though bowling balls only go up to 16 pounds). You can find an article on packing a sewing machine at http://www.sew2go.com/packingseries.htm (http://www.sew2go.com/packingseries.htm).
BTW, I always pay with PayPal -- have had money refunded in those few cases where seller messed up.
What on Earth would we do without Pascal? You're such a boon to this forum! Gramercy!
Rebecca, there's actually a thread on the Pattern Review message boards about buying machines on ebay (probably the sewing machines forum)--lots of great tips on dealers, etc.