?'s on trading/ upgrading my machine

I have a Bernina Activa 210.   I've had it for about a year and a half.  It really is very nice, works great, all that.  At the time I got it, I really didn't think I'd have a need for anything "fancy"...my mom bought it for me as a gift.  I insisted to her that I really didn't need a new one (my 30-year old Kenmore was just fine!)   but she, in her seamstress wisdom, insisted that I did.  She was soooo right.    And now that I'm actually sewing on a daily basis and getting more addicted by the day, I'm totally wanting to upgrade!  I would love to go up to the 220 or even 230, depending on the cost.  Does anyone know how this works?  Do sewing machine (particularly Bernina) dealers do this sort of thing?   

Go talk to your Bernina dealer. A lot of times, they run a deal where you can upgrade within 90 days or so with full credit from the older machine to the new, BUT if you talk to them, they might be willing to work something out with you, because it's usually in their best interest as a company and good word of mouth to do so.

Yes, talk with your Bernina dealer.  Generally, if you are wanting to upgrade to another Bernina they will work with you no matter how old the machine is.  I bought a used 230 a year or two ago from my Bernina dealer to use as a second machine.  It is a great machine.  It stitches as well as a higher up Bernina that I have.  You just don't have the option of adding the embroidery module with the 210-240...but the machine itself is great!

Cindy
http://sew-blessed.blogspot.com/

The quickest and easiest solution is to go to your Bernina dealer to trade up which they are usually more than happy to do.  Unfortunately they will not give you the best price.  If you have the time and energy, I would list it on Ebay or Craigslist to sell yourself.  Berninas have a great reputation and a high re-sale value so it shouldn't be too much of a hassle to sell yourself.  From past experience, dealers will only give you a little more than half the machine's worth towards your new machine.  If you want more $ to spend toward your new machine, sell it yourself and go for your dream machine.   

You might want to also see what other dealers are in your area. If you are interested in test driving other brands some of them can be very competitive if you trade in another machine.