cost of Bernina machines

Does anyone know what an entry level Bernina costs?  My Kenmore machine has bit the dust (the second one).  I sew on it almost everyday making clothes, quilts, bags, and other items.  My Kenmore cost around $200.  I'm prepared to pay more for a better machine, perhaps the $500 range.  There are Brother and Bernina dealers locally.  I know that Bernina machines are very good, but I have no idea what they cost.  Is there any point in my going to visit the dealer? 

It partly depends on your dealer. I bought a Bernina 12 years ago--then it was an entry level electronic machine and was around $700 with tax. I bought from a dealer I didn't like because I knew I was moving and wouldn't have a long term relationship with them. As I recall, their mechanical machine was something like $550 or $600. Again, this is 12 years ago.

Almost 2 years ago, I bought a 440. It was, uh, much more. But one thing I did was negotiate for different feet, gift cert, extra bobbins, etc. Most dealers have the same "sale price" and contractually cannot go too much below that with their Bernina contract. However, they are all very able, if you ask, to give you that price and allow you to negotiate extras from their store. You should know that I passed no less than 3 other Bernina dealers in my drive north to a town 1.5 hours away from me to get the dealer I love and the deal I liked. So, when I need service I'm driving for a while and then without a machine for a minimum of a week until I have time to make the hike back up. But it's worth it.

I would strongly recommend 1) getting the best machine you can afford (the lack of worry and ease of use will pay for itself) and 2) going to all kinds of dealers in your town in the towns close by etc and playing on the machines. You never know what speaks to you until you've tried it.

A few weeks ago I purchased a Bernina 230PE for $1,260.   
The Bernina dealer was having a sale, so you may find this model at a higher or lower price depending on the sale the dealer is having. 
I would recommend stopping by a Bernina dealer and take a look at the different machines.  Ask lots of questions and do some practice sewing.  It doesn't cost a thing to collect information.

Good luck!

You may want to keep checking with your local dealer for used machines that are traded in when somebody trades one in for a model with more bells and whistles.  If you are looking for a sewing machine (not an embroidery machine) the 1008 is an absolute workhorse.  It is the mechanical machine model that is related to the old 830 and 930. I am on my fifth Bernina, my first was an original 830.  There was no comparison with my old Kenmore--never looked back.  You can usually buy more machine with a used model. 

My Bernina dealer just told me the other day that Bernina is phasing out the 200 series and bringing in a 300 series.  So you may be able to get a floor model or a trade-in for a good deal.  At my local shop that same day they had a 220 floor model for $600 and it looked brand new!  I have a 230 that I bought used for $800 a few years back and it has an incredible stitch.  Just a thought for you.  I don't believe you could ever be disappointed with a Bernina!!!  I have two plus my daughter has a Bernette...she loves it too!!!

Cindy
www.sew-blessed.blogspot.com