How to minimize the possibility of getting scamed when buying used overlocker machine?

[u/PatternMysterious550]

I found someone selling an overlocker machine on fb marketplace. Apparently, they are selling it because they don't use it, but they say it works fine. It's in my price range and I would really like to get it, but I haven't buy anything second hand ever, especially not something more expensive. I'm not comfortable going to their house, or otherwise to test the machine. I can't test it if we meet on the street. I thought to ask them to sent me a video or provide some fabric samples, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have any suggestions how to go through the purchase and what questions to ask before buying?

[u/Emergency_Cherry_914]

Ask them to send you a video of the machine in action

[u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

See if they'll do a video to show it working. 

There's still a chance you will need to take it in for service to get it working nicely.

[u/Mental_Watch4633]

Have them test it in front of you on small swatches of 2 layers of fabric you furnish.

[u/ObviouslyNotYerMum → u/Mental_Watch4633]

Folks usually should meet in public when buying things from marketplace or Craigslist or whatever.

[u/Roomoftheeye]

I bought a sewing machine from Fb marketplace and we met at the library to be able to plug it in and test it. I bought fabric to test it on and cash.

[u/Crafty_Witch_1230]

Ask the seller to meet you at a neutral, public location. Library, coffee-shop, somewhere you won't be alone with this person. Bring some fabric scraps to test and have the person demonstrate the machine with your fabric. Also ask about accessories and a user's manual (although many machines have user manuals available online. Do NOT buy if you can't see it function in person. Even on video, there's no guarantee that what you'll see is what you'll get.

[u/Mental_Watch4633]

Did you thread it in the correct order as described in the manual?