When hire wins
- One project with a clear end date.
- Trying a machine type before buying.
- A short-term production spike for a small business.
When buying wins
If you will sew for more than a few months, the cost of hire adds up quickly. A tested used machine keeps much of its value, so you can sell it or part-exchange it later.
Questions to ask a hire company
- What is the total cost, including deposit and delivery?
- Has the machine been serviced and safety-checked?
- What happens if it breaks?
- Are needles, bobbins and a manual included?
A worked example (without made-up prices)
Compare three numbers before you decide: the total hire cost for the period you need, the price of a serviced used machine, and its likely resale or part-exchange value afterwards. If the hire cost is close to the difference between buying and reselling, buying usually wins.
Hire for businesses
For a small business, hire or short-term arrangements can cover a seasonal peak or a one-off contract without a long-term commitment. Check who services the machine, how quickly faults are fixed, and whether hire payments can count towards buying.
Buying used and reselling
Quality used machines tend to hold their value if kept clean and serviced. Keep the manual, accessories and service receipts: they help when you sell or part-exchange later.
Hire checklist to keep
- Machine make, model and serial number on the agreement.
- Photos of condition on delivery.
- Accessories supplied: feet, bobbins, needles, manual, pedal.
- Contact for faults and expected response time.
- Return date and condition expected.
A middle route
Buy a used machine from a specialist and part-exchange it later. In Leicester, PK Sewing Machines sells tested used machines, offers part exchange and can arrange collection and delivery. Read our hire guide and see the PKSM profile. Leicester’s textile history means there is a deep pool of good used machines in the region.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
