Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): hard pull rope on weed eater, weed eater, spark plug

Question
Hello, I just bought a used craftsman weed eater, it is a 25cc model 358.796200.  I only paid 25 dollars for it, so I don't expect to much out of it.  When I met the person to look at it, I tried starting it and noticed that the rope was very hard to pull.  I actually stopped trying for a couple of minutes because I wasn't even going to buy it. I was thinking it could be an issue with the piston or something serious in the engine itself.  I ended up trying it again, noticing that it pulled a little easier after a few pulls and it even ended up starting.  Well, needless to say I bought it and tried it a few more times, it has been starting and working, but it is still hard to pull.  I haven't taken it apart or anything yet, but was wondering if you could shed some light on what this might be from.  Could it be something as simple as the stater rope or could it be something more serious.  Could this engine have been seized at one time.  I could probably take the spark plug out and try looking at the piston, but I have not done so yet. I thought I would get some pro advice before servicing.  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much for your time and have yourself a great day, thanks again!

Answer
It's really hard to say without looking at it.  If it will run, then there's a good chance it's nothing more than the starter.  Usually if it's going to be the piston or crank or whatever, there's other symptoms too.  Such as knocking, not starting, that sort of thing.  Thanks, PK.