Best Machine for Newbie with a Small Business

JonCR · March 5th, 2013, 11:15 AM

OK, I know this question has probably been asked before and understand that everyone has personal preferences on machines. Once we get a new machine we will go for a training.

Here it is....
What is the best maching for a newbie with a small business? Currently our #1 overhead is embroidery costs and when we have items made up we are having 3-10 made at a time maybe twice per month on the average and my guess is our costs over the last year to year in a half would have bought a machine. Since this is my wifes full time job she will be able to put the time and effort into learning. Our current needs are for basic script and block embroidery that has been digitized, but I don't want the machine to limit us. Also, our embroidery field will be say at the max 13" x 8" at this point. I am open to good quality used or new. If I was buying new I would spend approx 15,000 but if used would like to spend 1/2 that. we also will be sending out our are work for digitizing.

thanks for your help and if I am missing a key piece of info let me know.

Jon

Robert Young · March 5th, 2013, 12:35 PM

hi, Welcome to the forum!

Did I understand your post correctly... you are sewing about 20 items per month on average? "we are having 3-10 made at a time maybe twice per month on the average " If I understand then that would not be enough for me to consider buying a machine. And if the Mrs is already considering her involvement as "full time" then I am not so sure she should water down her time available to sell by spending time in front of a machine?

I would wait until your embroidery costs were well above what the machine payment would be per month...(more than 3X) because if she is having to sew then each hour she sews is quite a bit lost in selling time.

minimalist · March 5th, 2013, 02:16 PM

Barudan, Tajima, Happy full size or ZSK. I'd buy used at your volume. Keep in mind that you're going to need software. Many used machines are sold with everything included at give away prices.

Everything the same or different. If the same try to buy a multi head. If not then singles are the way to go. There are 2 barudans elites in the for sale section for 8K a piece. Slightly overpriced but maybe they'll work with you.

nametags · March 6th, 2013, 08:37 AM

We have the toyota 9100, and love it. The preloaded fonts are good to start with. I say buy new, you need it for your first one. Unless you find a certified used one from a dealer that will give you a warranty and can provide service in a timely manner, buy new.

Robert is correct in that if that's what you're doing, continue until you get your sales up, unless you want to take the plunge.

Also, are you working out of your home, or a shop, that matters big time!

Good luck.

Nemodogdad · March 6th, 2013, 08:51 AM

As stated by many before, you really don't have volume for a machine purchase. That said, I do NOT recommend buying a used machine unless it comes with a tech to set it uo and make sure all components are operational. Both Brother & Toyota make good quality table top machines. My personal preference is for Tajima Bridge machines (TFMX-II) which are far more expensive, but operate at higher speeds with almost no vibration, and produce 100% accurate sew outs. It might make more sense to invest a little in a scaleable digitizing system instead of a machine. You can always plot out you designs on a color printer, and you will be able to shop you sampling needs.

JMHO

Jamie

OhSewFun · March 6th, 2013, 10:00 PM

Brand new to this forum and have already gained a wealth of information from you guys. It's great you can take time to help us "newbies". I am looking at Melco, Baby Lock and Brother. All are offering great incentives right now. I don't see that anyone has mentioned the Melco. Is this not a good brand to buy!? BTW, I'll be working out of my home. I've been embroidering on a small home machine for about ten years and I'm tired of the restrictions it puts on me. Thanks for your input!

minimalist · March 6th, 2013, 10:20 PM

With the amaya (melco) there is no controller. You have to use your computer and their software.

If you're buying a PR series or the same type in baby lock you'll end up spending what you could buy a used single head bridge model for.

I paid 8.5K for a used 2006 ZSK J0115 500. Came with the software and everything else. I already had machines but it would have been a turnkey deal if I didn't. Get a new PR and you'll pay slightly less than that.

OhSewFun · March 7th, 2013, 01:45 PM

Thank you, Minimalist

cjmoran1997 · April 9th, 2013, 12:49 PM

I too was interested in a small part time business of embroidering and digitizing. After reading your post, I wondered if you might be interested in purchasing my Babylock Ellageo and the Masterworks digitizing software. I have all the instructional dvd's from Masterworks and John Deer when I attended one of their informational sessions. I work about 45-60 hours/ week and honestly don't have the mental fortitude to pursue this as a business. I don't know if you want a residential, single head machine. I spent almost $8,000.00 for everything(machine, software, embroidery threads, stabilizers and extras) about 5 years ago and have all current updates for the machine and software. I have too much money tied up for something I have used very little. I only watched the 1st of all the dvd's! I would like to liquidate and if you are interested you can contact me at [email address]

teamcolors · April 9th, 2013, 02:38 PM

I also bought a brand new machine to use from my home. Problem is, I'm never home to use it! If you are interested I have a Toyota 860 still in the original factory plastic wrap (I took it out of the crate to get it in the door) and also a software package is available. Depending on your location, you can go to a class or online class, to learn the specifics of the machine. Pretty basic, there are even techs that will come to you, a little pricey though.
Jim
TeamColors