Quote:
Originally Posted by embroidtek
Avance is a private label RiComa. It does not have German motors or Japanese Parts.
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Funny, that's exactly what the rep told me. I ultimately determined that it's essentially a Chinese made reinvention of a Ricoma and thus other mass-produced brands with a wealth of ColDesi produced reviews but light on actual customer input. It may be a great machine as it matures but I didn't bite. I needed more objectivity.
Sooo, just bought the SWF 1501C. As I mentioned, I've had SWF before, they struck a good balance for me as I re-fire up my embroidery business and the cost was only slightly higher than the Avance. Here's what I did:
- did what OP is trying - research research research!
- conducted as thorough of a cost/benefit/value analysis as I could on each machine brand. There are some great machines out there.
- negotiated.
I chose the SWF E-T1501C ultimately because it's a brand I'm familiar with, the machines are easy to work on at home (I got pretty proficient on my old one), they offer a 7yr warranty (highest) on the machine (3yr electronics), have a local tech, and despite the fact that they have moved distributors around the country (Stitch It Intl has it now), the parent company stands behind their brand/reputation and has always been responsive to me. We got burned by a distributor in 2002 (old SWFWest). They flew a tech out from Korea and spent two days completely overhauling and bringing the machine to new condition. Amazed and they earned my loyalty even though they've had their difficulty clearing the recession.
There will be Santa Clauses and Grinches on the quality of the SWF brand. I tend to be more objective and when I get it, use, and maintain it, happy to post what I can.