Looking for advice on buying a 4 or 6-head embroidery machine

ThePromoCorp

We currently outsource our embroidery and we're looking to bring it in-house. When I first began researching machines, I was finding that I could purchase a brand new machine for around $25,000 for a 4-head, $30,000 for a 6-head.
This would be new, delivered, installed with training. Since it would be our first, I figured that this would be the best way to go (brands like CamFive, Highland, Ricoma)
As I continue my research, I'm finding that the top brands are Barudan, Tajima, SWF. I'm also finding that these machines are double the prices above.
I realize that these machines are better built & have a better reputation, but would it be a mistake to buy the lesser price machine?
Are the more expensive brands the Mercedes of embroidery, but the others will do a fine job??? I've read some horror stories on the less expensive machines.
If I buy a used Barudan, Tajima or SWF, how would I get training & service (I'm in the suburbs of Chicago).
I'm not sure that we can afford to spend $45-$50,000 on the high-end machines.
Any advice on which brands to stay away from & which to consider would be appreciated.

ayugup

Which Brand is good. Tajima Barudan and ZSK
Not good - SWF(My tech says) and every other brand ( melco also).
Truly Ricoma is one of the worst, if not the worst brands in America. They have many people suing them, and they don't have a tech everywhere.

I understand that you wanna get more for your buck. I'm the same way and/or used to be, and i still make some mistakes when i try to do a cheap way. But there isn't any cheap way.

If you wanna save some money and have a faster way to do your stuff, then buy 1 9 needle and 1 15 needle on whichever brand you want. That's gonna run you about 30,000 with the shipping( estimate).

Individual machines are better cause you can run different designs on the machines. The only thing i can say that will increase your business, is to do some work and outsource some of your work.

SignShop2810

I have a 6 head Ricoma that I wouldn't sell to my worst enemy. It's cost me money, customers, and almost my embroidery business. I purchased a 4 head ZSK and it's been the best since I bought it. It out shines my Barudan machines... www.zskmachines.com and get in touch with Bob or Nick.,... You will not regret it... They have plug and play accessories, all mechanics in the head of the machine are metal. The very best on the market...