New to Embroidery

I bought a used Melco in 2002 and still working like a charm. Knock on wood! It is like a car. Take care of it, keep on top of maintenance like oiling etc... learn how to fix and clean it yourself and that will make a huge difference.

Unless you have SOME mechanical experience... I would always recommend your first machine be a new one from one of the top names in the industry... Tajima, SWF, Barudan.. for example. These are easier to find help with maintenance on and are easier to sell if you need to. New machines come with some sort of training as well as some sort of maintenance package. Also you are not buying someone elses problem.

Now, once you know what you are doing then by all means future purchases can be pre-owned machines.

Robert makes a good point. I had experience working with three machines and when I started my own business I chose the one that I felt most comfortable with including the maintaining part of it.
Do you have any embroidery experience?

oops. I should have said experience with three different types of machines not three machines. I had worked on Barudans, Tajimas and Melcos and to me they were very similar and in the end just chose to buy the one I could run the easiest and fix myself.

Hey Nametags,

In case you are interested. I have been using Forte' PD for years and just bought Wilcom ESe-2 a couple of months ago.

I am still learning Wilcom, and both Software's have their advantages. From what I have seen so far (EXCEPT FOR THE PRICE) Wilcom is worth looking into.

BJ24 "FIX"? what? I thought they were ALL self sufficient and lasted for decades with nothing more than a kick here and a kick there?

Buy new; you get training, warranty, tech support, and usually some perks.

When you're ready to buy, hold out for a full software digitizing program. Mine is forte', but I'd love to learn wilcom.

I'm in my 3rd year, and no problems with my machine yet. It's a Toyota 9100 from pantograms.

If it is your first machine, by from a reseller or the manufacturer itself. You won't get the absolute lowest price, compared to buying directly from an owner, but you are going to have better options like warranties and training included in the purchase price.

I have a blog the subject here: http://www.theembroiderybusiness.com/2012/07/buying-used-or-reconditioned-embroidery.html