Buy a new or used XT?

[kay]

Hi,
We are on the verge of taking our business to the next level with a commercial machine. We have done a lot of research and are caught up in buying a new or used machine. What are the dis-advantages to going used (ie training, etc.) also what would we need to be wary of with a used machine? I know there is a $600 re-registration fee with Melco, but does a warranty transfer over??
Thank you for any help you can offer!

[TinaK]

Kay;

I bought a refurbished directly from Melco which included 2 days training and 1 year warranty and at first had a lot of problems but I can tell you that it all worked out and would not even consider a different brand of machine.
My thoughts is why pay more for a new machine when I can buy the same machine for less dollars and that way have some wiggle room for inventory, supplies, etc...I think it really boils down to what your comfortable with as far as cost.
Just my two cents...good luck!

[smt by debbie]

I also bought a used machine. It included all the training and warranties. Only problems were from the user. Training was the best tool. And, like you mentioned, I had money for supplies and extras.

[Steve]

Kay,
If you buy anything directly from Melco, there is no transfer fee. I believe the fee only applies to software and not the machine but please call a sales rep to confirm that. They really are low pressure people. I bought a used machine directly from the person selling it for about half the price of a new one. It also gave me everything I needed to get started, backing, thread, needles, bobbins, etc. Right after I bought it, I had a tech come by and tune it up. It was well worth the investment at a fraction of the price of a new machine. I would certainly get another used machine.

[kay]

Thanks for the advice. We were definitely leaning towards a used machine just because of the cost. There seem to be some good deals out there - we are just a bit wary of buying a machine that could have been mis-used. But the idea to have a tech come out sounds great.
Thanks again!

[Dorothy Compton]

I bought my second machine from www.Equip-Used.com. You will have the transfer fees but the machines come with a 90-day warranty (not as good as melco's but at least it's something). The only thing you have to do is arrange for shipping (they professionally crate). There is no training but you may or may not need that (depending on your computer and embroidery experience....I didn't go to training until over 6 months after I received the machine and had been using it successfully). Good Luck!

Dorothy Compton, Owner
Bee Embroidered
www.BeeEmbroidered.com
(916) 635-7467

[signman]

Used machines can be a great bargain IF you can get the Melco extended warranty on them. Several shops are selling off XT's right now that may be less than 8 months old...which would be still under Melco original warranty, and that is transferable (of course, for a fee), and then you pick up the extended warranty when that runs out. WELL worth the price for the warranty-you get a yearly 'checkup' included in it.
Without a warranty...you take your chances! Just shipping it to your shop could result in horrible problems...

[Steve]

If the machine has be shipped, it wouldn't hurt to buy insurance through the shipping carrier either. I don't suggest buying insurance through third party carriers just in case you have a claim. It can be a real headache.
UPS Freight has good prices on shipping plus it is trackable on ups.com.