Machine Choice

[Barb]

Hello, everyone! I'm a newbie and am in the confusing stage of choosing which machine to purchase. Help! Any suggestions for questions to ask at a trade show - going to ISS next week - such as the most important considerations, etc. If anyone can take the time to advise me, I'd greatly appreciate it. We are concerned about the learning curve for the Design Shop Pro software, especially in how much artistic talent is needed to learn digitizing and have the designs stitch out nicely. I do believe we want a two-head even to start, especially with the dual design capability. This is a HUGE point with Amaya XT. Agree, or disagree? Those of you who already use this, are there dificulties, issues to be aware of, downsides, etc.?

Anyone have suggestions about setting up your workshop? - i.e. cool ideas for storage of supplies, optimal lighting, arrangement of equipment, etc. We'll be converting a bonus room over a garage, so we will have almost no full height walls, mostly knee-walls, one window, 13.5 x 20 feet.

In advance thank you to any who respond.
Barb, The EmbroiderMe Shop

[levelbest]

Feel free to private message me and I'll send you my cell phone number. Would be glad to talk to you about the process we went thru in selecting a machine a few years back etc.

[SilverStar]

Design Shop is one of the most user friendly embroidery programs out there. No matter what you hear digitizing takes alot of time and practice to master it. If you're concerned, start out with Design Shop which has full editing and you can always upgrade to Pro later. I frequently hear about people who over buy on the software end and regret it later.

[levelbest]

Oh yeah, one thing. If you do get an Amaya - don't place it in front of the window [img]smile.gif[/img] Unless you want to see Gremlins.

Lots of overhead light is always good. We almost put too much in our work area and now I need to put a dimmer in!

[oldkush]

First, I do not have any personal experience with DesignShop software but do know that many are happy with it. Other software along the lines of DesignShop which you may wish to check out are Wilcom and Pulse.

If you are new to embroidery, I do not necessarily agree that you should consider two heads to start. If you are interested in the Amaya, what is wrong with buying one now and then adding a second later if the workload dictates that you need another machine ?? Just as a side note, the ability to network individual machines together, is not limited to the Amaya .... there are machines from other manufacturer's which also offer this ability.

Embroidery has a fairly steep learning curve and for those new to the business, I personally would recommend that they concentrate on learning the machine first. Once comfortable with machine operation, servicing and regular maintenance, then tackle the digitizing software.

As far as the room goes .... plenty of light and table room.

Since you will be attending the ISS show, take that opportunity to look at what the industry has to offer .... and regardless of what anyone may imply or tell you, embroidery is not a pop in a design, push a button and customers will be beating down your door kind of business. It takes a lot of knowledge, experience, hard work, skill and business sense to succeed.

Bob

[Body Cover]

I just have a comment or two first is the name of your business, I know Embroid me is a national
franchiser of embroider turnkey shops and that they use brother equipment and don't think you can keep the name without using that equipment.
Or if your not one of the franchisees then you may want to check into the copyright of the name and fix it before you get started and have to change once customers get used to doing business with you. You realy don't want any lawsuits on your hands.

Second if your new to embroider than Amayas are great choices, as was mentioned before Embroidery has a steep learning curve and the technology on amayas uses a different approach to standard embroidery than other vendors and if you have no experience its a quick and easy system to learn.

If you HAVE experience with embroidery you may look at other machines and go with what fits your budget and requirements. one thing you'll see form the Amaya user groups is that people who go amaya after using standard machines have been known to have a little trouble adapting to the way things are done with Amayas, No not everyone, but even I had a couple weeks of using both styles and trying to remember that things work differently.
Anyway just my 2 cents, I would buy Amaya again in a heartbeat! I love my machines, and the new technology.
Leaves my mind to think about other issues not my machines.

Ron
Body Cover

[mdsumma]

Hey Guys - I, too, am new to the industry and am looking to start a home-based embroidery business since I've recently resigned from full-time employment (new baby). I've spoken extensively with AMAYA (by Melco) rep regarding their single head modular machine but am trying to research other options as well. Does anyone have any other comments or advice? How did the decision making go for you, Barb? Thanks for any help!

[Steve]

My parents purchased a Melco in 1993 and it was thier first machine. They added a second Melco around 1998 and have been happy with the service and the machine. I purchased an older used one (not an Amaya, it is an EMT model which came out just before the Amaya did) for myself a couple years ago and the machine has been very good. I can only talk about Melco's service and not the Amaya but I have had no complaints except no toll-free number for service but most companies make the customer pay for the phone call. There are a couple people on this list that use several different brand machines so maybe they can help with comparing other companies. Ernest uses several different brands including some Amayas and has been in embroidery longer than anyone else on this list so he would be able to give you some good input.