Thanks for everyone's valuable input. I ended up buying a Tajima NEO mostly based on my assessment of Hirsch's training and support. I went with their Creator software which supposedly lists for $4500 (!). I like the idea of being able to grow into the software without worrying about upgrading later. I received lots of valuable input from eLine folks and I went to the SGIA show in Las Vegas in late September to look at machines. The SWF rep was extremley helpful and the Barudan rep didn't even want to answer my seemingly stupid questions. The Tajima reps seemed to understand my concern about training and support and they answered most of my questions.
The SWF training and support got rapped pretty hard on eLine - and perhaps the MESA people are being painted with the same brush as the SWF reps on the East Coast - who appear to have a pretty bad reputation when it comes to support. This uncertainty in what I would be getting turned me off of SWF - but boy was I close to buying one!
The Tajima machine arrived when promised in an extremely well-made and intelligently engineered crate, the admiration of which helped lower the post-purchase anxiety. With 2 hours of training from the Tajima rep, we were sewing names and monograms on stuff. We have a long way to go, but I am pleased with my decision so far and I want to thank all of you who provided such valuable input. I couldn't have made a decision without you.
Colin |
