This message was posted by The Embroidery Authority on AmayaUsers.com. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY VIA EMAIL. Instead, respond to the thread on the WEBSITE by clicking here: http://www.amayausers.com/boards/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/394.html#000008 I understand Home Cheepo is closing 15 stores around the country. I'll bet you could buy that sledge hammer at a discounted price at one of these stores. Seriously folks, (something to think about) As a tech, when I get a call from Melco or from a customer out of warranty, I give each equal priority as to prompt service with minimal down time as possible. So as to you having to wait for a service call when your machine needs service, that will depend on the tech in your area. Worse case scenario(for one machine): Tech takes 8 hours to determine the problem and part needs to be ordered. (If tech takes over 8 hours to determine problem, get a new tech!) Part is then overnighted from Melco and Tech takes another 8 hours to replace part. Most techs charge between $60 and $100 per hour for labor. I charge $85 so at 2 days labor it would be $1360. However, in 7 years of fixing Amayas (and other machines too), the highest amount I've ever collected from a customer for labor was $720 in one day and that was for a 4-head machine that looked like it was dragged up from the bottom of the ocean. The main circuit board and needlecase are somewhere around $1500 each. Your problem is usually electrical or mechanical - almost never both in these areas so you wouldn't consider $3000 in parts. Also know that some techs are good enough to repair needlecases in the field although not all. I've also heard there's a deductible that goes with a service call. You would want to double check on this. And also know what's covered and not covered by the warranty. I don't believe it's bumper to bumper. When we bought our first Amaya, a salesman told us to put $100 into a savings account per month for when the machine drops out of warranty. Although, just as with any insurance, for peace of mind - whatever the cost - buy the extended warranty maintenance contract. Ed =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================