I have to agree with Connie. Experiences with different products will always vary by user/buyer. My husband and I will only purchase certain vehicles, appliances, consumable goods, etc. because of our experience. To say that an Amaya is a bad machine and Melco has bad customer service is an opinion of some but not all. I am new to embroidery too and I chose the Amaya because of Melco's reputation, the fact that they are made in the USA and I believe the Amaya technology is the next level for future machines. I couldn't imagine have to make adjustments to tension by needle on a Barudan or Tajima. I know they are excellent machines but I bet you could find some unhappy users too. Unfortunately, as with anything else that is user and service related we usually hear more of the "bad" things than the good. Am I 100% satisfied with my choice of embroidery machines?? the answer is maybe. I think that I have a bad rotary hook but have been just too darn busy getting orders out to place a service call so can't relate any interaction I've had with the service department at Melco. I will tell that I am confident that if I really have an issue I could go the salesman that sold me my machine and he would help me resolve the issue. As many others have mentioned, if you are not satisfied with your service or a response you received call back and talk to someone else. The best part about being an Amaya owner is this list!!! I have are received some of the best advice from other users, Janelle, Rod & Sharon, Aaron and Connie just to name a few. So I hope that all of you Amaya owners that are not satisfied with your machines will take it to the next level at Melco. I really hope you find someone that is willing to help you get your machine issues solved and in turn make you a satisfied customer. Wendy Itchin' To Stitch MN