I was hoping someone with more experience would offer but since I've seen nothing through the board you're welcome to call me if you have any questions beyond my response here. I don't have the higher volume of some of the others nor did I purchase Design Shop (I wish I had the funds though) but I can relate my experience. I decided on the Amaya for a number of reasons (it is my first commercial machine having had a home embroidery machine for a couple of years): 1. No tensioners (I read many articles about proper tension and I'd rather be able to adjust "material thickness" and be able to adjust within the design--Amaya gives the option to have the settings set by thread color) 2. Software tracking and notification of machine maintenance (before choosing the Amaya I had an article saved so I could make a chart--software prompts are so much easier). 3. Direct connect to the computer (being computer knowledgeable is a definite advantage and the no hassle of disks so that all your designs are instantly loadable). 4. Speed--I regularly run my stitchouts between 1100 and 1200 stitches per minute. I have cranked it up to 1500 but many stitches can't run that fast (the machine will only go as fast as capable on certain stitches). At 1200 production greatly increases - my single head will compete with other's 2 head machines. 5. Number of needles, sewing field size, multimedia help (videos to view how to do things), I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of for now. As for learning....because I had a home machine I knew alot about thread, needles, backing, etc. I received my machine on Oct. 1, 2002. I had it up and running that night. I did not go to training until almost 6 months later. I've had one part that needed attending (I think it was the presser foot spring)--that was the only time I had the tech out until last month when I called to get service before the 2 year warranty was up. The tech replaced the presser foot (new design) that is causing some problems with the system shutting down at slower speeds. The tech is coming back out to replace the motor so it will work in conjunction with the new foot. Any thread breaks are usually anything but the machine's fault (poor design, presser foot not at the correct height, wrong bobbin tension, etc.) I don't know about other makes but I've been pleased. Dorothy Compton Bee Embroidered _www.BeeEmbroidered.com_ (http://www.beeembroidered.com/) (916) 635-7467 Rancho Cordova, CA In a message dated 10/14/2004 3:14:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time, dsklar@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Hi. I am about to jump into this business. I have done a lot of research on embroidery machines. Most everyone I spoke with emphatically says to use Tajima or Baradan. Amaya/Melco is at the bottom of every ones list. I am enamored with the technology and what it is "supposed" to do. (It also doesn't hurt that it has the most impressive appearance!) I have been scanning the archives in this list and have seen some issues. I would like as much input from this users group as I can get regarding: the machine itself, the operating software, design shop, service (hardware and software), training, general support (how to do...), and anything else that you think is notable. It gives me a good feeling to see this user community supporting each other. Thank you for you responses. If you would like to talk, please send my your number and I will be happy to do it on my dime. David Sklar Ballyhoo! Arlington VA 571-217-4940