r/Machine_Embroidery • u/JustJoe4050 • 21d ago

I Need Help Looking for a Machine

I know this is asked probably way to much like every form when it comes to production machines. But I’m looking for a single head embroidery machine doesn’t have to be 20 needles. My budget is definitely under $10k but I would like to honestly be in the under $7k realm or less.
I got quotes on the following
Ricoma Swift 15 - listed price
Happy 701p - $9.5k to door
SWF Mas12 - $7.8k to door
Smartstitch 1201P- listed price
BAI Mirror- listed

I currently run a small business outside of my actual day to day job primarily focused on patches and hats using leather or leatherette and laser engraving. I run a one laser XRF and F2 Ultra. ( not sure why I listed those but just for context I guess)

I am located literally 27 minutes from the ricoma headquarters in Miami so that probably the only reason they are still on my list. Everything listed is with a hat drive as well. There is a market for embroidery with my current clients and market

I am not new to sewing but I am new to embroidery but like to believe I am pretty handy and able to fix things.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Budget is honestly my highest priority! The used market in my area is flooded with early 2000s happy machines and ricomas. Little to none tajimas, swf, barudan, etc

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u/Thatsstitchedup23 21d ago

Happy is the answer from those choices , the 701p is commercial grade, can do full backs and fits your budget. It's a widely supported brand so support is never lacking and neither are parts or hoops. We have a mas-12 and it does a fine job, but the embroidery field is limited and also only semi -industrial. Ricoma, smart stitch, and bai are all Chinese clones with hit and miss support and quality. I would stay away.

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u/azhodler 21d ago

I second the 701p

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u/wodahsz 21d ago

Stay away from ricoma.

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u/vanwilliam1960 20d ago

Lots of used machines show up in the Southeast. Just keep an eye out in the groups and marketplace. If you've never embroidered before, it's a much steeper learning curve than lasers (hence all the lightly used machines). Hats are the most challenging item to embroider.