New Laser Purchase questions.
I am currently working for an awards shop. They currently offer standard plaques and trophies....some gift items.
I will be purchasing a laser in under 1 month. Most likely in 2 weeks. However i thought i would ask a question or two..just to see what type of answers i recieve.
I would like to start out by saying you alll (SMC) have a great forum and community here. I have been reading for a few weeks now and love it.
ok now to the fun? part =)
I called ESI(Laser Pro), Sign Warehouse(Pinnacle), Universal, Epilog, and xentech.
I stated that I required information on thier offerings and that i would be making the purchase of a laser in 1 month. I called all companies before 12pm in thier respective time zones.
ESI(Laser Pro), and Sign Warehouse(Pinnacle) {same lasers} Sent me information within 2 weeks of my call <12(esi) and 13(SW) days> Not bad
Epilog ~ Recieved a priority package in 2 days with tons of samples.
On top of this they sent me information about my regional sales office. AND
I recieved a call from that office 1 week to the day of me requesting the materials.
Universal ~ I recieved a product brochure 46 days from the date of my call. It was without any samples. It braged about thier service! All US MADE! Thier service just getting me a booklet was crap. I marked them off my list after 21 days anyway. If they cant get me a booklet they doubtfully will be able to get me service.
Xentech ~ Well I am not pleased. I requested the information, but never recieved it. Not sure what to think about them.
Ok so first test past by all but Xentech and Universal. Those two are done.
So im looking to find out who to get a product demo from. I know my epilog dealer is only 4 hours away. So i call him ..Set up a time and we take a look at thier machine in my store. Works great, impressed with the mechanics of the unit. Size fit function all seem great. Salesman didnt try to get me into buying one that day, he was only there to show me the unit and let me run some products through. Great guy , no normal BS salesman. Showed me the pros and cons of the unit.
I call signwarehouse.com they cant seem to give me anyone in my area. And esi didnt seem to interested in showing thier unit off. No problem we can deal with that later.
I had some work done by a local universal user and it wasnt all that great. They were even nice enough to allow me to check out the machine and run a product through it. Universal V300 35 watt i believe with a driver that doesnt allow complete control. Yet another mark against them.
Ok so enough about impressions. What i request from this wonderful community is a suggestion. I know the products that isnt something we really need to get into. But rather Which machine would you buy.
Xentech
Universal
Epilog
Laserpro/Pinnacle
My current price range is up to 24000$ (US) Central Indiana is my location.
My Wattage Required is 45 watt and a bed size of no less then 12x24, Sheet stock. I need a cutting grid, rotary attachment, dust / smoke extraction fan and stand if not equiped with one (or a deduction of 595$ on the price of comparable machine with a stand.)
I have a quote from my epilog rep. His price is under that for a 24ex 45watt
rotary attach, vector grid, stand and exhaust fan.
Thanks in advance for an suggestions why I should choose or look into any of the other systems.