I'm always happy when someone turns their hobby into a business.
I congratulate you on this and I wish you all the best.
Before recommending embroidery machines for your business, I would like to recommend some for you to read about business.
If it's your first business, for sure there are a lot of things you don't know about managing it, but which can get you in trouble later.
And this is because most of the time, when we go from hobby to business, we are good at the activity, but they are stupid at managing the business, or even at planning it. That's why I strongly recommend you to reserve an hour and go through the resources above.
Now, if talking about sewing machines, considering your budget of around $15,000, there are several reputable brands and models you can explore. Here are a few popular options:
Ricoma TC 1501: You mentioned leaning towards this model. Ricoma is a well-known brand in the embroidery industry, and the TC 1501 is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a decent stitch quality and comes with a variety of features.
SWF/E-T1501C: SWF is another reputable brand that offers reliable embroidery machines. The E-T1501C is within your budget range and is known for its production speed and durability. It can handle various types of fabrics, including hats and bags.
Brother Entrepreneur PR1050X: Brother is a trusted brand in the embroidery market. The Entrepreneur PR1050X is a high-end machine with advanced features. While it might be slightly above your budget, it's worth considering if you're looking for professional-grade performance and versatility.
Tajima TMBP-SC Series: Tajima is a well-established and respected brand in the embroidery industry. Their TMBP-SC series offers a range of models that can handle different embroidery needs. Tajima machines are known for their precision, durability, and excellent stitch quality.
