I’ve got to chime in here… just my take.
If you have a problem with an eBay laser… the problem is yours.
If you have a problem with an Amazon laser… the problem is yours, and you have some recourse with Amazon’s return policy.
If you have a problem with an Omtech laser… the problem is yours, and some relatively local support people that may or may not be helpful, but if you need parts they will likely come from China. On a boat. From China. You know the story.
If you have a problem with a Monport laser… the problem is yours, and a couple people that claim to be here in the U.S., but are hiding in a pigeon hole at a Mailboxes-R-Us in the Pacific Northwest, or a New York based phone number, that will not respond in a timely manner and really don’t care once the sale is closed anyway. In most cases however for complete laser machines, they will ship out of a California warehouse. But if you need parts… it’s coming on a boat. A slow boat. From China. (Figuratively speaking of course).
I too, am a frustrated Monport customer… and we are still working through things.
It has taken weeks to come to any form of agreement.
For Chinese manufactured laser machines it’s just the nature of the beast.
They will make claims that their equipment is unable to achieve, and they will overhype their capabilities to make a sale.
If you are comfortable working out your own problems, or being creative with your own repairs, the cost savings can be good. But if you need someone to hold your hand or walk you through things with any regularity, a U.S. based manufacturer will cost you accordingly.
I have learned, as others have mentioned, that there are some great user communities for support… but most of them (not forum based) are on Facebook… a place I never really wanted to participate in, but now have to.
Just my $.02.
Jim