Has anyone here bought a Chinese embroidery machine directly from a factory? Worth the risk?

Hi everyone, I’m completely new to embroidery and still learning the basics, but I’m really excited to get my first machine. Since I’m just starting out, I’ve been looking at more affordable options and noticed a lot of factory listings from China on marketplaces like Alibaba and similar sites. The price difference compared to local dealers is pretty significant, which makes it tempting.

That said, I’m nervous about quality, support, and what happens if something goes wrong. Has anyone here actually ordered directly from a Chinese factory? How was the machine once it arrived? Did you have trouble with setup, manuals, voltage compatibility, or spare parts?

As a beginner, I don’t want to make an expensive mistake just to save money upfront. At the same time, I don’t need anything super high end yet. Would you say importing directly is worth the risk for someone new, or is it smarter to buy locally for the support?

Would really appreciate honest experiences and advice.