yes longarms are certainly not cheap....and really I think they are a bit overpriced...but what isn't these days.......look what a regular domestic sewing machine can go for.......I have an old APQS which does not have bells, whistles and I purchased it slightly used.........have had it for 10+yrs and with regular maintenance and occasional visits to mfg for complete "spa day" it has paid for itself....BUT, this last time I went for spa day and looked into a slight upgrade that could not be retroed on this sewing head the cost of the new sewing head would have been 7K, so needless to say the "ole" one came back home with me!!!!!! and will stay with me until it dies...........