I started out renting a LA at a local shop (N. California) because I wanted to all the steps when making my own quilts - I did not want someone else to finish them for me. The shop did not require me to take a class first. They just showed me how to use the machine and turned me loose. It was a little scary at first - but then so much fun. The local shops here have stopped having rental machines available, so now I have recently acquired by own LA and will be renting it out to others that want to do their own quilting.