Mike,
as I've said on large format printer discussions many times... I honestly believe you should shop for a trustworthy supplier... not a printer.
Honestly, all the main well known name brand printers do an awesome job & will add incredible quality products that any successful sign shop will turn dramatic profits with... BUT they need TLC & knowledgable experts in your corner.
Find the guy you want a long term business relationship with who will sell the printer AND inks and media... AND provide technical support. If they want lifelong profits selling you inks and media, then they should be there for you with lifelong support.
If you can find a vendor you trust that offers all that... whatever printer they sell is probably going to be a long term money machine for you, not matter what brand it is (within reason)
In my case it was Advantage Sign Supply. They got it covered so many times more then anyone else I've ever dealt with on supplies, or equipment... that not only did I turn down an opportunity to buy the same printer from a supplier right here in the Sate of Hawaii, I also ship all my media in all the way from Michigan, like I did with my printer, plotter, laminator, & air filter.. because these guys know how to take care of their customers!
