If anyone is considering buying a machine from direct overseas (Being parochial, outside UK ) my advice is don't.
If there is a problem, you may get little or no back up or help.
My experience of three UK suppliers of machines, varies between superb to poor.
As Ketan's previous posts show, he sums up the various types of customer pretty accurately.
My dealings with ARC have only been of small value orders, never bought a machine, but the service has always been excellent. My S3 mini lathe originally came from a supplier, whose back up I class as poor. Ketan happily provided, as he always does, good advice, on a machine that he did not sell. So, there was not likely to be much in it for him, but nevertheless he was prepared to help.
Even reputable suppliers occasionally provide "Friday Afternoon" machines. How they respond sorts out the men from the boys.
I know of more than one case where a faulty machine has been replaced without argument, to ensure that the customer is satisfied with their purchase.
Those who support their customers and others in the hobby, deserve support, and they will reciprocate.
Howard