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What if you get someone in the US to buy a refurbished model and ship it to you?

Kitchen aid pro line should be same price as vitamix. It’s built like a tank and has a 10 yr warranty, same as vitamix

Shipping has gotten SO expensive. For that weight (and size once packing is added) it could easily be $150-200.

Check out some local businesses that make use of blenders and ask what they're using. They might be commercial grade blenders that are too expensive but maybe you'll get some good suggestions.

I've had a Waring MX1050XT for 15 years and estimated over 1500 smoothies. Had to replace the pitcher 10 years in but otherwise it is still going strong. Blends strong enough to crush raspberry seeds in smoothies. I like it more than Vitamix blenders I've used (smoothies end up with a better texture), although the smooth speed control on the vitamix is nice in some situations.

Yes

I've found most recent KitchenAid products to be cheaply built and not at all durable.

I’d buy a commercial blender. You might even find one second hand.

See what they use at the smoothie shop and at local bars.

This.

I’d look for a commercial blender as others have suggested.