New to Sublimation

I would like to get into the plaque business through sublimation. I want to be able to make 8 x 10 inch plaques with text on them. I contacted a vendor who would like to sell me $2,000 worth of equipment and supplies, but am not yet sure if this is exactly what I want. Do I want chromaluxe, print on plaques, etc... I would like to be able to go to a vendors shop, like Johnson Plastics in Columbus, Ohio, to "see" what they have and be sure it is something I think I could do. Is it crazy to expect this? I don't want to drop all my savings without being sure of what I'm getting. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
John