I'm thinking of starting an embroidery business

Mnhorsemom · May 23rd, 2006, 01:33 PM

Anyone have any advice they would like to share? I live in a rural area in west central Minnesota. I lost my job (managed a flooring store) back in October and have been looking into ideas for my own business. I have been trying to get info searching the net, that's how I found this place. I would really appreciate any and all suggestions and advice you have to offer. Thanks

EmbroideryDigitizing · May 24th, 2006, 04:14 PM

I would suggest you read posts on knowing more about the business. Do make a analysis over the market in your area before you start this business. Promotional items, gifts, or bulk commercial work. How do you want to invest? Really speaking, embroidery business is really good to invest if you have ready customers, which is 99% not possible. A bit of advertisement and discounts can boost up your clientele. See if you can dig out some info from your nearby embroiderer.

Pet-Stravagance · June 25th, 2006, 10:07 AM

We are just getting started, too. Look for embroidery trade shows in your area. You will
find all of the major players in the embroidery machine, software, garment, supplies, etc
under one roof. You can search the web for dates and locations. Many offer seminars for
attendees. I went to one in my area and signed up for a seminar. It was very eye-opening. Usually, the entrance to the show is free, but seminars will cost anywhere
from 75 to 150 dollars. Money well spent.
Also, you can check out Helen Hart's website www.helenhart.com . She has been in
the business for a long time and has published 2 books. One is about the embroidery busines and the other is about the specifics of machine embroidery. Again, money WELL
spent. The books aren't cheap, but of you learn one thing that will save you hundreds of
dollars.... well, there you go.
I thought I had decided on a machine and software at the trade show, but after reading the
books, I am going to rethink my plan and alter what the salespeople are trying to sell me.
Could save me THOUSANDS.
Good luck to us. I am learning that research will pay off BIG!!!

Bill Williams · May 3rd, 2010, 04:25 AM

Anything related to clothing or fashion is highly competitive, oversaturated, and difficult to break into. I think it’s ok to try out if you have a fulltime job in the background, because solid income may not come for a while. The key is to maintain good business relationships with some longterm customers.

edward1210 · May 5th, 2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pet-Stravagance

We are just getting started, too. Look for embroidery trade shows in your area. You will
find all of the major players in the embroidery machine, software, garment, supplies, etc
under one roof. You can search the web for dates and locations. Many offer seminars for
attendees. I went to one in my area and signed up for a seminar. It was very eye-opening. Usually, the entrance to the show is free, but seminars will cost anywhere
from 75 to 150 dollars. Money well spent.
Also, you can check out Helen Hart's website www.helenhart.com . She has been in
the business for a long time and has published 2 books. One is about the embroidery busines and the other is about the specifics of machine embroidery. Again, money WELL
spent. The books aren't cheap, but of you learn one thing that will save you hundreds of
dollars.... well, there you go.
I thought I had decided on a machine and software at the trade show, but after reading the
books, I am going to rethink my plan and alter what the salespeople are trying to sell me.
Could save me THOUSANDS.
Good luck to us. I am learning that research will pay off BIG!!!

If you don't mind to share, what machine are you planing to buy after you read the book, I'm also looking to start on this business I been reading a lot.
Thank you

azsandy · April 7th, 2011, 07:56 PM

I too am interested in starting and have been trying to do research for several months now. I have been reading some of the classidfieds and one ad said the owner of all their machines for sale is one of the biggest companies, and it was not a "fire sale", just downsizing to be aligned with the economy. I dont know if this was an old ad, or even if it was state specific as far as being the "biggest". Im just wondering, if they are downsizing, where does that leave the home-based individual trying to start up a small operation? Is this a bad time, or is there still plenty of work to go around?

chipper · October 20th, 2011, 02:49 PM

sorry to hear about your job mate. But i think an embroidery business is a good option for you. You should go through different posts in this forum. You will get to learn alot. Invest in a good quality machine and a digitizing software. Do a little research for machines. i wouls suggest a Tajima. You can even take a start from the garage in your house. Best of luck!