Looking for some advice on startup, please help.

EnMartian

If you do decide to go into business with this guy, make sure that you have an ironclad agreement as to who does what and bears what portion of expenses and such. You might be better off, as others have suggested, keeping the machine on your premises, and being his subcontractor for the embroidery work. Particularly if this is a friend of a friend and someone who you don't know that well. You may find further down the road that this guy runs his business in a way you don't like, and then you'd be stuck.

As for machines, I would second those who have recommended a Barudan. Our parent company has several and they're good machines.

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Embroidery and Sublimation Supplies
www.myenmart.com

DesignerIQ

Hey... I am not going to tell you if its a good or a bad idea to go into business with your friends :P Other than that i suggest you invest in a good new machine, the reason being the warranty. Go for a Toyota or a Happy Voyager. Brother embroidery machines also have a high rating.
As for softwares i would personally recommend you Wicom. But it is always better to take a demo of different softwares before putting your money on one. http://freeembroiderystuff.embroider...softwares.aspx
Best of luck with your business.

Rashad

I have a Toyota 850 that I can rent to you if you dont feel like jumping in and buying one. 300 dollars a month and it comes complete with everything. If interested give me a call or email. Rashad 702-982-9812

fwscreener

Hi

All the above is great advice, here are my questions?
Do you know embroidery, do you know how to digitize, what is your experience?
From our experience embroidery takes years to really learn how sew, understand the machine, etc. Sure you can take classes, etc. When we bought our first machine we did the training off-site and on-site and struggled for over a year. Then we hired an embroidery lady who understands and has a passion for embroidery and life is now great here. EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!