Questions for trade show

kelliann74

Going to an NBM trade show today to check out machines and decide which one is best for my new business!!
What are the most important things to ask about the machines? And what are the most important "add ons" I should ask for?

nametags

I'll throw in my suggestions.
1. you'll get some hoops with the machine, have them add about 6 more sizes of hoops, larger ones especially.
2. Upgrade the software. Make them give you the top level software package. If they go on about how much it will cost them, tell them "baloney". Tell them to refuse is a deal breaker.
3. Get a set of clamping hoops. Their markup is over 50% of the price of retail.
4. Try to get a set of "fast frames" hoops too. You'll love them.
5. More stabilizer. Have them throw in a box of lightweight, and tearaway. Black and white. Also a roll of the water soluable type. And some bulk roll tearaway backing.
6. A needle lighting system, and a laser pattern guide is nice. Depends on the machine you're looking at.

Oh, and that $500 valued table they want you to take,,,,,you can buy them for around $169 at insustrial supply companies.

They're making thousands on you,,,so make them give some of it back.

Earl Smith

And dont forget to ask for a Hoop Master.
Maybe you´ll get lucky...
Earl

SunEmbroidery

Nametags - I like your approach! I think that may be a bit much but if you make it clear that you are seriously considering other machines you'll have some bargaining power. Once salesmen sense that you're sold on their brand then you're paying full price.

__________________
Jennifer

Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts with your logo

Embroidered Button Down Shirts no minimum

nametags

Yes, you're right "Sun", but, it never hurts to ask for the moon, and settle for less. And, never commit till you get their final offer, which, you'll have to decide on your own whether to believe it's their final offer or not.

I got some fairly good perks with my machine, but found out later I could have held out for more. Baraudan was the only company that wouldn't give anything at all.

Mine was my first purchase, and I didn't know much of anything about the business then, so they didn't have to give up much.

It will be different now. Even from the same company, they've already offered more and I'm not even ready to buy yet.


I was hoping kelliann would post and let us know how it went.

kelliann74

Thanks for all the great advice!!

I have to say, the trade show was a little bit of a bust! I felt like I was begging to get anyone to even talk to me and I really anticipated a lot of pushy salespeople. When, in reality, there was a lot of indifference. That is, until after the show...now they won't stop calling. I found the entire thing to be totally annoying. I went to the show so that I wouldn't have to do all my negotiating over the phone.

Now, after everything, I'm really leaning toward buying used. Ha!

nametags

Which show did you go to?

I noticed the "attitude" somewhat when we went to the NNEP Nashville show. Many vendors were snotty, and didn't bring enough catalogs, brochures, etc. Heritage Sportswear was exceptionally buttheads. They would not even get up from their chairs to talk with you. SanMar was very nice however. Some of the thread/bobbin/supplies people were on their cell phones much of the time, and didn't even acknowledge you.

My advice, after the show, if they call you, make them put their offer on paper with any "perks" added to it,,,,,and them tell them you have an offer from someone else to look at.

kelliann74

It was an NBM show. I was totally unimpressed.

Ink Guy

That show is small....you will see probably only single heads.

Barudan and Tajima are best.

Check out the laser applique cutter....Can I say WOW!!

Tajima has one on their machine....But...the actually company that sells the lasers should be there....they make it for any machine.