Is embroidery profitable? - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Cathy (METIME417)	13 Nov 2006
To:	ALL	1 of 3

5324.1

I've come across a machine (no details yet) that is for sale - I'll get details if I decide to really look at it. My business is mostly Trophies/Awards - we do some sublimated shirts and I'm always looking at new products to offer my clients. I'm just wondering if the embroidery business is profitable...are the materials expensive? I know that this is a broad question, but I'm just trying to get a feel for the profitability of it.

Thanks,
Cathy

Trophies By Design, Inc.

From:	UncleSteve	13 Nov 2006
To:	Cathy (METIME417)	2 of 3

5324.2 In reply to 5324.1
Cathy, First off, I don't do embroidery. I HAVE followed years of "threads" on it though and this is what I have gleaned. Yes, it can be very profitable. The machine and software are expensive (the digitizing software can run over $10,000 for really high-end. The materials are not overly expensive but you must stay with quality. The hardest parts of the business from what I have heard and seen is quality digitizing of the original logo and data and then the stitch count. The learning curve can be very steep in the beginning but with the time, effort and TRAINING it can add a very profitiable segment to your business especially since you are already connected with the trophy buyers. "Don't believe everything you think!"

From:	sunny (SUNSHINE5555)	13 Nov 2006
To:	Cathy (METIME417)	3 of 3

5324.3 In reply to 5324.1

I have to agree with everything Uncle Steve said. We have an embroidery business and if my hubby that can't even use a computer can learn to run the machine, so can you :) We outsource all of our digitizing to an excellent digitizer. I do edit designs and do lettering and monograms myself.

As Uncle Steve pointed out, you have a ready made clientele with your trophy business.

Rebecca Kutcher
Sunshine Horses Designs
Iowa