Newbie question: Starting an Embroidery Business

Hi, folks.

My wife is a stay-at-home mom and we're considering starting an embroidery business out of our home...

I'm interested in just 'trying out' a small embroidery business, to see how it goes.

I have a friend with a design/screenprinting business - and he needs someone to send embroidery requests to - so I think this will help me get a good customer base.

I am willing to put a little money in it up front - but also don't want to bite of a huge long-term commitment initially - that is, I'd prefer to 'ease' my way into it - and then kick in high-gear if it is successful.

Can the experts here recommend a good place to start?

That is, what machinery would you recommend / what software? I am sure that I'll want the ability to digitize my own art from the outset (if that helps on deciding the software).

If this is covered in an FAQ somewhere, I'll be happy to read that - but I welcome suggestions from those with direct experience doing the same kind of thing in the past.

God bless, and thanks! Jeff

Reply to
Jeff House
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Hi, I started with a Brother ULT2002 home machine and PE Design 5 (Brother software). When my customer base started growing, I bought a Toyota Esp9000 and Proline Software, level 3. Have since upgraded to level 4 of the software. Check out

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Call and talkto Ron Long, Senior salesman. He is a big help and is even there tohelp you AFTER the sale. If I ever feel like I need another head, Itwill be another Toyota, for the customer service if for no otherreason. Tell Ron Dianne at A Frayed Knot sent you.Hope this helpsTIZME

Reply to
TIZME

You are talking about more than a home machine for this kind of work, unless you plan to run the thing 24 hours a day. You really need to look at the lower end commercial machines, which are of course more expensive even than the Ult2002/Ellageo machines. If all you ever do is a single color logo on a shirt, it will probably get you by. If you want multi-colored designs, a single needle machine is a pain in the butt. No one wants to put out $10,000 for a Barudan Elite Jr just to see if the business operates well, but you have to spend money to make money. You might look into seeral web sites for various machines... then go dealing for one. Watch for an embroidery business fair in your area. Great place to see many different machines side by side, and talk with others that are (or were) in your same position.

The Ult2002/Ellageo method does allow this, but at 5 grand to start, plus materials, I don't know if that qualifies as 'a little money up front' or not. I started this way, with an Ellageo, then on to a Barudan. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have been better off to go with the Barudan to begin with.

The software for the commercial machines is expensive. REALLY expensive. PE Design ain't cheap either. Origins or the like is fairly generic, but again, it ain't in the $29.99 bargain bin. Software that I would highly recomend is Embird.

Good luck....

Reply to
Deadeye

Thanks so much... This is useful information...

Any opinions on Toyota? At

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it looks like they will lease their 1 head 15 color unit for between $200 and $300 a month.

Reply to
Jeff House

I have seen the Toyota's, watched them run, but never actually played with myself. They appeared to be good solid machines, very similar to the Barudan I ended up with... (G)

Mine is on a 3 year lease, at $200 month, with a buyout option att he end.

Reply to
Deadeye

Toyota is a GREAT machine. I have had mine about a year now and don't think anything else on the market could hold up any better. I think the very best part is their customer service. They are always ready and willing to help in any way needed and they don't make you feel like an idiot (even if the problem is something you caused :o) ) Ron Long is the salesman who sold me mine and even though mine is paid for (not on lease) I still hear from him occasionally. He will e-mail me just to see if he can help me in any way. Bottom line: I've very pleased with mine. TIZME

Reply to
TIZME

Well, I'll put in a plug for SWF. Started business about a year ago. Purchased an SWF 1501 (15 color/1 head) and a 1206 (12 Color/6 Head).

Now we got the big machine because we thought we'd pick up some bulk orders, perhaps overflow from other shops. Hasn't happened. Although we would not have been able to accept a few of the jobs without the larger machine, it doesn't stay as busy as it needs to. The 1501, however, works like a champ. Smooth, quite, rugged. Modeled after the Tajima, but, somewhat more affordable. The software that is packaged with the SWF, DesignMaxx is operable, but, no heavy design work until you upgrade to Design 1 or 2.

Reply to
Kevin Krueger

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