Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 02-04-2004, 06:23 PM (1 of 8)
|
Just wondering if any of you have an embroidery business. These machines are so popular, has anyone turned it into a money turning event?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 02-05-2004, 12:44 PM (2 of 8)
|
Not me, but I do have a friend who has a lucrative embroidery business. At $10,000 for one machine and $29,000 for another machine, she'd BETTER have a lucrative business! And what those machies can do is amazing! Although I have no first-hand knowledge, if anyone has a particular question about an embroidery business, I'd be happy to ask my friend about it. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-05-2004, 03:31 PM (3 of 8)
|
Linda, thanks so much. Something tells me this business is like most, you have to have some savvy to turn a buck and stay happy at the same time.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-06-2004, 08:41 PM (4 of 8)
|
I'm working on starting a business with mine - a small one, until I can afford a commercial machine, lol. It will be two-fold - finished products, mostly vintage-style embroidered baby things, and also I will sell my digitized designs. Linda, I'd be very interested in knowing what your friend considers the hardest part of the business.....marketing, customer care, or what. BTW, my business is quite a ways from being ready....but it is my passion! Allie "onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
|
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 02-17-2004, 11:38 AM (5 of 8)
|
Sorry this has taken so long, but my friend was out of town for a while. Here is what she told me: (quote) Depending on where she is and how many other operations are in her area, it seems to be a pretty good business. If you buy a quality machine it will cost some money, but the cheaper ones I really don't know too much abut, except for the noise level of them and most of the parts being plastic and not metal. More to break and have things to wrong on them. It's best to really research that area and check them all out before purchasing. As with any business you need to have your own area of expertise and push that, but be able to work with about anything. Ours is with firefighting, police and EMT designs because those are the areas that we are most knowledgeable with. We do know that there is a big market with horse and dog shows, but you must know the breeds and exactly what people are wanting. With any business you have your heavy periods and of course the slow ones. We have tried hard not to do weekends anymore but there are certain people we will make evening or weekend appts. for and it also makes them feel special. We do not advertise at all, the work we do is all word of mouth and this way usually we do not end up with difficult people. We pride ouselves on the quality of our work and not the quantity whch sometimes is reflected in the pricing. There is one place here in town that will really undercut their work, but it also reflects that. Most of us have the same price guidelines and stick to it. I don't know if there is any area that would be the hardest, it's like any other business and being able to work it. The main thing I will say is that you do need to go to seminars as they keep you exited about learning more and trying different things that you would usually not even attempt on your own and just being able to talk and become friends with others in the industry is a plus. (end quote) Hope this helps! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-17-2004, 11:23 PM (6 of 8)
Oh Linda, please thank her so much for me....what excellent advice. I'm saving it to re-read also! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
"onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
|
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 02-18-2004, 03:52 PM (7 of 8)
| Allie, it was my pleasure! And I will be sure to tell my friend how much you appreciated the advice. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-19-2004, 08:06 AM (8 of 8)
|
Your friend was very generous with her information, thank her for me too please. It sounds as if you have to be really knowledgeable about your product and up to date on all the new aspects of it all. Just like any other business. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-12012.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft