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From: AngieM2
Date: 02-23-2006, 08:37 PM (1 of 7)
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Hello - I've posted a couple of little posts here and there, but basically new here. I'm considering getting a babylock emb. pro. (6 needles, etc) and seeing about contacting schools, churches, etc for an at home embroidery business... also, marketing companies that need company logos on shirts, etc. But I thought I'd read on here sometime ago that someone had bought this machine, or the brother equivlent. I'm wondering, can a person use one of these enough to make the payments on the financing? I've been told yes, but that wass the dealer telling me how quickly people who have bought have been able to pay it off early. so - does anyone have one? And can you tell me about it. please. Thank you... (also looking at the ellageo or ellegante instead since they sew also. But I already have 3 sewing machines... Janome brand). Angie |
User: AngieM2
Member since: 03-14-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:34 PM (2 of 7)
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If you can get contracts from BIG places. (schools, business's, etc) That use logos, that you can digitize, you CAN do it. But it's a LOT of hard work at first. Do you digitize ? Do you have room for the machine and all it's 'stuff'. They're louder than regular 'home' machines. You also have to buy 6 times the thread, stabilizer, needles, etc. It's harder to make a living at embroidery in a small town, than a large one. Military people near by is always good. (they always have their custom patches, name tapes, etc.) Of course if you get a 6 needle, you also get the hat hoops, which don't always fit on home machines. Do people in your area wear a lot of hats ? Theres all kinds of things to consider when laying out $10,000 for a 'pro' machine. No matter what the brand.. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: AngieM2
Date: 02-23-2006, 10:14 PM (3 of 7)
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Well, we have lots of military here, Redstone Arsenal is here, and teh BRAK is bringing in lots more, - mcMansion houses going up all over. We have teams thru schools and the Y and such, and dance groups. also, I use to do purchasing for a large company and the show stuff with logo, would be done where the shirts/hats were purchased - and they had someone do the embroidery on them... But the price is very nerve racking. Do you think a larger area embroidery sewing machine would do to start with? Thanks for answering, and looking for an other info others may want to offer. Angie |
User: AngieM2
Member since: 03-14-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-23-2006, 11:49 PM (4 of 7)
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I donno...I already have the 300E, 10000, 11000 and the Compulock. My embroidery fields are big enough, I also have the choice to use others work or to DigiPro my own. All my designs look prefessional and I've been 'asked' to to 'things' for others. From just my t-shirts. I don't sell my things. They go to family or are for charity. I guess if your work is good enough, anything will sell. The nerve wracking part of selling is setting prices. Ask what other shops do... Rule of thumb is $5-10 for hooping. (depend on the size of the hoop and how much stabilizer you use. Then so much a letter or hour, depending on how long it takes. Special or rush orders will cost more. Make sure things are in writing and that you have State permission. (some states don't require a liscense, some do...and then theres tax exempt forms....) It all depends on you, your work and how much time you're willing to spend. (and how easy it is to get blanks....www.embroidery.com sells blanks of ALL kinds...then try google.) They have so many lists of blanks. Theres also town sales for t-shirts and things. I would caution that no names be put on childrens clothes, in these dangerous times...adults Ok... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: AngieM2
Date: 02-26-2006, 03:23 PM (5 of 7)
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Chrys - thanks for your input. I think I'm going to trade in my Janome 8000 with scanner and cards, and get a Janome 300E. I just traded up my 4623LE sewing machine and got the Janome 6500P, did that on Friday. Big machine.... Keeping my Janome 660 for smaller traveling projects. Thanks again - Angie |
User: AngieM2
Member since: 03-14-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-27-2006, 07:35 AM (6 of 7)
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It's very easy to tell you that "There's gold in them there hills", but the fact is that it is very hard work and you have a LOT of competition. You'll have to do a lot of selling your work to get your name out there. You need lots of digitizing experience because you'll very soon learn that most people don't just want their name on a product, or they don't just want a "simple" name. You'll need software that will produce several types of fonts (although I'd only advertise a few very nice fonts, rather than give them hundreds of choices.) You'll certainly need the hat hoop. Even if you are able to operate at top speed all the time, you'll still be held back by the time it takes you to prepare the item, prepare the design, hoop etc, not to mention the speed of the machine (which isn't bad with the PR600 series of machines). At any rate, there will be a maximum of how fast you can work. Unfortunately, the machine is only the basis for the cost. You have to take into account software, extra hoops, threads (which will have to be purchased often), needles (minimal cost), stabilizers and possibly designs. I've found that to maximize my time, I need two hoops of any size so that I can hoop while I stitch. Every machine and software has a learning curve. You may be a few months before you are up and running full speed. It will also take some time to estabilsh your business...possibly several months. Even at best, you will certainly not earn your monthly payment in the first few months unless you already have an established business. You'll need to be VERY careful about what you sew and sell. Even school designs can be trademarked or copywrite protected, not to mention company logo, etc. On the other hand, with good pricing, creative marketing, a few sacrifices, and hard work, you can get your business on the road. It really does depend on your market (and HOW you market) as to whether you'll be able to make much money in your area. The very best advice I can give you is to do it right. If you decide to do this, register and declare your business. You need to look into Sole Ownership, Limited Libility (Look at this category carefully), Corporations. Check out whether you'll need zoning in your area. You may need to charge sales taxes. In short, get your business set up right. Don't try to hide any assets or incoming money. It pays you back in the long run as your business expenses will be written off your taxes at the end of the year and if you don't hide anything, you'll have a clear conscience. Advertise a lot! Send letters to places where you may get business, look for places that put their names/logos on their shirts, car dealerships, real estate agents, doctor's offices, etc. Send letters of introduction, business cards and tear sheets to school, targeting the cheerleading, pom squad, band and choir directors, athletic coaches, etc at the beginning of the school year. Address these people by name. Don't compromise your prices to get your name out there. It is hard to raise those prices later. Give some coupons out, "X" percent off of SECOND purchase, 1 free with 10 (maybe a punch card) or something to get started but don't under price to get started and don't make those promos permanent, just when you want to add extra business. You'll need to make some serious decisions as to whether you'll supply t's, jackets, hats, bags, etc. to be embroidered or if they'll purchase and just use your service. If you are selling, you'll have to expect to tie up money in overhead and storage (and you will FOR SURE need a sales tax license). You'll also have depreciation because some of these things will not necessarily sell. You may need a store front or a place to display your work. You'll need to plan a place for the customer to meet with you, space in your home, in a shop? Working from your home has advantages. You can work and be part of the family. It also allows strangers into your home, which must be clean and people are more likely to invade your time and space at odd times. Just some things to think about. Good luck on your decision. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamadus
Date: 02-28-2006, 03:50 AM (7 of 7)
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I can't offer any advice on the business side... but I can tell you that the emp-6/pr-600 is an awesome machine... like most Brother machines, it is very easy to use, and you don't really need 6 times the thread.... just 6 times the needles,...LOL there is a very good yahoo group devoted to these machines.... stop in there and read some posts and you may get some info to help you make a decision... as for pricing... check around... I can tell you, I got mine brand new, for significantly less than $10K and it included the stand and double hoops in every size, including the hat hoop....although I also have the ULT 2003, I'm finding that I now use the ULT primarily for sewing... and do most all of my embroidery on the EMP-6.... good luck.... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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