The employees at SWF East combine over thirty years of experience in the embroidery industry, in every facet from selling machines to running their own businesses. Our staff knows how to run an embroidery business from top to bottom, so we decided to bring you the benefit of our expertise! Following the steps below will set you on the path toward success!
8 Steps to Follow When Starting a business
Step 1: TARGET YOUR MARKET
Identify your target market: Start with one niche market, but always be thinking ahead to other opportunities. Understanding that niche will help you decide:
WHAT CAN YOU DECORATE?
- Aerobics Wear
- Award Ribbons
- Blouses
- Christmas Stockings
- Dancewear
- Golf Bags
- Monogram Shirts
- Pillow Cases
- Sweat Suits
- Uniforms
- Aprons
- Bath Sheets
- Car Mats
- Coat Linings
- Dog Collars
- Jackets
- Name Tags
- Robes
- Towels
- Non-textiles (Wood, plastic, ceramic, etc.)
MARKETS TO CONSIDER
- Ad Specialty Firms
- Amusement Parks
- Bands
- Car Clubs
- Children's Clothing
- Hotels, Interior Decorators
- Local Bars and Restaurants
- Ski Resorts
- Summer Camps
- Personalized Pet Accessories
- Air Shows
- Animal Shows
- Bath and Linen Shops
- Casinos
- Concert Promoters
- Little League Teams
- Schools
- Sporting Goods Stores
- Uniform Companies
- Corporate Attire
MONTHLY PROMOTIONS TO CONSIDER
- January: White sale, ski equipment, sweaters, turtlenecks, winter wear
- February: Valentine's Day
- March: St. Patrick's Day, Easter wear, baby items
- April: Luggage promotion, canvas bags, team uniforms, school fund Raisers.
- May: Mother's Day, robes, aprons
- June: Graduation, wedding, Father's Day (men's shirt and tie Monogramming)
- July: Beach wear, towels, terry robes
- August: Back-to-school, totes, backs packs, school jackets, baseball hats
- September: School and church fund raisers
- October: Halloween
- Novermber: Linens for Thanksgiving and the Holidays
- December: Christmas and Hanukkah gifts
Step 2 - DESIGN YOUR SHOP SPACE
Keeping your target market in mind, consider how much space you will need to run your business based on the following list:
- Volume: the number of items you will produce per day
- Keep the type of designs you will use in mind (lettering, digitizing, etc.)
- Inventory: you will need to store both blank and finished products and supplies
- Room to operate machine, walk around equipment, and keep fire exits clear
- Space for a work table
- Space for a hooping area (before you sew)
- Plans for a computer workstation (for digitizing)
Step 3 - CHOOSE A LOCATION
Machines require true ground to function properly, and some models require a 220-volt outlet. A machine should have a dedicated outlet, but also make sure you have enough power sources for the rest of the equipment as well. Check the machine specifications to make sure it will fit through the doorway.
- If working from home: Research ordinances and zoning laws in your area, as you may need to get a license before you can run a business from your home. It's also suggested you get a dedicated phone line for conducting business.
- If renting a retail space: The biggest drawback to renting space is cost. Decide how much you are willing to spend and be sure to add the expense in your pricing structure.
Step 4 - SELECT THE RIGHT MACHINE
More equipment options are available today than ever before, and SWF East wants you to start your business on the right foot. We offer the largest selection of Single Head embroidery equipment, perfect for the startup embroiderer. We also offer the latest digital garment printing equipment and accessories to either start your buisness or compliment your existing embroidery shop.
Call 1-877-793-3278 to get in touch with an SWF East Account Manager who can help you choose the right machine for your business. Completing Steps 1-3 will help you ask the right questions and get the best results! The more you know, the more your sales representative can help you. Here are some other points to consider:
- The machine you need is going to depend on which niche you decided to target
- A multihead embroidery machine allows you to embroider the same design on several garments at once, thus giving you higher production capabilities. SWF East also has the only Dual Function machine models in the industry. An SWF exclusive, this patent technology allows you to embroider two different designs on the same machine simultaneously! This, allowing you to complete more orders in less time.
- Ask your sales representative about training. We provide training when you purchase your machine, but consider coming back in 6 months to learn more after you've become comfortable with your machine. SWF East often releases new training CDs for machines and software, so keep in touch for the latest information!
Step 5 - FINANCING YOUR EQUIPMENT
Where do you go for money? Your savings or your family and friends? Do you borrow money from your bank, or find out if you qualify for a loan? We have a leasing company we work with that can help you find the right leasing program according to your needs. You may also fill out a lease applicaton online and get pre-approved right away.
Step 6 - FIND THE BEST SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES
Along with excellent customer service, you want to provide clients with the hightest quality finished products. Your hard work, top-notch machinery and powerful software will help you get there. But, supplies and accessories will make your work shine. You need to use top quality threads, needles, backing, and all the other items from a full-line supplier. As SWF East's business partner, Colman & Company is THE source for all of your embroidery / digital printing supply needs. They offer convenient 24/7 online shopping that is fast, secure and customer friendly.
Step 7 - CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN
A business plan can help you see where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there. Apparel decorating shops come in all sizes, from a small home business to giant production factories. A little foresight and action before the fact can help eliminate many of the problems a business owner faces each day.
Step 8 - GROW YOUR BUSINESS, EXPAND YOUR SHOP, FIND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
After you have established your business, continue to think about expanding it by finding new customers or offering new services such as custom digitizing, digital printing or screen-printing.
If you begin as a home-based operation, you may expand to a small kiosk in a mall or a storefront. Each location is different and the customers of each expect different services. Whatever course you select, use every tool available to seek and secure new business. SWF East would like to be your business partner in the long run to ensure you continue a successful apparel decorating business.