By JLC on
Dec. 03, 2007
I am toying with the idea of buying an established embroidery business versus starting a business where I outsource the work. I am looing to get involved in the emroidered apparel as well as promotional products (pens, mugs, tote bags etc..) business. My concern is that my time would be better spent marketing/selling versus doing the actual labor. Can any one offer any input?
Re: best way to approach starter business
hmmm... this is an interesting question.
some people love the selling part of the business where others love the labor part. a few of us wackos like both sides. :-)
the production side would require an upfront investment in equipment and the huge learning curve of embroidery. The learning curve of embroidery is huge especially if you have never done it. there is a lot more involved than most people realize when the jump in.
I DEFINATELY dont recommend trying to do the labor side of promotional products. You need to source that.
if you decide not to do the labor part, then you need to find good suppliers for your contract work. most contract shops have minimums and it would be critical that you understand the charges, how they price things. and turn around times.
one more thought. who is your target market?
Have a great day! :)
Nathan Harrison
Skyline Prints Embroidery and Screen Printing
4982 Bill Gardner Pkwy
Locust Grove, GA 30248
(770) 914-1558
www.SkyLinePrints.com
Follow us on Twitter or FACEBOOK
Design your own shirt on our website.
Re: best way to approach starter business
One of the groups we plan on targeting are local area schools and sports teams. Our children are very involved in local athletics (as well as my husband coaching) and consequently we have developed many connections. We have been involved in fundraising for teams and feel we could do well with promotional products/apparel as a fundraiser. Additionally, we live in an area with many personal contacts in business (as well as contacts within my husbands business). To learn the business, I am contemplating the idea of starting myself off as a sales rep for local mom and pop shops. Any thoughts on that?
Re: best way to approach starter business
I think thats a good start. It will definately help you learn the marketing side of things then slowly learn the "labor" side of it. Most shops try to do both out the door and find out the labor takes up most of their time.
I think your approach of a sales rep is valid.
Have a great day! :)
Nathan Harrison
Skyline Prints Embroidery and Screen Printing
4982 Bill Gardner Pkwy
Locust Grove, GA 30248
(770) 914-1558
www.SkyLinePrints.com
Follow us on Twitter or FACEBOOK
Design your own shirt on our website.
Re: best way to approach starter business
As far as the sales rep part goes some shops may require you to sign a non-compete clause. As an owner I'd be pretty unhappy if I found out that that someone I trained to sell promotional products & embroidery was taking their own orders.
Jennifer
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