How do you train emb salespeople?

Robert Young's picture

Do you know of any system out there to help train those that sell embroidered products?
You know, the limitations as to what is possible and what is not, thread differences (the 40wt you probably only offer vs the 60wt they see at the store with super small lettering and fine detailing) , stitchcount estimations, etc?

Location: 
United States

Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com

I was hoping someone would chime in with some good ideas. We do a lot of contract embroidery so we're not involved until it's too late. Its crazy how many things we have to fix that should have been cleared up in the sales process. Companies that allow employees to chose whatever they want from the San Mar catalog is the biggest problem. One order may have 4 different fabrics and every color. Then my customer gets irritated when they need to contact their customer because the logo is black and they allowed black or dark garments in the order. And lets not start the conversation about trying to embroider something exactly like the digital art that was submitted. I'm sure the sales people know more than they let on, its just easier and quicker to say "I'll let my embroidery people figure it out."

Robert Young's picture

Thank you Irsbranding for your comments!
How about having your sales staff watch and work with an embroidery machine operator? Hat, Left chest, Towel and then Jacket Back...... after seeing these 4 items sew and spending the time working with the operator to complete these and asking questions along the way I would think much could be learned?
How about having your sales staff come up with 5 questions and then call your digitizer to get the answers... then let your digitizer tell any nuggets of info they would like to?
How about starting an album in your office..... of embroidered samples as you create them... the good, the bad and the UGLY.... and discuss the reasons? (or find out the reasons)

3 simple first steps maybe?

Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com

All good points Robert. I have always believed that the best way to train someone is actual hands on experience. Now... Getting that person to that training with a mindset of actually wanting to learn it.....perhaps in another post.