totally lost!

Ok i have been looking at tons and tons of machines and i am totally confused at to which one is best for me. Maybe if i tell you guys what i need it to do you can help me out.

i am looking to do sweatshirts t-shirts hats and jackets We a getting accounts with the Fire departments, boy scouts in our area. I am going to be the one running the machine. It is going to be in my home for now ( i have a new baby at home) I just want a one head machine.
I want to keep the price reasonable since we are just starting out. This machine is going to an add on to my father in laws trophy and award business, I will be doing this portion of it. He is constantly getting requests for embroidery that i thought it would be a great idea. thanks!

hi:)
You should base your choice on which dealer is closest/which tech is most accessible from one perspective.
Reasonable choices maybe be Happy Voyager,Toyota or Tajima.
Regarding prices, you should run it as if you had business overheads..so, factor in all that with your pricing...maybe as if it were in your in laws shop.
Initially see who can give you the most training on the machine,and who can set you up by teaching you the basic maintenance procedures.
If you try to be 'reasonable' because youre starting out, you'll run into probs when u change prices,and probably begin to lose more money. You have to charge, what creates a profit and allow for times when you may have to lower prices a bit.
If yorue getting small orders, a 1 head is ok. If theyre big, or long running jobs..like FD emblems etc, then you run the risk of not being competitive with a 1 head.

bye
Nevi
efectpro.com

SunEmbroidery's picture

I think the Tajima Neo is a great machine - a real workhorse with great quality on flats and hats but it isn't cheap. An SWF would be less expensive and SWF is big on training which is really helpful when starting. I think training is really important (on the machine and with the software). I would check into what local training is available in your area especially if you can't travel at this time (Tajima/ Hirsch is located in Hauppauge , NY). I would also check on the availability of service technicians for a particular machine brand (they add travel charges on to your bill) although I would guess that wouldn't be a problem in Long Island.