Threads in stock

How many threads do you keep in stock? Is there an optimal thread-stock cheat sheet anywhere?

Location: 
United States

I started out only offering select colors (about 30 ish) a few shades of each color.

Then my sales team carries Maderia color cards, for the wholesale and contract customers. However, over the years with jobs in and out, I think we have ended up with just about every color Madeira makes.

lol

SunEmbroidery's picture

We have about 130 shades. Sometimes I think that is too many colors and it overcomplicates production while increasing cost but occasionally I'll have a job where having just the right color makes all the difference in the design. The type of work you do will effect your thread needs. For example, if you embroider realistic images with lots of colors and shading you'll need more thread colors than an embroiderer who specializes in business logos.

We have our own Stock Thread Chart that we made and let customers pick from it. Along with the standard white & black we carry 3+ shades of most colors. Having our own thread chart allows us to cover 99% of what the customer desires, we do not let them pick from a manufacturers list. On the other hand, if a customer has a required need for a direct Pantone Color then we will special order that color with a service charge. Seems to work for us and gives us an idea as to when we need to order thread and assists with inventory.