hoops choice input please

[Alicante]

I am preparing my order for a new Amaya XT which will come with 8 hoops in my choice of sizes.

The salesman said most people order just 4 sizes, 2 each so that you can have one hoop ready to go while the other is stitching.

That's sound good except that we're just starting the business and can't say which size hoops we'll use alot. We don't want to end up with 2 of a size we never use.

Has anyone purchased a set of 8 different sizes or rather gone for the 4 pairs?

We believe we'll get requests for embroidered caps for clubs and events. The salesman quoted the wide angle hat hoop accessory at around 1000 Euros/1200$.
Anybody embroider hats without it? Our budget is not infinite!

Oh, by the way, we have leased commercial space in a city shopping location.

All input will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[Steve]

It really depends on how much embroidery you plan on doing with it and what size designs you are going to sew out. If you don't have 2 hoops of one size and are doing a large quantity of the same design, this will kill your productivity. You can hoop one while the other design is running. Once it is done, it takes about 15 seconds to remove the design, put in the new one, and hit start. If you use one hoop, plan on about 2-3 minute turn-around time. I would go with 2 12cm hoops, 2 15cm hoops, and 2 jacketback hoops. The other 2 I'll let you decide because it depends what kind of work you plan on doing.
The larger the hoop, the more expensive they are, so the option is if you want all 8, You could ask Melco for 2 each of the 4 most expensive hoops, then buy the others on your own.

[levelbest]

Get at least 2 of each. Period. Echoing what Steve said above. Plan on hooping when you have the one sewing. Sometimes it's nice to have 3 of each size, so that you can get 2 garments ready while one is sewing. it just gives you more flexibility that way.

5.9" is the size we use the most. The next size down is almost useless to us. We have I think 4 of them - make me an offer - anyone. They NEVER get used. Then you need something for jacket backs. 7 in 1 Fast Frames are very useful and you may want to consider the slim line clamping system.

On the Cap Frame, I would start with the CCF or Conventional Cap Frame first as it's a little easier to get used to.

BTW, Welcome to AmayaUsers! You will love the community of people associated with this site!

[The Embroidery Hoop]

I am expecting my new Amaya XT on Monday, ((YAA)) but I have a EMT10T and have been in business for 6 years. As for frames definetly at least2 of your 5", 7" and lg jacket back hoop I also use the 8" for shirt fronts once in a while, the little one you would only use if your specialize in baby clothes I think I have used it 2times in 6 yrs. However The fast frames are wonderful.. after you get set up and are "making some money I say loosely" do invest in them..

[Dorothy Compton]

I did it differently.....I bought 2 of the 15cm (5.9"), and then one of everything else (including the wood hoops). Since my target market was business logos, this worked. I have since purchased additional hoops (for the 2nd one) if for even one job it would make a difference. I now have 1-9cm, 1-12cm, 2-15cm, 2-18cm (just got the 2nd one of these), 2-22cm, 1-plastic jacket back, 2-rectangle wood, 1-square wood (and actually I also bought the bigger rectangular wood even though the Amaya doesn't use the whole area--but that's another story).

The bottom line is what you'll need. I will say that if you only have one hoop and a large job to do where a second hoop will really cut time, then the job is hopefully profitable enough to invest in buying it.

Consider getting the most expensive!

You haven't asked, but the Hoopmaster can make hooping really fast. I have the 15cm fixture and if for some reason I'm using only one hoop, I can hoop in a matter of seconds anyway.

There's my 2 cents.

[Alicante]

Wow, thanks so much to everybody for your input and for answering so quickly. This will sure help deciding which hoops to choose.
I will definitely include the 2 15cm hoops and the jacket back since we do plan on focusing our business on personalization and original designs on home textiles as well as wearables. This is in fact an expansion and diversification on what we have been doing for about 4 years, selling embroidered home linens from local makers online.
Thanks again. This is a great forum.