contract embroidery

[Shuffletown Embroidery]

I have been approached by a screen printing shop to do contract embroidery for them. I'm unsure about doing this kind of work in the first place. I don't need or want "busy work", but I do need to determine if I can make a decent profit doing this kind of business.
It doesn't make sense to run my machines just to run them and I certainly want my profits to include equipment repair and replacement. Does anyone know what the expected useful life of the Amaya is?
Also, if anyone has gone this route, would you be willing to share the good, bad and ugly of it?
Thanks,
Mary

[Steve]

Aaron would be good person to contact. He has around 15 machines and does contract work.

[Shuffletown Embroidery]

Thanks!
Hey Aaron,
Are you working today? Can I call you?
Mary

[Body Cover]

I can throw some info your way Mary,
I am a screenprinter with 4 amayas and I use Aaron
for my contract work. The first thing you need to realize is they are going to expect better than "Off the street" pricing, in exchange for a steady stream of work. As Screen printers we get plenty of people that expect that we can do embroidery too. So it only makes sense to do the one stop chop and hook up with an embroiderer that you can trust so that you can continue to service customers with most of their needs.
One thing to also remember is to be honest with them (if you decide to pursue it) Make sure you are up front about turn around times and stick to you deadlines, It is very hard to go to a customer and request more time when you can't meet a deadline, you don't have any control as the printer and it is difficult to answer questions or to show them "one piece to see how they are coming out?" Some printers choose not to divulge that they farm out the jobs, others are more forth-coming which helps in these situations.
and the reason for the better pricing is that they expect to be able to make some profit from an embroidery job, not as much as doing it themselves, but making a profit without doing the actual work is a pretty good gig, and working for less profit is easier because you can stay busier, don't have the hassle and time constraints of dealing with customers, and don't have any investment in garments.
but remember this, as a contractor, you are directly responsible for another persons business while it is in your hands, so there is some responsibility there. but all in all if you can push out the work it can be rewarding, if you are prepared for it.

Ron

Just my 2 cents

[Impressive Threads]

Mary I do contract embroidery for about 4 different screen printers. They are usually smaller orders maybe up to 48 pieces. As a home based business this helps keep my machines running and bringing in some revenue.I am running 2 Amayas. I have a really good relationship with all of my print shops as they are dependent on me to produce great quality and deliver to meet their customers time line. I depend on them as well for my screen printing so establishing a relationship with the print shop is key. I have had them refer clients to me that just wanted embroidery. You have to keep the pricing down to where they can reasonably make a tad on your work, but do not undercut yourself. It is more about figuring out what your time is worth and what your loaded hourly rate is. It is hard to continualy get new customers, and having screen printing and promotional products shops as your customers can help you build your business as well.
Hope this helps
Cindy in Phoenix