Showing designs in your store

[Liz Adler Designs]

Hey everyone. I have a small shop and I am looking to expand my designs from what I have from Dakota which comes with the great big catalog for people to pick out their designs.

However, what about the other ones that I have either purchased or designed myself? I am interested in what is the best way to "show" these to the customer? I know this may sound a little basic, but I would like to show my customers that I can do more than just names and monograms.

Thanks in advance!

[Steve]

I think the best way is to embroider them right on the shirts or jackets. Pick a couple logos and add some business or school name to them.
If you want some ideas, go visit a competitor or two near you on a Sunday when they are closed and look through the window.

[TinaK]

Liz~

I went into a shop yesterday and looked around their store as I wanted to see what they were offering and the kind of prices they had for some of the items.

I noticed they had a few embroidered items on the walls but mainly alot of heat press designs up on the walls. I also noticed they had a computer toward the back of the room that people could use to look through the different designs they did. There was a sign next to the computer that said something about looking at the designs they can add to a garment or something to that affect. Not sure if I would go this route but just an idea for you.

I was amazed at all the different things they offered other then the heat press items and embroidery like toys and other non apparel items that I think they had to bring people into the store. Very cluttered store but interesting to see how they did things.

[Steve]

I found a couple pictures of an Embroidme shop which might give you some ideas. They use some standard inexpensive clothing fixtures. Some fixture shops sell used ones as well. Of course with businesses closing everyday right now, you might be able to pick up some from someone going out of business.
http://www.thejournaloffranchise.com...eBrochure7.jpg
http://www.businessmart.com/posting/...e-Image1v2.jpg

[TinaK]

Hey I was thinking again and what about doing something like a portfolio binder where you put your sew outs into plastic sleeves and then put it in a binder to show off some of the things you have done in the past and to give people ideas on what you can do for them.

[Gabi Kat]

I have a "test sew" shirt that I put my clients designs on as I finish their jobs, It's kind of crazy - a shirt with logos all over, but it also lets the client that is looking to see how small type looks on PQ, jersey, ect fabrics, along with placement ideas. Shoes that even a "standard" logo can look great if sewn well.
You can get a 3-ring binder that will stand on a counter open so your clients can flip through either printouts or sew-outs on backing with or without fabric samples.
Also as a marketing idea - I sew out my business cards on assorted fabrics to show 1-what I do, 2- the quality. I have kept it simple, business logo (the same I use on my shirts) phone number and email address.
I also have a full color business card, 14pt paper, gloss on 1 side/matt the other so to write additional notes if needed.
Gabi Kat

[Liz Adler Designs]

Thanks guys this gives me a lot of ideas. I have also thought about putting pictures together of finished garments in kind of a album. I like the stitch out idea also in the binder. I think I will do some kind of combination of this.

I also have sew out shirts and I never thought of displaying them. Great ideas! Thank you all so much. This helps a lot!

[Jenny]

I haven't had time to really setup a way to show off our work but one thing I do is I try and take a picture of our work...I have about 4 small photos albums really small and I have them labeled such as "Western", "Small Wonders" which is my children and infants, Misc., "Side 40" which is my hunting etc...I have photos of our work printed out and put in these small albums and I carry it in my truck...it gives people an idea of what all we can do...I also have all these pictures on my computer under "Jenny's Sewing" and I can send these out to anyone that wants to see some designs etc...one day I hope to get it set up where it will be easy for customers to see our work...I also have a very large bulletin board with different sew outs on it...thanks for the ideas so when I do have time all the suggestions will help...have a great day and until next time...Jenny
Westbrook Wonders
Wetumpka, AL