Most people love embroidered apparel.
This is not a hard one to figure out - custom embroidery adds a personal touch to clothing that increases their perceived value and uniqueness.
It isn't surprising that more and more entrepreneurs are jumping onto the bandwagon of buying their own embroidery machines and starting their own companies.
It was only a matter of time, really.
Whether you plan to start sewing shirts for other companies in your neighborhood or to develop your own custom fashion line, there are a few things to keep in mind: Tip #1: Research, research, research! If it hasn't sunk in yet - you need to do your research.
Starting an embroidery business doesn't mean getting out you're your mom's sewing machine and stealing some undershirts from your dad's closet.
Going into this industry, any new industry really, requires a lot of work and studying.
Read about other brands and try to see yourself in their place.
Got it? Good.
Now figure out how to match or exceed their success.
Tip #2: Success requires good planning Before you go out and spend a whole lot of money buying your start-up packages offered by consultants, take a measure of what you have and what you can invest in your new venture.
From time to money and other resources - you need to be clear about what your next steps will be to get to your ultimate goal.
As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Tip #3: Keep your competition in sight Even if you're planning to sell your services online, your business is not an island.
You need to scope out the competition and see how they market and sell their products.
Keep abreast of trends and track how they incorporate designs, pricing and promotion into their marketing strategy.
Tip #4: Be relevant Just because you're a fan of embroidered flowers on crewneck sweatshirts doesn't mean that people are going to want to by the exact same thing from your business.
You have to know what people like and what the trends and classics are before you go out and start sewing shirts that no one will want to buy.
No, your parents don't count.
Tip #5: Be realistic with your monetary resources Everything in this line of work has a corresponding cost - from buying an embroidery machine, to art costs, to production, to shipping.
You have to know how much you stand to make from your endeavor and what your expenses will be.
This is why financial projections are an essential part of any business plan.
Tip #6: Promote yourself! Don't be shy.
No one will want to go to you for embroidery if they have no idea you even exist.
Make sure your promotion strategy is interesting, relevant and easy to accomplish.
You don't want something too complex that it alienates customers and probably be expensive to boot.
Some embroiderers and designers offer free shirts to promote their business.
You don't have to do it 100% of the time but having this gem in your marketing strategy could help boost sales for non-peak seasons.
Ultimately, what matters is your passion for the embroidery and design business.
You need to be able to think ahead and anticipate what your market needs and meet those needs with your product.
And of course, don't forget to have fun!