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School Uniform and embroidery question

[GREAT BRITAIN - UK] -  
3K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  RockyBurdick 
#1 ·
Hi everyone i am small startup business currently just using small cutter and vinyl but popularity is picking up. I am constantly being asked if i can do embroidery so am considering purchasing an embroidery machine which has then got me thinking about doing school uniforms. does anyone know if you need a special licence to supply embroidered uniform and apparel to schools. Also which are the best suppliers to get uniform and apparel from? i currently use Ralawise but cant find much school uniforms on there? also would you recommend purchasing an embroidery machine

many thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
Hi,

Not sure if you use Dave Roper for screen printing supplies? He's got a Tajima single head embroidery machine for sale atm. https://www.daveroper.co.uk/store/product/tajima-tmex-c901-single-head-embroidery-machine

We do some embroidery but don't get many school jobs as another local company have the monopoly on those! As far as I know you don't need a license to do it. We've printed leavers hoodies etc. and didn't need one for that.

School wear & Childrens wear
Schoolwear & Childrenswear A-Z Exhibitor List : Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2016
 
#3 ·
The problem with School Uniform is that there is rarely one decent order. The skool wants the parents to buy direct from the printer/embroiderer - and the parents want to walk in and pick up the items off the shelf. You will be in the position of holding massive amounts of pre-decorated stock, and the size scale is often very wide. Our local schools have a range of over 20 different garments - boys/girls, summer/winter, sportswear etc.

It is a business you can get into, but can be expensive for a start-up. You might be lucky and have a local school that needs a new supplier. Just remember that the price for the blanks ( in the parents mind) is dictated by Asda and Tesco.
The only business I get from schools is for specialist items - Hoodies or T shirts for field trips etc.
 
#5 ·
Hi, I've been printing & embroidering for about 10 years, I got in to the schoolwear market about 3 years ago. I now have 7 schools, comprising of the local college, and 6 of the feeder primary schools. In the time I've been doing this, I've seen a change from parents buying on line, to coming back to a local supplier. Yes, I do have to keep a lot of stock in ready decorated, as parents like to be able to take away on the day. The feedback I get is really positive, but that's down to hard work, stock management and great customer experience.
August is a ridiculously busy month, as most parents leave it until the last minute!
It has really enhanced my business, as I do sell uniform all year round, and I have gained lots of new customers, after them coming in and seeing what I do.
If you are thinking about it, talk to your local schools first, find out if they would like an additional supplier.
If you're looking at embroidery machines, buy the best you can afford, great investment. I now have 3 single heads, 2 Toyota (both 10 years old), and a brand new Tajima.
The Schoolwear association are very helpful, and hold an exhibition in Solihull every October.
 
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