[and3008]

I've had a small embroidery business since 2004, working out of my home. I only have a single head, a heat press and just added a sublimation printer. As most of you embroiderers know, I am not getting rich with this setup, but it keeps me busy. My situation and my age - (I'm old, lol) may require me to take more time off from time to time and I don't want to lose my loyal customers, so...thought about taking on either an employee or a partner which will probably push me to some sort of brick and mortar location. I don't think converting my garage in my residential neighborhood is an option. I guess I could only try it for a year and if I lose my shirt, move back into my house. My question is - from your experience - does having a storefront bring in more business? I know there are a lot of variables involved - location, lease time, etc. I haven't looked at available space in my area yet, because I'm still mulling over the idea and it's a little scary. Working from home is so convenient, but I don't want to bring employees into my home. Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for being so long winded.

 

[embrbeginner]

The hardest part in business is finding the right employees. You can lease the building and do everything, however another main thing you also have to focus is continuity( Meaning opening for more than 5-6 years). I'm in Louisiana, U.S. and my parents opened a monogramming business like 10 years ago, and a lot of people still don't know my business. Over the past few years, my client based has increased, However I'm not fully pleased with it( My Greed). If you have any questions, Just message me

 

[and3008]

The hardest part in business is finding the right employees. You can lease the building and do everything, however another main thing you also have to focus is continuity( Meaning opening for more than 5-6 years). I'm in Louisiana, U.S. and my parents opened a monogramming business like 10 years ago, and a lot of people still don't know my business. Over the past few years, my client based has increased, However I'm not fully pleased with it( My Greed). If you have any questions, Just message me

Thanks so much for your input. Hiring does scare me - especially since I don't like to delegate. I may look into a partner, but that's equally as scary, but that person would be more willing to put forth the necessary effort to sustain a business. I do more corporate business, but I get a lot of monogramming type work - most of the embroidery businesses here don't like to do the small stuff or they charge to the extreme. Anyway, thank you!!

 

[embrbeginner]

You don't want a partner, especially in this type of business, because they might steal your clients in the future. However, do you have family members who may be able to help you, if not then hire people. think about this way, how many hours per week will you hire that person if hiring for $10 for 30 hours a week ( that estimate about $16,000 and you also have to book keeping and other stuff). The business has gotten so competitive, that me, my mom and my dad work in the store. If we hire people, we hire during the times that we are really busy. And if hire people during regular time, than we will probably not able to survive like we have to.

 

[and3008]

You don't want a partner, especially in this type of business, because they might steal your clients in the future. However, do you have family members who may be able to help you, if not then hire people. think about this way, how many hours per week will you hire that person if hiring for $10 for 30 hours a week ( that estimate about $16,000 and you also have to book keeping and other stuff). The business has gotten so competitive, that me, my mom and my dad work in the store. If we hire people, we hire during the times that we are really busy. And if hire people during regular time, than we will probably not able to survive like we have to.

Yes, I will give the family member some thought. At least I wouldn't be paranoid about a family member in my house. lol

Thank you for the feedback.