Looking for outsource embroidery - Trade Imprint Pricing

Find someone local if possible. Get pricing information. What type of artwork is requested? Will they do a sample sew-out for you? Does their quality level meet your standards? What is the turnaround time? Do they do applique, foam, tackle twill? Will they check your order before decorating to see if the vendor sent the correct colors/sizes? What is the spoilage rate? If due to spoilage your customer receives a quantity less than ordered is that okay? If there is a problem with your order after it has been delivered to your customer how is that handled? Will they blind ship to your customer? Will they inform you in advance if they have a vacation time? Tour their shop if possible. Is it organized? Most important, is it someone you can work with? The work they produce will represent your business.

I have owned a contract embroidery for over 17 years with about 150 heads of embroidery equipment on site. we produce about 4000 garments per day with a 100% guarantee behind each order. I would say that our quality is as good if not better than smaller shops because we have the newest equipment, with the latest techniques and technology to support our production team. Yes, we do concentrate on production numbers, but because of the numbers, we can afford to spend more money on processes and quality controls than smaller shops.

Proximity to a contract decorator is not as important as you might think. There really isn't too big of a difference in shipping costs if you are sending a box across town or across the country. Most of the cost is just putting the product in a box and shipping it. I know the next objection will be how much time it takes to get from the decorator to the end user. An organized, efficient decorator has the ability to produce orders based on the customers in hands date without having to expedite the shipment. Smaller shops don't typically have the capability of handling multiple orders of any size at the same time because of not enough equipment or personnel.

The key to being succesful using a contract decorator is making sure you understand what the decorator needs to complete your orders on time, with the quality you expect and at a fair price. Following that formula will give both you and your decorator the opportunity to make a profit and expand your business.