Setting Up a Home Business IV Embroidery Project

It’s quite easy to assume that once you buy an embroidery machine you are in business. Wrong! You must understand that you are creating a business that does embroidery, rather than an embroidery business. The focus must be on the “business” aspects first, everything else second. You must develop methods and systems to track leads, take orders, process jobs, order merchandise, pay bills, etc. It’s more than just sewing. So to ensure that you setup the business aspects of the business you need to invest in some non-embroidery products.

The first item is a computer for administrative functions. It should be separate from the one that does embroidery functions. There are several reasons for this separation. First of all, commercial embroidery software is very sophisticated and it demands a lot of the computer resources. Second, the nature of the software is such that conflicts do occur when it encounters other programs on the same system, which can lead to crashes. Third, when it becomes necessary to do two things at once (A frequent occurrence), one computer becomes totally inefficient. Example, you are invoicing customers, and your husband comes in to help you out by digitizing some designs. One computer doesn’t work!

In addition to your computer(s), it’s necessary to invest in a good quality scanner and photo-quality printer. This allows you to process artwork, create flyers and brochures, etc. And of course, you will need software to make everything work. As a business you will need programs that create files that others can easily read. The business standard for spreadsheets is MS Excel (I’m not getting a commission), while the business standard for documents is MS Word. (I repeat, no commissions!). For example, if you wish to email documents, quotes, price sheets, etc to a customer, chances are that he can read the MS Word format. If you send anything else, he may not be able to read it. So it’s important that you are on the same level as the rest of the business world. Most business in this country have invested in MS Office Suite which includes these two programs. Depending upon which level you buy, you will also receive MS Access which is a database program. Databases are vital for tracking leads, keeping up with customers etc. Another must for any business.

Along office software, you will need accounting software. There are many programs to choose from. Quick Books is very popular among small businesses. Talk to your Accountant and find out what he recommends. This will ensure you are compatible with his system, which can save you some money in the long run.

Desktop publishing is a must for a new embroidery business as well. This will enable you to create flyers, brochures, mailers, etc.

With a full complement of software, you will be able to manage your business affairs much more effectively than if you use paper and pencil, combined with manila folders. (though you will still use paper files to some degree.) You make money in this business through sales and production, not “paper-pushing.” By setting up good systems for managing vital information, you will spend less time playing clerk and more time producing revenue.

In addition to the more complex pieces required to manage your business, there are the small everyday items that go with it. Don’t forget the routine office supplies such as pens, paper, pencils, whiteout, stapler, staples, tape, post-it notes, rubber bands, markers, shipping supplies, paper clips, binder clips, file cabinets, file folders, envelopes, letterheads, calculators, etc. And then there are telephones, answering machines, fax machines, etc that also have to be purchased. (A new embroidery business is a wonderful asset for the office equipment store.)