Setting Up a Home Business VI Embroidery Project

Now that you have embroidery production equipment, samples, assorted non-embroidery and administrative supplies, etc. need to find a place setup your business. A key factor for location within your home is SEPARATION. You need to maintain a physical and emotional separation from your business. Though your business will become your life, you do need to spend some time away from it. But just as important, you must keep certain elements of your home environment away from your business operation.

For example, small children. An embroidery shop holds many wonders for a small child, but unfortunately danger lurks just beneath the surface. Sharp objects, moving parts and electrical devices are just a few of the things can easily hurt a child.

Another element to contend with is household odors such as food smells, cigarette smoke and cleaning solvents. All of these items can permeate the merchandise in your shopping that is awaiting delivery. Your customer will reject his order if the shirts smell like cigarettes.

Pets can also be a problem. In addition to physical dangers that might cause injury, a pet can leave behind odors and hairs, which can also permeate garments awaiting production.

Another thing to consider when choosing a location within the house is physical environment. Can you get the machine around corners and through doors? Can the floor support the weight of the machine? Is there adequate heating and cooling? (Damp basements are a no-no.) Can you squeeze all the “other stuff” in as well?

As you can see, starting an embroidery business in your home does involve more than just purchasing a machine. It takes careful thought and planning. And just because you are in your house, doesn’t mean that you are exempt from local, state and federal laws concerning businesses, taxes, licenses, permits, etc. The main difference between a home-based location and a commercial location, is just that: location. The rest of the details that make a business a business are pretty much the same. Identify and manage them and you will do well, ignore them and you may fail. Good luck!