New Directions, New Ideas I Embroidery Project

Though embroiderers have been dragging machines around to special events for many years, the popularity of mobile embroidery has exploded recently. Performing on-the-spot personalization can generate big bucks, if the mobile operation is setup correctly. There are plenty of machines that are portable enough to travel, yet sturdy enough to handle workload while surviving the rigors of the road.

However, it takes more than a machine and some merchandise to be successful. Going mobile is rather like starting a new business from scratch. You’ll have to do market research, invest in equipment, develop a suitable price structure, create an operational system, etc. But the rewards can easily outweigh the costs if done properly. It’s the perfect avenue for a home-based business to generate valuable exposure in front of a focused group of people. Plus, mobile tends to be retail in nature, so $25.00 for caps, $35.00 for lovies and even $100 for jackets are reasonable expectations at the proper events.

Your first step is to select a market of interest and investigate the shows that cater to that segment. Typically, you can contact convention and civic centers to get a complete list of events that are scheduled for that facility. The list will also include contact information for the organizations that produce the shows. Contact the promoters to find out booth cost, attendance numbers, attendee demographics, buying habits, etc. Use this data to determine if the show holds significant promise for generating business. If so, plan to attend it before you actually book it. Walk the aisles and get a feel for the people as well as the products offered for sale. Listen to what the attendees are saying and observe what they are buying and how much money they are spending. This kind of information is invaluable for determining the potential the show has to offer. It will also help you develop pricing and inventory models, which will improve your chances of success significantly. Remember, people will spend money if you have something they want and you can deliver it to them in their timeframe.

Mobile embroidery can be a challenge, but it can also bring in huge returns, both in exposure and revenues.