The INSIDE SCOOP on profitable decoration methods, scaling your business & more
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Are you itching to find out the answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about the custom apparel business? Then tune into this Apparel Academy Episode where Ricoma CEO, Henry Ma answers questions asked by our Instagram followers! Click here for a Halloween-themed tote bag tutorial using glow-in-the-dark threads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUBBSakOSEA Click here to use our profit calculator: https://ift.tt/ZikbAF3 To find out in-depth details on the right time to transition into a storefront business, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIcqo7p_-ew Compare 2-Step Heat Transfer and DTG Printing side-by-side by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJDXnkw634w Click here to compare RICOH Ri 1000 and RICOH Ri 2000 to see which one best suits your needs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycC5ZMXwWVk Join the Ricoma newsletter for educational blogs, videos, and live webinars: https://ift.tt/dK8RLrP To learn more, schedule a virtual demo today: https://ift.tt/noJqNtE Get our latest Ricoma embroidery YouTube videos sent straight to your Facebook Messenger: https://ift.tt/RHbAt7J To learn more about our embroidery machines, visit our website: https://ricoma.com/US Time Stamps 00:52 – Do you use glow-in-the-dark threads? 01:56 – What brings in the most profit – screen printing, iron-on, or embroidery? 03:25 – When is it the right time to scale from a home-based business to a storefront business? 04:40 - Why should I get a DTG printer? #1Q: Do you use glow-in-the-dark threads? Yes, absolutely! You can use glow-in-the-dark threads with your embroidery machine. In fact, using a specialty type thread will make your design’s glow brighter! Also, the size of your design affects the intensity of the glow. For example, the larger design you have, the brighter the glow will be. Glow-in-the-dark threads are thinner and brittle, which means they can break easily. To prevent thread breaks, just lower the tension on your embroidery machine. Avoid using satin stitch with your glow-in-the-dark threads, because using satin stitches will cause your design, or lettering of your design, to become easily loose. However, if you truly need to use satin stitches, try to keep them narrow and not too wide to prevent the glow-in-the-dark threads from becoming loose. #2Q: What brings in the most profit – screen printing, iron-on, or embroidery? In the U.S alone, the craft industry is around $40-$50 billion per year; and within that, embroidery is the most profitable form of apparel decoration in comparison to others, like screen-printing and iron-on. This is because the embroidery materials themselves are the most inexpensive compared to other decoration methods, and therefore, makes it easier for people to scale and get started in the custom apparel industry. Regarding revenue and what you can charge, embroidery is premium compared to other decoration methods. That’s because embroidery provides a much more finished, polished, and professional look – not to mention it lasts longer and is higher perceived in value. #3Q: When is it the right time to scale from a home-based business to a storefront business? It depends on your circumstances. Having a storefront business is not a great fit for everyone, considering overhead costs, rent costs, and other storefront needs that will increase expenses. So, if you’re just starting your custom apparel journey, this may not be the right fit for you just yet. However, a growing business does require more space. So, if you’re realizing the line between your home and office is blurring, then this could indicate it’s time to move into a commercial space. And as your business grows bigger, you’ll want to start hiring employees, renting an office big enough to comfortably fit everyone, etc. But before you move into a commercial space, be mindful of the costs associated with it, and if your business can support or justify it. #4Q: Why should I get a DTG printer? Depending on your goals, a DTG printer could be an essential way to start your custom apparel business or expand your existing offerings. First, a DTG printer is great to tackle small, on demand orders – you don’t have to keep too much inventory in stock and you can quickly print (small quantity) designs. Second, a DTG printer provides a smoother finish and higher printing quality than heat transfer vinyl. Plus, the designs you choose to print can be full color and result with much more vibrant colors than what a screen-printer can achieve. Not to mention, DTG printing designs can last longer after multiple wash cycles. Because DTG printing results in a smoother design, the colors actually infuse within the fabric itself, making it stronger to survive wash cycles.
The INSIDE SCOOP on profitable decoration methods, scaling your business & more
