How To Import Embroidery Designs
Alphonse Kursheedt imported schiffli embroidery machines to America in 1876 and Dr. Robert Reiner began importing embroidery machines to Weehawken, New Jersey in 1903. Although northern New Jersey's Hudson County was labeled the embroidery capital of the world by the fashion industry, as labor costs increased, designers and apparel manufacturers ventured abroad to locate factories willing to produce the designs at much lower and competitive prices. Scouting factories with sufficient embroidery machines, reviewing finished factory samples, calculating the transportation costs as well as determining the factory's finished production delivery history are all crucial elements prior to placing embroidery production.
Instructions
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Conduct an Internet search of embroidery factories by using industry websites such as apparelsearch.com. Keep your travel budget in mind when selecting particular countries. You will have to travel abroad for several weeks to meet with several factory representatives as well as negotiate quantity cost and delivery schedules.
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Contact the factory's USA representative, referred to as reps, and schedule a meeting. Although factories are not required to have a USA rep, generally reputable factories have representation in the USA or Canada. The representative's contact information is included with the factory facility description.
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Ask the factory representative for finished factory samples. Usually the reps have a variety of samples with different design features. The samples show the quality of the industrial embroidery machines and the factory finish as well as quality. Turn the samples inside out and check for embroidery backings and excess thread.
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Request a quantity pricing chart. The higher the quantity placement, the less each embroidered piece will cost to produce, which will increase your profit margins. Keep in mind if you have pre-sold these quantities or if you will be selling from existing inventory prior to placing orders. High inventory levels impact your budget and can cause a severe financial burden on your company.
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Request a delivery placement schedule. Factories abroad require long lead times for delivery. For example, certain factories require placement in early February to deliver items in late October. The delivery schedule must be coordinated with sufficient lead time for delays such as USA customs as well as your customer's delivery requirements. Bypassing this crucial step often results in cancelled orders.
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Hire a factory agent to scout the embroidery factories abroad. An agent places production for different factories abroad and charges a commission or flat fee for the service. The agent also follows up on production details, has direct communication with the factory and travels to the factory. Although this step is optional, hiring a reputable agent ensures the represented factory produces high quality embroidery designs and generally meets its delivery schedule.
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