FAQ's
Should I get my uniforms embroidered?
Whether you have your own business, or work for someone else, an embroidered shirt with a logo or text is part of a professional image. It instills a sense of confidence to your customer, particularly if you are going to their home - you are instantly recognisable when they open the door. It is a very affordable way to promote your business.
How much will my embroidery cost?
Embroidery costs are quoted on stitch count as this is a direct indicator of the time it will take to stitch out. Our machine can handle up to 15 colours in a single design and changes colour automatically so that need not be a factor. If you know the stitch count you can check our price list and if you don't know the stitch count email a jpeg of your image to us and we will estimate the stitch count. Most left chest sized logos will be under 10 000 stitches.
Do I have to buy my clothing from you?
No of course you don't, there are a few reasons why you might though.
Consistency - our suppliers keep most styles for many years so you can always get more uniforms if you need a top up or new get new staff.
Blanks - a lot of clothing you buy has the brand logo'd on already, maybe in the form of a small logo on the left chest of a polo for example. This conflicts with the embroidery we would apply because it is in the same position.
Quality - most of our brands supply the quality of the 'name brand' clothing at a fraction of the cost.
Cost - we discount the embroidery charges when you purchase your clothing from us.
If none of these points concern you then go ahead and buy your own, we are still happy to apply the embroidery for you.
Why do I have to pay setup?
When you send your design through it has to be completely redrawn manually with embroidery software. We trace the embroidery shapes exactly over the top of the image and then generate stitches. This takes time and that time is charged as setup. The file is then stored for future use therefore no further fees are charged. We do not charge extra for minor design changes or colour changes to your logo.
I have paid setup at another embroiderer, do I need to pay again to have a new company supply embroidery?
If you have paid setup fees at another embroiderer they should supply you with the program for use elsewhere. In most cases you just need to ask for a copy of it. If an embroider has digitised the logo for free or for a reduced rate they may refuse to release it or request that you pay a release fee. In this case it may be cheaper to have the digitising done again although it will probably never be identical.
I just want the cheapest possible price, it's all the same isn't it?
Ummm..no. In embroidery the same is true as in most things, you get what you pay for. An experienced digitiser will use stitch angles and styles to get the effect a design needs to be great. Imagine an embroidery of a bird, texture can be added to the stitches without changing colours and you will get the impression of a wing, feathers etc. Also if a stitch count is too low you are most definitely compromising on quality, the design may warp after the first wash or the stitches are so far apart that the fabric underneath shows through. Not a professional look.
Embroidery or screen printing, which should I chose?
Embroidery is best suited to smaller designs that need to last a long time without fading, very large designs become uncomfortable to wear if embroidered. Embroidery is far more cost effective for smaller designs, designs with a multiple colours and short run jobs (eg 10-20 garments). Embroidery will usually last much longer than screen printing, often outliving the fabric it is stitched onto.
Whether you have your own business, or work for someone else, an embroidered shirt with a logo or text is part of a professional image. It instills a sense of confidence to your customer, particularly if you are going to their home - you are instantly recognisable when they open the door. It is a very affordable way to promote your business.
How much will my embroidery cost?
Embroidery costs are quoted on stitch count as this is a direct indicator of the time it will take to stitch out. Our machine can handle up to 15 colours in a single design and changes colour automatically so that need not be a factor. If you know the stitch count you can check our price list and if you don't know the stitch count email a jpeg of your image to us and we will estimate the stitch count. Most left chest sized logos will be under 10 000 stitches.
Do I have to buy my clothing from you?
No of course you don't, there are a few reasons why you might though.
Consistency - our suppliers keep most styles for many years so you can always get more uniforms if you need a top up or new get new staff.
Blanks - a lot of clothing you buy has the brand logo'd on already, maybe in the form of a small logo on the left chest of a polo for example. This conflicts with the embroidery we would apply because it is in the same position.
Quality - most of our brands supply the quality of the 'name brand' clothing at a fraction of the cost.
Cost - we discount the embroidery charges when you purchase your clothing from us.
If none of these points concern you then go ahead and buy your own, we are still happy to apply the embroidery for you.
Why do I have to pay setup?
When you send your design through it has to be completely redrawn manually with embroidery software. We trace the embroidery shapes exactly over the top of the image and then generate stitches. This takes time and that time is charged as setup. The file is then stored for future use therefore no further fees are charged. We do not charge extra for minor design changes or colour changes to your logo.
I have paid setup at another embroiderer, do I need to pay again to have a new company supply embroidery?
If you have paid setup fees at another embroiderer they should supply you with the program for use elsewhere. In most cases you just need to ask for a copy of it. If an embroider has digitised the logo for free or for a reduced rate they may refuse to release it or request that you pay a release fee. In this case it may be cheaper to have the digitising done again although it will probably never be identical.
I just want the cheapest possible price, it's all the same isn't it?
Ummm..no. In embroidery the same is true as in most things, you get what you pay for. An experienced digitiser will use stitch angles and styles to get the effect a design needs to be great. Imagine an embroidery of a bird, texture can be added to the stitches without changing colours and you will get the impression of a wing, feathers etc. Also if a stitch count is too low you are most definitely compromising on quality, the design may warp after the first wash or the stitches are so far apart that the fabric underneath shows through. Not a professional look.
Embroidery or screen printing, which should I chose?
Embroidery is best suited to smaller designs that need to last a long time without fading, very large designs become uncomfortable to wear if embroidered. Embroidery is far more cost effective for smaller designs, designs with a multiple colours and short run jobs (eg 10-20 garments). Embroidery will usually last much longer than screen printing, often outliving the fabric it is stitched onto.
