Printwear & Promotion The Total Promotional Package
The question is: do I carry on using the same machines or do I look for another manufacturer? Amaya Sales UK’s managing director, Peter Wright, answers this important question.
Obviously, the easiest route is to buy the same make that you already have and from the same supplier.
The problem with taking this avenue is that the machines you have may not be the most efficient machines available or have up to date technology. Not looking around for the best machine to suite your business could cost you thousands of pounds in lost production and maybe lost customers.
Production needs have changed dramatically over the years, but not all machine manufacturers have kept up with the technology to match it. Another point to consider is that some of the suppliers have also changed and may not be giving the same support and service as they once did.
One thing for sure is that the industry is as strong as ever, so to keep up with your competitors you should make sure that your machinery is up to date and serviced regularly. Another very important point is to make sure your operators are motivated and working your machines as efficiently as possible.
Efficiency and productivity
So, how do you decide which other machines to consider in your quest for more efficiency and productivity?
There are several manufacturers of embroidery machines, some good and some not so good. Some of these machines have new technology and some very old. Please research the market by reading magazines like the Printwear & Promotion. The internet can provide a lot of good information but beware of some of the forums. Forums provide a lot of good information but look carefully at the dates of the comments, some can be very old. Also, because the forums are normally worldwide, there could be bad reports about distributors in certain countries. A poor distributor can give a product a bad name in one country and good one in another.
Look for a trustworthy, established machine supplier that can not only provide you with the best machine but can also provide the support form its own factory trained technicians. Ask about the training you will receive and the amount of warranty given. Always do your own research and be careful when asking embroiderers for their advice. They will have chosen a certain make for themselves and will normally think it’s the greatest because it was their decision. In the past few years some manufacturers have taken giant steps in technology but some are still like they were 20 years ago. The best in technology will give you more production, more efficiency and more profit.
I suggest drawing up a shortlist of two to three suppliers and arrange demonstrations with them. Visit their showroom (so you can see how professional they are) and make sure you see the machines running at the normal speed and its preferred top speed. Take a design you have run on your machines and compare the quality and running time. If you are looking at a modular system remember to ask how they compare with fixed multi-head machines.
Look to the future
When buying a machine, look for one that will serve you not just now, but well into the future. Having to part exchange for a larger one with more heads can be costly so look at buying a modular multi-head which you can add on easily when required.
Upgrading your embroidery equipment can be expensive but in the long run it could add to your profits if you choose the correct one. Look at finance and leasing which allows you to spread the payments up to five years. This can work out to be a relatively low monthly payment compared with turnover generated by the machine.
Ask for a demonstration on the operating and design software. Good and easy to use software will again make your business more efficient and of cause, more profitable.
So, to sum up, you need to have an open outlook and choose a machine that will give you total flexibilty for coping with your orders and one that will build with your business. Also, remember that buying the cheapest machine will not necessarily save you money in the long run.
