Both scenarios are caused by making the same mistakes - not correctly estimating how much material you require. But this can be easily corrected using a costing and stock requirement software such as the easiMARK Matrix. This allows you to input dimensions of a logo, quantity required, width of material and so on, and it will tell you what material length you need to order.

This type of software is ideal when you need to order colours that are not the best sellers and it ensures that when you do order your required stock you have enough to complete the job, yet leaves you with less stock to store on the shelf.

When trying to work out your exact costs for any sized logo, being able to offer your customer the correct pricing can effectively be the difference between wining and losing business. Undercharging, or in some cases overcharging, could lose you business to the competition if they have costed the job correctly.

The easiMARK Matrix will cost up any job in seconds, giving you a price per transfer, then allowing you to cost up your garments, delivery and labour.

Marketing

Market your business effectively and you can easily get away with working from your back bedroom or converted garage. How you promote your business will affect its success; you can have a very expensive and professional website but if you don't tell anyone it's there no one will ever find you. Contact your local Business Link and Chamber of Commerce to find out about free marketing training courses. In particular look out for those on how to promote your website. This will give you a good basic knowledge of how to utilise search engines and how to get the best out of your website. Google adwords gives good advice on how to drive traffic to your website.

Whatever you use to promote your business, whether it be a website, leaflet, showroom or catalogue, always give good examples of the type of products you sell. Don't forget about the old saying ‘a picture tells a thousand words'. Contact your supplier for assistance with images. If they can't help, produce a few examples yourself to use in your marketing materials.

If you produce personalised garments always give your customers as much information as possible, including things like washing instructions, which you can display on your website. Having access to colour guides is invaluable so that you can pass these onto your customers to assist in their decision making process.

Most suppliers provide good marketing support to help you promote your business and ultimately help you save time and money.

Victory Design supplies a wide range of equipment, software and materials to the garment personalisation market. Established in 1987, Victory Design is one of largest suppliers in the UK, offering a wealth of experience and expertise in this industry.

Its brand easiMARK offers customers a comprehensive range of films, finishes and styles to suit a wide variety of fabrics. An extensive cad cut range is one of the main strengths of the brand, including printable materials, whether for inkjet, sublimation, solvent or thermal ribbon. It also offers customers an exclusive trade print transfer service.

Should you have any further questions following this article then call Glynn at Victory Design on 01246 570570 or email sales@victorydesign.co.uk

Full details on the easiMARK range can be found at http://www.victorydesign.co.uk/

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