Davis Brown
If you are a custom embroidery print shop, you may have faced certain issues with the embroidery digitization issues such as pricing, turnaround time, how to deal with the customers, etc.
What is Embroidery Digitalization? Embroidery digitization is the process of conversion of artwork to a stitch file which is then sent to an embroidery machine to sew because an embroidery machine will not understand what a design is unless a stitch file is sent.
1. Embroidery digitizing pricing:
Some quote the price for digitizing the artwork for embroidery and calculate the price based on the stitch count. You can digitize the artwork by stitch count using software such as Wilcon and quote the price.
However, digitizing by stitch count is not a great way to price. A 5000 count simple design takes much less time than a complex design with the same stitch count. Therefore, you must do a close estimate by looking at the design which needs some experience.
If you have flat rate fees, your prices for Chest, Cap, and Full back logos will be:
- Left chest & cap: $15.00
- Jacket back: $30.00
- Portrait: $60.00
Custom embroidery patches(1000 stitches): $0.39 for 1.5″
Applique embroidery digitizing: $10 per design
Left chest logo digitizing(per design): starting at $10 less than 10,000 stitches
Some digitizing embroidery services charge flat rates per 1000 stitches. Most digitizers charge between $7 to $20 per thousand stitches. The exact pricing depends upon how long it takes to digitize an artwork based on its complexity.
The digitizing services involve 3D puff designing, customized embroidery patches, applique embroidery digitizing, left chest logo digitizing, jacket back, and cap & hat patches.
If the stitch file includes a lot of details it will cost more and vice versa.
2. Turnaround time:
The total turnaround time i.e. receiving orders, editing the print file, generating the digitized stitch file, embroidering, and final touch up till delivery, the average time taken is 24 hours per order.
To digitize a custom embroidery pattern needs a little expertise. It involves many steps such as specifying the number of stitches, stitch direction, set embroidery thread colors, set embroidery size and more.
Moreover, if you are using modern embroidery digitizing software such as Hatch Embroidery, Wilcom es4.5, Embrillance, etc it becomes affordable, dependable, and far less time to digitize an artwork to create an accurate stitch file.
3. Is it reasonable to offer discounts on combo design orders?
Suppose, you have got orders for multiple embroidery prints such as a check logo and a hat logo, a full back, and cap logo, etc. So, we have unique pricing for each logo category. Therefore, should you charge a discounted price for such combo print orders?
Most digitizers wouldn’t make further discounts even if they receive combo orders. If your prices are reasonable and provide quality work, then you should not compromise your profits.
4. What if customers are not happy with your work:
There may be cases where customers would not be happy with the embroidery prints and want the logo redone or reprint. Should you charge them extra?
You may an charge extra price when there is a fault with the artwork submitted by your customer. However, if you find a fault with the digitized stitch file generated by your shop, then you must be open to rectifying it free of cost anytime the customer returns with the fault. Even after a year.
This business attitude is crucial for gaining trust among clients that results in brand reputation and repeat customers through the years along.
5. Digitized Embroidery file to customers:
If the customer asks for the digitized stitch file, should give it to the customer? The answer is if you charge separately for generating the digitized file then you may give it to your customers. However, if you don’t charge, then you can create an order form and write all terms and conditions.
The safer side is keeping your digitized file confidential because your competitors may copy your quality and working standards.
Related Questions:
What are the digitizing settings to embroider the patches?
You can digitize badges and patches with a little less underlay density and pull compensation. While the patch is too stiff you should never press it flat. To make the patch shiny you can iron it on top by putting a cloth in-between.
What is the best way to digitize long point corners?
For long point corners, you can digitize them in three sections, i.e. column, cap, column. Make the stitch direction the same on all elements. Or you can also get an embroidery digitizing software such as Wilcon that does it all for you with a feature called smart corners.
Can we scan an already embroidered garment and convert it into a stitch file for embroidery further?
Before embroidery, you must digitize the scanned file. If you digitize the image exactly to the image, the embroidery will end up slightly thinner because of the full compensation. You must increase the pull comp gradually until it looks right.
When digitizing for 3-D puff is it better to use satin stitch or zigzag stitch?
For 3D puff, it is better to use satin stitch because it increases density.
How to handle clients in embroidery digitizing services?
There are two practices adopted by print shops when handling payments. One is a 50% payment in advance for starting the work. And the second option is receiving the full amount prior to starting the work. If somebody needs a faster delivery you may charge it higher than the normal.
