The Most Common Questions Embroidery Businesses Get Asked & How To Answer Them
- Kelly Bazzle
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
If you run an embroidery business, whether you are stitching out of a spare bedroom, a garage, or a fully decked out shop, you learn very quickly that embroidery comes with its own language, its own rules, and its own set of very predictable questions. Some questions are totally fair. Some are sweet. And some will absolutely make you raise an eyebrow.
Here are the questions every embroidery business hears on repeat, how to answer them in a helpful way, and a few moments where we can laugh together about the parts that make us all a little crazy.
1. “How much would something small cost”
The word “small” is a classic. Customers think it means inexpensive, when in embroidery it might mean eight thread changes, tiny details, and a stitch count that surprises everyone.
A helpful way to answer: Explain that pricing is based on stitch count, complexity, fabric, and the prep that goes into every project. A tiny design with a lot of detail can take longer than something bigger and simpler. So, it's always important to charge by the amount of stitches. A good rule of thumb is to stick to $1-2 per thousand stitches. If you have to digitize the design first, be sure to charge for your time. I have an example of this in my instagram post below.
The funny truth: “Small” is more of a vibe. A detailed hummingbird the size of a quarter is still not five dollars.
2. “Can you just whip this up real quick”
This question usually shows up the night before they need it.
And let's be honest, embroidery machines, especially my Melco Summit, can do a lot of things. But unfortunately, turning hours of work into 20 minutes is not one of them.
A helpful way to answer: Give a simple turnaround time and offer a rush option if you have one. This helps, and it also keeps you from becoming their last minute miracle worker every time. Always think long-term when you're helping a customer. It will help you make sure you're valuing your time and efforts.
The funny truth: If I could work that fast I’d also be winning awards for bending space and time.
3. “Can I bring you the item and you embroider on it”
Sometimes this works. Sometimes the fabric melts. Sometimes it puckers. Sometimes it does something far worse and you start praying. I admit, I do this a lot for my customers. I don't keep a lot of inventory. But I make sure that the customers know they have to bring clean, like new items.
A helpful way to answer: Share your policy. Some fabrics are not embroidery friendly and customer supplied items carry more risk. If you do accept them, a small extra fee makes sense because you are taking on the liability (especially if they are very near and dear to the customer's heart).
The funny truth: Some fabrics are sweet angels. Some are pure chaos.
4. “Why is digitizing extra? Isn’t it just a button”
I wish.
Digitizing is what turns artwork into stitches. It is a skill, it takes time, and it directly affects how good the embroidery looks in the end.
A helpful way to answer: Talk about stitch paths, density, underlay, compensation and how a well digitized file creates a clean design with fewer issues. Need more advice? Check out my recent instagram post for a great explanation.
The funny truth: If digitizing were one button we would all be stitching from a beach somewhere.
5. “How big should the design be”
Most customers have no idea. That is completely normal.
A helpful way to answer: Give simple size guidelines for left chest, sleeves, hats and sweatshirts. Explain that proportion matters because too big or too small can distort the final look.
The funny truth: A seven inch logo on a hat would look like a billboard parked on your forehead and would also be a pain to stitch.
6. “Why is embroidery more expensive than printing”
This is actually one of the best teaching moments.
A helpful way to answer: Explain the value behind embroidery. It lasts longer, uses real thread, requires stabilizer, involves machine maintenance and creates a higher end look. Printing will eventually fade. Embroidery stays with you.
The funny truth: Embroidery has survived washers, dryers, toddlers, pets and probably the apocalypse.
7. “Can I see it before you make it”
They may want a free sample of the design or they may just want to see what it would look like finally stitched. Design Shop has a way for you to show them what the stitches would look like. All you have to do is save the design as a PNG.
A helpful way to answer: Offer a digital mockup and explain that physical samples take time, materials and machine time. Design Shop also allows you to print out the design in actual size so that you can lay that on top of the item. Most customers are totally cool with this and understand once you explain it clearly.
The funny truth: If I created free samples for every order I would also stop paying my electric bill.
8. “Can you match this exact color”
Thread does not behave like digital color. There are no hex codes here. Always keep a thread chart nearby and if you're meeting the customer in person, let them look at that chart so that you can order the correct color for their item.
A helpful way to answer: Use thread charts and match as closely as possible. Let customers know that exact digital matches are not always possible, but you will get it as close as you can.
The funny truth: My thread colors have names like Sunset Wheat, not codes that look like robot passwords.
9. “Can you embroider over this seam or pocket or zipper”
There is always someone who wants to try it. And in some cases, it's totally doable. It really depends on how comfortable you are and how thick the seam is.
A helpful way to answer: Explain how hooping works and why flat surfaces make a difference. Offer a workaround if you can, but do not promise what the fabric will not let you do.
The funny truth: I can do a lot of things but I cannot fight gravity for you.
10. The Universal Embroidery Rite of Passage: The Digitizer Messages
This is the moment every new embroiderer experiences. The second you post anything embroidery related anywhere online, your inbox wakes up.
You will get a message that says “Hi.” You will reply because you think it is a customer. Then instantly you will get:
“Do you need digitizing services”or“Who digitizes your designs”or“I can digitize for you, ma’am”
It never ends. They come from everywhere. Morning, night, holidays, weekends. They find you.
A helpful way to deal with it: Save a polite reply if you want or ignore them if you do not. If you ever need a digitizer, choose someone based on reviews and samples, not random messages in your inbox.
The funny truth: It feels like the embroidery version of being asked if you need new car insurance.
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