Top 5 Mistakes New Embroidery Business Owners Make

Starting an embroidery business is exciting — the creativity, the machines, the software, the possibilities. But it’s also easy to fall into traps that cost you time, money, and energy.

After working with embroidery business owners for over 25 years, I’ve seen the same mistakes made over and over. The good news? You can avoid them with the right knowledge and guidance.

Here are the top 5 mistakes new embroidery business owners make — and what to do instead.

1. Underpricing Their Work

The Mistake:
Many new business owners don’t charge enough. They look at what others are charging and go even lower, hoping it will bring in customers.

The Reality:
Low prices may bring customers, but they won’t bring profit. You’ll work hard and still struggle to pay yourself.

The Fix:
Start by calculating your costs: supplies, time, machine maintenance, and overhead. Then, add a profit margin. You’re not just selling stitches — you’re selling a finished, valuable solution.

Remember: When you charge what you’re worth, you attract customers who value quality.

2. Saying Yes to Everything

The Mistake:
New owners often take any job that comes their way — towels, hats, jackets, tiny monograms, huge logos — whether or not they’re ready for it.

The Reality:
Not every job is a good fit. Taking on difficult projects before you’re equipped can damage your reputation and your confidence.

The Fix:
Start by specializing. Choose one niche — like corporate polos, or team uniforms — and become known for it. This builds expertise, trust, and efficiency.

3. Skipping Systems and SOPs

The Mistake:
“I’ll remember how to do that next time,” you think. But as orders grow, so does chaos.

The Reality:
Without standard operating procedures (SOPs), every task becomes a guessing game. You’ll lose time, make errors, and stress out.

The Fix:
Write down your step-by-step process for:

• Taking an order

• Unpacking boxes and counting the good when they arrive

• Setting up artwork

• Hooping and sewing

• Clean up and steaming off hoop marks

• Packaging and delivery

Systems save time — and make training for future help much easier.

4. Not Marketing Consistently

The Mistake:
Many embroiderers rely only on word-of-mouth and referrals — and panic when orders slow down.

The Reality:
If people don’t know you exist, they can’t hire you. Sporadic posting or no email list means missed opportunities.

The Fix:
Create a simple marketing plan. Post consistently on social media. Send a monthly email newsletter. Share your work. Tell customer stories. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just consistent.

5. Trying to Do It All Alone

The Mistake:
You think asking for help means you’re not capable. So, you struggle through every challenge, trying to figure it out yourself.

The Reality:
Embroidery is complex. Business is even more complex. Wasting time on trial and error costs more than asking for help.

The Fix:
Invest in coaching, training, or mentorship. A little guidance from someone who's already walked the path can shortcut your learning curve by years.

Mistakes are part of the journey, but they don’t have to hold you back. Awareness is the first step toward growth. Follow me and learn from my mistakes, don’t bother to make your own.

If you're a new embroidery business owner (or even if you've been at it for a while), take some time to review your processes and pricing. And if you feel like you're spinning your wheels — you're not alone.

Want help getting your embroidery business on track?
Send me an email to joyce@theembroiderycoach.com, and we will set up a call and let’s build a plan that gets you growing with confidence.