Selecting A Vendor

As the popularity of clothing embroidered with a company's logo increases, thousands of companies across the nation have jumped on the bandwagon to meet the demand. Internet technology has enabled companies to showcase their products and services at the click of a button. The days of using local vendors have disappeared, with the computer making each vendor as close as the download time on your computer. With all of these vendors to choose from, how does a professional know which company will supply the best product, price, and service? The following information will help you choose the right Vendor for your embroidered needs.

Specialty Advertising Campaigns

Ad specialty companies have long been in the business of promoting your company logo on a very large variety of items. These companies provide you with pens, mugs, golf balls, and post-it notes adorned with your company name. Most have access to tens of thousands of products that can help your company with image needs. Adding to their list of products offered are embroidered clothing. Upon request, specialty companies can provide you with catalogs of clothing products to choose from. The clothing order and embroidery request is then submitted to a contractor selected by the specialty company. This company works through the specialty company to understand your needs, logo, and time frame.

► WARNING:  Because specialty companies work with thousands of products, it is rare to find one that is an expert in any one of these products. The information they can supply you may be limited to what the catalog contains. Because they are the middlemen for your embroidered needs, they often can not control time frame of order delivery or quality of embroidery.

Embroidery Companies

These folks usually work with a wide variety of vendors, ordering the desired clothing to their facility and embroidering the items on-site. These companies work directly with the customer, the logo, and the product until it reaches it's final destination. Embroidery companies tend to have more control over embroidery quality and turn-around time as work is done in-house. Larger embroidery companies have access to thousands of clothing vendors, which decreases the chance of shortages and enables customers to have a large selection of styles.

► WARNING:  Embroidery is a highly skilled trade that takes years of experience to master. The corporate casual movement has driven many newcomers to open embroidery shops and on-line embroidery services. Seek companies with at least ten years of embroidery experience, as well as an established Art and Customer Service Department for the best quality product and service.

Fulfillment Houses

Fulfillment houses specialize in warehousing wearables for larger companies. They produce (either in-house or through contracted vendors) large orders, keeping the requested items (usually a variety of sizes) in stock to fulfill orders as they are placed. When orders are placed, inventory is pulled and shipped to the desired location. Companies often utilize this method for uniforming staff at multiple locations across the country.

► WARNING:  Predicting clothing need and purchasing the correct quantity can be a tricky business. Errors may lead to inventory shortages and overages, thereby adding much expense to the company. Choose a fulfillment house that has expertise working with companies with needs similar to yours. Otherwise, you may be stuck purchasing inventory that will never be used, and orders will not be filled in a timely manner. Check references!

National Catalog Retailers

 Well-known companies like Land's End and Eddie Bauer have recognized the huge market for embroidered wearables. In addition to selling their traditional products via catalog and on-line, most national catalog retailers now have a corporate line, promoting corporate embroidery of polos, oxfords, sweaters, and jackets. Consumers feel comfortable with these vendors because they know the name and have often seen the product.

► WARNING:  Most catalog retailers usually produce their own clothing line. Therefore, when a product is out of stock, they can not assist the customer in finding an equivalent product to meet their needs. Slow turn-around time is a result of shortages. While they are experts at selling blank goods, embroidery is a relatively new business for most of these folks.

A Country of Corporate Casualwear

Corporate Casualwear has swept the nation, leaving professionals with the responsibility of creating new casual day policies. Human Resource professionals, Communication Specialists, and Marketing & Sales Managers across the nation are concerned with maintaining a professional image in the nation's casualwear movement. Offering clothing embroidered with the company logo can be a great way to maintain control of your company's dress code, while making the company look great.

► TIP:   Look for companies that offer programs for employees to purchase embroidered company clothing. These companies can enhance your company image with no cost to the employer.