Long armers, do you think there are enough customers...
09-29-2010, 05:55 AM
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: northeast Georgia
Posts: 662
Originally Posted by fancifrock
In speaking with many other hand quilters, we all feel that too much emphasis is being put on the longarm quilting. What ever happened to all the beautiful handwork that went with quilting. Many pieces that we see are pieced beautiful but all of that "quilting" is taking away from the real work that has been done.
I personally feel that some of the longarm quilting is beautiful but is overpowering the quilt pieceing and work.
Longarm users in this area who bought their machines with the idea of paying for it by doing work for others are not making out very well. Thank goodness some are going back to hand work or just plain can't afford to pay to have their quilts done by someone else with the rotten economy.
I personally feel that some of the longarm quilting is beautiful but is overpowering the quilt pieceing and work.
Longarm users in this area who bought their machines with the idea of paying for it by doing work for others are not making out very well. Thank goodness some are going back to hand work or just plain can't afford to pay to have their quilts done by someone else with the rotten economy.
But it is also true that sometimes the quilting overpowers the piecing and the over-all look of the quilt. I am very careful to choose a quilting design and thread color that will enhance or compliment the quilt, not detract from it. And I personally don't care for a heavily-quilted quilt, which seems to be what the show judges want. I don't do quilts for shows! :roll:
Here's a charity quilt I just finished. It's one of Marge LaBenne's charity quilt patterns, called Salt Water Taffy. I did the piecing and the longarm quilting on this one.
Salt Water Taffy
[ATTACH=CONFIG]108902[/ATTACH]
09-29-2010, 03:36 PM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DC area
Posts: 417
Many thanks to everyone who replied to this topic. All of the answers were thoughtfully presented and enlightening. As a result I have gained a much greater respect for Machine Quilters. Actually they are amazing.
09-29-2010, 04:49 PM
#64
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,322
I will admit that I know nothing about long arming but I happen to know quite a bit about business.
IF you are looking to make money at this and make it a business, not a hobby, there is alot more to it than practicing your craft. LA machines are expensive pieces of equipment, 10-35K, that require training and supplies PLUS dedicated physical space. Then there is the marketing side not to mention the accounting/business/tax side.
If it was me, I would consult with your local Small Business Development Center. It is the center that is paid for by your tax dollars that helps people get SBA loans, do business plans and marketing plans. They will help you do a realistic business plan. Is .015 a square inch actually covering your cost or are you just cash-flowing your payments? How do you track estimates, scheduled work, payments and costs for a project? What are your revenue streams (LA quilting just done by you or are you going to rent the machine out) and are these different markets? New versus used equipment? How much capital are you able to invest up front--that's not finance but to actually write a check for. Future earnings in business need to be able to not only support you but to provide enough money to replace that piece of equipment in a reasonable amount of time.
Every machine manufacturer is probably hooked up with a finance company that will gladly lend you the money to purchase the machine....that's not the question.
The question is really....Is this venture profitable enough with a solid, logical business plan to be a business? What will be the return on investment for your capital invested and work?
I know I just said alot of really heavy things but going into business is not the same as making a few bucks on the side from a hobby and you need to decide upfront which you are looking to do.
Good Luck
IF you are looking to make money at this and make it a business, not a hobby, there is alot more to it than practicing your craft. LA machines are expensive pieces of equipment, 10-35K, that require training and supplies PLUS dedicated physical space. Then there is the marketing side not to mention the accounting/business/tax side.
If it was me, I would consult with your local Small Business Development Center. It is the center that is paid for by your tax dollars that helps people get SBA loans, do business plans and marketing plans. They will help you do a realistic business plan. Is .015 a square inch actually covering your cost or are you just cash-flowing your payments? How do you track estimates, scheduled work, payments and costs for a project? What are your revenue streams (LA quilting just done by you or are you going to rent the machine out) and are these different markets? New versus used equipment? How much capital are you able to invest up front--that's not finance but to actually write a check for. Future earnings in business need to be able to not only support you but to provide enough money to replace that piece of equipment in a reasonable amount of time.
Every machine manufacturer is probably hooked up with a finance company that will gladly lend you the money to purchase the machine....that's not the question.
The question is really....Is this venture profitable enough with a solid, logical business plan to be a business? What will be the return on investment for your capital invested and work?
I know I just said alot of really heavy things but going into business is not the same as making a few bucks on the side from a hobby and you need to decide upfront which you are looking to do.
Good Luck
09-29-2010, 05:29 PM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,322
If it was me and I was going to do this as a business, if possible I would rent the machine I wanted to buy and perfect my craft before I ever bought the machine. I would be able to put my work before the quilt police in any town before I purchased a machine.
Then as a businessperson, I rarely buy new equipment. I do buy alot of demo machines or slightly used machines.
Next, that machine is a machine so I would make sure it was working as much as possible so I would see if the other LA'ers or potential LA'ers would be interested in forming a group to use one machine by the hour or job. IOW, each professional LA'er doesnt need their own machine technically, they just need access to a high quality machine. Split the true machine costs, upkeeep, utilities and physical space. Lower your cost but allowing you to use a higher level machine.
Finally that business plan is very important.
Then as a businessperson, I rarely buy new equipment. I do buy alot of demo machines or slightly used machines.
Next, that machine is a machine so I would make sure it was working as much as possible so I would see if the other LA'ers or potential LA'ers would be interested in forming a group to use one machine by the hour or job. IOW, each professional LA'er doesnt need their own machine technically, they just need access to a high quality machine. Split the true machine costs, upkeeep, utilities and physical space. Lower your cost but allowing you to use a higher level machine.
Finally that business plan is very important.
09-29-2010, 06:27 PM
#67
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,181
Quilting for me is a hobby and something I really want to do. I have machine quilted 48 quilts and because of me and/or machine I haven't quilted a perfect quilt yet. I would not do any for anyone else, I've heard people on here complain about all the money it cost to have a quilt quilted and the lousy job the LA did on it.
Some people can not be pleased no matter what or how you do it.
Also some people are cheap and would complain just to get it done for near nothing or better yet for nothing, then they could brag what a good deal they got. Most people are out for themselves. Just food for thought.
As said above, if you have to borrow money to get started in a business, you really need to think about it, the small business deal talked about above is not very helpful, you will need someone with a steady job and to pay for home expenses.
We have owned our own business for the past 23 Yr.s and have only used our own money, didn't borrow a dime for it, you will need colateral and that means your home. Will you be willing to loose your home if you can't pay back the loan? Just more food for thought. Good luck.
Some people can not be pleased no matter what or how you do it.
Also some people are cheap and would complain just to get it done for near nothing or better yet for nothing, then they could brag what a good deal they got. Most people are out for themselves. Just food for thought.
As said above, if you have to borrow money to get started in a business, you really need to think about it, the small business deal talked about above is not very helpful, you will need someone with a steady job and to pay for home expenses.
We have owned our own business for the past 23 Yr.s and have only used our own money, didn't borrow a dime for it, you will need colateral and that means your home. Will you be willing to loose your home if you can't pay back the loan? Just more food for thought. Good luck.
09-29-2010, 09:19 PM
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,091
All the suggestions here have been very good. I got my LA a little over 2 yrs ago and did a lot of research on the internet and through books. Do you know much about the actual process of operating a LA? If you can, it could be helpful to go to the Houston International Quilt Show. I think it is early November this year. You could take some beginner classes which will explain the actual sewing process as well as classes that explore all aspects of the business side of things. You can also see many makes of machine at the show. This is what I did to be sure this is what I wanted to do.
I'm lucky as I live in the Northeast and have been able go to MQX each year for more classes(this is a business expense).
On the internet, search on "longarm quilting services in TX" and find nearby people with websites to get ideas of charges, types of website setup, etc.
Go to Amazon.com and see the various books relating to the quilting and the business aspects.
My business has been very slow, partly my own doing as I haven't pushed marketing as I was working outside the home part-time until very recently. I'll start marketing more very soon. I only want a part-time quilting business anyway, but could use more customers to keep me busier than I've been.
I really like doing the quilting
Definitely don't go into business if you need to rely on quilt income to pay a loan. Too much pressure!
Don't forget to take in to account the size of the machine and table and whether or not you have room for it.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Sally :thumbup:
I'm lucky as I live in the Northeast and have been able go to MQX each year for more classes(this is a business expense).
On the internet, search on "longarm quilting services in TX" and find nearby people with websites to get ideas of charges, types of website setup, etc.
Go to Amazon.com and see the various books relating to the quilting and the business aspects.
My business has been very slow, partly my own doing as I haven't pushed marketing as I was working outside the home part-time until very recently. I'll start marketing more very soon. I only want a part-time quilting business anyway, but could use more customers to keep me busier than I've been.
I really like doing the quilting
Definitely don't go into business if you need to rely on quilt income to pay a loan. Too much pressure!
Don't forget to take in to account the size of the machine and table and whether or not you have room for it.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Sally :thumbup:
09-30-2010, 04:10 AM
#69
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 230
I agree with everything you've said. If I might add, when getting ready to purchase a LAM, research, research, research - especially the seller/dealer. How many classes are included in the purchase price? What sort of support is availabe to you - both in the store and online? Can you talk with the dealer easily? Can they answer your questions? What will supplies cost you? Does the machine use a certain count or brand thread (i.e., 2 or 3 ply) - that could impact its cost. Should you have a problem with the machine head, do they make house calls? Cost? Or are you required to take the head to them? Some of them are really heavy!
Don't mean to overload on the questions, but these are some of the things that need to be addressed.
Now, if you still want one - go! Don't forget, they can be intimidating at first, but they are oh, so much fun!!!! :thumbup:
Don't mean to overload on the questions, but these are some of the things that need to be addressed.
Now, if you still want one - go! Don't forget, they can be intimidating at first, but they are oh, so much fun!!!! :thumbup:
09-30-2010, 01:01 PM
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 2,879
This has been one of the best threads bc I have a LA and have been thinking about using it for profit. I have several questions I know some one here will be able to answer.
Insurance - I am not sure if I understand the reason for this. If something happened wouldn't the person have to prove how much money she had in the quilt? What kind of insurance would you have?
Why would you have lots of quilts waiting to be quilting? I think I would prefer to never have more than 2 or 3 of other peoples quilts due to storage. Couldn't you call and say you are next, bring your quilt.
If you charge .01 psi, is that for simple meandering? If so do you charge more if you add curlyques or stars or hearts?
How much do you charge for binding, machine different from hand?
Do you use your favorite brand of batting or let the customer choose?
Favorite thread?
Do you trim the quilt after finishing the quilting process?
What if the quilt is not squared?
Probably more questions, but can't remember them now. This thread has really gotten me thinking.
Thanking you in advance for the answers.
Insurance - I am not sure if I understand the reason for this. If something happened wouldn't the person have to prove how much money she had in the quilt? What kind of insurance would you have?
Why would you have lots of quilts waiting to be quilting? I think I would prefer to never have more than 2 or 3 of other peoples quilts due to storage. Couldn't you call and say you are next, bring your quilt.
If you charge .01 psi, is that for simple meandering? If so do you charge more if you add curlyques or stars or hearts?
How much do you charge for binding, machine different from hand?
Do you use your favorite brand of batting or let the customer choose?
Favorite thread?
Do you trim the quilt after finishing the quilting process?
What if the quilt is not squared?
Probably more questions, but can't remember them now. This thread has really gotten me thinking.
Thanking you in advance for the answers.
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