We have a Tacoma area embroidery client with whom we have worked previously who called us with a special request. She asked whether we could embroider some items that she had already purchased elsewhere. We have previously written in our blog about the “Five Reasons Why Seattle-Tacoma Embroidery & Screen Printing Shops Don’t Want to Work with Garments You Have Supplied.” Knowing our client, her trade, her integrity, her understanding of our Five Reasons, and her willingness to accept entirely the risk of any possible damage to the items, we agreed to take her items, albeit reluctantly. The client arranged to get the box of clothes to us.
When the box arrived, we found a couple of new shirts that were still wrapped in their retail cellophane packaging, some other items that appeared to be new, and then some shirts that showed noticeable signs of wear, specifically perspiration stains near the neck and underarms. So, this begs the question: in terms of corporate branding, is this being penny wise or pound foolish with your marketing budget? We would argue that this is pound foolish.
Let’s start with our reaction as the vendor, which went pretty much like this: “Yuck! This is NOT why we got into this business!” Our thoughts went immediately to whether we could afford to lose the client. The answer was an easy “Yes!” Then came the awkward e-mail to the client, trying to explain in very polite language that, while we assumed she would not supply dirty laundry, we still did not want to work on these items.
But let’s move to the fundamental purpose of embroidered shirts and all logo wear, which is to create a positive impression of your firm delivered via the branded clothing worn by your firm’s representatives. By asking an embroidery shop to put your logo on used clothing, you’re putting your brand at risk of a diminished image in the eye of the beholder. In saving the price of a new shirt, you’ll have sown doubt and maybe concern into the mind of a prospective or exising customer. Is that a good investment? Clearly not.
Embroidery shops in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and beyond have a vested interest in making their clients look great. In order to help our clients look their best, we need our clients to work with us to identify items from our suppliers. We will work with our clients at great length to find shirts, jackets, caps, bags, and more that meet our client’s needs for appearance, comfort, durability, and price point.
Just please don’t ask us to do work on clothes you supply. We are not a laundramat. I’m In Stitches wants to be part of your branding plan.