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Don’t Miss Your JUKI National Accounts

January 28, 2023January 4, 2023by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Continuing from last week, today we’re going to introduce the final 13 shops from our JUKI National Accounts. At JUKI, we know that great feeling you get when you find your favorite sewing shop!

Whether it’s because they carry unique fabrics, accessories you need, or that JUKI sewing machine you love, they’re here to help you create. So follow along below as we finish introducing our current National Account dealers and how you can reach out to them today!

Lake Loveland Sewing Company

Located in Loveland, Colorado, come and visit the Lake Loveland Sewing Company! Offering various options from the JUKI sewing line, from long-arm machines to sergers, their team is excited to help your designs come to life with the suitable machine and accessories you need!

Check out their notions, fabrics, and classes offering the chance to learn new skills and create fun projects! To find out more about Lake Loveland Sewing Company, visit us here today.

McDougal Sewing Center

What began as a humble small store in the Houston Heights area known as Bob McDougal Sewing Machine Co. has transformed into today’s McDougal Sewing Center, one of America’s largest sewing machine dealers! Focused on building long-term customer relationships through honesty and hard work, customers can enjoy a sense of friendliness the second they walk through the doors!

On top of their customer service, their shop has benefits focused on the quilter advancing in their skills. Enjoy benefits like their no-risk, one-year trade-up program, unlimited machine usage classes, professional technical service, and more! If you’re in the Katy, Texas, area, you can visit their shop today! Check out their location and learn more about McDougal Sewing Center’s machines, services and classes by visiting our page here today.

NorCal Sewing and Vacuum

At Norcal Sewing & Vacuum Center, you’ll find a family-owned business ready to help you find the suitable machine for your needs! Offering sewing machine repair services, a diverse inventory of notions, parts, and accessories, and old fashion customer service, you’ll be able to learn more about the JUKI product line and which features and machines are best for you.

To visit Norcal Sewing & Vacuum Center and learn more about their customer benefits, visit here today!

Pocono Sew & Vac

If there’s one thing Pocono Sew and Vac has, it’s an experience! After serving customers for over 40 years and with a team of over 15 people, most with 30-40+ years of industry experience, you can trust that their team is ready to help you start creating! So test-drive their extensive line of JUKIs before you buy, attend classes in their growing education department and trust that your machine is in good hands when shopping at Pocono Sew and Vac, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Need project supplies? Find 3,000 bolts of fabric from the best designers, collect your sewing notions and join their club to receive even greater savings on their already marked-down fabrics. Want to visit Pocono Sew & Vac? Visit our site here today to learn more!

Quilters HQ

To help you become the best quilter, stop by Quilters HQ the next time you’re ready to begin creating! Providing you with the best tools, notions, fabrics, and JUKI sewing or longarm machines, their team is prepared to help you get started today.

Since 2017, this family-owned and operated quilt shop has provided edge-to-edge quilting services, sewing and quilting classes, workshops, and a service and repair team ready to help you maintain your machine. Want a sneak peek of what Quilters HQ can offer? Check out their LIVE sew-along! Visit their Facebook site every Tuesday from 6 – 7 pm for tutorials, inspiration, new products, and more. To learn how you can visit Quilters HQ and meet their team, visit us here today!

SEW-MINI Things

What was once known as Perrine Sewing & Vacuum Center in the late 1960s in Perrine, FL, has now transformed into the beloved SEW-MINI Things in Lake County, Florida! Offering a variety of our JUKI Sewing and Long-arm sewing machine line, SEW-MINI things is ready to help you find the perfect machine for your project needs.

Here you’ll be able to find a diverse collection of 3900 bolts of fabrics, grab those notions you need for your next project, and receive expert assistance from their team when you visit their shop! To find out more about SEW-Mini Things, visit our website here today.

Southeast Sewing Products

Southeast Sewing Products, also known as Sewingmachine.com, first started in 1982 with one location in Atlanta, before 1995 when owner Mel Tramell expanded the business onto the online world! With two locations in the Atlanta area and a large warehouse, Southeast Sewing Products is ready to help you find the perfect machine by offering you the chance to test-drive your dream picks.

With over 60 years of business, owner Mel Tramell is an enthusiastic leader with a knowledgeable staff ready to teach you those tips and tricks to sewing and quilting on your new machine. Learn more by clicking here today!

The Fabric Center

Quilters all over the Midwest know about The Fabric Center! Located in Morris, Illinois, with over 7,000 bolts of fabric choices, a large variety of JUKI products, and a large assortment of quilting patterns, books, and notions quilters like you can visit knowing you’ll find what you need! In addition, their staff is ready to answer your sewing and quilting questions and help you test-drive and find the perfect machine for your space!

Enjoy the perks of buying from The Fabric Center by using their phone and in-person technical support, attending their post-purchase one-on-one machine lessons to get you comfortable with your machine’s ins and outs, and using their authorized service center when the time comes! Whether you’re a new quilter ready to dive in or an experienced quilter looking for fun new patterns and fabrics, The Fabric Center can help your project ideas come to life. Please find out more by visiting us here today!

The Sewing Machine Shop

Those familiar with the San Francisco Bay Area will love The Sewing Machine Shop! Located near many cities, this shop is ready to help quilters and sewists like you find the perfect machine and tools to help your project dreams come to life. Filled with our JUKI Sewing and Long-arm sewing machine line, you’ll easily find the suitable machine for your project needs and sewing space!

Enjoy their shop showroom and experience the machine before buying by test-driving on various fabrics and machine options. Also, sign up for their sewing class to familiarize yourself with your new machine! If a repair is needed, you can return to The Sewing Machine Shop and know your machine is in capable hands with their award-winning service department. To learn more about The Sewing Machine Shop and how you can visit, click here!

The Sew’n Place

Providing the community of Fayetteville, PA, with quilting and sewing essentials since 1982, check out The Sew’n Place! Family owned and operated, their shop goal is to help all customers that walk through their front door find the perfect machine for their project needs.

Check out their large selection of premium cotton fabrics, Horn sewing cabinets, sewing notions, rotary cutting tools, quilting supplies, books, patterns, and more! Here you’ll find the tools you need and a large selection of JUKI sewing and long-arm quilting machines ready to help you start crafting. With over 30 years of experience on their staff that offers repairs services, a wide range of sewing and quilting classes, and knowledgeable support, stop by The Sew’n Place to find your next machine! Visit us here today to learn more about The Sew’n Place and how you can visit.

The Stitching Post

Opened in 1986, The Stitching Post is here to find suitable sewing machines and fabric for your projects! Operating out of the heart of corn country, Washington, Indiana, you’ll find a wide variety of materials, books, patterns, and notions. As Southwest Indiana’s largest quilt store, they pride themselves as a space for quilters to visit and leisurely browse its extensive fabric collection and JUKI machine line!

From our long-arm quilting machines to our sergers and even direct to-garment printer RICOH Ri 100, you’ll find suitable machines for your dream projects here.

Welcoming visitors to their version of heaven, quilting in the country, you can learn more about The Stitching Post and how to visit them by going here!

Tops Vacuum and Sewing

A community name in the sewing and quilting world, Tops Vacuum and Sewing offers eleven retail locations with certified technicians and a variety of our JUKI machine line. With Tops, you’ll receive free delivery and set-up on all long arms in the continental US, free shipping on all orders over $50 in the continental US, a free Quilt Motion lesson, and so much more! These benefits make shopping with Tops Vacuum and Sewing fun and easy!

If you’re looking for a sewing machine or thinking about purchasing your sewing machine online, check out Tops Vacuum and Sewing and learn more by visiting us here today.

Village Sewing Center

If you’re located near Santa Rosa, California, it’s time to check out Village Sewing Center! Opened for more than 40 years, this sewing center offers hundreds of options for your crafts. Whether you’re working on quilts, embroidery, or creating garments, owner John Furtado pride themselves in having the basics you’ll need to get started.

Enjoy browsing a variety of JUKI sewing and quilting machine options, browse their large collection of fabric choices, and attend one of their sewing classes to learn a new skill or build a new project! Lastly, shop with comfort, knowing this shop is ready to handle your JUKI repairs and answer any technical questions! If you want to meet Village Sewing Center’s knowledgeable staff and browse their collection visit our site here for more information!

Why Shop at a National Account Dealer?

One-On-One Training: Throughout the year, JUKI trainers visit these dealers to keep their staff up to date on the newest JUKI home products to help provide you with reliable support during and after your purchase.
Qualified Service Department: JUKI’s National Account Retail Dealers maintain a qualified service department, which is trained on JUKI products and has direct support from JUKI America. They’ll be able to help you keep your JUKI expertly tuned up.
JUKI Access: National Account Dealers have access to the entire JUKI Home Sewing product line including direct-to-garment printing, compact commercial embroidery system, longarm quilting, and tabletop quilting along with a full line of sewing machines and sergers for you to experience.

Wherever you’re located, JUKI is working on bringing you the sewing and longarm machines you love and want! Our National Account dealers are a great place to start, thanks to their goals of being your one-stop shop offering notions, fabrics, machines, and so much more. To learn more about our National account dealers and how you can visit one, check out our site here.

JUKI Posts

Meet Your JUKI National Accounts

January 21, 2023January 4, 2023by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

At JUKI, we know how great it is when you find your favorite sewing shop! They’re equipped with every accessory you need, fabrics you can never say no to, or that JUKI machine you love. Today we’re going to introduce our JUKI National Accounts, dealers around you that aim to be your favorite by carrying every JUKI product! From your favorite quilting accessories to impeccable customer service, National Account JUKI dealers are there to help you on your sewing journey. Follow along below as we introduce our National Account dealers and how you can reach out to them today!

1st Sewing Center

Minnesota quilters know and love the 1^st Sewing Center! Family-owned, this business has been around for over 50 years, initially established by Darrell and Lu Jensen in 1960 to help quilters and sewists in their community achieve their dreams of creating. Proud carriers of all JUKI products, they offer three locations around the state with exceptional customer service and high-quality sewing products.

Step into one of their shops and enjoy the world of options available! From your daily notions to classes and events offered to sewists like you, 1^St Sewing Center is ready to help your sewing, and quilting goals come to life! Looking forward to seeing you. You can find their contact information and more by clicking here.

35th Avenue Sew & Vac

From one shop focused on vacuum sales and repairs to becoming one of the largest independent sewing machine stores and fabric businesses in the southwest, check out 35th Avenue Sew & Vac from Phoenix, Arizona! With over 30 years of business, this family-owned shop by Bill and wife Rita, as well as their daughter and son Jacquelyn and John, has been supplying customers like you with JUKI machines and beautiful fabrics all around the world.

Offering a variety of JUKI sewing machines that range from our long-arm Miyabi J-350QVP to our MO sergers, 35th Avenue Sew & Vac has created a matching variety of classes and events to inspire your creativity! Whichever hobby you love, whether it’s sewing, embroidery, or quilting, this one aims to be your one-stop shop. To learn more about 35th Avenue Sew & Vac, meet them at Rusty Barn Phoenix from January 26 – 28 or learn how you can visit them and click here today!

Angels Sewing and Vacuum Center

Learn and grow your skills with Angels Sewing and Vacuum Center in Salem, New Hampshire! Recently named Best of New Hampshire Shop by New Hampshire Magazine in 2021, customers here will find various products available. Browse and test-drive their extensive collection of JUKI sewing, quilting, embroidery, serger machines, parts, and accessories, and know your sewing machine is in capable hands with their repair services.

Enjoy their customer benefits and receive unlimited free quilting lessons and five free embroidery lessons when your purchase a machine, helping beginner quilters grow their skill one class at a time! Attend a quilt class, create at an event, or find your next machine by visiting here to learn more about Angels Sewing and Vacuum Center.

Aurora Sewing Center

Are you located in New York? Check out Aurora Sewing Center, located in East Aurora, New York! With over 40 years in business, this sewing center offers a variety of JUKI sewing and quilting machines ready to help you create!

They also offer over 300 classes each year that beginner and advanced crafters alike will love, getting you ready to create new and exciting projects! If you’re a project lover, you can enjoy this shop’s seasonal Sewing, Embroidery and Serger Clubs! With special sewing guests bringing in their unique ideas and tips, you’ll love getting a new perspective on your favorite hobbies.

To learn how you can visit Aurora Sewing Center, visit us here.

Austin Sewing Machines and Quilting

Meet one of the oldest sewing and quilt shops in Central Texas, Austin Sewing Machines and Quilting! Opened in 1953, this shop has been around for over 60 years, offering quilters and sewists like you the notions, tools, fabrics, and machines you need to help your creations come to life. With Bob Clark and his wife Ruth owning and running the business since 1984, they’ve stayed as a family-owned shop that focuses on quality service backed by decades of experience.

Known for their community outreach, Austin Sewing Machines and Quilting has continued to give back by providing their local churches with used sewing machines for community projects and donating them to Central America with their churches group! Want to check out their shop? Visit us here to find out more!

Barnes Sewing Center, INC.

Since 1978 Barnes Sewing Center’s priority has been you, the customer! With a focus on providing invaluable support, Barnes offers customers complete guide lessons on their machine or software, 20% off all notions, threads, and stabilizers, one year of free service, and a support system ready to help keep your sewing and growing.

Visit Barnes Sewing Center and find the best machine for your project needs by speaking with one of their experienced sales team members, ready to help you get what’s right for you! Visit us here to learn more about Barnes Sewing Center and how you can visit.

Blue Bars Quilts, Inc.

Modern quilters all over the country will love Blue Bar Quilts, Inc.! Focused on modern quilters located in Middleton, Wisconsin, and their shop is ready with the sewing machines and fabrics creators love and need. Offering all JUKI QVP machine models, a full line of JUKI sewing machines, sergers, long arm quilting machines, and of course, our personalization machines, the TAJIMA Sai and RICOH Ri 100, you can find everything you need to start creating today.

If you’re new to sewing and quilting, take advantage of the classes and projects offered by Blue Bar Quilts, Inc.! Offering a variety of classes that range from machine sewing to color theory, they’re ready to help you succeed in your next creation. In addition, Blue Bar Quilts, Inc. is an active member of their community, consistently giving back by hosting programs like the Days for Girls Middleton Team, receiving finished quilts for donations, and more!

So whether you’re new to sewing and looking for help finding the suitable machine for you or a creator looking for new accessories and inspiration, Blue Bar Quilts is here to help your projects come to life! Click here to learn more about the Blue Bar Quilt’s Inc. shop!

Country Stitches

Since 1982 Country Stitches has been ready to help you sew and quilt! From our Miyabi long arms to the highest quality fabrics and fun classes, this shop is ready to help your creative dreams come to life!

Know your machine is in capable hands at Country Stitches! With their three full-time, industrially skilled technicians with a combined 40 years of experience, which offer services at East Lansing and Jackson, their ready to handle your JUKI machine at any time, with a limited-time warranty promise.

Visit here to learn more about Country Stitches and how you can shop with them!

Gigi’s Fabric Shop

Gigi’s Fabric Shop of Tampa Bay, Florida, invites you to visit and enjoy the passion of quilting and sewing! Opened in 2013, Gigi, a fun nickname given by her granddaughter, opened a shop and began sharing her love and passion for sewing and quilting with the community. Here you can find our JUKI sewing and long-arm machine line surrounded by notions and designer fabrics.

Please stop in and attend sewing or quilting classes, place your children in a fun sewing program or speak with friendly and knowledgeable staff when you visit their 4200 sq. ft. shop, the perfect place for a beginner. Can’t make it to their shop? Visit them here to learn more about their JUKI Junkies online shop! And to find out how you can visit Gigi’s Fabric Shop, visit us here!

Grome’s Sewing Machine Company

Created and upheld by six generations of the Grome family, meet Grome’s Sewing Machine Company in San Antonio and Universal City, Texas! Ran by Sisters Cyndi Grome and Irma Tremillio, Grome’s is a deep-rooted Texas quilt and sewing shop that offers a perfect place to drop off your sewing machine for servicing and repairs, the opportunity to browse a large variety of JUKI products, notions, and fabrics you can’t turn away from!

If you’re new to sewing, Grome’s is ready to help your creative dreams come true! From helping you find the perfect sewing machine to offering basic sewing and quilting classes that will get your creative flow going, they’re ready to help you create every step of the way.

To learn more about Grome’s Sewing and how you can visit, read along here!

Jackman’s Fabrics Americas’ Premier Quilting and Sewing Machine Superstore

One of the longest-standing quilt and sewing shops, Jackman’s Fabrics Americas’ Premier Quilting and Sewing Machine Superstore has been locally owned and operated for 119 years and is ready to help you start creating! Offering our full JUKI line and RICOH Ri 100 direct-to-garment printer, JUKI creators from all roads can find what they need at their locations!

With fabric that ranges from quilting to home décor and then garment creation, Jackman Fabric features a wonderful selection for all creator types, including quilting notions, backings, battings, books, patterns, and supplies. Be sure to sign up for their free embroidery and sewing classes and clubs open to adults and kids! To find out more about Jackman’s Fabrics, visit us here!

Ken’s Sewing Center

Shop comfortably knowing you’re in good hands at Ken’s Sewing Center! With a full-service department and shop open for over 50 years, they’re ready to help you find your first machine or fix your favorite one! With same-day service for locals and free classes for customers, Ken’s team focuses on ensuring you’re comfortable and ready to use your machine.

Don’t worry if you’re out of state! Ken’s Sewing Center will work with customers over the phone and give instructions on how to operate your new machine just as if you had bought it in the store! They also assist with repair orders out of state, complete with a free estimate over the phone. To learn how you can shop at Ken’s Sewing Center, visit us here today!

Why Shop at a National Account Dealer?

One-On-One Training: Throughout the year, JUKI trainers visit these dealers to keep their staff up to date on the newest JUKI home products to help provide you with reliable support during and after your purchase.
Qualified Service Department: JUKI’s National Account Retail Dealers maintain a qualified service department, which is trained on JUKI products and has direct support from JUKI America. They’ll be able to help you keep your JUKI expertly tuned up.
JUKI Access: National Account Dealers have access to the entire JUKI Home Sewing product line, including direct-to-garment printing, a compact commercial embroidery system, longarm quilting, and tabletop quilting along with a full line of sewing machines and sergers for you to experience.

Please stay updated next week as we share our other National Account Dealers with you! Whether you’re located right by one or looking for a trustworthy online shop to buy your machine from, our National Account dealers are ready to help you start creating. To learn more about our National account dealers and how you can visit one, check out our site here!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects, RICOH Ri 100 (DTG Printer)

5 Things You Create On Your Direct-To-Garment Printer

January 11, 2022January 26, 2022by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Focusing on direct to garment (DTG) printing can be the beginning of a successful business venture! With this technology, you can now print quality images and graphics onto garments and have the ability to customize designs, fonts, and more. Using a machine like the RICOH Ri 100, you’re now able to create the highest print quality for the lowest cost per print. If you’re looking into starting up a business or upgrading your current one, DTG printing is the ideal choice. Let’s deep dive into some options you can create on your DTG machine today!

Custom Made, Personalized Apparel on Demand

A highly competitive market that’s constantly growing due to high demands is custom-made apparel. With the ability to print-on-demand small production volumes cost-effectively while quickly following market trends, you’re able to create your brand easily. These items don’t need to stop at custom t-shirts but polo’s, socks, aprons, tapestries, and more. There is a wide range of options for what you can create.

Memory Quilts

Are you thinking about creating or expanding your quilting business? An exciting venture is creating your unique fabric pieces for memory quilting. With the RICOH Ri 100 software, you can import photos of loved ones, graphics of their interests, and more to create a unique, personalized quilt. In addition, you can provide fabric printing services to other quilters that want to create their very own memory quilt or are looking to make a quilt with their fabric design. DTG printers, like the RICOH Ri 100, use a wide range of colors, going as far as being able to print a photo taken in real-time with a webcam.

Fashion Textile Printing

DTG printers, like the RICOH Ri 100, use a wide range of colors, going as far as being able to print a photo taken in real-time with a webcam. With access to these unlimited colors, designers can make their fashion trends by creating prints for their projects. This can be a great niche to enter if you enjoy clothing construction and add more personalization to your projects. In addition, you can create on-demand accessories that users will love by printing limited edition fabric and using these on your projects. Some additions you can focus on are tote bags, socks, beach bags, and more!

Home Décor

We all enjoy decorating our home, and a fun way to do this is using personalized home textile! Using your DTG printer, you can create pieces like holiday-themed table runners for the dining room, tea towels with funny phrases for the kitchen, and monogrammed pillowcases for the bedroom. The possibilities are endless! You can also develop themes that transfer over different products, inviting shoppers to buy sets instead of one product.

Event Products

Marketing products are popular items to personalize and create for other small businesses, sports teams, school events, and more. You can also design pieces for birthdays, weddings, and other events that involve goodies being handed out. Follow your niche’s needs and open your business to personalized projects instead of creating designs or products. You can also offer up your services and attend events for onsite printing. Using a machine like the RICOH Ri 100, you’re able to take a photo and instantly print it onto a garment, creating a fun giveaway item for special events and shows.

Additionally, if you’re attending conventions or sporting events, you can take the RICOH Ri 100 on the go due to its compact nature! It can fit into a space as small as 15.7″ wide x 27.5″ deep, making it one of the smallest DTG printers. In addition, the printer and its finisher can be stacked to maximize functionality without sacrificing space.

With so many possibilities for creative products, the world of DTG is an exciting venture for many to enter. Creating personalized and commissioned pieces is also a perfect option for those who aren’t art savvy but enjoy creating otherwise. If you’re interested in starting your own DTG business, continue reading for tips on how to begin! What would you create on your DTG machine? Let us know down below!

Business Plus, JUKI Posts, RICOH Ri 100 (DTG Printer)

5 Reasons to get the RICOH Ri 100, Direct to Garment Printer

January 7, 2022January 13, 2022by sewinwithjuki13 Comments

Have you been in the market for a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer? Imagine opening a business where you can create pieces as simple as team t-shirts to make your brand? Then, check out the RICOH Ri 100, perfect for those starting their DTG business and wanting a quick, easy, and reliable start-up machine!

With the DTG business continuing to boom, we’ve noticed how fun and easy it can be to create products on our RICOH’s. From canvas tote bags to intricate wall tapestries, realizing the opportunity for limitless possibilities on what you can create and sell is a great point when choosing to go into DTG.

Compact and Portable

Starting your business for many means working directly from their homes. RICOH knows this, and that’s why their RICOH Ri 100 was created with small space in mind, making a compact and portable machine while able to handle the job. Find enjoyment in printing then and there, whether you’re taking your machine traveling with you to events or working from a small corner in your apartment. Built at 15.7″ x 27.5″, its small size will save you room for your supplies and products to fit.

High-Quality Images and Products

Using RICOH’s InkJet technology, it’s able to print pieces that are vibrant and colorful. Perfect for any design, whether it’s a picture you directly took or a drawing of it, the vibrancy and details will showcase every time. In addition, your garments will stay comfortable, and all designs are colorfast since they are printed directly onto the fabric.

Easy-to-Operate Software

Not everyone is tech-savvy, and that’s why the RICOH Ri 100 was created with the beginner user in mind. Perfect for those learning the DTG business, the RICOH Design Software lets you import and edit images before printing, with no specialized knowledge or skills required. So whether you’re working from your laptop or smartphone, your art and designs can be printed with ease.

Safe and Effortless Technology

Find comfort in how easy it is to use the RICOH Ri 100. Reaching new heights of easy operability and designed with safety in mind, this machine offers you a fast and fun experience. The intuitive design allows all DTG users, from beginners to advanced users, to preheat, print, and use the Finisher option to fix the design safely. Periodic maintenance is carried out through a simple process, automatic and semiautomatic, and you’re provided resources and more from the RICOH and JUKI sites for customer support.

Low Entry Cost

One of the most important things to keep in mind when starting your business is budgeting and finding the suitable machine within your budget for your needs. As one of the lowest entry cost machines in the DTG industry, the RICOH Ri 100 is perfect for those who are stepping into the industry and don’t want to deep dive into a high investment machine. In addition, you can complete the whole printing process on this machine alone by featuring an all-in-one design with the option to purchase the finishing heater add-on.

Choosing the Right Machine for You

When choosing the suitable machine for you, remember to keep your budget, space, and the volume of products you can plan to create. The RICOH Ri 100 is perfect for those shops who want to bring DTG into their business and enjoy an avenue of products that are quick to make and easy to re-produce. With the ability to change designs from one t-shirt to the next, and the limitless options on what you can design, the RICOH Ri 100 is an excellent machine for a growing business.

Business Plus, JUKI Posts, RICOH Ri 100 (DTG Printer)

Starting Your Direct-To-Garment Business with JUKI & RICOH

January 3, 2022January 5, 2022by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Opening a small business is a fun and exciting venture, whether as a hobby to gain extra income or hopes for a new career. There are many reasons to look into starting a direct-to-garment (DTG) business. Maybe you’re someone who has a head full of great ideas, has friends who are always looking for custom t-shirts for their company events, or perhaps you’re someone who loves to design. Regardless of why, today, we’re going to discuss how to start your DTG business from including markets to sell to, tools to start, and how to sell your products.

Who’s Your Niche?

Before jumping into a DTG business, it’s crucial to think about whom you’re going to sell to, as this will set the basis for what you create and where you sell. So first, create a customer profile based on the following criteria: age, gender, lifestyle, location, profession, and occasion. You can also ask yourself what problem is this product solving for this customer? Examples of different customer profiles are listed below.

The Hobbyist

Have you ever found yourself looking for a t-shirt that captures your love for quilting? Nowadays, you can find a t-shirt for almost every interest due to small business artists who focus on creating products for these specific customers. So whether it’s sewists, car enthusiasts, or even cat owners, there’s a t-shirt for that. You can enter this segment by looking at the competitors’ designs and identifying what you can offer that is different. For example, the pet industry is a huge industry dominated by big brands. The competition is currently creating t-shirts with generic pet faces on them. You can differentiate your brand and create a unique segment of personalized, one-off t-shirts with customers’ pet’s faces on them. By targeting the right niche, you can create appealing products that bring revenue.

Charity and Corporate Events

If you’re someone who’s attended a local charity or corporate event, you’ve probably received a t-shirt with a design related to that event. So whether it’s charity sports events, Christmas parties, or retreats, these events are a perfect niche to enter since there is a high volume of events and product quantity.

Fashion

If you’re someone who leans towards creating and personalizing clothing, look into your own branded looks. With the ability to print onto canvas totes, sweaters, t-shirts, and more using a direct-to-garment printer, you can create your own branded line using the designs and patterns you’ve designed. There are always people looking to express themselves in unique and fun ways.

What Do You Need To Start?

Once you have your business plan that includes a niche and product line, it’s time to start looking at equipment. These are some basics you’ll need to think about:

A DTG Printer like the RICOH Ri 100
A Finisher or Heat Press like the RICOH Rh 100
Replacement Ink Cartridges
Software and Computer
Materials

DTG Printer & Finisher

DTG Printing is a groundbreaking technology that surfaced in the ’90s. Like your home printers, a DTG will directly print onto an array of products like t-shirts, canvas bags, fabrics, and more using inkjet technology. Over the years, the fashion industry has seen a rise in those who want to wear personalized or unique garments. As a result, DTG is a growing industry, which is why it’s an excellent option for someone looking to begin their own small business.

A DTG printer like JUKI’s RICOH Ri 100 is an all-in-one DTG printer that can print images onto light-colored cotton or polyester* garments using state-of-the-art DTG technology with the lowest initial investment. In addition, there are various bundles available that offer the printer and finisher together or individually for your budget. We recommend contacting a local JUKI Business Plus Dealer for recommendations and pricing on bundles. Whether you purchase just the printer or the combo of printer and finisher, the turnaround when printing and heat pressing a t-shirt is about 3 to 10 minutes, creating a fast, low-cost turnaround.

Software & Drivers

There are two software’s you need to know about when starting your DTG business. The software you’re going to use to make the products, and the software you’re going to use to design the products.

For example, the RICOH Ri 100 offers easy-to-operate design software that lets you import and edit images before printing, with no specialized knowledge or skills required. In addition, the software comes with built-in designs and fonts. With the ability to print photos, designs, and more, this is a great option that removes a high learning curve.

In addition to the software that comes included with the printer, other affordable design software is available. For example, Paint.net, Paintshop pro, InkScape, and Gimp, are free or lost cost software that allows you to create art for your projects without breaking the bank. For a step up, look into the Adobe programs Illustrator or Photoshop. While these work on a monthly subscription, they’re both commonly used programs with many free and easy to follow guides you can use when starting.

The Supplies

Your customers will want to get a bang for their buck, so consider this when deciding on fabrics and product choices. Today, affordable, lightweight, heavyweight, 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and blended fabrics and blank products can be found on wholesale sites. Some examples of popular wholesale brands are Hanes and Anvil. When it’s to purchase, buying in large quantities reduces the cost of materials.

In addition, you can expand your business (like the personalized pet t-shirt we mentioned earlier) by introducing other products like pillowcases, tote bags, infant onesies, towels, and more. By branching from the t-shirt business, you can enter new markets and increase revenue.

Where to Sell

Once you’ve finalized your merchandise and have your products ready to go, look into your options for selling. Many options include online shops, in-person events like conventions and farmer’s markets, and brick-and-mortar stores.

First, let’s discuss online shops. From creating your website to signing up for handmade marketplaces, there are various options. Before you are ready to commit, some platforms allow you to do a limited trial. The trial will enable you to test and research if this is right for your product. If you are comfortable creating a personalized website with a custom URL and have an established audience, we recommend website building and hosting companies like Squarespace and Wix. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution with high traffic volume but sacrificing a bit of branding, we recommend marketplaces like Amazon Handmade and Etsy. Whether you go for your website or an established e-commerce platform, each option requires sellers to pay either for a custom URL, listings, transaction, or payment processing fees.

Are you someone that loves to interact with others? Then, another great option is in-person events! Research local events in your area where you can have a tent or a booth. Are you selling custom cat t-shirts? Attend a local pet convention. Events like your local weekend farmer market or a yearly convention are great places to start. The great thing about JUKI’s RICOH Ri 100 is how portable it is, meaning you can take it with you! The RICOH Ri 100 can fit into a space as small as 15.7″ wide x 27.5″ deep, making it one of the smallest DTG printers. In addition, the printer and its finisher can be stacked to maximize functionality without sacrificing space so that you can create custom pieces on site.

**Some states or cities will require a business license, so keep this in mind when applying for your stand.

How to Sell

Once you’ve finalized who, what and where it’s time to start thinking about how you will market your products. One of the best ways to get your products and brand out there is by utilizing social media. The best thing about social media is that it is free! Some platforms do offer paid advertisement options for your posts. Below are some things to keep in mind:

Look into creating multiple social media channels for your shop (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tiktok, and so on.)
Think of your niche and what platforms they use for marketing on
Define your marketing goals (build brand awareness, generate sales, or engage with customers)
Post content daily when possible
Interact with your followers

Social media is used by millions of people every day, making it a great tool to attract customers. Take advantage and put your brand out there!

Now that you know the basics of where to start, we hope you have a clearer vision of where you want your business to go. Direct to garment is a growing business where creativity and being different is a great thing! So what more do you want to know about the DTG business? Let us know down below!

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