How do I find out whether an embroidery shop’s machines are running most days?

Most multi-head machines record stitches, hours or jobs completed. Ask the owner to show those counters and compare them with service dates. If the owner has no records, plan a few visits at different times of the week, and note which machines are loaded, which are waiting for a design and which have been empty all day.

Then ask why a machine would stop. It could be a lack of orders, thread breaks, a missing operator, a design waiting for digitizing, or a repair. Each reason points in a different direction, so do not assume. Look at the order tickets for the same days to see whether work was queued.

Compare the machine count with the shop’s sales. A shop that owns many heads but fills only a few is carrying costs that a new owner may inherit. A busy shop that is turning away work might need more capacity. A technician can judge the age and condition of each machine, and your accountant can help you read the numbers. Ask whether any machines were bought used, which ones are reliable favourites and which ones the staff avoid. Note how each head is staffed.

Key takeaways

• Read the machine counters or run-time records, not only the owner’s estimate.
• Visit at different times and note which heads are actually stitching.
• Match idle time to a cause: orders, staff, design files or repairs.