What should I look for in a workwear store’s embroidery and customization equipment?

Embroidery and printing equipment can be the heart of a workwear shop, and a source of trouble. Ask to watch a job from start to finish, and see how long it takes, how much waste there is, and how often the operator stops to fix something. A machine that runs well in a demonstration but needs constant attention may not be as useful as it looks.

Request service records and invoices for repairs. Ask who services the machines and how fast they respond. Find out what parts are hard to get and whether the model is still supported. Consider whether the software and files used to create designs come with the sale, and who holds the customer artwork.

Ask about ownership. Is anything financed or leased? What is owed? Ask your lawyer to check for liens and for what happens to equipment agreements in a sale. Finally, ask who runs the equipment. If a single person knows how to set it up, you may be buying a skill as well as a machine. An equipment appraiser can offer an independent view. Ask how much of the shop’s income depends on this work.

Key takeaways

• Watch the machines work and ask for service records and breakdown history.
• Confirm what is owned, financed or leased, and have your lawyer check for claims on it.
• Find out who operates the equipment and whether designs and files transfer.