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While winter is rapidly approaching, this is not a call to break out the parkas and snow boots. It is time to incorporate a proven marketing strategy into your growing embroidery business. is a marketing strategy when several items are combined into one package. Software manufacturers frequently bundle several programs into one package. Cable companies offer different program channel bundles; from basic to the works. Fast food companies have used this strategy for years with meal packages. The advantages of bundling are numerous, but not necessarily obvious. Naturally, the average sale price increases substantially. Additionally, production expenses may decrease in several ways.
Bundle 1: Nap Pack
Consists of a fleece blanket and a nylon drawstring bag each embroidered with the child’s name (or another design). This is a popular bundle with preschools and day care centers where children nap during the day and need a way to store their personal blanket, stuffed animal and pillow. This is also a good bundle for swim teams and other sports where the athletes spend a lot of time sitting on the floor waiting to compete. In this bundle, the same design, name, or monogram can be used on each item without changing size or thread colors.
Bundle 2: Sports Fan Pack
This bundle consists of the same fleece blanket used in the Nap Pack and a stitchable stadium seat with the same design sewn on each. This is a perfect package for the soccer-football-baseball-band-hockey parent. (Tip - Sell them through teams as a fundraiser.) Again, production time is saved by not changing thread colors or resizing the design. Since the same blanket is used in this package quantity discounts may apply with a larger blanket order. Consider doubling the orders by offering a small discount for a Mom and Dad set. Another successful bundling strategy is “supersizing”. Why not offer a portable cooler as an upgrade?
Bundle 3: Bridal Party
This Bridal Party bundle includes a waffle robe (one size!) with a matching waffle cosmetic bag each embroidered with a single initial monogram for each of the bridesmaids. Again, use the same design for both without resizing or changing thread colors. You will want to change initial for each set, but that is simple. Depending on the size of the wedding party, quantity purchase discounts may apply. Alternatively, keep just white in stock, buy in bulk and monogram in the brides colors. Hooping the same item repeatedly is efficient and increases actual stitching time on the machine.
Upgrade this package with tote bags, slippers, or a jewelry roll. Don’t forget the mothers of the bride and groom; include a gift option for them. And, since you already have an in with the bride, what about a groomsmen package? Monogrammed duffle bags and a towel might be a good start. Consider offering a wedding package. The package might consist of the bride’s handkerchief, a ring bearer’s pillow, monogrammed ribbons (bouquets, flower girl basket, cake knife, pew decorations).
As you build your own bundles, keep in mind a few points:
- The design for each package should have a maximum stitch count; possibly 8000 for a design, 5000 for a name, 2500 for a monogram, etc. Test stitch counts with your favorite fonts and common sizes to come up with reasonable numbers. Anything over that number should be an upgrade charge.
- Offer giftwrapping as an added service, or, part of the package price. When you are embroidering something for a gift, such as the Bridal Party, this may be a welcome upgrade during a very busy time.
- Delivery is also an option you may want to consider. People will pay for convenience.
- Always include your card on every item you stitch, you never know where your next sale will come from. (See “Can I Profit from My Passion?” in the Sew Me the Money! Forum for more information.)
Have fun making a bundle with the bundles you make.
Sew long for now!
Tamara
www.SewMeHow.com
tamara@SewMeHow.com
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