Part 1: The 4 Pillars of Pricing

Explain that we cannot answer “How much?” until we know these four variables:

1. The Blank (The Canvas)

• Cost: This is the price of the garment itself (e.g., a generic shirt vs. a Nike polo).
• The Markup: We always mark up the garment cost. This covers inbound shipping, handling, and spoilage (a buffer in case the machine damages a shirt during production).

2. The Quantity (Efficiency)

• Setup Time: Threading needles and loading files takes time regardless of the order size.
• The Rule: Pricing goes DOWN as quantity increases.
  • Doing 1 shirt is expensive because setup time is wasted on just one item.
  • Doing 100 shirts is cheaper per unit because setup time is spread out.

3. Stitch Count (The “Ink”)

• Thread vs. Time: Unlike printing, we do not charge for ink colors (thread colors are usually free). We charge for stitches because stitches equal time.
• Runtime: A 10,000-stitch logo takes twice as long to sew as a 5,000-stitch logo.
• Digitizing Fee: This is the cost to create the .DST file. It is a ONE-TIME Fee. If the customer re-orders the same logo next month, they do not pay this again.

4. Locations (The “Hoopings”)

• Constraint: The machine can only sew one spot at a time.
• Run Charges: Every new location requires the item to be “hooped” again.
  • Example: Left Chest + Sleeve = 2 Run Charges (requires hooping twice).
  • Example: Hat Front + Side = 2 Locations.

Part 2: The “Visual Guide” (Estimation)

Teach Dimpal how to estimate stitch counts without a computer using the Grid Method.

• The 1-Inch Grid Rule: Imagine a grid of 1-inch squares over the logo.
  • 1 Solid Square Inch = 2,000 Stitches.
  • 1/4 Inch of Text = 100 Stitches per letter.
• Calculation Example: A solid logo is 2 inches wide x 2 inches tall (4 Square Inches).

4 sq in. x 2,000 stitches = 8,000 stitches.

Part 3: Video Resource

• Watch: Ricoma: How to Estimate Embroidery Quotes (Visual Guide)