Question 1

How do you price embroidery by stitch count?

Accepted Answer

Stitch count drives your run time and your thread cost. Estimate machine time from the stitch count, add thread, the blank, stabilizer, and any digitizing, then add overhead and a target margin. The calculator does this for you and grosses the price up to cover platform fees.

Question 2

How much should I charge for embroidery?

Accepted Answer

There is no flat rate. Your price depends on stitch count, your blank cost, your hourly labor rate, and where you sell. A 5,000-stitch left chest on a $5 blank at a $50/hour rate usually lands around $20 to $25 per piece once margin and platform fees are built in.

Question 3

What is a good profit margin for embroidery?

Accepted Answer

Aim for 30% or higher after costs. Under 20% is a warning sign that your labor rate is too low or your blank cost is too high. The calculator shows your margin as you type so you can see when a job stops being worth it.

Question 4

Should I charge a digitizing fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every time. Digitizing is real work or a real cost you paid someone else. Charge it the first time and spread it across the reorder quantity so it stays fair on bulk runs. Never absorb it silently.

Question 5

Do I need to account for Etsy and platform fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Platforms like Etsy take their cut after you set your price, so charging $30 does not mean keeping $30. You have to work backward from what you want to keep. The calculator grosses your price up so the fee does not come out of your margin.

What should I charge for this job?

The full system does the parts this can't

What should I charge for this job?

The full system does the parts this can't

Free embroidery pricing cheat sheet