Support Options
Some embroidery software packages, especially those for machine embroidery, have a significant learning curve. Good support can make the difference between happily using your software or giving up on it after a few frustrating attempts to make it work.
Does the embroidery software come with a written manual, or is all the information online?
Is further instruction available? If so, how is it supplied?
As an instructional CD or DVD included with the machine.
In-person through a dealer or other vendor.
Dealers generally only offer instruction in the software associated with the machines they sell.
Training for software from independent designers is rarely offered through a dealer, but some instructors offer in-person classes. Some also offer interactive online classes, which allow you to ask questions, but don’t require you and the instructor to be in the same location. Signing up for updates from instructors whose teaching style you’re comfortable with is the best way to be informed of these events.
Online from the manufacturer or another vendor.
Is the instruction in a format that works well for you?
The type of instruction you need often depends on how familiar you are with embroidery. This is especially true of machine embroidery because of the volume of new terms and processes to be learned. Your familiarity with computers and their behavior also plays a part. If you are new to machine embroidery or computers it is likely you’ll need more personalized instruction than someone who has more experience.
For some people, simply playing with the software and testing out all its features will be enough to allow them to use it comfortably. Others learn easily from videos or written manuals, and don’t need feedback from an instructor to learn what they need to about the software. Some people learn best from being able to ask questions. For these people, some form of in-person instruction is the best option.
Different forms of instruction have other challenges and benefits as well. For in-person instruction, you need to be able to be available when the instructor is, and may have to travel more than normal to get to the location of the class. This can be challenging for people with tight schedules or those with physical limitations that make travel difficult. However, the focus and freedom from distractions that an in-person class offers may make it a superior option if you have small children. So be sure to consider which instructional methods best suit your lifestyle, as well.
How much does the instruction cost?
Instruction may be free with the purchase of the software, which is again more likely for expensive embroidery software. Most independent instructors charge a fee for their services. Make sure to allow room in your software budget for instruction, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.
Online groups can be a very useful source of support.
Is there a group for the embroidery software package you are considering?
You may want to join those for the embroidery software packages that interest you most. This is a good way to find out how well others like the software. You may also find out the most common problems others have with the software. Although all software has its flaws, knowing what to expect makes dealing with problems a little easier when they arise.
How do you contact the manufacturer for support?
How responsive are they to your requests? Online groups can be a good source for this information.
What is the return policy?
Software is usually an “either/or” commitment. Either you purchase it and use it or it sits around unused if you are unhappy with it.
Refunds or returns once you’ve made your purchase are not allowed.
You will be offered a replacement if you get a defective copy of the software, but not usually a refund.
You may be able to get a refund if the software was purchased on a disk and the package has not been opened.
Make sure you know what the vendor’s policy is before making your purchase. Do careful research and you will be less likely to have a need to return your embroidery software because it wasn’t what you were expecting or is not compatible with your computer system.
Keep track of the answers to all of these questions.
A spreadsheet file works well as an organizing tool for this purpose.
Once you’ve gotten all the information entered, you can compare each software package’s features and narrow your choices down to a couple of embroidery software packages that look like they are a good fit for your needs.