This was one of the most frustrating vendor experiences I have had in years. I contacted Carolina Headwear with what I believed was a straightforward request. I provided existing artwork, a DST file from a previous vendor, multiple design mockups, examples of the desired embroidery style, and a clear explanation that we were looking to establish a long-term relationship for our farm brand. The project had the potential to lead to ongoing orders for hats, shirts, rain gear, and replacement inventory over time. Despite providing extensive information, the process quickly turned into an endless cycle of emails that produced very little progress. I repeatedly asked for two simple prototypes and requested that Carolina Headwear use their professional expertise to select the closest matching thread colors from their inventory. Instead of receiving guidance, I was repeatedly directed back to thread charts and expected to do the color matching myself. What was most disappointing was the lack of initiative and problem-solving. When customers hire an embroidery company, they are often looking for expertise and recommendations. I was not asking for anything unusual or unreasonable. I simply wanted two prototype hats produced for approval before placing a larger order. Rather than helping move the project forward, every step seemed to create another obstacle. Communication was equally frustrating. I found myself having to explain the same project multiple times and repeatedly clarify what I was requesting. Even after spelling out the process step-by-step, I still struggled to get a direct answer regarding what it would cost to produce the prototypes and what deposit was required to begin. After weeks of back-and-forth and a considerable investment of my time, Carolina Headwear ultimately decided they did not want the business and walked away from the project entirely. No prototypes. No completed design work. No practical solution. Just a message saying they were no longer interested in moving forward. Melissa was polite in her emails, but professionalism is about more than being polite. It is also about listening to customers, providing solutions, communicating clearly, and respecting a customer's time. Unfortunately, this experience fell short in all of those areas. I have worked with many vendors over the years and have never encountered a company that seemed so unwilling to help secure what could have become a substantial long-term customer relationship. I left this experience feeling that my time was wasted and that the company had little interest in providing the level of service and expertise that I expected from a professional embroidery shop. I cannot recommend Carolina Headwear based on my experience. read more