Do you dream in 100% cotton?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New York State, but I will always be Canadian!
Posts: 933
Hey there.
So, lately I have been thinking more and more about the fact that I am so hopelessly addicted to quilting and fabric. I would love nothing more than to spend my days surrounded by fabric. I literally fall asleep at night thinking about quilts. My (not-so) secret dream is to own a quilt shop. I want to sell fabric that is the quality of Moda and Kaufman, but the price of Joann's fabric. I have been thinking more and more of trying to start an online fabric store. I know, I know..."aren't online fabric sites a dime a dozen?" Well, that is why I am here. What do you all think of this as a start-up business? If you were to shop from my store, what would you look for/expect? Are my dreams even close to realistic, or should I just continue sleeping?
Any ideas, advice, suggestions, arguments or psyciatrist recommendations would be welcome!!
Thanks everyone!
So, lately I have been thinking more and more about the fact that I am so hopelessly addicted to quilting and fabric. I would love nothing more than to spend my days surrounded by fabric. I literally fall asleep at night thinking about quilts. My (not-so) secret dream is to own a quilt shop. I want to sell fabric that is the quality of Moda and Kaufman, but the price of Joann's fabric. I have been thinking more and more of trying to start an online fabric store. I know, I know..."aren't online fabric sites a dime a dozen?" Well, that is why I am here. What do you all think of this as a start-up business? If you were to shop from my store, what would you look for/expect? Are my dreams even close to realistic, or should I just continue sleeping?
Any ideas, advice, suggestions, arguments or psyciatrist recommendations would be welcome!!
Thanks everyone!
#2
Hey I'm with you. I love fabrics and crafts of all types. I can spend hours just wandering in the shops. I have wanted a shop of my own for so long I can't even remember when the thought first crossed my mind. Oh well, if not in this lifetime, maybe in another.
#4
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ephrata, WA
Posts: 8,802
I know what you mean..I have said more than once in teh last week "I need to join fabrics anonymous!" I work part time at our LQS...adn I can tell you it is more than a job for me..I love just walking in there..I have been spending my pay check in fabric...( I am fortunate to do so) so I usually buy all the latest and greatest fabrics that come in .....only because I like them! It is becoming a sickness! I can't really tell you what I would be looking for because really...the whole thing is so subjective and different things appeal to different people.
I would say for an online shop....you would probably need to offer things in kit form.....Do monthly specials..and monthly blocks...a jelly roll of the month club...something like that?? I don't know ;-)
I would say for an online shop....you would probably need to offer things in kit form.....Do monthly specials..and monthly blocks...a jelly roll of the month club...something like that?? I don't know ;-)
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Oklahoma - pining for Massachusetts
Posts: 10,477
I think it is a terrific dream! There is one thing to consider. You may have already thought of this but, the business end of any enterprise is incredibly time consuming. I have never owned a business, but I have known a couple of people who did. They bemoaned the fact that now they did not have a lot of time to themselves. If you have thought of this and are emotionally prepared for it.....if you have the money for start up, I would say go for it. I would LOVE to be able to buy Kaufman at Joann prices.
#9
I, too, dream of having a quilt shop one day. There's a building right now that is empty in our town. It would be perfect... but... reality sets in and I just look at it as I pass by. If I had the money or felt comfortable getting a loan, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I already know the 'stuff' of owning a business - we already have one - and of starting it up - but I'd still do it.. Blessings on you if you decide to go for it...
#10
Fast COURTEOUS service is a must. Quality is first. Second quality I could go to walmart. I think selection, color.. and the real key of course is service. If your all selling the same thing, if your all pricing the same then what makes you different? I havent seen too many shopping "cards" online? You know like the quilt stores give.. punch cards.. how about a shopping card virtual? every $5 is punched and at $250 or whatever is the norm you get a discount of.. or a random fifteen On Line Purchases today get... 15 percent off.. something that makes people want to at least go for it if you were going to buy it anyways.. or a spin the wheel.. get 5 percent or 20 percent off based on your spin.. not sure how that stuff works either but everyone out there loves a deal. I know I do. Variety, quality, shipping prices low.. a win for all.
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