I run a small shop, not quilts, and we use 50% markup but believe me that does not produce a living wage today. It did 4-5 years ago but with all of the added taxes, reports and such, it eats away our time and money. Inspector coming thru, I had to widen my paths, which are already wider than a quilt shops. There is always govt. after the small businessman or woman. At least my materials are steady, I don't have women clamboring for the latest fabric they saw in such & such magazine. I admire my LQS staff. It's not easy to keep supplying what women want and then what to do with what doesn't sell.