I forgot to mention that shops do NOT make money on notions, books, etc...90% of the people who walk into a quilt shop will NOT buy a book there when they get the same at JoAnn or Michaels, or Hobby lobby with a 40% off coupon, or online at amazon for about what I have to pay wholesale!
Same with notions...a small biz can NOT compete with the big stores, so if you have them in your area, do not plan on stocking more than thread and machine needles and a few patterns that you have samples made up for...
There is a lot to owning any biz..
BUT when you want to own a biz that is based on a Leisure/Hobby activity, you are really going to have to learn to do without a lot of things!
I have had my online shop for 9 years now...I am closing it this year.
Sales are down, shipping is up, fees are up, costs are up, and distributors minimums are way up....
Tough market in deed!