TanyaL

I think market research is essential! Just because there are no LQS or fabric sources nearby does NOT mean there are quilters in the area. You definitely need to know what your potential customer base is based on some facts - sewing machine repairs, purchases, quild members etc. maybe you could buy a subscription list from some quilting magazines localized for your area.
Market research is always the first money spent on a business investment. If it shows a bad market, then it is considered a very good investment. It saves all the other money you might have spent. Talk to your banker about an investment loan large enough to cover 2 years of operation. Even if you don't intend to take the loan, his advice is invaluable.

DonnaFreak

There is a lady near here who advertises fabric on etsy.com, and about once a month she'll hold a garage sale. Fabrics that aren't selling well will go for $2.00/yd. and she sells a lot of remnants at very affordable prices. She has fabric completely lining one side of her garage and about half of the back of it, with 2 tables for remnants and a cutting table. Just thought I'd give you another option in case your city ordinances won't allow you to sell out of a truck. :c)

Donna

callen

What a unique idea. Do lots of research re; bylaws etc. & figuring out costs for transportation, gas etc. & best of luck in your search & your idea. You just might find a much needed 2nd career.

OzarksGma

Go to QuiltBus.com and talk with the lady that owns it. She has a school bus, I believe, and takes it around to areas for shopping. This is the same as QuiltBug.com located in New York. She has a store and on online store plus the traveling bus. I think it would be worth a try.

Shoofly1

I live in a small town and have to travel 25 miles one way to a Joanns, and much further to a local quilt shop. I buy a lot fabric on line, but it would be nice to see fabric in person, especially when I'm trying to match colors. Also the cost of shipping on-line orders has gone up. We have a farmer's market once a week in my town and it would be wonderful to have fabrics sold there every week...I wouldn't be able to resist it and probably buy fabrics I hadn't intended to.

Having a set schedule, like once a week or once a month, when people know when and where you will be will bring repeat customers.

ghostrider

Nope, not in my part of New Hampshire either! "Local" quilt shops are anything within a 60 mile radius and even that distance doesn't stop us from checking in often just to see what's new. Half the pleasure is the hunt after all.

I wish you luck, but I think you're looking backwards instead of forwards with this idea.

vwquilting

We have a fellow that does that with tires at peoples homes, and We also have people that sharpen knives and scissors ans lawn mower blades etc and homes at offices.

I would just do it. If the town catches up with you it is no big deal they will tell you how to go about it. My daughter did that in several area with a hot dog stand. There were approached in some towns and not in others. There were just told the laws, no big deal.
I would go to fairs and farmers markets. Just sitting in your shop will not get the word out. Make sure you bring your cards and get a web site up to sell on line or free delivery over a certain amount of money. Make a delivery route and stick to it or charge for delivery.

maryellen2u

I think you've got an idea that is very "geographically" centered. I would not need you where I live in Oregon but where my sister lives in Eastern Washington and sister in law in Montana, they would flock to your truck. At one time I did see a website that had an old school bus fixed up as a fabric shop. He/she went from town to town on the east coast and sold fabric and also did quilt workshops etc. So the guild or quilt group would sign up and have the owner drive into town, set up the bus shop and teach a class at the local community center, grange or whatever. I loved the idea! What a great adventure. Just think of the places you would see and the people you would meet! Also you have a build in resource here at this board. Write up a great business plan (Do you have someone who can help you do this?), do your research and good luck!

solstice3

Sounds like a great idea.

vwquilting

Holy cow what a bunch of scardie cats. I owned my own bridal shop in 2 different locations. Talk to insurance companies. They told me. NOT TO INSURE IT> in order for someone to su me I had to be totally at fault and have to put that person in harms way purposely. Eg. left latter on the ground in front of door.Really stupid stuff. They all told me no need for insurance.

we rent our cottage. Last year we stated to put an addition on did not get it finished. Building inspector called to tell us she had not given us occupancy permit and we COULD NOT RENT IT. I asked why. She said if the insurance company found out they MIGHT give us a hard time. I said for your information I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE AND HAVE NOT HAD IT FOR OVER 50 years. Then I said how can you tell me the laws when you tell me to go to the local lumber yard to find out building codes because you have no idea how to read the new code book or how to tell people what to build. That shut her up.
Use your head people are so su crazy it hurts. Make sure it is a business not you personally.
I have seen su cases they are so phony and no one gets anything.
Our cottage we rented for 26+ years the company filed bankrupsy last year rented our place after the bankrupsy that I still can't get a dime from them. They still own millions of dollars worth of property.