How do I downsize my stash?
#81
Select a weekend to sell your stash, then announce it at all the local guilds, you'll be surprised how much you can sell quickly. I've known several that did this. I went to one where fabrics were divided by color, then Asians, 1930's etc. Pieces were then also organized into FQ's, 1/2 & full yrds for pricing. You'll make a lot of people very happy.
#82
I didn't read through the whole thread, so hopefully I am not repeating someone. Ok, first thing you do is go on the USPS website and order a bunch of Priority mail flat rate shipping boxes. They are free and come in a cases. Pick the sizes you think will work for you. Then fill up the boxes with coordinates or similar colors, however you think is best. Then get a paypal account, super easy to do. And maybe an Ebay account, although if you can sell here that would be good too. You could even sell on Craigslist and just specify that you are shipping. You will need to take pictures of the fabric in each box. I would not give choices, that just complicates things.
If you sell on Ebay, they are having a thing right now where you can list 50 items a month for free. They also let you use lots of pictures. There is still a final value fee, so consider that when you decide on a price. When you list the shipping price just give the amount for the flat rate box. Ebay has simplified the selling part a lot so it should be quick.
Ok, after the boxes have sold and you are ready to send them out, just tape them up and go to paypal to print out the labels. You can pay for the shipping out of your paypal account. So no money out of actual pocket. Then when that is done, go to the USPS website and ask for pick up. You never have to leave your house. Your post man will come and get them for you.
Depending on how much you are thinking of getting rid of, you could make some good cash.
If you sell on Ebay, they are having a thing right now where you can list 50 items a month for free. They also let you use lots of pictures. There is still a final value fee, so consider that when you decide on a price. When you list the shipping price just give the amount for the flat rate box. Ebay has simplified the selling part a lot so it should be quick.
Ok, after the boxes have sold and you are ready to send them out, just tape them up and go to paypal to print out the labels. You can pay for the shipping out of your paypal account. So no money out of actual pocket. Then when that is done, go to the USPS website and ask for pick up. You never have to leave your house. Your post man will come and get them for you.
Depending on how much you are thinking of getting rid of, you could make some good cash.
#83
I enjoyed reading all the suggestions on here. I too, have a heavy load of stash, magazines, and books that I would like to sell. Like you, don't plan to make a mint but don't really want to just give it all away either. To sell on here I have to be a senior member but only a junior so far. Good luck to you.....and me!
#84
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BELLE RIVER, ONT, CAN
Posts: 9
i buy alot of stuff from craigs list. kiggi , ebay, they all have a security pay ,thats called pay pal. this way you don;t have to have anyone come in your house. the persom buying from you pays the shipping, a good way to get rid of your stash, good luck.
#85
That's not a stash! That's a store! Good heavens you have alot of fabric. I can't imagine the money you have spent on it.
Since you are aware you will not be able to recoup that money, I would do what Katia (who posted two or three posts above me said). Her advice was great.
I was going to recommend opening a PayPal account, but the one poster said they are holding monies for 21 days. I don't know about that, but would check into it. Otherwise, I would not accept personal checks for sure.
Good luck.
Since you are aware you will not be able to recoup that money, I would do what Katia (who posted two or three posts above me said). Her advice was great.
I was going to recommend opening a PayPal account, but the one poster said they are holding monies for 21 days. I don't know about that, but would check into it. Otherwise, I would not accept personal checks for sure.
Good luck.
Last edited by wvdek; 02-25-2012 at 09:18 PM.
#86
This is a Great idea..what town in NH? I am sure I will know the shop...
Our local quilt shops does a yearly 'quilter's stash yard sale' for customers to rent tables in the classroom area of the shop and in the parking lot (if there are a lot of people interested). You pay the shop $20 and get to sell your stash to other quilters for whatever you want. See if your local shop will do one. It is so much fun! Our shop owner's grand kids have a lemonade stand and the shop owner sells hot dogs. It's a lot of fun.
#88
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
I feel your pain in having to downsize. For a quilter you made a hard choise between your sewing machine collection and fabric.....I don't know if I could have done this. However, I do have a couple ideas. First- are you a member of a quilt guild? This is always a good start. Contact a quilting store in the area for other ideas. Then on the shipping thought.
I know USPS GIVES you the boxes, and then you pay postage according to the weight - or there is one that says if it fits it- ships. Find out what size each of these boxes are, take each one home, and fill it to the brim. Take it back to the PO and have them weight it and how much it costs to ship. so you can include this in to price. Then go on Craigs list and advertize Fabric by the Box. You will know how many yards or fabric you can fit into a box and then charge by the Fabric by the BOX! In the beginning limit the selecetions to colors. 1 box of assorted reds = $???.00. and when you get low on supplies, change your add to Grab Bag and reduce the price to sell.
We recently had a white elephant sale at our guild and two ladies were selling fabric. One sold for $1.00 a yard and another sold hers for $2.00 /yd Fat quartes were .50. Good luck.
I know USPS GIVES you the boxes, and then you pay postage according to the weight - or there is one that says if it fits it- ships. Find out what size each of these boxes are, take each one home, and fill it to the brim. Take it back to the PO and have them weight it and how much it costs to ship. so you can include this in to price. Then go on Craigs list and advertize Fabric by the Box. You will know how many yards or fabric you can fit into a box and then charge by the Fabric by the BOX! In the beginning limit the selecetions to colors. 1 box of assorted reds = $???.00. and when you get low on supplies, change your add to Grab Bag and reduce the price to sell.
We recently had a white elephant sale at our guild and two ladies were selling fabric. One sold for $1.00 a yard and another sold hers for $2.00 /yd Fat quartes were .50. Good luck.
#89
You could let your local quilt shop know and local guilds know you have fabric to sell to reduce your stash. You could ask them for suggestions too.
also people working on charity quilts might be able to help
also people working on charity quilts might be able to help
#90
I have a similar problem, but it is finding the time to put it on here. I have been reluctant to even put a pic on here of my stash, I do not want you all swooning. ( wink, wink) Quilt guild or a quilt guild show would work.
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