Treasureit

I thought my Etsy shop would go gangbusters since I am selling fabric that I didn't pay as much for. My prices are low compared to new fabric, but the buyer still has to want or need the fabrics I offer.

My thoughts were that I might not be able to keep enough fabric around to keep a shop open...however, that has not been a problem. I have a shed with boxes waiting to be listed....one person can only do so much in a day.

There are advantages of starting with a place like Etsy or Ebay because you learn a lot about yourself and the how to's of online selling without some of the risk.

GagaSmith

I wish you well but I believe you have received a lot of good advice here.
I would definitely start with ebay or etsy. I sold many items on ebay (not fabric) but you don't have to make any investment up front. Just post what you have for sale and mail it out when it sells. I agree with someone else here that if you can do it from home, without paying rent for a brick and mortar store, you will see much more profit.

momto5

You might check with Kickstarter for some help in getting set up...

athomenow

I have a friend from church who started her business in a spare room in her house. She has a website and sells craft items all over the world. She has branched out and is making other things and has a robust business that started very small. She has since opened her home and sells out of her new shop. Now she is looking to sell consignment items and is looking for a small space in the town where I live. I will be helping her by working on day a week for a few hours. I would say if you are a person of faith to pray about your venture and let it start when the time is right. It can be done but it will be slow going at first until people find you. Good luck, I hope you get your dream!

Dolphyngyrl

I would start with etsy as well, and maybe start building up a blog. Well known blogs I have seen lead to better business, but it is something you have to devote time to and I wouldn't limit yourself to just a certain type of fabric as you don't know how well that will sell. I have bought quite a few precuts on etsy. Mostly that is what I have bought off etsy and most online sites unless I have seen the line in person I might buy yardage. I would start small and see what is selling better so you can invest in that. I haven't seen as much of a high interest in civil war or reproduction fabrics in my area as I do asians, batiks, and traditional fabrics so you you should really research what is selling better.

beaglelady

I don't know anything about selling fabric online, but I know lots about buying it! Ha Ha Anyway, I just wanted to wish you good luck on your venture and I hope it works out well for you.

ManiacQuilter2

I sold fabric on eBay but stopped when eBay implemented taking a 9% cut on what I charged for my shipping. Also, my sales took a dramatic plunge. It happens to brick and mortar stores and it can also happen to online stores. One store I shop at offers $3.00 priority shipping. You have to have some sort of ideas to bring people in by word of mouth. GOOD LUCK !!

bigsister63

If I were you I would think long and hard about starting your on-line business. there are many cost associated with starting a business. Since you are now financiall strapped IMHO your own business would certainly add to the problem. Just buying start-up inventory can be very expensive. As others have said start selling on ETSY to see if your product sells and if yiou like being a shop owner.

Judi in Ohio

My worry for you is financial. I think fabric, along with book stores have to be so incredible expensive to stock and let's face it, if you go into this with just a few choices people won't go back. People want the ease of a Hancocks-Paducah, thousandsofbolts, were you use their search engine and come up with all sorts of reproduction fabrics. I wish you luck, but the etsy thing seems to be a better option - or at least a starting point.

lindaschipper

For what seems like centuries, I have said that there needs to be a re-sale consignment store for fabric. (Twice cut, twice loved) We all over purchase and keep it around forever thinking we will use it. A resale for fabric related items only (fabric, patterns, zippers, etc.) would be a hit in my opinion. Think of the bargains or finding that one piece you desperately need to finish a quilt!! Do I dream the impossible dream??