used to be a GOOD idea...however, the NEW tax laws could shut you down your first month. Then comes permits, for EVERY state/town you are in, then comes insurance riders out the wazoo.....talk to people who vendor quilt shows, they can tell you what it is like! As for the rural aspect. Man,,,I hate to say it, but I tried to vendor some shows in "rural" areas of TX, OK, and KS and did not do well at all. Rural people still expect rural prices. SO, unless you spend a fortune on advertising to the closest BIG town where the folks who work have expendable income, you will be selling your stuff for far less than you paid for it! So that means you LOSE money!
Perhaps you could find a flea market to set up a booth in. Aside from that, a 30 minute drive is NOTHING compared to some places. My sister lives in rural TX and she has to drive more than 1 hour in any direction to find a fabric store other than walmart!

Yes, we'd prefer a small school bus over a truck or trailer.

yes, that's in my plan also. I think the internet is the future for making money, but some people certainly want an in-person experience.

Thank you for this contact. I appreciate it!

Thank you all so much for your input! I truly appreciate it all - positive & negative - that's why I asked on here. I knew everyone would have an opinion. After reading your replies, I realized I hadn't been specific enough. We are considering a school bus, and it would be big enough for people to shop inside. That's my plan - a mobile store. Farmer's Markets are wonderful ideas - thank you for that!

Keep the comments coming. I will certainly be doing more market research and I've already discussed it with my accountant. Not sure what the future holds but definitely looking forward to it!

years ago we had a lady come every Friday to our quilt club and sell fabric and items from her truck. It was converted to be just like a quilt shop. She had everything and could cut material in it too. That was before the internet so I don't know how it would be today. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Also (don't know if anyone has mentioned this) but would you have a monetary limit in obtaining fabrics from manufacturers?

I think Farmer's Markets would already have the necessary liability insurance and permits, saving you the trouble, and the cost would be passed on to you in the cost of the rental space, but it would probably be less than paying for those items on your own.
In addition to selling fabric, you might also sell some finished quilts and quilt gifts for non-quilters in order to expand your customer base. Also, maybe make your own quilt kits for sale.

I think it is a great idea for rural areas where it is difficult to get to a good shop. Personally I seldom shop over the internet because with out fail on the rare occasions when I see something that I just have to have and I've succumbed to shopping online, I have been disappointed with what I bought. Colours and textures just aren't the same when looked at through a monitor. On the other side I also like to feel the fabric, so I say go for it once you have nutted out all the pro's and cons. If you already have the vehicle and start up costs are kept low then why not?

If you were in my area I would visit your traveling store. I can order on line, but I like to touch my fabric. Good luck to you.