In my ongoing effort to clear out all my stash fast, I am considering offering flat rate boxes full of fabric. I really want to avoid photographing but thought I could fill each box with one color or all floral, all fun fabrics, theme, etc. and charge one price for each box. It would be a kinda surprise box. Not sure how to charge for this though. The fabric would be 100% cotton LQS quality only. Any thoughts, ideas here?

I like this idea...the little flat rate envies are $5, would hold 4 yards I bet. $25 each?

Just trying to help...don't know if this is what you are looking for but I know the bigger prices are a deterrent in this economy.

I think its a good idea but I still think you probably want to take a picture of what will be in one or two of the boxes. Like say this is what is in the green box. Take some pics of what is in it and how much fabric. Then say here are the options that I have and all boxes will be packed similar. I think it would be fun. I recently traded 2 different board members. They knew what I had for trade but I didn't know what they had. All I requested that it be was black and white. I didn't see the fabric before hand but I was happy with the results. Good Luck

i wouldn't buy fabric without seeing a pic

I think it's a good idea, but I'd also like a photo in general of what will be included in the box.

Do you think it would be okay to just take one pic of a bunch of the fabric to show a representative idea on the type of fabric? Taking pics is so time consuming and the idea is to sell it fast and easy. And I really don't want to measure the yardage in each box (again, keeping it easy) so I'm hoping for some good idea on how much fits into each flat rate box when packed full. I think this way I'd be able to offer a really good value for those buying. I would probably lose big time on the fabric but gain in not having to invest much more time in the selling of it. If I have to measure and photograph everything I may as well just list it separately and charge more.

For starters, you could fill a couple of boxes with fabric, and then take it out and measure it so you have an idea of how much fabric they hold.

Then you can decide on an "average" cost per yard that you want to charge, and go from there.

I want to see what I am purchasing for 30.00. 4 yds =25.00 +5.00, for unseen fabrics?????

I agree but I am thinking a large amount will fit into the flat rate boxes and it wouldn't be 4.00 per yard. I know I would take a loss on the fabric but want to clear it out quick and am willing to do so.

Sorry I guess I wasn't clear :) I suggest you take pictures and measure all the fabric that will be in one box! Only the one demo box. I wouldn't measure or take pictures of anything else. Just say they will all be similar to the example box but with different colors and such. Then it wouldn't be too time consuming. The rest you could just fill up and ship :)

I think it's a good idea. However, I never buy anything on the internet that I can't see what I'm buying. Learned that the hard way many years ago.

I'd be interested in a box of fun fabrics at sale prices. I love whimsy!

PM me when you're ready to start clearing out and come up with a price and an approximation of yardage.

Here is what I do on eBay

I stand the fabrics up sideways in the box and take one picture. Then I put the fabric on the bathroom scale and tell how many pounds it is. For cotton fabric, 4 yards is about a pound. This is acceptable for a bargain box. The picture shows the colors/prints and the weight gives an approximate yardage. If you want a better price, you will need to measure it.

There are documented bad experiences on eBay, but I don't think that kind of issue will come up with the quilters on this board. We are all willing to help you.....we get fabric!!!!

Very good idea!!

wht a neat idea to sell off you stash in surprise packages. but with the way the real world is, you realy do need to post pics, as most people who dont know you wont trust you. I hate to be blunt but honest.

Totally understand that and I realize it will not be everyones "cup of tea" but for those willing to take a chance, they will get some truly quality fabric for a great deal. And I will have a clear space!

Okay, I tried filling a large flat rate box and it is 10 pounds. So, according to your figures that would be maybe 40 yards? What would be considered a good price to you for this? 100% cotton, LQS quality.

I'm not sure what would be a good price or not, but I think if you filled the medium rate boxes you would have a better chance of selling the boxes "site unseen" kind of thing. I think the larger boxes people would consider too much of a risk.

Also, debbieumphress sold some scrap boxes with fabric on here not too long ago... maybe look that up and see what her prices were (can't remember) to use as a possible guideline? Hop ethis helps you a little.

Interested in stash box. PM when ready to do so. Xmas is my first choice.

That will be high. For $2 a yard, the fabric would be $80 and the shipping another $14.95. And I don't know if that is enough money for you per yard. $3 per yard would be $120 plus shipping.

Why don't you try 20-25 yards in the medium box which would take it down to around $40-$50 plus $10.95 shipping? (If you want $3 per yard, it will be higher) You would get more takers.

Even using a flat rate box, I would still like to see what and how much I'm getting. Sorry, but I'm always the skeptic and like to see what I'm getting.

See earlier post about one picture with the fabrics turned on their side in the box. You would get a really good idea of the amount per fabric from the total.

Yup. Simple...do this:

Grab about a "boxful" and call it Box #1.
Take a pic of the pile.
Use a kitchen scale or bathroom scale and give the weight.
Give the price.
SOLD!

When you're clearing like that, you don't need a pic of each and every single fabric you're offering. But if someone can peek at the pile, you'll be alright. And folks that need to be more choosy? Well, maybe this isn't the sale for them.

I for one buy lots of "grab bag"type auctions on ebay, But then again I make scrappy quilts. From experience trying to sell fabric, unless it is some high demand designer type you will not get your money back.
I would try it the easy way first ,you can always go back and do it the hard way if they do not sell. Then again , thats how I roll as they say lol!

Ps,
I am in the market for brights/novelties!

Keep in mind that if a member can purchase fabric for $5/yd at their LQS (my LQS starts at $4 per yard), they won't pay that for sight unseen fabric. Pictures are definately needed unless you are going to offer a super deal on it.

Well, I'm trying a couple (with pics ) to see how it goes. Thanks for the ideas and opinions.

Where in the world is the LQS that has fabric for $4.00/yd?????hahahah

Ours have sales table at $4....sometimes.....mostly $5 on sale when they want to get rid it. They call it clearance.

You are in Ohio, and I know a lot of Amish ladies live there and will quilt all fall/winter and spring before the next crop is planted. Just tell one Amish lady and the info flies up the lanes. Believe me. Just give your phone number and when everything is for sale and they will be there. I would try that first. Go to a store where they have their "scratch & dent" food and post a flyer inside the door with a lot of your phone number tabs hanging off the bottom. Guaranteed to sell. Good luck. Then you won't have to package or mail anything.

Maybe offer small boxes as well as medium boxes by color or type (kids, brights, Christmas, etc.). Give approximate yardage (10 - 12 yards) and approximate lengths (1 - 3 yard pieces). I'd be will to risk $20 - $25 for a grab bag box color of my choice. Once people hear comments back from others about what a good deal it is, their doubts will vanish or the grab bag idea just isn't for them! Good Luck

Actually most of the fabric came from Amish country when we had our business there. I knew the shortest way to all the shops and would sneak away during the day, stash the fabric in the trunk and my husband remained blissfully unaware. Except now he realizes how much I accumulated. I tried to convince him it was an investment "Look, I'm selling it when I need the money". "Sure, he says, "at 1/3th to 1/5th of what you paid. A great investment!" Can't argue there.
We're about an hour away from Amish country now. Still may work though for selling it.

Do you have any of the 30s reproduction fabrics, or animal fabrics? Depending on price, I might be able to afford a box, as long as it is LQS quality!

I do have some 30s mostly Aunt Grace, mostly in one yard pieces I think. I also have animal prints (cats, parrots, dogs, horses).

I would take pictures and show us what is in each box and give each box a # so when a box is sold you will have a system to know which box the person ordered,

you need to always be a regular member here to sell items, read the rules here that admin created for us on the site

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-651-1.htm

SWEET! You will have to let me know prices, and all when youre ready!

I think you have a great idea- some of the quilters are new and don't have a stash.
Then there's me who has plenty of fabric but still loves to buy!! :D

I agree

If you are going to be able to take PayPal for payment, please add me to the list of people interested in a box sight-unseen.
I love surprises and am really low on stash! LMAO
Oh and if you have solids (since you mentioned Amish...) I would be very happy with those.
Please PM me when you are ready.

Sorcha

I found out the Priority Envelopes will hold 5 yards. (packed it in)I think I'd take pictures. I love surprises but some people don't. I'm anxious to see what you come up with.

If you have it I need 2 yards of plain medium country blue fabric to finish the binding on my Grandson's quilt. If you have it I will buy it if you can take a picture.