Quilt shop is closing!! :(
#41
Originally Posted by Skeat
Originally Posted by memathomas
hi i live in Emma MO 35 min or moor from any walmart or fabric store all the walmart's that promised they would keep fabric, are and did not ! all the walmart's out side of the east side of kc mo are not keeping the fabric i was thinking about selling fabric out of my sewing room in my basement and offering machine quilting services i have also considered letting the customers quilt there own if they want of course they would use may batting because i buy by the roll it's already on the frame,also i would be by their side just in case ANY IN PUT??? :)
I used to hang out at my LQS so much people thought I worked there. I would help customers pick out fabric and find all sorts of things. The only thing I didn't do was cut fabric. I guess I could have but since I didn't work there I didn't feel I had the right to do it. Every once in awhile someone still comes up and says "Didn't you used to work at the quilt shop that closed?" I just have to laugh. Most gals who work in a quilt shop are very friendly and they can be fun places to hang around. And quilt shop owners love it when someone drags in their hand quilting and/or applique and just sits there sewing away. It draws in others and usually results in better sales for the quilt store. :wink:
#42
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 7
We are blessed to have a fabric store that offers quilting classes only 7 miles away. Prices are better than Joanne's too. Our walmarts around CT stopped selling fabric early this year. I was told they are all going out.
The fabric store owner said VIP fabric was a big line at Walmart and were the only American made fabric left. Now that their biggest customer (Walmart) is gone, they are going to china with their fabric.
If our little fabric store can make it, so can you. Don't try to be too big and do too much at once. Hold classes that others teach and give them the course fee. Hopefully the students will purchase the fabric for the classes from you, and expose them to your other goods.
She has no other employees, just herself, so that cuts down on overhead too.
Carol :mrgreen:
The fabric store owner said VIP fabric was a big line at Walmart and were the only American made fabric left. Now that their biggest customer (Walmart) is gone, they are going to china with their fabric.
If our little fabric store can make it, so can you. Don't try to be too big and do too much at once. Hold classes that others teach and give them the course fee. Hopefully the students will purchase the fabric for the classes from you, and expose them to your other goods.
She has no other employees, just herself, so that cuts down on overhead too.
Carol :mrgreen:
#43
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 20,306
My LQS Ericas.com is open thursday evening , Saturday & Sundays :lol: I try to watch for the sale fabric, but they also have an incentive club and most of the employees know me :oops: I also have two WalMarts that have fabric , Joannes and Hancocks. lately I have been finding the fabric at Hancocks appears to be very flimsy , my Joannes has remodeled and it seems the fabric is a smaller section. I love the coziness of the LQS it is a small store but packs a big punch :lol: :shock:
LLC Is Limited Liabilty Corporation..
Talk to an attorny and accountant before making a final decision because of the tax consequenes. LLCs Pay taxes through "your" personal taxes, so if you lose money you save money on taxes, but when the LLC makes money you have to claim it on your personal taxes , not always a good thing.
GOOD LUCK !
LLC Is Limited Liabilty Corporation..
Talk to an attorny and accountant before making a final decision because of the tax consequenes. LLCs Pay taxes through "your" personal taxes, so if you lose money you save money on taxes, but when the LLC makes money you have to claim it on your personal taxes , not always a good thing.
GOOD LUCK !
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
Originally Posted by Crissie
Wal-Mart nor Joanne's do not have the quality that a good quilt shop has!
Did you ever think of working out of the home or even a warehouse and doing quilt shows and/or shows? Something like a traveling quilt shop of people who are so fare away from local quilt shops? Ware houses can be out of the way ...But if you make a name for yourself people will go to the end of a rain bow for great fabrics. One of my friends has a shop in an old part of her town and has been in business for over fifteen years and we always go visit her shop and she has made a name for herself... So it can be done...
Lots to think about.
Did you ever think of working out of the home or even a warehouse and doing quilt shows and/or shows? Something like a traveling quilt shop of people who are so fare away from local quilt shops? Ware houses can be out of the way ...But if you make a name for yourself people will go to the end of a rain bow for great fabrics. One of my friends has a shop in an old part of her town and has been in business for over fifteen years and we always go visit her shop and she has made a name for herself... So it can be done...
Lots to think about.
#47
I just read through all the good suggestions. Just remember, that there are lots of hours involved in running your own business! Make sure you have good accounting /tax help, and a good attorney to help with any leasing you need to do. If at all possible, it is best to own your own building. Rent can kill you! Overhead does not bring in $$$$ Research! And help from the SBA is available. There are classes to help and one on one help is available in many areas. Ask lots of questions!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NCquilter
Offline Events, Announcements, Discussions
6
08-13-2010 08:05 AM