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Entrepreneurship:  Asking for some advice  |
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princesspatches
True Blue Farmgirl
431 Posts
arttie
iron mountain
michigan
USA
431 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 10 2009 : 6:46:20 PM
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I am an avid quilter. I once owned my own retail quilt store. but i am now hoping to start selling my quilts once again, but not in a retail setting.
My idea was to just put a "Quilts for Sale" sign in my front yard. I live on a fairly busy street in a small town. High traffic, but still neighborhood-like. Has any one ever done this? Could you please let me know the pros and cons of selling this way? Has anyone had any success with setting up in your home?
I am very worried that I will have the nosey 'browsers' in and out of my home. I know that sounds terrible, because I am trying to sell my wares. But the reason I left the retail business was because i couldn't stand dealing with the public any longer.
Thanks for any advice.
princesspatches |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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Roxy7
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Robin
Denver
CO
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2009 : 9:12:26 PM
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| Do open studio times. Put a sign up and invite people you know. Serve a few cookies and tea or something, away from the quilts of course. Let people see what you do and let them know they can stop by, with an appointment. |
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Cabinprincess
True Blue Farmgirl
682 Posts
Melody June
Athens
TX
USA
682 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2009 : 05:57:36 AM
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Women here hang their quilts out on lines set up just for this. It's two posts in the yard usually with flowers winding up them to blend into the yard. When they have quilts to sell they hook the line on and hang the quilts up so they can be seen by passerbys. If you have a lot of quilts bring them out and lay them out on a sheet in the yard if someone stops to buy. Doing it all in your yard keeps down strangers from entering your home. When I just see the signs in the yard I'm never sure if I should stop or not, when I see the quilts hanging I know someone is home and wanting to sell.
Smiles, Melody June
God's gift to you are your talents, your gift to Him is how you use them. |
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princesspatches
True Blue Farmgirl
431 Posts
arttie
iron mountain
michigan
USA
431 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2009 : 3:51:33 PM
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thanks so much for the advice. that is a great idea to display some of them outside. i didn't even think of that.
i live on a street that is traveled by many of the tourist, so i am hoping to attract some this fall.
keep the ideas coming. i am truly enjoying this site.
princesspatches |
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quiltin mama
True Blue Farmgirl
436 Posts
Heather
Crescent City
CA
USA
436 Posts |
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peapicker
True Blue Farmgirl
716 Posts
texas
USA
716 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2009 : 6:54:32 PM
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| I have had a business at my home and it can get out of control. I think having it outside like Melody said is a great idea and start out only one or two days a week. If you staged the area that you are selling from with some cute outside furniture and flowers etc, it would probably attract a lot of people. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2009 : 7:11:17 PM
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I personaly would never have a business in my "home". There are just too many down sides to having strangers in your home. If you have an outbuilding, like a guest quarters or an office, maybe it would not be too bad. Also see what laws there are in your town regarding home businesses, licenseing etc.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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peapicker
True Blue Farmgirl
716 Posts
texas
USA
716 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2009 : 7:34:08 PM
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| I probably need to clarify my business. It was a seperate building but attached to my house by a door. The problem I had was my customers knew when I was home and would be knocking on the door at all differnet hours and I felt like I could never get away from my work. I was legal as far as the city goes and paid my share of taxes. I would never open my home up to the public. It would be way too risky. Hope you find a way to sell your quilts that works for you. |
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princesspatches
True Blue Farmgirl
431 Posts
arttie
iron mountain
michigan
USA
431 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2009 : 03:57:04 AM
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All the advice is great. I really appreciate it.
I am trying to figure out a way to make some extra money right now without being away from my kids. I am newly divorced and finding the single income is not quite making it. And my quilts are starting to pile up.
My house is very small. But i do like the idea of displying them outside. And maybe putting the display and sign out only when i am home and during high traffic times, like weekends, and football games (i live 4 blocks from the local football stadium).
But i have a feeling i will be doing crafts shows and fleamarkets this fall.
If you have any other advice or venues of selling, please feel free to post.
I did look into the Esty, that could very well be a possibility.
Thanks
princesspatches |
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Especially For You
True Blue Farmgirl
541 Posts
Tina
Watkinsville
GA
541 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2009 : 06:24:45 AM
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Arttie,
My husband and I are thinking about opening a quilt shop. How did you like it? How long did you run it and was it worth it? We only have one quilt shop in our area.
Did you check with the county you live in about selling from you home? When I went to get my business license they asked if I was going to be having customers came to my home. Because of parking and such. i just don't want you to get fined. Every county is different. Just a thought.
Good luck!!!!!!! Let me know how it goes.
Tina |
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knitnpickinatune
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Sherrie
Gardena
California
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2009 : 3:06:38 PM
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Aside from running it from your home,are there any "Craft Malls" in your area? (it's like an anitique mall where you rent a space have your goddies up for sale) Or-would you be open to placing quilts on consignment at other places of businesses that sell farmgirl/country type items? Also,aside from online selling (Art Fire is fantastic to sell on!) you could start participating in Craft Faires. For the downside reasons already given here,which are sensible concerns,you may want to explore the other options-(and I've read some great ones!)
http://www.mandochicks.com
http://www.mandolinbabe.com
@MandolinChick on Twitter
fingerpickin Farmgirl #702 |
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princesspatches
True Blue Farmgirl
431 Posts
arttie
iron mountain
michigan
USA
431 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2009 : 07:02:45 AM
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Tina,
I meant to respond to your post the other day. then got busy.
I loved owning my own quilt store. it is a great business and a tone of fun. your customers are great, your employees are always happy and i was doing what i loved the most. i miss my business every single day.
My situation was difficult. My husband traveled with work, and i had 2 small children and an ill mother-in-law. then to have a business that needed 24 hour care. i just couldn't manage. It took a huge toll on my marriage (we are now divorced) and our our financial situation.
i would be happy to chat with you more about my business. just email me anytime. clementaj@charter.net
Arttie |
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poverty girl
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Kristin
Fremont
Ut
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2009 : 12:34:24 PM
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Have you looked into having a special sale maybe a few times a year? Country Living just featured women who are having "farm" sales on their properties every once awhile...I love this idea!! If I lived in a busier spot I definitely would give it a try.....you could advertise, have some refreshments and have a good ole time. This way you have a set weekend, time and such so people aren't just walking into and around your home. Good luck and if you do decide on Etsy be sure to let us know, am always looking for handcrafted quilts!!
Kristin
new blog!! www.prairiewhispers1892.blogspot.com
www.prairiewhispers.etsy.com
"There ain't no time for looking pretty when you've gotta slop the pigs."--Haddy Rennet |
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Entrepreneurship: Asking for some advice |
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Asking for some advice
