Your Quilting Business: Sell Niche Products
Some people love crafting and are drawn toward quilting, but don’t feel like they have enough talent to sell the quilts they make. They sometimes don’t feel comfortable basing their quilting business around sharing their quilting knowledge. If you are one of those people, there is still a place for you in the quilting market!
All quilters need accessories. Your quilting business could be selling those accessories or niche products geared specifically toward quilters.
There are common accessories that come to mind immediately: scissors, threads, fabrics, etc. You could sell those items on an Internet auction site or start your own online store. With a little research, even someone with very little computer experience can get an online store up and running.
Maybe you would choose to offer only one accessory in your quilting business. You could start a quilting business that focuses on selling fabric fat quarters. You could also start a quilting business that sells nothing but threads.
Advertise this type of business on other websites, such as quilting how-to sites, and quilting newsletters.
Another niche idea to help you start a quilting business is to sell a novelty product that quilters would love. For instance, sell custom pin cushions. Sale online and at craft shows.
You could also sell patterns for dolls or toys that are quilted. If you have sewing skills, you could sew and sell the toys and dolls. A small classified ad in a craft or sewing magazine or newsletter should get the results you need for your quilting business. Also, think about advertising online with quilting and sewing newsletters. If you are sewing the toys yourself, try selling them at craft shows.
If the only thing you love more than quilting is a particular holiday, try combining your two passions into a quilting business. If you love Christmas, start a quilting business in which you sell quilted Christmas d?r. Quilted ornaments, tree skirts, stockings and other decor are very popular.
No matter what your favorite holiday, you can create quilted decorations to sell. Advertise in quilting and sewing newsletters online and buy a small classified line ad in a magazine. These are also great craft show items or sell them from your own website.
Advertising your quilting business does not have to be expensive. After all, the idea is to start a quilting business on a shoestring.
Plenty of newspapers offer free classified advertising. Give those a try. Don’t overlook free online classifieds, too.
Another idea is to join free online groups. Look for groups that relate to your particular quilting business. For instance, if your business is selling patterns for quilted toys, you will undoubtedly think about joining a group for quilters. But, don’t forget other groups like stay-at-home or work-at-home moms, etc. Think about the people who would likely use your product/service.
Be sure to follow the group’s rules. Some specifically state that products cannot be sold on their group sites. Usually, those sites do allow a “signature” in which your name is followed by your business website. Having your name followed by your website is good free advertising!
If you subscribe to a quilting or sewing newsletter, send them a press release when you start your quilting business. Press releases generate free publicity. Even if the newsletter does not use your information in its entirety, you could get a little mention somewhere. Always include your contact information — a phone number, email address or website.
You can also contact your favorite newsletters to see if they accept advertising. Getting a link on your favorite site will undoubtedly reach other subscribers who share your interests!
About the Author
Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. Resources for quilters of all levels, are available at http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .
Irish Quilting Magazine at Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show in England
|
|
Quilting Arts Magazine 2006 -2007 Collection CD $29.49 Enjoy all 10 issues of Quilting Arts Magazine exactly as they were printed in 2006 and 2007. Full-color, electronic versions of the magazines let you explore the original & informative content that QUILTING ARTS is known for with easy-to-navigate tabs & printable articles. Each issue includes technique articles on topics ranging from surface design to free-motion quilting, embellishment, more. Cle… |
|
|
Flip-Pal mobile scanner $149.99 For Memory Keepers who want to conveniently and reliably scan photos, images in books and magazines, and works of art so that they can be stored digitally, then shared with family and friends for under $150. The patented flip-and-scan technology allows you to scan photos safely while still in the album or frame. Unlike alternative solutions that don’t have the combination of mobility, accuracy, ve… |
|
|
Flip-pal mobile scanner with Creative Suite Craft Edition DVD $199.99 Start your project by scanning your favorite memories with the Flip-PalTM mobile scanner, and then unleash your creativity with the Creative Suite Craft Edition 2.0 DVD. This carefully selected software sold separately would typically have a retail value of over $150. The patented flip-and-scan technology of the Flip-PalTM mobile scanner allows you to scan photos safely while still in the album or… |
|
|
Flip-Pal mobile scanner with Digital Creativity Suite 3.0 DVD $209.99 Start your project by scanning your favorite memories with the Flip-Pal mobile scanner, then unleash your creativity with the Digital Creativity Suite 3.0 DVD. Over $300 value when you buy the Flip-Pal mobile scanner with Digital Creativity Suite 3.0 DVD bundle! The patented flip-and-scan technology of the Flip-Pal mobile scanner allows you to scan photos safely while still in the album or frame. … |
|
|
OiOi – Hobo – Diaper Bag Have you ever just wished for a diaper bag that looked like a stylish purse? This OiOi design was made for you. The leather body and hobo shape mean it could pair well with classic ensembles, but it functions the way you need it to: with pockets and pouches galore, a refillable wipe container, a changing pad, and an insulated bottle bag…. |
|
|
14 inch Diamond Quilted Pattern Laptop Notebook Carry Case Messenger Shoulder Bag Briefcase w/Hidden Handle On-trend yet timeless. Sleek and modern design quilted in diamond pattern on this 14.1 inch laptop notebook messenger bag. This soft briefcase features water-resistant and provides inner padded cushion to absorb shocking. Made of high quality nylon notebook carry case that holds up to 14.1 inch laptop notebook device, even your Apple Macbook Air or Macbook Pro 13. This computer tote bag has a two-… |
|
|
Mighty Bright TravelFlex Book Light, Black $6.82 This ultra-compact book light is infinitely adjustable to provide the perfect reading or task lighting on the go. The TravelFlex LED book light clips onto books, magazines, maps, backpacks and more. Custom engineered reflector with an optical grade lens spreads light evenly so there are no “hot spots”. The bright LED never needs replacing, and the slim design means you can take it anywhere…. |
|
|
Free Standing Blanket/Magazine/Towel Rack $140.99 FM-0010BLS-B-K Features: -Folds for convenient storage and portability. Color/Finish: -Weather resistant finish for indoor/outdoor use. Assembly Instructions: -Easy assembly, no tools required!. Dimensions: -Overall Dimensions: 85” H x 20” W x 20” D…. |
|
|
Heirloom Hope Chest: Downloadable Woodworking Plan $7.95 Looking for a handsome, functional project that won’t overtax your woodworking skills? Here’s one, and it makes a wonderful storage or hope chest. You’ll find the construction of this piece strictly straightforward, with groove-and-tenon joints you cut with only a tablesaw. Blankets, toys, or family keepsakes will never have a more beautiful home. Chest measures aproximately 44″ wide, 22″ tall, … |
|
|
Decorative Fusion Knots: A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide to New and Unusual Ornamental Knots $12.68 Respected internationally for his knotting skills and clear, concise video and book presentations, J. D. Lenzen shows how to tie knots like no others. Just as origami figurines are created through the merging of different folding techniques, he creates new knots by combining historical knot elements and new knotting techniques. The product of this intermingling is what he calls a fusion knot — a … |
