QUILTING AS A BUSINESS

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Comment by Vilma/AR on June 1, 2016 at 5:16am

Joining this group hoping to learn more. 

Comment by lea on April 21, 2016 at 4:29pm

Another long arm tip I learnt at the quilt show is a few ladies get together to purchase the machine. Then, they work out a schedule so they can all benefit from income a % of sale is set aside from each lady using to cover cost of thread, maintenance, repairs etc.. Works well.. They get to make for themselves. The person who has longarm in her home, obtains insurance ad she gets to host with coffee and munchies..

Comment by lea on April 21, 2016 at 4:24pm

Kitty printers as in print shops.. I would imagine they have no clue..

But it takes one to teach them, then they'll want to join a guild.. I have the joy of getting dropped of by taxis srvc right at the guild doors mtg. night male taxis driver always asks what goes on in that hall. Then, he offers to bring my bags in hall because wants to know all about quilting.. I find that interesting that a man driver would want to learn or tell his wife.. So be proud to share your hobby with others who know nothing..

Comment by Kitty Pearl on November 6, 2015 at 8:43am

YAY new pattern sent to printers, at last! Has anybody else had trouble finding printers who understand patterns?

Comment by lea on August 29, 2015 at 1:52pm

There is a Canadian longarm quilt association, on internet wonder if some of the members could communicate their success with you.. They also have a newsletter/magazine with loads of ideas..

Comment by lea on August 29, 2015 at 1:49pm

Quilting longarm as business not very strong in Wpg. But if I may share what ladies I know made a go at it could help you with ideas..

Quilter A: Lived 1 bedroom subsidized housing due to divorce. Her income had to be streamlined. Long arm took most of the space.

She joined 300+ quild handed out business cards. Paid her membership which in turn, advertised in guild newsletter free.

She attended major quilt shows, in our city, entering her own work winning many ribbons.  Rest word of mouth. She had to rely on other quilters for transportation to out of town quilt events. Wasn't hard for her due to kind personality.

She worked at this business till she reached 55yrs. and moved into same complex as her aging parents now taking care of them in some way.. She sacrificed a great deal, placing priority on her longarm joy..

At one point, she donated her $40.00 quilt presentation/diner which I was a recipient if it wasn't for her never would I have been to such great event. She is in my books forever..

 

Another, longarm was financially more dependant and looked to retiring from working in the medical field.. She had transportation and went looking for her customer, delivering her long arm quilt to out of town shops. She gained her name by doing Trade show events. When work got too much her 2 additional helpers were her husband and sister that came without wages. Her mother a great quilter must of helped also..

A few other have tried but didn't get very far. Another shop owner would rent out time and supervise the customer, how word got out..

 

Comment by lea on August 21, 2015 at 4:24am

Terri/TX-I have seen new development homes, open house for people to visit, display on the bed the quilt when house sells, quilt goes with it, then the real estate pays you for the quilt like commission system.

I've approached them regarding some of my crafts and some will take it on others no..

Comment by lea on July 13, 2015 at 5:17am

Very hard to sell out in Wpg, but what worked for me, placed my children's clothing to sell on % in craft boutique. Selling from my own garage/yard. A good display sells for itself. Done a few farmers market, some good some not as profitable. For Manitoba, weather is a factor to keep in mind.. Lots of hoodies sold.. I price items based on ingredients covered and small profit for each item, say $2.00 as opposed to hrly wage. Always have full closet of inventory for when an unexpected event pops up.. Lots of postcard handed out as opposed to business, cause the postcard covers 2 clients. Person picking up and the recipient of postcard, then postal staff. Of course Ebay, etsy has worked for some.. Joined a few business/coffee meet to make known my prod.

Comment by Michelle K on January 8, 2014 at 7:43am

Any if you have a gammill, and attending the conference in Richmond in Feb. 

Comment by Amy | Columbus, OH on October 3, 2013 at 9:48am

I see that this group doesn't currently have active discussion going on... but I sure am hoping to gain some direction for my new biz.  I'm green!  I am looking into Professional Quilter.com... but I am wondering if there is someone who would like to be a mentor in this area for me and others who are trying to get started.  thanks

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