Online fabric wholesaler for makers and tailors

Tailors, alteration shops, small clothing brands, costume makers, upholsterers, quilting shops and craft sellers.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and your wholesale price per metre, roll or bolt. Repeat orders from makers who reorder the same fabric are the core of the business.

• Knowing fabric types and quality
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Inventory and order management
• Building a simple online shop

• Importing: check customs duties, GST on imports and shipping costs with the Canada Border Services Agency or a customs broker
• Textile labelling rules for fibre content and dealer identification apply in Canada, check the Competition Bureau guidance
• Check how your province handles sales tax on wholesale sales, including any resale exemption paperwork
• Stock tied up in fabric that doesn't sell, so start with a small range
• Home-based business rules: check with your municipality about licences and storing stock at home
• Commercial general liability and stock insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much fabric you buy upfront, your storage and your website. Starting with a small range reduces the risk of stock that doesn't sell.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your range, your customer base of makers and tailors, and order sizes. Unsold stock ties up cash, so keep your range focused at first.

Check customs duties, GST on imports and shipping costs with the Canada Border Services Agency or a customs broker. Also check textile labelling rules with the Competition Bureau, provincial sales tax on wholesale sales, home-business rules and insurance.