Online fabric and notions shop

Home sewers, quilters, crafters, cosplayers and small designers who want a better choice than a big-box store.

You buy fabric wholesale or from closeouts and sell it at a markup, per yard or in bundles. Add-ons like pattern bundles, notions and sample swatches raise the order size.

• Knowing fabrics and what sewers need
• Basic photography and product listings
• Inventory tracking and packing orders

• Sales tax registration and collection rules, which vary by state, so check with your state's tax agency
• Colors look different on screens, so offer swatches to cut down on returns
• Money tied up in unsold inventory, so start small and reorder what sells
• Check local rules and HOA or lease terms if you store stock at home
• General liability and product insurance, worth checking with an insurer

Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how much fabric and how many notions you stock, and how much you spend on your website and photography. Starting with one niche and reordering what sells can help limit money tied up in inventory.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on your niche, pricing, marketing and order volume. These are estimates, not guarantees. Expect to spend at least about 12 hours a week on listings, packing and customer questions.

Check sales tax registration and collection rules with your state's tax agency. If you store stock at home, check local rules and HOA or lease terms. It is also worth asking an insurer about general liability and product insurance.