If you own a craft business, do you think like a business owner
By venshida
@venshida (4836)
United States
January 17, 2009 7:11am CST
I am asking this question because I was running some errands and decided to visit my local discount fabric store. I got there and they had a $1.00 sale. I thought well I would purchase a couple yards of fabric. One of the customers had a roll of trim, I think it's called bullion. I inquired about it, and she told me there was a roll in the back. I got the roll got to the sales clerk and ask her to cut two yards. She said you have to buy the whole thing because its $3.00. I stood for 3 mins trying to think what am I going to do with the extra. The sales clerk said you know you can sell it right. I swear It never once dawn on me to sell the trim. I brought the roll and now I have 8 yards of trim. This bullion normally sells at the discount store for $2.99 a yard so at the regular store it is probably is higher. I am trying to decide if I should sell it on Ebay or if I should sell it on Etsy. What you guys think?
2 people like this
5 responses
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I have to agree with OwlEyes. I think you could try selling it first on Etsy, which would probably yield a better profit for you, and then if you can't get a buyer, try Ebay. There are just such high fees associated with Ebay (plus the deduction from PayPal) that sometimes, it doesn't seem worth it. But you got this at a great price, so you can still make a reasonable amount.
Are you sure you can't use more yourself? Save it for a rainy day? Maybe you might even consider swapping it for something you need if you can't find a buyer? Good luck with your transaction. I've never tried to sell that type of item on Ebay before, but I have BOUGHT crafting materials...so there you go, there is a market!
Keep crafting!
Are you sure you can't use more yourself? Save it for a rainy day? Maybe you might even consider swapping it for something you need if you can't find a buyer? Good luck with your transaction. I've never tried to sell that type of item on Ebay before, but I have BOUGHT crafting materials...so there you go, there is a market!
Keep crafting!
@cher913 (25781)
• Canada
23 Jan 09
most definitely! you could try ebay first but i think it would go better on etsy under supplies. i run my own online jewellry business and i am a crafter (i make cards and have scrapbooked in the past for money). i am always looking for a way to make an extra buck or two!
@busyB4 (874)
• United States
4 Feb 09
Yes I think if you ever have been a business owner, you think that way to save money for your supplies, plus you save shipping etc...
I think too there are some crafters auctions online you might check out and see if you dont sell it right away.
I would be the packarat and hang on to it till I find out what I am going to make with what I bought ans then sell the finished product!
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I would try Etsy first because of the fee thing, you might also try the sight ioffer. They are like etsy for everything and the fees are pretty low. Ebay does have a bigger market but the fees are getting out of control and there is very little seller protection now.
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
20 Jan 09
I would try Etsy first. Suppliers are the biggest sellers at Etsy and if you are offering the fabric at a good price, someone will grab it quickly (and you should be able to make a nice little profit too)
With eBay, you never know when a seller is going to leave you a negative for no good reason (and you either have to leave the buyer a positive, or no feedback at all)
Plus, Etsy's fees are cheaper and you get to add 4 more pictures.
If you can get really good photos of the fabric, I'd try Etsy first and Craigslist before using FeeBay.
