How to Start a Quilt Shop

A standard quilt shop caters to the needs of crafters who enjoy the art of quilting. They stock a variety of quilting supplies and often offer additional related services. While quilting shops started out as small, local businesses, many now host online stores, expanding their client reach to all over the country.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the process with hands-on support.

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Start a quilt shop by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Quilt Shop
  2. Form your Quilt Shop into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Quilt Shop for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Quilt Shop
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Quilt Shop
  7. Get Quilt Shop Insurance
  8. Define your Quilt Shop Brand
  9. Create your Quilt Shop Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your quilt shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Quilt Shop Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a quilt shop?

The location of your shop will be instrumental in defining its success. Choose a building that is easily accessible, visible from the road, and has ample parking. Most new retail spaces require some building improvements to ensure ample space for storing and displaying inventory. These initial costs can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Once you have your space, you will need to fill it with shelving, furniture, and inventory. A computer and POS software would also prove beneficial, particularly when it comes to maintaining your books. Budget a minimum of $15,000 for these items, depending upon the type of inventory you plan to carry and what type of additional services you would like to offer. One long arm quilting machine can set you back $5,000 to $25,000, but will be necessary if you plan to teach classes.

Now that you have your brick and mortar stocked, you will need to shift your focus to advertising and a website. Shop owners recommend a user-friendly site, budgeting for $1,500 to $5,000. Total start-up costs start at approximately $35,000, going as high as $120,000.

What are the ongoing expenses for a quilt shop?

Business costs vary depending upon what segment of the country you reside in, how large your shop’s space is, and how much inventory you carry. Inventory and costs associated with payroll will be your two largest expenses.

Who is the target market?

Quilting is no longer exclusively for white-haired ladies. Some are drawn to traditional supplies and fabric patterns, while others enjoy more innovative projects. When determining your target market, research what needs are not being met in the area. Regardless of who you decide to cater to, your shop should include supplies for quilters of every skill level. As you get to know the buying preferences of the customers that frequent your shop, you can change out your inventory to target their needs.

How does a quilt shop make money?

Your quilt shop will generate revenue from the sale of each item in stock. To accommodate clients’ needs, many shops offer additional quilt-related services.

How much can you charge customers?

Your shop should always be stocked with quality products, catering to a variety of differing needs. Prices vary, depending upon the item.

How much profit can a quilt shop make?

Quilt shop profits are not highly published. Stores that expand to include online services tend to generate more revenue, whereas shops in smaller, rural areas produce a much lower profit.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While shop owners who only sell quilting supplies report a modest income, there are a number of services your company can offer to maximize profits. Hosting workshops and craft nights will make your business more profitable on multiple levels – you can charge an entry fee and it is a wonderful way to gain more exposure and network within the community. Many entrepreneurs choose to take their crafting to the next level, designing their own patterns, fabrics, and selling their handcrafted quilts.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your quilt shop is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your quilt shop were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a quilt shop business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A quilt shop business is generally run out of a home or the shop itself. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a quilt shop business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your quilt shop business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Quilt Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Quilt Shop.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a quilt shop

Seasoned shop owners urge those just starting out to host an online store. With the right inventory and an intuitive site, your reach will extend far beyond local shoppers. Large billboards advertising your goods and services is recommended, as are ads in national quilting magazines. A strong social media presence is also an important part of any business’ marketing strategy. On a local level, get involved with American Quilter’s Society and make sure your business is listed on Quilting Hub.

How to keep customers coming back

Strong customer service and customer loyalty programs will be instrumental to your business’ long-term success. Most quilters enjoy getting involved with others in the community, so make your presence known, taking part and sponsoring as many activities as your budget allows.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Since this is a highly unique business, those entering this industry should be passionate and knowledgeable about their craft. The entrepreneur who enjoys educating others, but is not opposed to working on projects alone, is the ideal candidate.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a quilt shop?

Since this is a retail business, your days will be spent stocking shelves, maintaining the shop and its inventory, and interacting with customers. Many will be skilled quilters, but a large portion will have little to no experience. They will require your guidance on everything from supply purchasing to technique, so be prepared to spend a great deal of time with your customers.

Things evolve in this industry at a rapid pace, so dedicate time to researching the latest trends, implementing new innovations that you feel would be a good fit with your client base. Networking within the community and marketing your business should also be routine. Additionally, there are a number of administrative duties that must be tended to on a regular basis.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful quilt shop?

Quilting is an art. As a result, many new business owners fail to maintain balance between running their business and crafting. While quilting might be your passion, it is critical that you dedicate the appropriate amount of time towards building and maintaining your business. Consistent networking and marketing is critical to your enterprise’s short and long-term growth. If your wish is to focus on the creative aspect of the business, consider hiring a professional to handle the business side of the company.

As mentioned, your business will be heavily reliant on your skills and knowledge on the subject. Since many clients will look to you for guidance, the ability to communicate and teach will define your overall success. Industry leaders recommend gaining firsthand experience prior to opening a new shop. This will help you get to know the types of customers you will interact with, how best to communicate with them, and the costs associated with running a shop. The knowledge gained will prove invaluable in creating a thorough business plan and should help avoid any unwelcome surprises.

What is the growth potential for a quilt shop?

The quilting industry generates annual sales totaling over $3 billion, with over 27 million Americans regularly involved in the craft. Recent studies indicate the standard quilter spends over forty hours per month on this activity, suggesting a great demand for quilt shops, both local and online.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a quilt shop?

With the Internet, retailers must now compete with businesses all over the world. Therefore, it is imperative that your business stand out above the competition. You may not always be able to offer the most competitive prices or the largest selection, but you can deliver quality service and products. Most quilting customers cite strong customer service as the top reason for choosing to frequent a shop.

Decades ago, quilters were elderly females. Today, customers span every category. Industry leaders caution against judging shop visitors by outward appearance. As a result, make sure your shop hours cater to the needs of the working person, or you will miss out on a great deal of business. Much like the clientele, there are many niche groups participating in this craft. Carefully consider which market you would like to cater to. Is it the batik lovers, retro trend setters, modern quilters, or a younger crowd? Once you have identified your market, you can plan your shop inventory around those needs.

How and when to build a team

Many quilt shop owners have found success hiring from within their client pool. This ensures your staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the art of quilting. While you won’t likely need a large staff, each team member should possess strong work ethic, be friendly, and highly trainable.

Useful Links

Real World Examples