Bag swap!

yeah i actually didnt get a few things i wanted because of the way he was.

I had this idea for a new online store, where people can ask for specific things (craft related of course) and then we source order and then sell them the item. I don't know how i'd go about that but it was an idea that i thought i'd run by you all, what do you think?

you would need money to source the items first, u want to buy in bulk if u want to make a profit, u also have to think of shipping costs.
i know a few guys who started up a business sourcing items from like china in bulk, shipping the things in by the container and putting a 200% markup on them. e.g an airsoft gun bought for £10 sold for £60
if you want to store items you would need somewhere to do that, you would also need to decide when to charge the person, before you source the item or after. after you can tell them the price and have them pay it but they might not want it after u have purchased it, before you may end up charging them a large amount.

is your idea a bit like craigslist or that freecycle thing?

I'd suggest taking a small commission/deposit before you order it, increasing the amount if it's something specialist that you might find difficult selling on elsewhere if they back out.
You could try buying some cheaper items in bulk that you know you can sell on first, then offer to source other items for those who purchase.
i.e. buy a bunch of necklace cords then mention a great job lot of charms

thanks for the help ladies, I think I would probably go the way of bulk buying general items like the necklace cords, or cardstock stuff like that and then sourcing more unusual or specialist items on a sale or return basis, then people could request stash as and when they need it. i think i would take a sourcing fee (and then charge a balance once the item was in stock before shipping it) that way if people dropped out, I wouldn't be stuck with stock I couldn't sell.

Thats kinda what i meant (I think!)

Whewww!! Panic over!!!
I had convinced myself sendout was this Monday instead of next :0
I still have time to get to grips with my new sewing machine (didn't get any further than the manual when I brought it home today) - that's what last weeks Freshers Week face & body painting paid for

I'm about midway through your bag, Bindiibabe, my sewing machine is ancient and it broke down so your bag will be handstiched, I'm nervous becuase it's the first bag I've ever done.

Oh no!! poor you!

Please don't stress out over it - I'd hate to think that you hated whatever you made me because it gave you loads of trouble and if you're delayed or anything its fine!

I usually hand stitch everything (thats why I only really do small stuff mostly, although I can get access to a machine if I really need it) but I figured if I was really gonna make a go of crafting as a business, then it made sense to get my own.

what machine did u go for? i want a new one because the one i have has no manual now, and the stitches seem to mess up always. im 99% sure the bag i make will be handstitched.

i'm actually enjoying handstiching, I even think that i'll finish on time.lol. I might just handstich everything from now on. I don't craft with material all that much so it doesn't seem economic to get a new machine, I papercraft mainly, although i am starting to paint and make jewelry now with a little bit of sewing.

My fashionmate 360 is from the mid-seventies! I fear she's on her last leg though T_T.

my grandma has 2 machines, but with no instructions and no grandma im a bit worried to try them

i have a brother machine with fancy stitches and all! The best xmas present i've ever had!! even has a needle threader!

And bindiibabe, it's a good job it's not this monday the send out!! I'm working all this weekend so no time to work on mine til tuesday!