Complete Guide to Reselling Craft Supplies Online

Reselling Craft Supplies: A Viable Business Opportunity

Reselling craft supplies can be a profitable venture for both casual hobbyists and serious entrepreneurs. With the right approach, you can tap into a market of keen DIYers and crafters looking for unique, vintage, or hard-to-find materials. Casual sellers might earn around $500-$1,000 a month, while those who dedicate more time and resources can potentially see monthly profits exceeding $3,000, especially if they specialize in niche or hard-to-find items.

Sourcing Craft Supplies: Finding Hidden Gems

Where to Source Craft Supplies

• Closing Craft Stores: When big-name craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael's shut down, they often sell inventory at 70-90% off. This is a prime opportunity to buy in bulk and resell individual items on platforms like Etsy.
• Estate Sales and Storage Units: These locations can be treasure troves for sewing machines, fabric stashes, yarn collections, and bead lots. Often, the sellers are non-crafters who might not know the true value of these items.
• Wholesale Suppliers: Purchasing from wholesalers like Fire Mountain Gems for beads or fabric distributors allows you to sell smaller, marked-up quantities online.
• Discontinued/Rare Supplies: Items like discontinued yarn colorways or vintage buttons can fetch a premium as crafters will pay extra for hard-to-find materials.

Spotting Underpriced Gems

Look for items in excellent condition, avoiding fabric with stains or holes and yarn with moth damage. Verify that sewing machines function correctly by testing all key features. Ensure beads and small supplies have accurate quantity counts.

Choosing the Right Platform

There are several platforms ideal for selling craft supplies, each catering to different market segments and price tiers.

Etsy

Etsy is perfect for unique, vintage, or high-end craft items. With a predominantly female audience aged 25-45, it’s a hotspot for those seeking something special. The fees are relatively low, and the audience is niche-focused, making it ideal for selling rare finds or vintage supplies.

eBay

eBay caters to a broader audience and is suitable for high-value items over $100. With its international reach, it’s a great place to list rare sewing machines or large lots of fabric that may attract collectors and serious crafters.

Facebook Marketplace

For everyday items under $30, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent choice. It's ideal for selling locally to avoid shipping costs and attract hobbyists looking for bargains.

Craft Supplies Pricing Strategy

Setting the right price is crucial for maximizing profit.

• Common Supplies: Basic beads and yarn skeins can be priced between $3-12. For example, a lot of 50 acrylic beads might sell for around $10.
• Fabric: Fabrics typically go for $8-25 per yard. A rare print could easily fetch $25, while a simple cotton might be priced at $8.
• Specialty Tools: Die sets or stamps can range from $10-50 depending on their rarity and condition.
• Vintage Supplies: Items like buttons or trims might sell for $8-40, especially if they’re no longer in production.

Optimizing Listings with Photography and Descriptions

Quality photography and compelling descriptions can significantly impact sales.

Photography Tips

• Show the full quantity or lot to assure buyers they’re getting what they see.
• Include close-ups of patterns, textures, and colors, which are critical for crafters.
• For fabric, drape it to display its quality and include a close-up of the print or weave.
• Group related items together for a "lot" photo, alongside individual detail shots.

Listing Optimization

Use ListingGenie to create optimized listings that include essential keywords. Descriptive terms like "vintage," "discontinued," or "rare" can attract niche buyers. Be clear about the condition, quantity, and any unique features of the items.

FAQs About Reselling Craft Supplies

• What are the most profitable craft supplies to resell? Discontinued items and vintage materials tend to have higher profit margins due to their rarity.
• How can I ensure my fabric is in sellable condition? Check for stains, holes, and musty smells. Washing and storing fabric properly before listing helps.
• Why is color accuracy important in listings? Crafters need exact colors for their projects; inaccurate pictures can lead to returns and dissatisfied customers.
• How should I ship fragile craft supplies? Use bubble wrap and secure them in sturdy boxes to prevent damage during transit.
• Can I sell handmade items alongside craft supplies? Yes, platforms like Etsy encourage sellers to offer handmade items, which can complement your craft supply listings.