An Interesting Product

The question of what product (or service) to offer for sale comes up fairly often among those wishing to build a succesful online business. We sometimes think we need access to a large wholesaler of consumer electronics or DVDs or the latest digital games if we are going to "make it" in the online sales world.

Some of us have skills -- making crafts, clothes, art or other things -- that lets us make money on what we know and like. This is always a good way to start an online business and often a great path to success. But we're not all blessed with this ability.

Some of us have to look around for something that will work for us and for the marketplace. One good product that is worth considering is used, or pre-owned, sewing patterns. Sewing patterns are in steady demand right now. Why? Well there are three good reasons that come quickly to mind:

• people are looking to save money and sewing their own clothes is a big help with the family budget.
• many sewing patterns are sought after by collectors
• vintage clothing is all the rage these days and some people want to make vintage styles but with new material.

Whatever the reasons sewing patterns are a hot commodity today. Some pattern sellers, on sites like Main Street Patterns, are making multiple pattern sales daily and exceeding their best months in the hay-day of eBay, even as former Power Sellers.

Some of the more difficult to find, and collectible, vintage patterns sell for $40.00 and up. More common patterns regularly sell in the $5.00 to $10.00 range.

For many people, acquiring sewing patterns to resell is fairly easy. You can find them at yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets -- just about anywhere used household goods are sold. Both new (often called uncut) and used (opened, usually pieces are cut apart) are both in demand. So are both current and vintage patterns. Being sure all pieces are included with cut patterns is important though, for some, a small piece missing is not a deal breaker.

For those with limited space sewing patterns are a great product. One pattern seller I know lives in an RV. Her husband is a ride inspector and their life is spent traveling around the country, from state to state, visiting amusement parks where he certifies rides for insurance companies. She spends the days when they are stopped in towns looking for patterns at the various thrift shops and yard sales she finds. Over 3000 patterns stow easily, and travel with them, in the RV.

If you are looking for something to sell, you may want to consider sewing patterns. They are easy to find, small, easy to store, easy to mail, and can be the basis of a profitable business.