PowerSellers

"We are two sisters who love to quilt," begins Judy Baldwin (eBay user id: sew-sisters). 6  years ago I made an "I spy" quilt for my son that required almost 500 different pieces of fabric.  I had to do a lot of shopping, trading and searching to amass the collection and when it was finished, I had both a lovely quilt and a massive amount of leftovers!

Figuring that other people making I Spy quilts would have the same problems I had finding enough fabric, I decided to sell packets of my leftover fabric on eBay.  Previously, I had only ever used eBay to purchase some of the pottery I collect. 

The fabric square kits did very well, so much so that I began to think about continuing to make and sell them on eBay.  I did so, and as the square packets became more popular, my sister joined me in selling. She took over the shipping end of the business and soon we were able to expand the number of products we carried.

After many successful sales, we realized that our hobby had grown into a business!  We registered a name, got a tax number and hired someone to do our books - our Dad, a retired accountant!  Today we sell yardage, kits, squares and accessories and have a product range of about 300 items, with the I Spy Squares still at the core of our business.  Each year we continue to dramatically expand our product line and operate at a profit!

Perhaps best of all, my eBay business allows me to stay home with my children, while contributing financially to our family.  In addition, eBay provides me with a window to a world that most stay-at-home Moms don't have.  I get to communicate with people all over the world who share the same passion that I do, while continuing to develop business skills that keep my mind sharp. 

The eBay community is open and honest and we have found that good, kind communication results in positive experiences every single time.  We have encountered very few problems over the years and have always found a way to resolve them in a manner that is satisfactory to everyone.  The number of friends we have made and uplifting experiences we have had as a result of eBay is absolutely astounding.  It has also brought our family closer together. 

My 15 year goal is to become the largest quilt fabric retailer in Canada and with eBay's help I think I can get there!

See what the sew-sisters have for sale, right now.