Hi everyone, I make shope samples for a shop here in Washington state. The owner supplies all the fabric, batting, backing, pattern and any special tools needed. When she is finished displaying it, it is mine to keep or she well help me sell it. I also get 40% off all my purchases. Not bad. Plus I'm learning new things all the time. Hope this helps and good luck with your new shop.

Good luck with your new shop.

I have heard of fabric trades too - seems that is the current standard.

Because your are new why not have a meet and greet day. Send out a ad in the local paper meet some local quilters and ask if they would be interested in letting you display their quilts,Then have a contest using the displayed quilts,let others coming into your shop vote on whos quilt they like best and offer prizes, offer different prizes for quilts and wall handings ect. the prizes do not have to be super big, just nice things for quilters. most quilters are always ready to help others and if this is going to get a new fabric shop in their area, who knows what will happen. Good Luck. Oh and by the way in my area if a quilt is entered in a contest, a paper in signed to release the shop owner from any problems that may arise.

I make samples for my favorite store with other regulars. we get paid an hourly rate to work and sew in the store. we are paid with lunch and a store credit for the hours we work.

Back when I saw cute dresses on display at Walmart, I thought that they just did the work in exchange for the dress after the display. IOW, as others have stated, the person exchanges the labor for the cost of the materials as the store provided the materials. (This was many moons ago...)