1. Learn before you begin selling. Classes and credentials will make your job of selling easier.
2. Find sources for your basic supplies.
3. Partner with a reputable fabric company.
4. Look for accessories that will make your custom window treatments stand out from the crowd.
5. Don't overlook the need for blinds and shades that will set off your window treatments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the business of home window treatments

Knowing how to sew and having a flair for decorating aren't enough when you are selling window treatments for the home. You also need training that will help convince your potential customers you can do the job.

I recommend: Join a trade association and get some credentials to back up your skills. The Window Coverings Association of America has been around since 1987 and can provide help with networking, education, and certification. They also have chapters around the country so you can talk to established window treatment business professionals in your area. The Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program also allows you to get certified on various levels and offers online continuing education opportunities to keep busy window covering professionals up-to-date with changes in the industry.

Get the necessary supplies for your window covering business

Whether you have a home, retail, or mail order window treatments business, you are going to need some basic supplies.

I recommend: Rowley offers a variety of products, including patterns, installation products and window treatment software. Williamson Supply Company also has a large selection of products for the window covering professional, including a large selection of workroom supplies.

Custom window treatments need custom fabric

Having the right fabric is the key to making your curtains or draperies sell. Custom window treatments demand a special fabric, and there are many fabric companies to choose from.

I recommend: There are dozens of specialty fabric suppliers in the U.S., and their products can make your custom fabric window treatments truly special. Carole Fabrics has a variety of fabric collections for your custom made window treatments, in addition to decorative trims. They also offer seminars that may help you build your home decorating window treatment business. Luxurious window covering fabrics are the business of Kasmir Fabrics and they even have an online Fabric Finder that you can use to search for a variety of fabric types in various sizes and colors. If silks are what you want, try Cocoons Fine Silks, which specializes in this one type of fabric for some very special custom window treatments. Leon's Fabrics has been a supplier to the custom window treatments community for over sixty years and their online sample book can give you an idea of what they have to offer and if it matches your custom window treatment needs.

Be sure to offer window covering hardware and accessories

Fabric isn't all you'll need for your window treatment business. You'll also need hardware, linings, and other essentials that give your window covering that special flair.

I recommend: Hardware is more than just a rod and a couple of finials. The right hardware is going to make your custom window treatments truly special. Amore Drapery Hardware, Helser Brothers Inc., Kwik-affix, Le Fer Forge, and Orion Ornamental Iron are well-known retailers to the home decorating window treatment community. While linings aren't as romantic as window covering hardware can be, they are important. Angel's Distributing and Hanes Fabrics offer a wide variety of linings that can make your window covers as practical and durable as they are beautiful.

Custom made window treatments need patterns

Patterns for your home window treatments are essential.

I recommend: M'Fay Patterns not only offers patterns for custom window treatments like cornices and valances, but also sells books and software. Pate Meadows Designs offers a wide range of patterns, including some packages specifically made for the window treatment business professional.

Window covers are more than just draperies

Custom window treatments can be more than draperies. Shades, blinds, and shutters should also be offered by your whole house window treatments business.

I recommend: Window Fashions Inc. has a wide variety of home window treatments, including shades, shutters, and blinds. Wisconsin Drapery Supply is a wholesale distributor specifically geared to the window treatment business professional. Vertilux has a wide range of window covering products, including many that are ecologically friendly.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Shop around the wholesalers just as you would in a retail store. Many offer special sales and payment plans that may help you run your window treatment business more effectively.