One other thing.... When we go to a bank to make change for a $50 bill, they give us $50. exactly or somebody gets fired.
A fabric store that survives the first 10 years cannot afford to give away $55.00 for every $50 purchase.
If they're giving away lots and lots of fabric, keep in mind, the average quilt store does not earn money until its 12th to 15th year.
Other professional people take home thousands of dollars a year.
A quilt store owner often has part-time employees better paid than she.
She may not have an accountant like a chain store has who advises "close this store, close that store, double the size of this store," etc. If she is responsible, you will get 36" if you pay for a yard of material. If you get short changed, please tell her.
To err is human. To forgive a no-salaried quilt store owner is divine. Honest.