I have never known a quilt shop to charge for groups meeting in their shops. For classes with an instructor, definitely YES.
I always show my appreciation by managing to spend a lot more than the 5 or 7 dollars. If the shop is a new venture, free sewing would get more traffic in the shop and more sales.
I agree with the others. Food isn't really necessary. Maybe a finger food tray, but I really wouldn't want oils or dressing from the food on any of my fabric. Bottled water, yes, but sell the bottles. In the Deep South, we also like our coffee, especially in the winter.
If I were the shop owner, I would offer the space for groups and if they want refreshments, then charge a price. Having people sewing in the shop when it is open for business creates energy and sales. People coming in to check out things have a great time chatting with the members of the groups and get ideas and buy stuff. You see where I am going. Having a meeting when no visitors can attend is just not a good idea to me. If the shop has to be open for the meeting, then let that be the one night a week that the shop is open late for other customers. The shop has to be welcoming to get me to come back. Closed meetings aren't welcoming.
Last edited by Barb in Louisiana; 08-26-2014 at 05:42 AM.