Wow Marilyn...and that's how it should be!!!

I love to stop and look at new fabrics, patterns and gadgets. But I don't always buy something. I hate the sales staff who look down their noses at me because I am "JUST LOOKING". Some of them make me think I've turned into some kind of disgusting disease or something.

I think we must be spoiled in this neck of the woods. There are five QS in a 20 mile radius, and four of them are excellent. I worked at two of them and the staff in both were very friendly. We had regular staff meetings to discuss any problems we may have encountered, and ways to not repeat it. The owners at both shops absolutely demanded good, friendly service and that's why we had the meetings. It was very up-building and encouraging. We had a lot of fun and our customers were happy to come into the shop. We were all happy to work there and help the customers with their quilts.
One day, tho, a customer came in and was rude and demanding to me. I was helping another person and I told her (very nicely) that I'd be with her in just a couple of minutes. She started yelling at me and calling me names. I was completely stunned! I started crying, just knowing I was going to lose my job. One of management came out and tried to calm her down. She and the woman she was with both stormed out the door. Then the owner told me she always does that and not to worry, I hadn't done anything wrong, that the woman had a mental problem. Yikes! I prayed I'd never have to see her ever again!
Mostly shoppers are nice. Sometimes one would come in, obviously distressed about something. With ones we knew well we could ask about what was happening in their life, and maybe we'd hear about, and maybe not. But we were their if they needed to talk. Even the owners are compassionate and not too busy to chat with a customer. I'm proud to have been part of the action; now I'm retired. I go into both shops and the clerks I worked with are all gone, so the new ones don't know me. They are still nice and I'm sure the meetings are still being held to educate the staff about how to treat customers. I really miss working..........It was sooo much fun!
And there were lots of evenings we didn't close the shop on time cause we had customers still shopping.

I know exactly what shop in Marietta you are talking about!!! I have also found the owners and employees there to be off-putting. Like they are doing you a favor by waiting on you.

My daughter (who is 27 and married, but looks like she is about 17 and in high school---and who has an 18 month old and is 6 months pregnant) has been treated VERY badly in several quilt shops where she has shopped. The employees act like she is too young to know her way around a sewing machine and they ignore her or are rude to her. She even had one employee make several rude comments to her face and when my daughter tried to talk to the shop owner about it--the owner defended her employee!!! Needless to say, we don't shop there any more.


On the other hand----I work in a quilt shop. We welcome each customer with a smile as she (or he) comes through the door, offer assistance if needed and encourage them to stay and browse as long as they want-even if it is past closing time!!! I hope that no one has ever felt insulted, shunned or uncomfortable in our shop.

My local quilt shop feels very clique-ish. Being young (and looking even younger) I basically get ignored when I go in there; I've walked in, and had an older woman behind me, and the store staff fall over themselves to help her, and ignore me. If it were just once, I wouldn't think anything of it, but it's happened multiple times. I'm not sure why I keep going there; it's overpriced, and the local discount store is much more affordable.

I'm glad to say that I can't think of a single time I've been in a LQS around here and had a bad experience. They all have that friendly, home-town feel that encourages you to look around, ask questions, and generally make yourself at home. Usually my wife and I go in together, but occasionally I go in by myself. I get the same treatment by myself, and most everyone remembers us and will ask where my better half is. We have wondered if we get special treatment because I'm a man and something of a curiosity in a LQS.

The shops I can think of are: Iva's and The Cherry Pit in Sevierville; Mountain Stitches in Gatlinburg; Cat Lover's, Sewing Machines Etc, Gina's Bernina, and Mamaw's Thimble in Knoxville; Sew Unique in Clinton; Rooster's in Alcoa; Lavender Lime in Chattanooga; Little Blessings in Crossville; and It's Sew Mary Jane in Halls. East/Middle TN has some great shops. I'm sorry if I left anybody out, but I firmly believe in naming names, especially if someone goes out of their way to offer exceptional service. I hope if anybody here vacations or travels through east or middle TN you'll give these shops a visit.

Darren

I like that quilt. The colors are great together! Nice job!

I have been very lucky at quilt stores. I have JoAnn fabrics close by which I do shop at, especially with discount coupons for notions, etc. But when choosing fabrics for special projects, I like to go to better fabric stores and see what is out there, the collections are endless. I travel far and wide - so far everyone has treated me nicely and taken the time to help me find fabrics to match, etc. no matter how much I purchase. There are times I would not want to wait on me, with all my questions and multiple bolts to cut, etc. I think if I were treated badly, I would not return and I would share the information with friends and family so they would not go there either. If you are nice and have wonderful fabrics I will spread the word to anyone that cares to listen.

Well, Customer Service must not be a term this person understood along with several other terms which express politeness, consideration, return business, etc. etc. However this kind of rudeness in not limited to quilt store owners. It seems that many aspects of life involve dealing with these kind of folks. I say they have rudeness to the 10th power and try to remember that they must be miserable.

I will not go into a quilt store that is closest to me anymore. I went one time and took my mentally and physically handicapped son. My son is very friendly and says "hi" to everyone. The people that worked there all asked what he wanted. I explained he was just saying "hi" and they turned their backs on him. He was hurt and I left without buying anything and won't even go back if I don't have him with me.

Good for you. How rude to not return his greeting. I have an autistic grand child who quilts along with me, most people are very kind to her. Of course there are those who just don't have the time to be polite. So sorry for them should some of their family have a special needs person. God will remember those who are so rude to these special children.

I am lucky that most people in stores would tell him hi back. It's only a few stores like that quilt store and the Hancocks in town. At Joann's they are very nice to him.

LOL ... I am so bad! I have just read through all of your comments about the bad experiances that you have had and I thought to myself," This thread link should be sent to them so they can hear how bad they stack up on the customer service end of things." I am not suggesting it, but, I wonder how many stores would make even one change to stay in business?

My son had a t shirt that on the back of it, it read ... I am the customer stupid!

I went to a LQS that I have been to before. They have moved 4 times expanding as they go. This time I walked in and they had all this fabric in the middle which I thought was sale fabric - asked and was told NO! They were to busy to respond to my comments about the move, the fabric, the fact they have a la quilt machine that interested me. I bought a bit, but that is my last trip. I shop at Fabric Shack in Waynesville and it's hard to compete agsainst them - great selection and wonderful people.
Judi in Ohio

Dear MadQuilter,
Any doubt WHY she is no longer in the business. She has no imagination or TASTE.
Your quilt is beautiful!

I do not have a bad story so far... lol but being a younger quilt both in age and skill I have gotten a few funny "what you doing in here" stares. Luckily where we moved there is a quilt shop right across the street (literally) and the ladies are FABULOUS. I havent tried the classes yet, but am extremely anxious. They are friendly and helpful and make you feel welcome and like they are genuinely glad to have you there to talk even if you dont buy anything (which is rare for me LOL)!!! :)

Your quilt is beautiful. The fabrics work very well together. I can't believe any quilt maker would say such things. Even if she wasn't impressed with your choices she should have been diplomatic enough to say these are fabrics I would not have thought to put together. I'd like to see the quilt when it is done. I often find that my friends choose fabrics that I would never think to put together but I love the results when I see the finished quilts.

quiltwoman-
Am curious about that shop in NH. Can you just tell me the name of the town/city?
(I am not a shop owner, just curious)...
lot2do

I went to a LQS today to get fabric, since my son was at a birthday party nearby. I thought having my daughter was going to be a problem, since I know quilt stores often frown on having children in the store, but she sat quietly at a lego table while I shopped. About five minutes after we got there, she informed me she had to go to the bathroom. Being five, I knew she couldn't hold it long, so I went to put back my fabric and take her home. The saleslady who overheard my daughter's urgency, immediately caught me and said there was a bathroom in the back. I walked back there, but a large group of women were there for a BOM meeting. The owner of the store took my daughter's hand and took her back to the bathroom. She waited for her to come out and then helped her get back to me. I ended up shopping for another half an hour. I now have my fabric for the Funky Chicken blocks. I will definitely be back to shop.

We have several shops within 20 miles and most are awesome. But the one that is closest to my home (10 minutes away) has awful customer service. One of the owners isn't rude; she simply chooses who she wants to wait on. I was at the cutting counter for almost 10 minutes (no one else in line). She was chatting to what sounded like someone she knew very well....anyway, after 10 minutes and her totally ignoring me, I left 4 bolts of fabric on the cutting counter, walked right past her, and walked out. I've heard the same thing from many others. Hard to believe they're still in business.

It is a beautiful quilt

The one quilt shop in town is sort of on and off when you walk in. When they first opened some times they would great you and the next time they couldn't be bothered. Now after 10 years they are very nice and helpful.
I think the thing that bugs me at some shops when they ask of they could help you and you say you are just looking they follow you around like you are going to walk out with a dozen bolts under your arm.
I think the worst is yarn shops. I have a 3 knitting machines and when I go into a shop they ask if I hand knit and I say no I do machine knitting. I have had sales people say "oh you have one of those" with their nose in the air and walk off. Well little do they know if I did hand knitting I would die of old age before I ever finished a project. But with the machine I can do a sweater or Baby blanket in a afternoon. Sorry that's off the subject but between fabric and yarn shops. Yarn shops are the worst.
But since there is only 1 shop in 40 miles I do alot of shopping on line Kathy kjym

Obviously, this woman was in the wrong line of work and just as obvious, you knew what you were doing when you chose those fabrics. Congrats!

What a rude thing to say
I think the quilt is gorgeous. I hope some day to finish a quilt and have it look half that good.

Love the colors! :thumbup:

I live in a town with 7 LQS, they have to be nice around here or they don't survive. My favorite one is closest to home, and several of the folks know my name, are very helpful and give me lots of positive feedback on whatever I am doing.

You have SEVEN quilt stores in your area -- Girl, I would think I'd died and gone to heaven :lol: :lol: :lol:

absolutely amazing. after reading all these stories. The "Nightmare" is nice. I keep saying that quilting is a true art form. Art to one is "what is that" to another.
The local quilt store for me is like "going home". You have to be sorry for the grinches of the world.
quilting mom86

MadQuilter....evidently she is the one having nightmares since her shop didn't last......HAH - take that you old broad!!! I love your quilt and think the colors are fabulous. When someone criticizes something I made I just smile and say "Thanks and God bless you!" That usually shuts them up pretty fast. As I have said many times, my quilts are made with love, prayers and a few imperfections. Beauty is after all in the eyes of the beholder.

I'm telling you, Idaho has the nicest people!!! And almost every LQS I've been to in this state has a place set up for children. I don't have children, mine being all grown up, but I think it's a sweet thing to do.


If the Brother was comparable to the Janome, which she didn't think you would like, why would she try to sell it to you? I think you are right, the sale was what mattered to her. How sad.


When I lived in Southern California there was a LQS in Tehatchepi where the gal tore the fabric. I actually appreciated it because I knew it would be perfectly along the grain line, plus she always gave several extra inches because she knew that part needed to be cut away. I would actually end up with a couple extra inches, which was great! I would drive the extra hour just to go to her store. No one I know does that here in Idaho and I get horrified looks when I even mention it. Lol.


How terrible! There is simply no excuse for such rudeness! :evil:

As for treating someone rudely because they appear young...geesh, do they think there is a special age one has to be before becoming a quilter? I know many young people (teens and younger) who quilt and are amazing at it! And normally these teens have more money then we adults seem to and if I were a quilt shop owner I would cater to them! :lol:

Only had two bad experiences...one a local quilt shop gave a class and several from our guild went and you had to purchase materials there...no problem...but material was cut short and the shop owner said we would have to buy extra material or "make do". I only go there if I am looking for something I can't find elsewhere...nice store. The other was in a city that had a quilt show and I got short changed on fabric big time and never realized it until about 2 weeks ago. They were busy but next time I will watch what they are doing.

one thing I have noticed about LQS is the little "in" groups. I don't know why but it seems to be a norm with the owners. If your not buying your ignored. I have one about 20 minutes away where this is not true and love going there...

My favorite quilt shop here , ya walk in the door and the owner says hi and points out all the fabrics on sale and what is where and says let me know if you need help. Then she goes back to cutting fabrics. As she is always cutting fabrics lol Shes great! And as she is cutting my fabrics she will chat and let me know what is coming in and what she has ordered.... just a really homey and friendly place to shop

Seems like young people these days can't do math. I was at a fast food restuarant yesterday. Bill was $4.16. I gave the guy a $5 bill and 2 dimes. He asked me what the change was because he couldn't figure it out himself!
:roll:

When I worked ( years ago)I never had a problem with giving change. But one time I had a young lady come to work and I had to train her for the register. She just couldn't get it into her mind as to how to make change. She lasted 2 days and quit. I think the registers now make it so that a person doesn't really have to know how to make change and its just sad that many can't

My only complaint is kits. They either didn't have enough of the fabric that of course you can't get anymore because the LQS is out or they are way overpriced. If you buy the fabric separately is will cost you $15 but if you buy it in a kit it is $30. I don't get it.

I work in a specialty store. I am one of those clerks you describe. I am sure I have given that "blank stare" when a guest asks for an item we either don't carry, never heard of, or isn't accurately described. We are expected to be experts in sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, felting, upholstering, embroidering, beading, and even weaving. Give us a break please. We can't possibly know everything.

Good for you. Since I work in a specialty shop, I would never comment on a person's choice of fabric. I do, however, suggest color options that would complement each other.

I work at one of the larger chain stores. Our problem is that the corporate office does not give us the budget to have adequate staff on hand. Customers do not get the attention they deserve and find themselves waiting longer than they need to in the cutting line or at the register. Please don't blame the clerks. I can't tell you how many times we have been yelled at for providing poor customer service. It's corporate America trying to make a profit. :)

I think a lot of the complaints have been about INCONSIDERATE employees.

When I go to a store and I ask a clerk for something, I am perfectly willing to hear her or him out. I have had associates handle me in a variety of ways:
"I am sorry, we do not carry that item"
"We do not carry that item, have you tried [names competition]"
"What is the thing you are asking about? I have never heard of such a thing"
"Could you hold on for just a second, I need to ask [someone else]"
My favorite: "If I were a [fill in the blank] I'd probably be ...and walks to the area to help me find the part.

I would not expect everyone to know everything about the store. But I would expect that they know how to deal with the customers when they don't know.

Waiting in line when the staff is limited is no problem either. HOWEVER, when the associates are standing around shooting the breeze, or someone makes a big deal about not getting their break. Or my favorite, complain about the management in front of the customers...... that's when I get upset.

Sorry that you get to listen to the brunt of complaints that your fellow employees - the slackers - got started.

Love the Fabric Shack - have good experiences there and others in area