Just curious, quilting website questions.....
 

I am curious, what attracts you to quilting supplies websites? Is it prices? What they have to offer? What do you like to see on those websites? I am doing some marketing research and appreciate any input the pros here have to offer!

all of the above.
i check them out if they are easy to navigate- prices are not ridiculous- have a nice variety/selection- offer flexable shipping options-
if they load too much 'stuff' on a page so it takes forever to load- i move on-
the best ones are ones that allow you to choose how much to see (as in 10 items showing- click here to see 20, 50, all ect.)
if the shop seems to waste my time i will not go back
so i guess time/ ease of navigation- user friendly is top on the list- with presentation being next- then prices- then shipping/ shopping cart features.

Usually what they have to offer, sometimes prices. If I have seen a fabric that I really love I usually check out the LQS by vieing on their website and sometimes calling before I drive anywhere due to the cost of gas. I don't mind driving there if they have what I want/need (usually want). If no one local has it I go online looking. There are a couple of shops that I know what they carry such as Moona Fabrics has more modern fabric lines (Art Gallery, Amy Butler looking fabrics) and because their prices are so good if that is what I am looking for I go there first. I would say it is a combination of choices and prices. I do try to support some of the local shops, especially those that go out of their way with opening up classrooms for free sew days and things like that.

I like to shop at stores, on-line or brick and mortor where they carry full fabric lines.

I am an avid window shopper - in person and online. I could do it for hours and never buy anything. But if it takes too long to load a page I will go spend my time elsewhere. Now, if I need something and can't find it locally, I will shop at where ever I can get the best price with the best shipping costs, and it is a reputable website.

I live in an area where we have to travel to get to any stores other than our LQS. It is a great store but the owner can only carry so much stuff. I do go on line to look at whats new or get a list together and make th trip to where several stores are and make a day of it. With gas prices what they are, I will be doing more online shopping. Our LQS will try to get things that for us if she can. Sometimes they have to order too many of one thing to make it worth while for them to do it.

I go to online fabric and quilt shops because I like to look at what they stock. I like to see fabrics and different quilt patterns. If I am looking for something specific, I can usually find it. Although the colors on the monitor can't always be trusted, I haven't have very many unhappy surprises. I especially look at prices.
I do shop at our local quilt shops also. I just have more time in the evenings to look and online shops are always available.

I shop a lot inline because I live in a remote area and don't get to the LQSs as much as I'd like. I want a page that is organized and easy to navigate. One thing I really like is shops that organize their fabrics by colors, manufacturer, designer, etc. That way, if I've seen a picture of a fabric, but don't know all the details, I can usually find it quicker. Plus, I have certain designers I love (like Holly Taylor), so when I see their name, I can go straight there.

After I've ordered, customer service is most important. I want to receive my order in a timely manner- or hear from the website owner as to what the problem is. I also appreciate online stores who give you the option of "send me what you have", "call me if you can't fill it", etc.

Easy to read site. If the site is not easy I will go to another. I google sites for what I am looking for and then go from shop to shop. Sometimes word of mouth that the shop has a lot of fabric or good prices. Free tutorials are helpful to some of us.

I look for good quality supplies, the ideas they offer for using the products they carry, and things that aren't available locally. Especially with gas prices over $4 per gallon and being 20 to 50 miles from other shops than my local, I try to check out stuff that my LQS can't carry for whatever reason and isn't able to order themselves (I have been able to SO some items, but others just aren't available through their suppliers.) The web sites' organization, photos of actual products and finished projects all help me make my decisions.