If the entire end of the bolt is blocked out, how do you know what the material make-up is? 100% cotton, 80/20, etc? I actually had this problem at Wal-Mart one time when they put the price stickers over this information. Am I supposed to guess?

Can't wait to see the sign that says if you have a photographic/eidetic memory you are not allowed in the store. :D

Some on-line vendors have very reasonable shipping (Fabric Shack ships for $3, or for bigger orders, $6); I don't think it's always the case that on-line prices are lower. For me, the main attractions of on-line fabric shopping are the ones you mentioned -- convenience, and you are not limited to choosing from the fabrics a single store has chosen to stock.

I have to wonder if people coming in to look at bolt info and take pictures and shop online are actually HURTING the business any. I would think increased foot traffic is a good thing, maybe they'll spot something they "have to have" or do some impulse shopping even if they just came in to lookie-loo.

I can see how it'd be annoying, but what's the real difference - if that person never came into your shop at all you still wouldn't have sold them anything. They looked, they took down some info, they left...so what? They weren't intending to be your customer in the first place, so what did you LOSE?

I think if I were a retailer I'd be looking for those people in particular and coating them with so much honey they couldn't help but buy something from me. Time to change perspectives - that person isn't an annoyance, that person is an OPPORTUNITY. You have a captive audience, use it! Friendly them up until they feel guilty not spending money. Tell them about classes, point out the thread sale, guide them to the clearance rack, show them the unique patterns done by local designers, compliment them on the fabrics they're looking at and strike up a dialog... Firmly place the idea in their heads that you are a source of supplies, knowledge, and friendliness and you might convert a looker into a buyer.

That's what would work on me, anyway. LOL

I'm going to make a wild guess and say that that maybe you are younger or more tech savvy than that sales clerk was/is.

I was teaching a lady English and using a book that she wanted the information about (name, publisher, etc.). She took out her phone and took a picture instead of writing down all the info. I was startled, but, after a second, realized that it was the easiest and fastest way to keep that information.

I don't think that they should object. I can see if people abuse it, but I think in the end, good customer relations should win out. I may not buy my fabric there (in this case), but maybe I'll come back and buy a ruler, or check out the sales, etc.

Taking a photo with a camera phone is the new quick note in your handy little memo book you keep on your person at all times. When my son was in the hospital, the staff constantly took a photo of the whiteboard where his daily orders were written, or a photo of his medication bottle, photos of everything -- it's quick, it's accurate, and you have an automatic time and date stamp, as well as location, often.

Camera phones are here to stay, and people will continue to find ways to use them in all areas of life. It's smart to figure out how to make that a bonus for your business or your personal life, rather than being reactionary and trying to keep people from using their new tools. If I had a store, I think I would deliberately put scanning information into place as a service. Love this line? Scan the QR code to link to an online pattern and tutorial. Scan here to see customer quilts made with similar lines. Enter your quilt or work in progress in our photo gallery for a chance to win a free prize.

There are many ways for brick and mortars to take advantage of the technology and turn it to their advantage, but it requires stepping out of the "this is how we've always done it" minset.

I like this idea, it's brilliant, and would be yet another draw for the store, especially if I could track my purchases from that store easily in an app. "What did I buy last time? Let me see!" Maybe have a set up where you could scan a code and "subscribe" to a fabric, get a notification if it goes on sale...

So many opportunities there.

Exactly. Or you scan the code on the shelf with Kaffe Fassett fabrics and enter that fabric/designer as your favorite in your profile -- then the store sends you a notice when a new shipment arrives. You earn loyalty points with purchases, and at some level you get to shop the new arrivals a day early, say.

I would also LOVE to be able to track purchases in terms of keeping track of the cost of materials used in a quilt -- not because I sell my quilts (though it would be helpful to those who do) but to insure my stash, to have accurate figures for my donations for tax purposes, etc. Or say you are doing a group project and several people are purchasing fabrics and supplies but you want to share the expenses evenly -- it would be so convenient to have that in an online profile.

Hardware stores are already doing some of these things-- and it's very helpful when you're doing a big project to track your purchases, have a wishlist, have a list of staples you frequently purchase.

I would've give him the whatfors and told him to post a bigger sign that was atleast visible to the naked eye. I'm sorry you had that bad experience. Not much of a gentleman if he wouldn't let you explain. You were much nicer than this old gal.

I don't see anyone putting blame on her. She asked a question and it seems obvious that she's confused about why the shop would have a problem with pictures. The other posters are simply answering her question.

I reviewed the rest of the OP's post and to be honest, I don't see a lot of rudeness here. I see frustration and hurt.

Yes, the saleswoman could have handled it better; she could have done all those things everyone else has suggested, such as explaining why they'd prefer no pictures, suggesting some patterns, etc. But I don't know that it's worth all the offense everyone has taken, and it seems to be that it would be more productive to have a conversation about the incident with the owner.

I know that seems like a good idea, staff taking photos of medical notes, prescription bottles etc with their cameras, but it breaks a great many privacy laws. Do you want your son's medical records leaving the hospital with the staff? They are not allowed to take a paper file home with them, why is it okay for them to take a very easy to duplicate and share digital record?

If I saw anyone taking a photograph of my medical records, you can be sure I will be raising the issue with the highest authorities.

There is a reason for doctor patient confidentiality. There is a reason medical records need a court order for release, proof has to be shown to a judge that it is necessary. If Nurse Jim has my medical records on his phone, they are no longer private.