Support your local quilt Shop
#91
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
You guys are soo right about the local quilt shops and helpful they can be, and 99% of the time so nice and friendly. I have suggestion for owners that are unhappy with their business and are rude to customers, find someone to come in and run the shop and just stay in the back ground. You'll sell much more fabric and customers will return. I realize you need to watch sales and receipts, but rudeness will just shut your doors just that much faster.
#93
Originally Posted by fabric=fun
Fussycut and other owners, here is my story. First off, I need to say I live in a Quilter's Paradise in Massachusetts! There are 3 LQS's within 15 mins, 5 more in 30 mins and 8+ more within 45 mins. (Also three Joann Fabric stores within 30 mins). Not all in the same direction, but you get the idea. With one to three other friends, I average at least monthly trips (mini shop hops) to several of them at a time. We never come home empty-handed and make one or more purchases in each store.
I belong to two quilt guilds (each has close to 200 members) and these are active quilters who also regularly patronize these LQS's.
The closest LQS store owners make themselves visible by participating and getting to know quilters without overt advertising or commercials at the guild meetings. They gain their business through friendliness and having their customers spread the word about where to get which fabrics.
The LQS's strive to be unique as a destination with their personal touch and selection of fabric categories. The ones that I/we frequent least often are either poorly organized or messy shops, staff that are preoccupied with each other, or too distracted to offer a smile to customers. (This happens rarely since their competition is near by).
Many use e-mail for monthly newsletter or notice of sales or a special limited discount, special events, etc. Again with a personal touch they are friendly.
We do our best to support them and they respond by appreciating us and our business. They even make referrals to each other if you are looking for a particular fabric type.
I belong to two quilt guilds (each has close to 200 members) and these are active quilters who also regularly patronize these LQS's.
The closest LQS store owners make themselves visible by participating and getting to know quilters without overt advertising or commercials at the guild meetings. They gain their business through friendliness and having their customers spread the word about where to get which fabrics.
The LQS's strive to be unique as a destination with their personal touch and selection of fabric categories. The ones that I/we frequent least often are either poorly organized or messy shops, staff that are preoccupied with each other, or too distracted to offer a smile to customers. (This happens rarely since their competition is near by).
Many use e-mail for monthly newsletter or notice of sales or a special limited discount, special events, etc. Again with a personal touch they are friendly.
We do our best to support them and they respond by appreciating us and our business. They even make referrals to each other if you are looking for a particular fabric type.
i have them all programed into my phone so when i'm looking for something really specific i call then up & they will put something aside for me.
great customer service!
#94
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Johns Creek, GA
Posts: 321
With the internet, I'm afraid LQS are becoming a thing of the past and it will be a pity. My first LQS is who I credit with my love of quilting. When I took my first class there, they just took me under their wing and NEVER minded my endless questions and always gave me the greatest encouragement. When I was still working, I would drive to their shop just to sit and have lunch with them. They became wonderful friends. Unfortunately, in the 10 years I've been quilting, I have gone through 4 LQS. I usually only patronize one shop. I would get to know the folks and feel very at home and then they would close. I live in Metro Atlanta and currently the closest LQS is 23 miles from my house and it breaks my heart.
#95
I'm lucky enough to have 3 shops close (within 20 miles) another 3 (30 miles). My nearest I'm at about 3 times a week now -- the owner is having her own problems; but, I've made great friends with several of the staff, they always are there to help & are asking about our home construction problems. Her choice in fabric isn't what I like; but, I still buy lots of things there. The 2nd closest I've got a really favorite staff person + this owner is much more interested in we (her clientele). The 3rd, is smaller with only 1 staff person, the owner & I share so many common interests, etc. that I wish I was more into more of her fabric -- I buy some from her; but not really into all of it. Then 3 I go to on occasion -- just to see what's different. I guess I'm lucky in a way to have these shops within a reasonable driving distance. There is 1 other shop within driving distance -- 35 miles -- I just don't wish to find it since it's within Pittsburgh, PA & I really hate trying to nagivate the Pittsuburgh streets. I limit my trips; BUT do enjoy visiting some of the shops. Seems prices everywhere are increasing -- including food -- the cheapest place I can shop I found out cost much more today. $100.00 doesn't buy anything is used too just about 3 years ago -- seems like now you need almost $300.00
Linda
Linda
#96
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Forest Grove,OR
Posts: 6,400
Originally Posted by roseOfsharon
I agree with Polly on the price I wish to pay. I know that LQS need support and I am sure they get plenty. I have two near me, just found the second by meeting a lady at Joanns. I went there and was given the tour of the shoppe and it was a wonderful shoppe. The lady that did the tour was sweet and helpful, but I will say there was one at the front counter that was sour, I don't know if it was that time of "month" or just her personality. That is a turnoff on having to deal with her in the future. I plan to return again and search out on my own, fabrics and class information and see how I feel of the reception. Todays times we have to be watchful of what we spend and what we get for our dollars. It is not to say We all would not wish to buy the finest and stitch away, but for many that is not the case, so it is important to remember that, when this line of topic is presented. The main goal of quilting is to enjoy making and whatever one uses to accomplish that goal is what matters. So please keep in mind the sensitivity of putting a price on fine, finer and finest quality of quilting. We all are here to enjoy each other and learn and to be a family. Happy quilting everyone :)
#97
Penny Doty--My heart breaks for you. I am part of the same block exchange and made some that were not the right size either. I am also on a tight budget due to unemployment. Did you write your name on them already? I haven't yet. I am going to take the irregular ones and have my family and friends sign them. When I run out of family and friends I am going to write sayings on them that I like or scriptures that have special meaning and make my own quilt. If you have written your info on them, I would still make a quilt out of them. Best Wishes!!!
#98
Since i am new to quilting the only place i have been is JOANNES. I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO A REAL LQS.There are a few within 30 min. I just haven't made it there yet.Even though I'm retired i don't seem to have a minute.I don't know how i ever had time to work.
#100
I do support my LQS but if they have terrible customer service then I won't go back. Doesn't matter what kind of business it is. One big pet peeve of mine is when they don't say thank you. I always say it & I have had several businesses say " yup" or say nothing at all.
If you can't be a polite sales person or business owner then you should not be dealing with the public.
If you can't be a polite sales person or business owner then you should not be dealing with the public.
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