MargeD

I agree with Paper Princess and watch how they are cutting the fabric. I've noticed that a quilter cutting the fabric is more likely to be sure you get the proper cut. I know an inch here or there doesn't sound like much, but it makes a difference to me, and also if the shop is willing to give an inch, I'm more likely to go back- I feel it's just good customer service.

bearisgray

If it is one piece out of 20 that is a tiny bit short - oh, welll. If it is 8 of 10 that are, I do mind. Which has happened. At a LQS. And jo- anns

If the fabric is cut straight and to the thread,I won' t complain. ( but other things being equal, I will go to the store that cuts a bit long)

As far as crooked fabric goes, if I am buying it in person, I feel it is my responsibility to check to see if it is printed on- grain and if it has gotten pulled way crooked. I doubt that many stockers or managers are going to carefully chech each and every bolt of fabric to see if it is perfect.

That should have happened before it left the manufacturer, but sometimes things get missed

bearisgray

If it is one piece out of 20 that is a tiny bit short - oh, welll. If it is 8 of 10 that are, I do mind. Which has happened. At a LQS. And jo- anns

If the fabric is cut straight and to the thread,I won' t complain. ( but other things being equal, I will go to the store that cuts a bit long)

As far as crooked fabric goes, if I am buying it in person, I feel it is my responsibility to check to see if it is printed on- grain and if it has gotten pulled way crooked. I doubt that many stockers or managers are going to carefully chech each and every bolt of fabric to see if it is perfect.

That should have happened before it left the manufacturer, but sometimes things get missed

By the way, if I know I am going to need a full 18 inchees of something, I buy 19 or 20 inches just allow for wonkiness and shrinkage.

bearisgray

Which could really add up if someone is buying only 1/ 8 yard cuts.

Trippgal

As a brick and mortar shop for another "hobby" I knew going in that customer care was going to be critical to success. And so I planned a business model to accommodate internet pricing, local demand, and building customer loyalty. If you have any common sense when running a business you know goodwill costs need to be factored in.

Freebies were part and parcel for loyal customers, regulars, and big ticket buyers. And that kept a dive shop open and profitable through the recession, in a time when discretionary money wasn't being freely distributed to hobbies.

A good owner will monitor their supply chain, maintain good relationships with reps if there is a QC problem so they can get discounts, replacements etc. A good owner will keep staff aware as they are cutting if there are problems with straight grains, misprints, and other issues and empower them with a set of guidelines to follow to proactively fix a potential issue with a customer. Make sure they get what they ask for in useable goods, our LQS tells the staff, a "thumb width of grace". Telling a customer they "must" buy the remnant is not good policy. Offer at a discount (which you establish when bolt comes in and unit vs. retail cost margins are defined) on the spot or sell at same discount as a remnant. Less than 3-4" on a bolt is to just be included in the sale.

Take care of customers and they take care of you.

mike'sgirl

I was intrigued by this conversation, so I went to measure some fabric that I just got in the mail today. I ordered 3 yards to put borders on a quilt and still have extra. I was shorted an inch. I wanted to be sure so I measured it 3 times. I probably will not order from them again. Like all of you have said, I don't expect extra, just what I paid for.
Gina

0tis

My LQS (which just closed by the way - boo hoo) would always give me a little extra and after they got to know me well - sometimes she would throw in a half yard or more - I really loved that shop but the owners wanted to retire (this is the second time they retired) so I understand their position. I went in for the last time last week and she did that for me again. All the fabric was on sale - so she would cut the fabric and give me the end of the bolt for nothing. That doesn't happen much anymore. Sometimes they would give me notions to try out and give my opinion on them - I am really going to miss them.

bearisgray

Good will is soooo easy to lose - and so hard to recover!

ube quilting

There is a place near me that has a wall of cotton which I think is bought as a "lot" so what ever is on the shelves is what you get to choose from. He is very generous with measuring and if you want 3 yards and there is another yard left on the bolt, it's yours. This is just a small shop that doesn't sell quilting fabric as its' main income, but knows there are a lot of quilters in the area and makes a few bucks supplying them.

I just want what I pay for and expect no more.
peace

MaureenT

You are so right, you wonder how they get cut so badly? Don't blame you for checking. I don't mind buying my fabric, but hate it when I'm short changed.