lisalovesquilting

I like this idea. If she is still there say something like "I'll come and get you if I need help."

Scakes

I've run across stores and clerks where they just won't give you a minute's peace to browse and think. I don't have to worry about them anymore as 1 has closed permanently and the other one I haven't entered in years . Maybe a little drastic, but I'd rather drive a farther distance or shop online.

Quilt Mom

I have used the 'I am just looking today, but if I find something that begs to go home with me, I'll let you know' line. Usually that works. One particular person in a LQS here, it does not work. I have resorted sometimes to calling the store ahead of time to ask a question about some notion, just to see who answers. I postpone the trip if I think I will be followed around the store.

newBe

Writing a letter sounds like a very good idea.

It is very frustrating, indeed, when you find an overbearing salesperson or clerk. Recently I was looking for a backing for a baby quilt. The store was huge and I was shopping on holiday with my mother, father, daughter, and 1 year old grandson. It was a special coupon day and really a challenge to keep track of everyone. There were long lines at the cutting station and checkout. We were on a tight schedule.

At the cutting station, I laid out the fabric and quilt--measuring the amount of fabric I wished to order. The fabric was not that expensive, in my opinion, and there was a huge bolt of it. However, the cutter insisted that the quantity I wished to purchase would be "overkill" for the project. She was adamant that I buy a much lesser quantity. Unfortunately I listened to her advice. Later my mother said the fabric shrank quite a bit and would need to go width-wise on the quilt rather than length wise. It was a disappointment for us, but I've learned from the experience.

I like online fabric shopping. My name is Gerry and I'm a fabricoholic . . . I just remembered that Fabric Depot allows purchases of fabric in other than 1/2 yard increments. Off to take a look.

celwood

I agree with you. I like to go to stores and take my time looking around. If I need help them I ask them. My store seems to accept the fact that I will ask for help if I need it.

grannyto4

Too bad you do not live in my area. I live near a small town that has a wonderful LQS--great quality and a fantastic selection of fabrics. I believe it is family owned as three family members are always there. They always approach you upon entering the store to welcome you and offer assistance. Then you are on your own to browse and shop for as long as you would like. When you have made your selection they will cut the fabric for you or offer you a discount if you would like to cut the fabric yourself! If you choose to cut your own they do not hover over you to make sure you are not misrepresenting your cuts--you simply list the SKU, the amount of fabric and the price per yard. Should you need help or advice, all you have to do is ask and they are more than glad to help. I always look forward to going into their shop!!

logofflater

Carl's description of being a male quilter resonated with me. Only my favorite shop gives me equal treatment which is great business for them because between my wife and myself we can spend quite a bit.

. . .and then there is the local Bernina dealer who believes that a hard sell works wonders for her bottom line. (She never heard of the soft sell) I can't go into that shop without being acosted about the purchase of a new machine. I get it from the owner, her manager or one of the sales ladies every single time. They don't seem to do it to my wife. As a result I activly avoid the place if I can but recently my wife went there to register for a class. I decided to pick up a few colors and was at the checkout when from acroos the room the owner saw me and bellowed out was I in to buy a machine today. This she had to do from at least 25 feet away and across two sales counters and two of her employees; indredible, absolutely incredible! Following me and pestering me just builds resentment and resistance.

I have three Berninas, none purchased there.

_________
Steve Johnson

Kath12

I have no problem with them hovering as I'm real good at ignoring them. They soon would get discouraged by my lack of participation in their conversation and walk away. If I need something, I'll ask

Maire

The only LQS near me is like that, except they didn't seem to hover to be helpful, more like they are waiting for me to shoplift. And I don't carry a big enough purse for a bolt of fabric. I deliberately stayed away from the section with notions & patterns just because the hovering makes me so nervous I was afraid they would start to search my purse. I would always leave depressed & feeling as though I looked like the poster grandma of shoplifters. A gift shop near me also did that, beautiful glassware for gifts but I tried shopping there twice, couldn't stand to go back. Same with the LQS, I just stopped going there, do my shopping online, can browse for hours with anyone hovering.
I thought maybe I was being overly sensitive, maybe I wasn't dressed properly or I looked too ethnic that day but friends who look very well dressed & white also had the same experience. It is a shame because both shops lost customers who were willing to pay for quality. The gift shop closed & I heard rumors the LQS is closing, not sure about that.

Highmtn

"HOVERING AND TRAILING" as one poster put it. That drives me nuts whether it's a clerk in a store OR a waitress hoovering over us at a meal. I have been known to politely say to a pesty server "Thanks.. I'll flag you down if we need anything else".

To the overly helpful LQS owner I'd politely say "Thank you, but I do MUCH better if left to browse on my own. I'll let you know if I need help".

At least these helpful folks are erring on the "positive side"...and not being overtly rude. NOW.. if your polite comment triggers a negative response...then.. I'd for SURE spend my money elsewhere.