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So I went to a LQS yesterday to buy some thread. They are the only store in the area that carries what I need. I don't frequent it often and never much thought about it. Now I know.

I took a finished top with me so that I could choose a thread color that would match. I laid the top on the table just folded back the corner and chose my threads. I then walked around for a bit, chose a bolt of fabric and went to the cutting table where I proceeded to wait for 10 minutes. There were two women working there but they sat at a table and talked.

Finally one of them came to the table and said "What do you need?". I had her cut my fabric and she walked away. I went to the cash register and waited again. No one really spoke to me, no one asked about the quilt top, no one seemed to want my money or business. It was weird. Frankly, I'm surprised they've stayed in business this long.

I think I'm going to find an online source for the threads and just avoid this store from now on. It's sad. I like to support local stores but don't think it will be this one any longer.

That's too bad, but I agree with you for not wanting to go back!

What an unfortunate situation. Wonder if either of them is the shop owner or the employees. Makes me think of the show "Mystery Diners" that watches restaurants and shows the owners what their employees are doing when they are not around.

If one of them was the owner then shame on her. Even an employee shouldn't treat a customer like that. Wonder if the owner knows what is happening when they aren't around?

That's definitely not a good shopping experience. Have you considered letting the shop owner know how you were treated and why you won't be back? If she's not aware, she needs to be . . . and if one of the people there was the owner, she needs to know what you think! I would probably take the coward's way out and write a note rather than talk to her in person.

awww sorry
Connecting Threads looks like they have good thread prices.. I have not purchased there, but after looking in JA's last week I wil go to Connecting when I need thread..

The biggest quilt store in OKC is notorious for ignoring customers. I would go in there and spend an hour stacking fabrics I wanted on the counter while the workers gossiped. I left more than once without getting anything cut. I go to OKC once a year so this was going to be a big purchase. Other lovely stores in OKC got my money. I did write an email to the owners explaining the reputation they'd gained giving specifics about the date and time I was there. I suggest you email the owner or write them a letter being specific. It's customer service that gets customers to be loyal and local businesses hurt with the internet at our fingertips.

There was one LQS like that here for YEARS! They only catered to class (people who took classes) customers. Finally they changed owners nd now they're friendly. But another one that used to be friendly is now snobby! Service really counts (or even just a smile!) when you're paying $11/yd!!!!

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katiem_d, come on down south a little, just off 270. My LQS staff will have that top open and be admiring it within the first 30 seconds. It'll take that long only because you'll stop when you get in the door, to pet the cocker spaniel who greets you (Hi, Mazda ). They'll help you when you want it, and let you take your time to shop and audition fabrics when you want that. I realize how lucky I am. Almost a year ago, the original owners sold the shop to one of the employees and her husband. Thank goodness they kept it going with the same spirit.

http://www.capitalquilts.com/map.htm

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I don't frequent it often and never much thought about it.

There is a shop where I do almost all of my local fabric shopping. The owner specializes in personal service. She works hard and does a great job of it! One and only one time when I went there when she wasn't in there were some other "ladies" who are active in the guild making quite the deal about ????????? I suspect, but don't know for sure, that one of them had volunteered with chest puffed out to be "IN CHARGE" and seemed to in charge of letting everyone know her importance. For once I left without making a purchase.

My point - one bad experience does not make a bad shop.

This is exactly why our LQS went out of business. No customer service, not even a "hello" or a smile. I was there once.

Gee, I'm really sorry that you had such a bad time with those folks. My experience yesterday at my LQS was just the opposite. I went in looking for fabric for the next row in the COF Row Robin since most of the colors that I had on hand just weren't right. Despite the fact that the two ladies were doing inventory on their accessories wall and setting up a new computerized system, they directed me to the pre-cut fat quarters and gave me their guidance on the fabrics that I chose. On top of that, when I was checking out, they reminded me that they were having a BYOB (bring your own bag) sale and if I wanted to just put my new fabric into my RR bag, I would get an additional 20% discount off my entire purchase. I felt so happy when I finished shopping that I really would have liked to stay and visit for a while, but I didn't want to slow down their work. I really love the folks at B&J Sewing Center in Bradley, IL!

LindaJ52

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lindaj52,

Lynn, care to share which LQS? The 2 closest I can think of are Aberdeen or Towson. I don't get to either of them very often either. Is there another nearby?

That was really shoddy service.

I'd be making sure the owner knew about it. And I agree with Bozie, go back again and if the same happens, let the owner know again and don't go back.

katie, if all else fails, contact Shauna. Her shop does a mail service. Perhaps she can help you. And they frequently have sales. This is not a commercial, I just know Shauna's place is a resource. OK?

I get a fair amout if my fabric online but to use my friend's long arm I need a specific type. I found an online site that sells them for less than half so I'm pretty sure I'll be giving them a try. Angela - I like the Hoppin Bobbin they just don't have those threads.

It is sad. But the strongest way I have to show them is to spend my money elsewhere. As I've thought back, the service there has never actually been bad, but not very good either. And while it wasn't so much that they didn't look at my quilt top, but the fact that they had no interest. Isn't that the business they are in? I just felt as if my business wasn't worth their time. I spent over $50 there and seems to me, that should be worth the time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: katiemedarlin,

Katie, I actually had that happen once. I was visiting at my moms house and we took a thirty mile drive so I could go to a quilt shop and look around. When we walked in a group of about 5 ladies around the cutting table glanced at us and went back to visiting. The entire time I was in there not one person asked if we needed help or anything. Of course I didn't spend a cent in there! How rude!

I wouldn't go back if i were you. There is just no room in quilting for people like that! My two lqs are great. I don't shop in them a lot, (I can't afford retail prices!) but they are always friendly and helpful.

I wonder if the two ladies were owners, or employees? I'm guessing they were not owners. That's so sad-the place you'd think you had the MOST in common with strangers and they ignore you. They deserve a "write-up" or a letter to the owner, really!

So many quilting stores in my area have closed. There is one I visited recently that is near where I live. I was looking for some quilt classes that they were advertising. I asked about the classes, they pointed to a wall and said that is what they are making. There were no other people in the store, and I couldn't get them to talk to me. I looked around a bit, and walked out. I had met the owner in the past, who is nasty. I find it hard to believe that that store is still in business.

That's pretty much how I have been treated at the LQS I go to. If you aren't part of their "in crowd", you aren't worth their time. I haven't been back there in months. With the current economy, they should be jumping over the counter to please the customers!

I agree that you need to be with the "in crowd" in most LQS. I just had my machine cleaned at one and they never asked if I needed any accessories, etc. I was in the mood to add to my "feet" collection, but it seemed like they just wanted me out the door so they could continue talking with their regulars. Oh well, I can spend that money elsewhere. Their loss!!

Sue and I are sewww very lucky. We have the best quilt shop around. It actually is the only one, but they deserve our business. They love Show and Tell and will even make sure the other customers come and see what is being done. They have lots of samples hanging around the shop that they don't mind showing little tricks on how to make it better. If you are ever in Racine, be sure to pm Sister Sue or Me and we'll be happy to help you find our favorite LQS. We wounldn't continue to go there if they were Not so friendly. Pat

I hate to say that it is not only quilt stores that are rude. My friend and I went to a yarn shop, she was looking for knitting needles and yarn for a project that she wanted to start. There were a group of ladies there knitting, and getting a lot of attention from the staff. We finally had to walk out we couldn't get help from any of the staff. So sad that the way the economy is now, you would think you would get better customer service.

Thank you for speaking up about a bad shop experience. I too think it's important to shop first at my LQS(s) before heading to JoAnns. But you have related something that has happened everywhere. Shop owners should care. At my previous location, I gave up on my LQS because of their customer service - it also was the only game in town and probably didn't miss me.
I shop online as well - paperpieces.com got my swap hexies to me in 24 hrs!!. But I personally think the LQS helps me curtail my enthusiasm - online shopping is just too easy! I hope you can broaden your map area and find another LQS worth driving to. Perhaps if they know of your experience they will give you a discount on a class. Smiles and stitches - the world needs more.

Just remembered (regarding "feet") - called the LQS that carries Bernina to ask about the button foot - person said, "oh, yes! We carry that!" - so I said I'd be on my way there shortly. Then she said, "But we don't have any." (duh) Asked when they'd get one in and she said she had no idea. I ended up ordering on-line and got it in 2 days...for $10 less than retail, no tax and no shipping fee.
Guess the local shops just don't want or need our business anymore!

I, too, have experienced this when shopping at a shop I don't normally frequent. They almost have the attitude that if you're not part of their "exclusive" group, they don't want to be bothered. Fortunately, I've also been blessed to walk into a new shop and be made a "family member" immediately!

I'm so blessed to have more than one my way. The biggest one in Springfield has the worst customer service ever, and the ONLY time I go there is if I have to have something I can't get anywhere else. They are so impersonal and never smile or even act like they like you coming in the store. My money spends just as good as anybody elses

But then there, the other LQS where I do my long arming They greet you in the door, their prices are a little up there, but they make you feel like they want you to come in

I LOVE the quilts & quilts in Branson ... that was a good time during retreat, and they have great customer service ... LOVE going down there!

And then there's our buddy JOE ! Joe rocks the whole city, has great prices, and he will go out of his way to make sure you get what you want

If people don't give me good service, I refuse to give them my money ... online is just too easy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SavedSinnr,

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If people don't give me good service, I refuse to give them my money ... online is just too easy

Amen to that - and most often, it's less expensive!

I like the online shopping but I must admit - sometimes I just need the interaction The shops around here are all very nice, helpful and enthusiastic - sounds like we are truly blessed.

I've shopped other types of stores where I won't go back because of poor customer service - that is a huge factor - shop owner's should pay more attention.

DH business is predominantly other businesses that order online or over the phone and we ship to - but customers try other places and come back with the same comment: "you provide the best customer service"

I have 4 LQS within 20 miles and still shop mostly online because of the prices. The farthest one is my favorite because the owner attends our guild, gives discounts, and is so friendly, but I don't go often because of the traffic.

The owner of the oldest shop doesn't participate with any of the guilds, and makes you feel like an idiot if you don't agree with her fabric/pattern choices and I only go when she has great sales. When JoAnns opened last year, selling the same machines, she moved to a smaller shop and asked customers to assist in packing/moving. And some of them did - with no pay, fabric, or even lunch thrown in!

The other 2 shops are nice to go into, but the fabrics are just too modern or kiddie for me.

I appreciate being greeted and friendly opinions. As "they" say, if you have a great experience, you might tell one or two, but if it's bad, you tell everyone you know!

I wish I had some to even complain about! We have one left with a new owner who is trying to find her way as to what inventory to carry so I will give her more time.

If you decide after a few visits to NOT go back, and if you do not let the owner know the reason, then I don't think they will ever improve for anyone else.

I don't have any LQS's real near me. When I visited my DD in Houston, she took me around to some shops, and we were made to feel totally welcome. Another trip there, Needlecrazy took me to Painted Pony, and they were also so friendly and helpful.

On a trip to Omaha, my DD's MIL took me around to some shops, and again we had a great time and were made to feel very welcome.

Now DD lives in Mill Creek, WA, and I can't wait to go visit and check out her local shops.

Some good shops should give lessons on customer service. Memories by the Yard in San Antonio is awesome. Most of the time they have goodies in their kitchen and invite customers to partake. They have comfortable tables and chairs for dh's. My DH will drop me off while he goes to shopping and I'll stay for hours. They get so excited when customers bring in projects. Fun to be there.

We have a shop like that around here. I was there yesterday. I was the only person in the store. I could hear the two workers talking about the shop owner. Not cool. They did wait on me timely though, but the convo was inappropriate.

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Memories by the Yard in San Antonio is awesome.

DH and I plan to visit San Antonio in the spring. I hope I get to visit this shop.

I have 3 LQS that are great. They know my name and always stop what they are doing to ask what I need or say hello. There are two others that are rude. I have been in several times and I know they don't remember me so they don't bother with me. I can wander for An hour and the employees won't even look up. They don't even seem to care I am there. They chat with each other. So rude.

My LQS's are nice but sometimes I do go into "invisible mode" and can't get waited on. Maybe it's because I'm patient & not pushy? I really don't mind standing around staring at fabric while they wait on someone else. But one LQS treats me like family, to the point of sending me a Christmas card & bending over backwards to help me with whatever I need. And they all are interested in what you bring in to show them. A few of them might even want to photo it for their blogs...no thanks...don't want my name/face out there in cyberspace like that.