One of the biggest challenges that quilt shop owners face today is the upsurge in internet shopping. The convenience of sitting at your computer and not having to get into the car and go to the local shop is very appealing after a hard day working, the range of fabrics is often much bigger and also cheaper. Why is this? Well the internet stores normally do not have to have their premises in a prominent area where rents are higher and they don’t have to offer any service except take your order and send it to you. They may also not need as many staff so their overhead costs are much cheaper.
If you are buying on the internet from overseas then they have a much bigger market so can keep their costs lower and have a bigger range. You can also browse online and not feel any pressure to buy. Internet shopping is also excellent for those that live in remote areas and cannot get to a local shop very often. Often the item you are buying on the internet cannot be purchased from your local shop so that is the only way to get it.
So why buy from your local quilt shop when it can be easier and cheaper to buy on the internet? Well usually its one word – SERVICE! You get to feel the fabrics and spread them out to see if they work; the shop owner can assist with their expertise to help you with your selection; companionship of other quilters when you go to a shop together; they often put on classes on for you to learn more AND these are the people who sponsor prizes at your local and national quilt shows.
I heard a story recently where a quilter went to a local quilt shop and the owner spent an hour and a half with them to help them select fabric for an upcoming class in the shop. The person said she would think about the fabrics and when she turned up for the class she had the fabrics sitting in an envelope showing they had come from overseas. How unfair is that? The shop owner had put in the time for an internet business overseas to prosper!
What people don’t understand is that the local shop owners are suffering and will close down if not supported. They are not there just to give free advice. They have to earn a living as well.
It is very difficult for them to compete with overseas prices especially the way the exchange rate is at present and the fact the purchaser does not have to pay GST. The shop owner can create their own website to encourage people to buy from them online and they really should develop this if they don’t have one at present.
It is understandable why people buy online and I am not saying you should stop completely but do think about your local quilt shop owner and what it would mean to you if they weren’t there? Nearly finished your quilt and you have run out of thread or fabric so you pop down to your local shop but alas its there no more and you have to send away for the product and wait….
So think about how much you buy online and why? A friend of mine said she bought a 1/3 online and 2/3rds locally which she thought was a fair mix and I would have to agree that she has the balance the right way.
So what do you buy online and why?
What can your local shop do to entice you to buy there more?
I buy online. I like the ability to buy a complete range of fabric. Also a lot of the fabric i buy online never makes it to NZ shops and the ones that do often take 2-3 months after the USA get products for them to reach our shops. I do also like to “spread the love” and buy from local shops. I make a point NEVER to go into a shop and look at a product and then buy online.
Also being into the low volume fabrics it is very hard to source those in NZ, we have not caught up with trends internationally using text and low volume fabrics. You are right that we need to consider the times we NEED fabric or notions immediately, or advice, or a border or binding fabric. We need to support the local shops for those reasons.
Some shops (not just in my local area, out of town too) need to be aware that younger people are getting involved in craft and quilting and will not return to shops that treat them like they have walked into the wrong shop. I was shocked when my “young friend” walked into a shop before me and was immediately and rudely asked “can i help you?” I walked in after and was recognised by other staff and the interaction changed.
Shop owners need to accept the fact that online shopping is here to stay and find ways to survive. It is not just Quilting businesses that are having to change with the times, I too run a business that has to cope with overseas competition and people changing their spending habits.
Use social media to extract positive feedback, Ask us what we want? Say I haven’t seen you in a while, what are you making? do you need any help? is there a class we could offer you?
Some thoughts from me, would love to hear from others.
I am intrigued by what a low volume fabric is – I have never heard this phrase. Please elaborate Anne!
I do love being able to shop “after hours” online but often it is for presents for family overseas or a specific item that my fussy sons want for their birthday!!!
But on the whole, when it comes to quilting I prefer to shop at a quilt shop or at a quilt show. Occasionally I will be tempted by specials online, advertised in one of the quilting newsletters I receive. Recently I spent up large (for me) with Kiwithreadz on NZ fabrics that were on special – many quilt shops do not stock or have limited stocks of NZ fabrics and they are the backbone of many of my quilts. None of my work is very large so I don’t use or order large quantities.
I am very much a spur of the moment shopper, so I like to see and feel the fabric, often going into a quilt shop with no intention of buying, but coming out with a few fat quarters to add to my burgeoning stash! And fabrics on special will always draw me in!
Having worked in a quilt shop, I know how important service with a smile is, but also how lengthy some consultations on fabrics can be. If you know you are going to need a lot of help, PLEASE DON’T GO INTO THE SHOP 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING TIME!!! The person helping you may be desperate for a coffee or some food having been on their feet for the past few hours, and just want to close the door!