The Last Bit Of Great Advice For Quilt Shop Owners From Customers Part III

I can’t bear to talk about the virus as we all need a break from that. With that, I am going to give you the last part of the blog I started two weeks ago.

This is the last blog post containing advice for shop owners from consumers. I want to thank all the consumers for their honest and constructive criticisms. There are tons of great suggestions. I imagine that we all care greatly about fabric and the fabric industry. It is therefore of the utmost importance to keep the industry alive and thriving. As I always like to say, whether you like it or not, we are all in this together. Here we go with the last words of wisdom.

SAMPLES:

• Make sure to have everything to make the samples you have hanging on the walls. If not, make sure you have viable substitutes. If you don’t have what is needed, don’t tease people by displaying that quilt.
• Appeal to those making clothing too as that is gaining in popularity.
• Change out samples often.
• Offer demos.
• Have samples that appeal to all levels of quilters.

SOCIAL MEDIA/ONLINE SALES:

• Use social media in a positive way to spread the word about your business and all that you have going on. Why is your shop great?
• Don’t use social media as a place to complain or talk about non-business stuff like religion or politics. Stick to the business at hand as this is your business page.
• Consider using social media as a venue for selling fabric. You would be amazed how effective this actually can be.
• Post regularly and at the same times i.e. every Tuesday at 6 pm. I try to post on Facebook everyday around 6 am. I try to post my blogs every Monday around 10 am. Instagram, don’t get me started….I have been stinky over there, but am thinking of being revitalized now that I will be spending some extra quality time at home.
• Think about having an online store to complement your brick and mortar shop.
• When posting details about a class or an event, make sure to cover all the bases of who, what, where, when, why, how, what to bring, where to park, etc.

CUSTOMERS & HOW TO KEEP THEM COMING BACK:

• Customers can be great proponents of your shop. Don’t underestimate the power of a strong recommendation.
• Don’t ignore hand quilters as they still do exist.
• Keep bringing in new stuff.
• Make the shop a fun and exciting place to visit. Surprise people with newness, freshness and outside the box merchandising.

HUSBANDS/KIDS/TRAVEL COMPANIONS:

• Try to have a seating area for guests or husbands.
• Consider having some play things for those parents that bring their kids in.
• Give customers ideas as to what their family members can do while they are shopping at your shop. Is there a good coffee shop? Is there a movie theater around? It might be awhile!

SIGNAGE:

• Make sure that signage is clear and concise.
• Make sure your signage doesn’t generate more questions than answers.

SUGGESTIONS:

• Have a suggestion box and take the comments seriously.
• Don’t ignore suggestions as customers are giving you ideas on how to keep them coming back for more. Be open minded and realize that your idea isn’t always the best. Be willing to change. Change is good.
• Everyone likes a freebie. Consider cutting up some of your older stock and giving it away as a thank you for customers that spend x amount. Something like that makes them want to come back again and will entice them to spend a little more to reach the level to receive the free gift.
• Consider having an open sew event for people to come and socialize and finish projects. If you get them in, they will likely buy something. Also, if they finish up a project while they are there, guess what? They will likely have to start a new project and will need supplies.
• When I went to law school, they used to say follow the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). Keep things so simple that they are stupid. Complications mix people up.
• Show the world why your shop is awesome. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing and what prices they are selling their fabric. Worry about you! Do you better and everything will work out. Most importantly though, focus on selling because without the sales and revenue coming in, it is mighty hard to survive.

Amen. Hope this helps all my valued customers. Please give these well thought out suggestions some serious consideration. Good luck!