I have really switched gears with my Neptune quilt. I started out with the idea that I would use mostly medium and dark fabrics, and not add in a lot of contrasting lights. That was ok, but well, sorta dark overall.
Then my fabric guru suggested that maybe the addition of some lights would really add something nice to the mix. And she kindly sent me a collection of six or seven mini polka dot fabrics to try out with my Nepture fabric.
Once I started playing with the fabrics, I discovered I much preferred the blocks with the lighter contrasting polka dots. I ended up making many more blocks than the pattern called for, which gives me lots of options as to my layout.
I played around all day and stopped with this– It isn't final by any means, but you get the idea of what the overall look will be.
One thing I learned is that I really do need a design wall. I am assigning my husband that task, so we shall see what he comes up with.
Anyway, I love the predominantly light "backgrounds", but think it is really interesting to mix up the placement of the "lights" and "darks" in the blocks. Plus, I like the look of tossing in a low contrast darker block (a red/blue or a green/aqua) here and there for some spice.
I am going to pick up all these blocks, which are now spread out on the bed in the guest room, mix them up really well, and start all over again with my layout in a week or so. Why do I have to wait a week? Because I ran out of material for the setting triangles and had to order some online! Blah. I hate that.
Speaking of ordering fabric online, and because I am feeling chatty, I want to share a recent experience with you. If you don't like complaining or ranting of any kind, stop reading now.
I went online searching for some fabric that I had not bought enough of, but wanted to get before it was completely gone from the planet. The fabric was the French map fabric from one of the Fig Tree groups. Patisserie, I think. I found a shop that claimed they had 5 yards of it. Sarah's Fabrics in Lawrence, Kansas. I ordered it and paid with my credit card. Full price, not on sale.
Then I got an email from the shop owner, saying they only had 2 1/4 yards, did I want that? Guess they don't update their website all that frequently. I would hate to think that they advertise that they have more of a certain fabric on purpose, but now I am not so sure. I said I would take the lesser amount, and to please credit my card.
Oh, no, sorry, said the shop owner. Can't do that. Would you like to order something else, since your card has already been charged for 5 yards of fabric? Um, no, I would not. After some argument, she said "We will issue you a refund check". Huh? If you can take my card for a purchase why can't you take the same card for a refund?
Shop owner emails me back to say fabric has been sent, refund check will follow "shortly". This was May 30.
I received the fabric promptly, but it has been 10 days and there is no sign of a refund check. So I emailed the owner again, who I had been corresponding with. She said she was "on vacation", and no one else at the shop had the authority to issue a refund check. Then she proceded to *blame her staff* for not telling me she was on vacation and the check would be delayed. Excuse me?
So, I got cranky and emailed her that she was wrong to blame her staff, it was she herself who had been dealing with me, and she herself who indicated the refund would come "shortly", and she herself who made no mention of a delay due to any vacation. And when the heck could I expect my refund? And that they had misrepresented themselves with me from the get go. And that in this economy, I was surprised that customer service was not a higher priority for their small business. And that with all the fabric purchasing I do online, I have never experienced anything like this.
Guess what? She emailed me back and said I should phone the shop and her staff will issue a refund to my credit card that I used to make the purchase in the first place. She had originally stated she would refund a portion of the shipping charge as well, but now was not willing to do that.
Can you believe it? Have you any argument in defense of this bone headed shop owner? Please, if you can see her side of things in any way shape or form, explain it to me.
102 responses to “Under the Deep Blue Sea”
Many years ago I was a Mary Kay consultant and the director would aways tell us if a customer had a great exerience they would tell their friends, if they had a bad experience they would tell at least 20 people.
Many years ago I was a Mary Kay consultant and the director would aways tell us if a customer had a great exerience they would tell their friends, if they had a bad experience they would tell at least 20 people.
How frustrating for you. Very poor business on the shop owners part. A happy customer comes back..
How frustrating for you. Very poor business on the shop owners part. A happy customer comes back..
You quilt is lovely. That service is not so lovely…
You quilt is lovely. That service is not so lovely…
Oh I’m sorry to hear a bad review of Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence. It’s a great shop, if you have a lot of time to browse and don’t mind some disorganization.
I do think the shop owner was completely wrong in how she treated you though. I manage a retail store and while I don’t think the customer is “always right”, we know how to make them feel like they are :o)
btw…the clerks at Sarah’s aren’t always friendly in person and that bothers me!
Oh I’m sorry to hear a bad review of Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence. It’s a great shop, if you have a lot of time to browse and don’t mind some disorganization.
I do think the shop owner was completely wrong in how she treated you though. I manage a retail store and while I don’t think the customer is “always right”, we know how to make them feel like they are :o)
btw…the clerks at Sarah’s aren’t always friendly in person and that bothers me!
I just had a similar occurrence.. I asked a shop to order a pattern for a class I was taking at their shop. I gave them 2 1/2 weeks notice to order it. When I called last Saturday (class is tomorrow) they told me they ordered it the day before. WHAT? No explanation,just we will call you when the pattern comes in. It finally came in yesterday, so I have to make two 60 mile round trips in the same week… When I went in yesterday to get the pattern, I was all set to NOT buy any fabric, but to use some fq’s out of my stash… THEN.. she said she was sorry and gave me a 30% discount on the pattern and the fq’s I picked out. THAT was worth the drive..
I also think the smaller the business the more customer service needs to be in place..
I just had a similar occurrence.. I asked a shop to order a pattern for a class I was taking at their shop. I gave them 2 1/2 weeks notice to order it. When I called last Saturday (class is tomorrow) they told me they ordered it the day before. WHAT? No explanation,just we will call you when the pattern comes in. It finally came in yesterday, so I have to make two 60 mile round trips in the same week… When I went in yesterday to get the pattern, I was all set to NOT buy any fabric, but to use some fq’s out of my stash… THEN.. she said she was sorry and gave me a 30% discount on the pattern and the fq’s I picked out. THAT was worth the drive..
I also think the smaller the business the more customer service needs to be in place..
A bad experience, Nicole, and sorry you had it. But glad you posted about it — many of us don’t think twice about ordering fabric on line, even from places we’ve not used before. So it’s good to hear about Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence, Kansas, and know not to go there.
A bad experience, Nicole, and sorry you had it. But glad you posted about it — many of us don’t think twice about ordering fabric on line, even from places we’ve not used before. So it’s good to hear about Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence, Kansas, and know not to go there.
I’m with Nancy, Near Philadelphia. I appreciate knowing the name of the business so that I can avoid such a mishap myself. It is almost unbelievable that you were treated so badly Nicole. What in the world could that business owner have been thinking? Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt top though!
I’m with Nancy, Near Philadelphia. I appreciate knowing the name of the business so that I can avoid such a mishap myself. It is almost unbelievable that you were treated so badly Nicole. What in the world could that business owner have been thinking? Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt top though!
I do a lot of ordering online as well. About two months ago, I ordered a pattern from Sentimental Stitches and still have not received it. I’ve made numerous attempts to email and call the owner but she never responded. What I can’t understand is that she gives out free patterns on her website, but when she has a paying customer, she ignores you. I can understand your frustration and am glad that you were able to resolve yours.
I do a lot of ordering online as well. About two months ago, I ordered a pattern from Sentimental Stitches and still have not received it. I’ve made numerous attempts to email and call the owner but she never responded. What I can’t understand is that she gives out free patterns on her website, but when she has a paying customer, she ignores you. I can understand your frustration and am glad that you were able to resolve yours.
Nicole, dispute the credit card charge right now.
Nicole, dispute the credit card charge right now.
Nope she is totally off in this one, and I am someone who can almost ALWAYS find another side of an argument. I’d have been royally peeved.
I’ve started to have worse experiences online now then I ever did before, which as you pointed out, makes no sense during a recession when people are desperate for business.
Nope she is totally off in this one, and I am someone who can almost ALWAYS find another side of an argument. I’d have been royally peeved.
I’ve started to have worse experiences online now then I ever did before, which as you pointed out, makes no sense during a recession when people are desperate for business.
I’ve had a couple similar experiences. The first, I ordered a specific piece of Rt 66 fabric. When it came, it was Rt 66, but not the one I wanted. I e-mailed several times, but never heard a thing. I know, I should have called, but really. The second was just this past month. My friend bought a kit for Come-On-A-My-House using Stone Cottage fabrics. Of course it was the last one and the store was not going to get any more. I borrowed my friend kit and began the quest to get the fabric. I found most of it at one on-line store, but they were out of 4 pieces. I found the missing 4 at another site. They were considerably higher priced, and I had to order half yards instead of FQ’s. Both orders came shortly after, and I didn’t think too much about it. Then, a couple of weeks later, the second shop sent a e-mail that my order had been shipped. I wondered, but, whatever. Well, it came, and I guess I had forgotten that I ordered 4 fabrics, and they only sent 2. Apparently the reordered, and got in the other 2. The part that really ticked me off was that they charged my $5 postage both times, AND, they actually called me when they sent the first part because there was a question about my address. Don’t you think they could have asked me about waiting to send it all together? Sorry this is so long, but thanks for letting me vent. Yes, I should have called both shops, to complain. Instead, I will never order another thing from either one.
I’ve had a couple similar experiences. The first, I ordered a specific piece of Rt 66 fabric. When it came, it was Rt 66, but not the one I wanted. I e-mailed several times, but never heard a thing. I know, I should have called, but really. The second was just this past month. My friend bought a kit for Come-On-A-My-House using Stone Cottage fabrics. Of course it was the last one and the store was not going to get any more. I borrowed my friend kit and began the quest to get the fabric. I found most of it at one on-line store, but they were out of 4 pieces. I found the missing 4 at another site. They were considerably higher priced, and I had to order half yards instead of FQ’s. Both orders came shortly after, and I didn’t think too much about it. Then, a couple of weeks later, the second shop sent a e-mail that my order had been shipped. I wondered, but, whatever. Well, it came, and I guess I had forgotten that I ordered 4 fabrics, and they only sent 2. Apparently the reordered, and got in the other 2. The part that really ticked me off was that they charged my $5 postage both times, AND, they actually called me when they sent the first part because there was a question about my address. Don’t you think they could have asked me about waiting to send it all together? Sorry this is so long, but thanks for letting me vent. Yes, I should have called both shops, to complain. Instead, I will never order another thing from either one.
Love the light polka dot backgrounds…this is going to be one gorgeous quilt! What an awful on-line shopping experience…I appreciate that you told us the name of the shop so we are all spared this hassle…hope it all works out okay!
Love the light polka dot backgrounds…this is going to be one gorgeous quilt! What an awful on-line shopping experience…I appreciate that you told us the name of the shop so we are all spared this hassle…hope it all works out okay!
You should put the purchase in dispute with your credit card company. But do it right away–before you pay this month’s bill and they should be able to handle it for you. No excuse for how the owner handled the situation (badly) and you are right to ask for them to put a credit on your account for the fabric they didn’t have for you. Good luck and let us know how this ends!
You should put the purchase in dispute with your credit card company. But do it right away–before you pay this month’s bill and they should be able to handle it for you. No excuse for how the owner handled the situation (badly) and you are right to ask for them to put a credit on your account for the fabric they didn’t have for you. Good luck and let us know how this ends!
Your Neptune blocks look great! That will be a fabulous quilt. I’m sorry you had such a bad experience with Sarah’s. I feel responsible since I sent you there when you asked me to help you find the fabric. I have never ordered from them and would be very reluctant to do so. After all this back and forth hassle, how hard would it have been to run your cc number through the machine for a refund? I work in retail, it takes 2 minutes, tops. Grrrrr…..
Your Neptune blocks look great! That will be a fabulous quilt. I’m sorry you had such a bad experience with Sarah’s. I feel responsible since I sent you there when you asked me to help you find the fabric. I have never ordered from them and would be very reluctant to do so. After all this back and forth hassle, how hard would it have been to run your cc number through the machine for a refund? I work in retail, it takes 2 minutes, tops. Grrrrr…..
We own a small business and especially during the bad economic times we need to be thoughtful of our customers.
Sorry, but the owner sounds like a moron!!
We own a small business and especially during the bad economic times we need to be thoughtful of our customers.
Sorry, but the owner sounds like a moron!!
I can think of no reason on this planet that you should have been treated that way…shame on them.
I can think of no reason on this planet that you should have been treated that way…shame on them.
So sorry you had this problem! I work in a shop that also has an online store – which we are working on getting going. I do have to say trying to keep up with a brick and mortar shop and an online shop is a chore – but we are working on it. This is the main reason we have to be very concerned with customer service!!!! Also, let me know if you need more of the Patisserie fabrc. I’m at home, but I’m 99% sure we have yardage in both color 11 and 17. I’ll be happy to help you out!
Love the Neptune quilt! I’m having a thing with tonal whites right now. I think it’s the “coolness” they add to a quilt – I live in hot and sticky land!!!!
So sorry you had this problem! I work in a shop that also has an online store – which we are working on getting going. I do have to say trying to keep up with a brick and mortar shop and an online shop is a chore – but we are working on it. This is the main reason we have to be very concerned with customer service!!!! Also, let me know if you need more of the Patisserie fabrc. I’m at home, but I’m 99% sure we have yardage in both color 11 and 17. I’ll be happy to help you out!
Love the Neptune quilt! I’m having a thing with tonal whites right now. I think it’s the “coolness” they add to a quilt – I live in hot and sticky land!!!!
Hi Nicole,
I ‘m loving the quilt – and I’m sure it’s better with the lighter blocks too!
I was sad to hear about your experiences ordering fabric – the shop owner has behaved very shabbily. Did you tell her that you are a FAMOUS QUILTER with a FAMOUS BLOG with a HUGE readership? Maybe you should let us know her name?
I’m sure small businesses are struggling at the moment, but as Lori said above, that means they need to take more care of their customers not less. I mean, you won’t be shopping there again in a hurry, will you? And to think quilters are supposed to be nice people….
Hi Nicole,
I ‘m loving the quilt – and I’m sure it’s better with the lighter blocks too!
I was sad to hear about your experiences ordering fabric – the shop owner has behaved very shabbily. Did you tell her that you are a FAMOUS QUILTER with a FAMOUS BLOG with a HUGE readership? Maybe you should let us know her name?
I’m sure small businesses are struggling at the moment, but as Lori said above, that means they need to take more care of their customers not less. I mean, you won’t be shopping there again in a hurry, will you? And to think quilters are supposed to be nice people….
Love your the neptune quilt! I agree about the lights but wouldn’t have thought of that so it’s good to see your experiences. It’s too bad about the quilt shop owner! She probably lost a good customer and then some others!
Laura T
Love your the neptune quilt! I agree about the lights but wouldn’t have thought of that so it’s good to see your experiences. It’s too bad about the quilt shop owner! She probably lost a good customer and then some others!
Laura T
Cannot believe someone would lie like that – I would contact your credit card company and dispute the charge completely!
Cannot believe someone would lie like that – I would contact your credit card company and dispute the charge completely!
Yikes, sorry you had such a bad experience. I will definitely not order from that shop. I had a similar situation arise last month with Pink Chalk Fabrics. The owner of this on-line shop handled the situation much more professionally and I happy to say that I will definitely shop there again.
Yikes, sorry you had such a bad experience. I will definitely not order from that shop. I had a similar situation arise last month with Pink Chalk Fabrics. The owner of this on-line shop handled the situation much more professionally and I happy to say that I will definitely shop there again.
That shop owner from Kansas should have been standing on her head and doing flip flops for you. They messed things up in the first place by misrepresenting what they had in stock. Shame on them! Not good in the customer service department I’d say.
That shop owner from Kansas should have been standing on her head and doing flip flops for you. They messed things up in the first place by misrepresenting what they had in stock. Shame on them! Not good in the customer service department I’d say.
First, love the quilt! Second, I think you’re absolutely right to be supremely ticked off! Thanks for letting us know which shop it was. I, too, order a lot of fabric, etc. online and use many different shops. So far, I’ve only had two issues – and neither was like yours – just really long, long wait times with no follow up, but still won’t order from those places again. There are so many shops that offer superior service, you just don’t need to. Grrrr!
First, love the quilt! Second, I think you’re absolutely right to be supremely ticked off! Thanks for letting us know which shop it was. I, too, order a lot of fabric, etc. online and use many different shops. So far, I’ve only had two issues – and neither was like yours – just really long, long wait times with no follow up, but still won’t order from those places again. There are so many shops that offer superior service, you just don’t need to. Grrrr!
I had one bad experience. My problem is I don’t remember which store I ordered the kit from so I can stear clear of them. I ordered a kit so it would look like the pattern. They had kitted it up differently. I talked myself blue in the face to no avail. I ended up ordering more fabric from someone else.
I’ve gotten to the point when I want to order large amounts that I call the store first to make sure they have it. Sadly, lots of the internet stores don’t update their sights.
I sent you an email so check it out.
I had one bad experience. My problem is I don’t remember which store I ordered the kit from so I can stear clear of them. I ordered a kit so it would look like the pattern. They had kitted it up differently. I talked myself blue in the face to no avail. I ended up ordering more fabric from someone else.
I’ve gotten to the point when I want to order large amounts that I call the store first to make sure they have it. Sadly, lots of the internet stores don’t update their sights.
I sent you an email so check it out.
I have only ordered a kit once, and when I got it, the pattern had shown a plaid stop border and they sent me polka dots. The background was a tone on tone chocolate, beautiful and they sent me flat solid brown. I called and they basicly said, Thats what you get!” I’ll never order a kit from a magazine ever again, I ordered it because I wanted what they showed, not what I could pull together myself. And one bad experience does affect others, I don’t care who is offering the kit or how nice it looks in the book, never, nada, nope! Not going to order one again.
I have only ordered a kit once, and when I got it, the pattern had shown a plaid stop border and they sent me polka dots. The background was a tone on tone chocolate, beautiful and they sent me flat solid brown. I called and they basicly said, Thats what you get!” I’ll never order a kit from a magazine ever again, I ordered it because I wanted what they showed, not what I could pull together myself. And one bad experience does affect others, I don’t care who is offering the kit or how nice it looks in the book, never, nada, nope! Not going to order one again.
Hi Nicole –
I am totally random off the subject here. Looking at you Completed 2010 – 1st – you are totally amazing – I love reading your blog – so inspiring. 2nd – question? What are the patters from Completed 2010 #3851, 3856, 001 – red, black and tan, 001 – zip zag and 002? Thank you. I send links to my friend and then she asks me what pattern? Love, love, love your work and explanations about patterns, color selection, ideas, etc. Thank you.
Hi Nicole –
I am totally random off the subject here. Looking at you Completed 2010 – 1st – you are totally amazing – I love reading your blog – so inspiring. 2nd – question? What are the patters from Completed 2010 #3851, 3856, 001 – red, black and tan, 001 – zip zag and 002? Thank you. I send links to my friend and then she asks me what pattern? Love, love, love your work and explanations about patterns, color selection, ideas, etc. Thank you.
Call your credit card company – and do it soon. They will take care of the shop owner and you can go on stitching.
Call your credit card company – and do it soon. They will take care of the shop owner and you can go on stitching.
The only solution I can see is to post the name of the site here and tell of your experience like you did. I sure wouldn’t order anything from them after the way they’ve treated you.
The only solution I can see is to post the name of the site here and tell of your experience like you did. I sure wouldn’t order anything from them after the way they’ve treated you.
Nicole, that is an unpleasant experience! My husband was in a family business for 25 years and the best advertisement was by word of mouth by a happy customer. Needless to say an unhappy customer is bad advertisement. Thank you for informing us so we can avoid shopping there. On a happy note, the blocks look great!
Nicole, that is an unpleasant experience! My husband was in a family business for 25 years and the best advertisement was by word of mouth by a happy customer. Needless to say an unhappy customer is bad advertisement. Thank you for informing us so we can avoid shopping there. On a happy note, the blocks look great!
That stinks. Sarah’s is right up the road from me a fun trip to make. Bummer that it’s turned into such a fiasco. Normally they are really easy to deal with and very friendly.
That stinks. Sarah’s is right up the road from me a fun trip to make. Bummer that it’s turned into such a fiasco. Normally they are really easy to deal with and very friendly.
I am on your side girl! She was wrong, you were right and I for one, won’t be shopping there! There are to many other great shops online that can be trusted for me to waste time on them. Thanks for the heads up!
I am on your side girl! She was wrong, you were right and I for one, won’t be shopping there! There are to many other great shops online that can be trusted for me to waste time on them. Thanks for the heads up!
I sure can’t think of any good reason for the way you were treated. I know with myself if I have a bad experience, it only takes one time and I never go back there.
I sure can’t think of any good reason for the way you were treated. I know with myself if I have a bad experience, it only takes one time and I never go back there.
What a terrible ordering experience, but on the bright side, your blocks look great!
What a terrible ordering experience, but on the bright side, your blocks look great!
Nicole
We call that the “Sales Prevention Department” and it continually amazes me how many businesses have them. Thank you for giving us the name of the shop to avoid.
Patty
Nicole
We call that the “Sales Prevention Department” and it continually amazes me how many businesses have them. Thank you for giving us the name of the shop to avoid.
Patty
Man, that would bug me as well. I would call your credit card company and dispute it..right away, as there is a deadline to be able to do that. I wouldn’t deal with that quilt shop anymore either. Hope it works out.
Man, that would bug me as well. I would call your credit card company and dispute it..right away, as there is a deadline to be able to do that. I wouldn’t deal with that quilt shop anymore either. Hope it works out.
Hey Nicole…
The quilt will be fabulous. One thing I don’t care for in a quilt is a block or two that make my eyes “brake”. It is usually a darker block than the rest. My eyes like to roll over the quilt with no interuptions. But that’s just me.
Some people do not have the dispositions to deal with the public. I worked in several antique malls through the years and I was one of those people! 😎 I tend to treat people as they treat me and thus the customer wasn’t always right in my eyes. Honesty isn’t always the best policy, eh? If I found myself getting icky with a customer, I would call another dealer over to take sale off my hands!
Hey Nicole…
The quilt will be fabulous. One thing I don’t care for in a quilt is a block or two that make my eyes “brake”. It is usually a darker block than the rest. My eyes like to roll over the quilt with no interuptions. But that’s just me.
Some people do not have the dispositions to deal with the public. I worked in several antique malls through the years and I was one of those people! 😎 I tend to treat people as they treat me and thus the customer wasn’t always right in my eyes. Honesty isn’t always the best policy, eh? If I found myself getting icky with a customer, I would call another dealer over to take sale off my hands!
Yikes! There are really giving you the go around! Complain to the BBB. Even though it might not get anywhere, it’s a pain for the business to deal with.
The quilt is GREAT! I love all the aquas and greens… wonder why…
Yikes! There are really giving you the go around! Complain to the BBB. Even though it might not get anywhere, it’s a pain for the business to deal with.
The quilt is GREAT! I love all the aquas and greens… wonder why…
You asked if anyone could speak in defense of the shopowner and I finally came up with something in her defense: she is an idiot. Why on earth you would treat customers this way is beyond comprehension…obviously, she doesn’t think an internet shopper is important…guess she’s never heard of blogs, either. I’m always a bit leary of small shops with websites…they don’t always keep them current. When I find one with great service I make a note of it…I love helping out the small shops that know how to treat a customer. Love the Neptune quilt. Wish I had bought the fabric line, drat!
You asked if anyone could speak in defense of the shopowner and I finally came up with something in her defense: she is an idiot. Why on earth you would treat customers this way is beyond comprehension…obviously, she doesn’t think an internet shopper is important…guess she’s never heard of blogs, either. I’m always a bit leary of small shops with websites…they don’t always keep them current. When I find one with great service I make a note of it…I love helping out the small shops that know how to treat a customer. Love the Neptune quilt. Wish I had bought the fabric line, drat!
I had a situation in ordering on-line, not fabric, in which they charged my card and then informed me they did not have the product. It seemed to me they should then instantly refund my card at which time they told me they would issue a check. I said I would only accept a credit refund and they insisted they could not do that. I immediately called my credit card company and it was taken care of in less than 24 hours. So any time you have trouble, just call the credit card company. They must have some kind of extra threat they can use.
I had a situation in ordering on-line, not fabric, in which they charged my card and then informed me they did not have the product. It seemed to me they should then instantly refund my card at which time they told me they would issue a check. I said I would only accept a credit refund and they insisted they could not do that. I immediately called my credit card company and it was taken care of in less than 24 hours. So any time you have trouble, just call the credit card company. They must have some kind of extra threat they can use.
Wow! What a miserable and frustrating experience! Getting your credit card company involved usually has been very satisfying in my previous experience. I previously ordered a kit that
looked to be all batiks online, only to find out it was whatever they had in stock. I sent it back and let my credit card company that the amount was in dispute. Fortunately, the quilt shop was very reasonable to work with.
Would you or your blog be willing to share names of online shops that they have had good experiences with? I am always looking for new ones but have 2 or 3 standbys that I always know provide great service.
I am loving your Neptune quilt… never, ever would have pictured that pattern (Sweet Escape) with those fabrics. I need to step out of my box!
Do you ever use batiks in your quilts and if so, do you mix them with other cottons or use as total batik quilts?
Wow! What a miserable and frustrating experience! Getting your credit card company involved usually has been very satisfying in my previous experience. I previously ordered a kit that
looked to be all batiks online, only to find out it was whatever they had in stock. I sent it back and let my credit card company that the amount was in dispute. Fortunately, the quilt shop was very reasonable to work with.
Would you or your blog be willing to share names of online shops that they have had good experiences with? I am always looking for new ones but have 2 or 3 standbys that I always know provide great service.
I am loving your Neptune quilt… never, ever would have pictured that pattern (Sweet Escape) with those fabrics. I need to step out of my box!
Do you ever use batiks in your quilts and if so, do you mix them with other cottons or use as total batik quilts?
I just don’t pay close enough attention to what I’m ordering, receiving and getting charged. Your unfortunate experience is a reminder to me to be more vigilant on my end. I’m so glad you named the shop.
I just love your idea of picking up all the blocks and laying them all out again….to me that’s the fun part, getting the best possible arrangement. And you don’t know what’s best until you’ve tried several different layouts!!
I just don’t pay close enough attention to what I’m ordering, receiving and getting charged. Your unfortunate experience is a reminder to me to be more vigilant on my end. I’m so glad you named the shop.
I just love your idea of picking up all the blocks and laying them all out again….to me that’s the fun part, getting the best possible arrangement. And you don’t know what’s best until you’ve tried several different layouts!!
WEll I guess “Sarah’s” just lost 44 future customers…dumb
Youe quilt looks great, Blessings as you move to the hills…
Gael
WEll I guess “Sarah’s” just lost 44 future customers…dumb
Youe quilt looks great, Blessings as you move to the hills…
Gael
Hi Nicole I bet you wont shop there again And A lot of other people Wont be either when they read this that is BAD service.
Is someone I know having A birthday Soon let me know.
Hugs Mary.
Hi Nicole I bet you wont shop there again And A lot of other people Wont be either when they read this that is BAD service.
Is someone I know having A birthday Soon let me know.
Hugs Mary.
just want to pipe in with a positive experience–ordered 6 yards of a clearance fabric and an actual person called to say they only had a 3 yard piece and a 4 yard piece so was i willing to take the two pieces, and no extra charge! i was most impressed with the fact than an actual person called 🙂 it was fabric depot and i certainly do order from them all the time.
just want to pipe in with a positive experience–ordered 6 yards of a clearance fabric and an actual person called to say they only had a 3 yard piece and a 4 yard piece so was i willing to take the two pieces, and no extra charge! i was most impressed with the fact than an actual person called 🙂 it was fabric depot and i certainly do order from them all the time.
I agree with the others that said challenge/dispute the charge thru your credit card. Either, you will get your refund or the fabric will be free. Let the credit card company deal with the shop.
You tried numerous times. Not let the big dogs fight it out.
Hugs from SC.
I agree with the others that said challenge/dispute the charge thru your credit card. Either, you will get your refund or the fabric will be free. Let the credit card company deal with the shop.
You tried numerous times. Not let the big dogs fight it out.
Hugs from SC.
First of all, COOL QUILT! Love it!
Secondly, that sucks and yes, I agree, it is amazing in this economy that anyone would treat a customer like that.
And lastly, I think you’d like visiting http://www.WeAllSew.com and finding all the great links to others who quilt and sew!
First of all, COOL QUILT! Love it!
Secondly, that sucks and yes, I agree, it is amazing in this economy that anyone would treat a customer like that.
And lastly, I think you’d like visiting http://www.WeAllSew.com and finding all the great links to others who quilt and sew!
Even worse, the fabric is still listed on her site, with five yards available!
Even worse, the fabric is still listed on her site, with five yards available!
Well the English have a reputation of not complaining too much – but I think I would’ve done too!! Very poor customer service!!
Quilt is lurvly – liking the paler colours.
Well the English have a reputation of not complaining too much – but I think I would’ve done too!! Very poor customer service!!
Quilt is lurvly – liking the paler colours.
Quilting it yourself!! Have fun! That is a great book by Mary Mashuta…and is it also your Happy Birthday? Well then, Happy Birthday Nicole!
Quilting it yourself!! Have fun! That is a great book by Mary Mashuta…and is it also your Happy Birthday? Well then, Happy Birthday Nicole!
I too am mystified by companies that gladly take your credit card for payment but can’t do a refund that way.
After hearing a lot of such experiences in addition to my own, I am a lot more careful to read customer reviews online before I try a new place.
Like my credit card company told me, “you gave them the number. what they charged you is your problem.” That will make you think twice, won’t it?
I too am mystified by companies that gladly take your credit card for payment but can’t do a refund that way.
After hearing a lot of such experiences in addition to my own, I am a lot more careful to read customer reviews online before I try a new place.
Like my credit card company told me, “you gave them the number. what they charged you is your problem.” That will make you think twice, won’t it?
It is quite unfortunate that this situation with Sarah’s Fabrics played out the way it did, but I think there are a few things you should be aware of, and that your readers should be aware of. I am a family member of the owner of Sarah’s Fabrics and a quilter myself. I was on vacation with her at a cabin in a remote area of Idaho, so any online orders were being handled by her staff while she was out of town. Though the emails were sent from the main store’s email address, you were not communicating with the owner until she later became aware of the situation. There was some mishandling of the order because the employee that deals with online orders, and with whom you had been communicating, had a sudden death in the family and then left town. Once Sarah learned of the problem with the order, she was able to use internet services in order to deal with it (and I believe they did in fact credit your account back?). As a small business it is difficult to constantly update yardage changes on the web when so much fabric is cut and sold in the store, but Sarah’s Fabrics keeps the site up to date as much as possible and in no way attempts to “falsely advertise” yardages. I’m sure Sarah is quite disappointed that your order had problems with it, but she cares deeply about customer service and always tries to ensure that her customers are satisfied and happy quilters.
It is quite unfortunate that this situation with Sarah’s Fabrics played out the way it did, but I think there are a few things you should be aware of, and that your readers should be aware of. I am a family member of the owner of Sarah’s Fabrics and a quilter myself. I was on vacation with her at a cabin in a remote area of Idaho, so any online orders were being handled by her staff while she was out of town. Though the emails were sent from the main store’s email address, you were not communicating with the owner until she later became aware of the situation. There was some mishandling of the order because the employee that deals with online orders, and with whom you had been communicating, had a sudden death in the family and then left town. Once Sarah learned of the problem with the order, she was able to use internet services in order to deal with it (and I believe they did in fact credit your account back?). As a small business it is difficult to constantly update yardage changes on the web when so much fabric is cut and sold in the store, but Sarah’s Fabrics keeps the site up to date as much as possible and in no way attempts to “falsely advertise” yardages. I’m sure Sarah is quite disappointed that your order had problems with it, but she cares deeply about customer service and always tries to ensure that her customers are satisfied and happy quilters.