Melanie U.

I have purchased from several quilt/fabric companies. Most are the nicest people, you feel great for supporting - I have reviews up for my faves. I've only had two companies I've purchased from in this category that ended up being an absolute failure in service, a disappointment. This is one :(. Pretty much anywhere else is a better option. My favorite is Hancock's of Paducah - and, no, I am not paid for saying this - they are just extremely helpful, reasonable, etc.

Shabby Fabrics ignores questions prior to a purchase - that should have been a big clue :(

Hobby Lobby has been a great shopping experience every time. I try to support small/family-run business, so my shopping here has been mostly only around the holidays (great deals on Christmas decor and crafting items). I like the values they support (at least those purported by marketing! :))

Even when I've ordered just a few small items, I know they will arrive boxed and fairly promplty. Note that they tend to use LaserShip for my address, if LaserShip is an issue in your area.

It's an hour drive to the closest brick-and-mortar, so I cannot comment on an "in-person" experience.

I am not a frequent brick-and-mortar/large chain shopper; but, every time I have had the occassion to shop or pick-up something at our local Kohl's, it has been a top-notch experience. The employees are knowlegeable, going as far as asking if you need assistance when you are just walking down the aisles. The longest I've waited in a line for pick-up was maybe 10 minutes, even during Christmas. Five stars for the wonderful staff at "our" store - it is great to encounter employees that care about their jobs/customers these days!

Online is a different experience (of course it is, I know!). You do have to watch for what is claimed to be "sale prices" - I've noticed that the prices are often jacked up for "sales". I have had items, particularly around Christmas, that even though seem to be instock are not after ordering. Do NOT expect fast shipment. They do not have the infrastructure of places like WalMart and Amazon. For our area, they utilize UPS SmartPost frequently. So, it travels though the UPS network, then into the USPS. Packaging is always great to withstand the extended time travel, though - typically boxed vs. envelopes.

I was hesitant to try shipping outside of eBay (for eBay book sales, in particular). I am so glad I gave PirateShip a try last year. It is extremely easy to navigate the site and to create a label. As far as eBay is concerned, shipment info can be "pulled into" Pirateship; and, I believe this is also the case for a few other venues as well. They used to show which venues they support for integration on their homepage, but I don't see it presently - maybe it is in the FAQs.

The ability to see tracking for an extended period is great. I don't know how long it is kept; but, I have the ability to still see tracking/delivery information from January 2022 in my account (almost 2 years at this juncture). Via USPS itself, I have purchased tracking information to be extended for 6 months or a year, but PirateShip has no additional charge. This may be useful for people that sell and ship a lot - I've not had any issue, but it might be useful if delivery proof is needed months after a transaction.

You can also use PirateShip for a single "personal" label.

In almost two years, I've only had one time where I needed to ask for their assistance on something I couldn't locate on the site. Their chat help is quick, knowledgeable, and helpful, something that is definitely a little more challenging with the USPS!

I have purchased several times from Hancock's. I hope to visit one day! Shipping is a bit on the slow side (knew this because it's indicated on the site/during the ordering process), but I have always received exactly what I ordered. They have some great sales, especially on yardage! I will continue to order from them.

Frankly, I am shocked to see any negative reviews for FQS! I came to take a glance after having a horrendous experience with another material shop/leaving my first review on this site.

I have ordered probably once a month, for at least the last year. The packaging is awesome - very protective, and they charge minimally/less than I know they have to be paying. Shipment has also been very fast. I used to get my orders in Ohio in 3-5 business days Priority. Now that they utilize Ground Advantage, it is taking longer, but nowhere near as long as my lone two orders, over two years at MSQS.

I mistakenly ordered from the other shop I left a review for because of sale prices. Regret that. I will continue to make Fat Quarter Shop my top choice for my quilting wants.

...even when paying extra for Priority shipment. I had purchased several times from the company in the past. Their packaging has never been "nice" in any way, especially compared to other Etsy sellers and online quilt shops. But, really - not going to be giving this as a gift to my new quilting friend now.

ETA: When you reach out to them, their response (Charlie in particular is something else/inhumane): "tough luck". He said to me (happy to provide email) that "you need to inquire beforehand if you want something not folded". I paid EXTRA for shipping to make sure it arrived o.k., but a customer needs to inquire? Unbelievably horrid individual/business - bet it's actually not "a family", that their whole story is concocted - they are in NY afterall, where much business fraud/lying occurs. Lesson learned!

If you are looking for good service, here are some options I've had success with: Fat Quarter Shop, Hancock's of Paducah, Fabric Shoppe Michigan (she's on Etsy and eBay). All nice people that have integrity, which these people were obviously not raised with that being an important virtue.