Blog - Page 29 of 33 - American Quilt Retailer

Posted on January 25, 2018January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Affordable Foot Traffic

Affordable foot traffic—is that even a thing? And what does it even mean? If you want to increase your foot traffic without breaking the bank, follow these suggestions.

Ask yourself one question: what is one thing my business could to to _______? Then answer that question honestly.
The second step is to fill in that blank! What is one thing my business could do to increase foot traffic? Host an event! When you answer that question honestly, you’ll probably come up with an event that you would want to attend if it wasn’t your store. Don’t forget to think outside the box, the event should attract a new demographic and offer a sale. And since events are low budget the biggest resource you’ll use is the time it takes to plan it.
Use social media. Email blasts should be sent every 15 days, and budget to spend at least $2 a day on Facebook ads.
Offer coupons. Coupons are different then sales, every store can offer a sale. Set yourself apart by using coupons; statistics show 96% of consumers use coupons and 85% of consumers look for coupons before visiting a store. The more you know!
Last but not least, put time and effort into your store display— it is more important than many business owners realize. The display can also be one of the most fun parts of running a store, so have fun with it!

All of these things take advanced planning, so be sure to include these topics in your company meetings. Not to use one liners, but these are tried and true statements: remember, more hands make light work and the early bird gets the worm.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

Posted on January 23, 2018January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Small Business Advertising

Each day we are inundated with advertisements, for things we need (and maybe things we don’t need), on more platforms than I’m sure any advertising professional ever thought possible. With all the options it’s hard to decide which to chose. Use these tips below to help you with the process.

Advertising is a much more complex process than people outside the industry would think. The first step to making sure your dollars spent are worthwhile is by knowing your audience. Chances are, you fit into your audience! Think about where you like to shop, what social media you enjoy, or something you saw and you immediately thought, “I want that!” Make a list of these outlets and start there.

The next step is narrowing your list; chose a couple options in your list and focus on advertising within them well. Once you have your outlets chosen, determine how you’re going to measure analytics. Today, with online advertising, sites like Facebook make it easy. There are other effective ways to advertise however (like billboards, trade show advertisements, and radio) that are harder to measure. Include promo codes or “Tell the clerk you heard it on fill-in-the-blank” to help measure this efficiency. And of course, ask friends and trade club members for their input on your advertisement as well.

Knowing when to advertise is the biggest move you can make to get the furthest reach. Things like sales, new products, employees, or partnerships, are wonderful reasons to advertise. If your business is at capacity, then wait until you have some breathing room to start an advertising campaign.

Making your advertisement look good is not as fun as creatives would like to think. Chances are your business has a “look” also known as a brand. When it comes to advertising you don’t want to stray too far from that look; the more your customers associate the copy, font choice, and colors in the advertisement with your business, the better your sales will be (this just means you’re advertising well!)

Advertising isn’t on the forefront of every small business’s budget, but once you start you realize it should have been. Using these tips can help you get the most bang for your buck — and to know how to prepare for that next advertising move.

Posted on January 17, 2018January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

What’s in stock?

Inventory management. What a scary phrase, right? And when spoken as a task it can sound even worse.

But all business owners know how important inventory management can be. How is anyone supposed to know how much of a new product a business should order? Being small business owners makes these processes a little harder when time is already thin.

For those of you who don’t know, inventory management is the process of tracking assets and stock items. Inventory management follows the flow of goods from the moment you order product from a manufacturer to delivery to your local store and finally to the point of sale.

The goal is to keep as good of records as possible for each new and returned item in your store.

Building your own excel sheet is a good start for keeping track of your inventory. Another way to make the numbers more personal is by including the cost of the inventory in the spreadsheet as well.

Stock review is an important manual step in the inventory management process; simply analyze what’s on hand versus what you will need in the future. Of course you can always order product for a customer if they request it; but isn’t it handy for both of you when it’s already in supply?

Another plus of inventory management is that the process forces you to keep records; be sure to review these records once a year to know your best selling products during certain seasons. This can also help with new product predictions too. Keep in mind the ABC system when you’re doing this to keep you focused and organized, where

A equals high-value, low quantity goods,
B equals moderate value, moderate quantity goods, and
C equals low value, high quantity goods.

There are systems in place now to help with the financial side of inventory as well. Since each business owner has their own personal preference, I recommend this article that may help you make the best decision for yourself on what system to purchase.

Once you get this system in place, it can help you determine your reorder point and the amount of stock you want to keep on hand. Knowledge is power, and the more quality data you have on your inventory can save you time and money.

Posted on January 3, 2018January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Top Notch Customer Service

No matter what your resolution is, for your life or for your business, exceptional customer service should be a priority for your business. Below are some tips to ensure you’re offering the best service you can.

Greet customers with a smile. When selling to strangers, a proper greeting is a must to get that sale. You have 60 seconds to make an impression and every second counts. Not only does it show you’re happy to be there, but you also confirm their time is valuable to you. Starting with a smile can help the conversation that follows.
Be mindful of pronouns. The most common misused pronoun is “guys.” Instead, ask the customers name and use memory hacks to help you remember it. Whether you associate the name to a friend who has the same one, or with a rhyme that will help trigger your memory, knowing a customers name can go a long way into making them feel appreciated.
Be present. Ask how you can help, and stay within the customer’s sight. If the phone rings during a conversation, the person in front of you takes precedence. If a customer approaches you, stop what you’re doing. At the same time, be mindful of the customers who are consuming too much of your time and honor everyone in the store who may need your assistance.
Go above and beyond. If a customer wants something out of stock, go to the storage room and check your inventory. If that item is still out, offer to order it for the customer. Never use the words “I don’t know,” unless you’re also going to say that you will find out. And no matter how busy you may be, don’t talk about wanting to go on break.
Be tactful. If a card is declined, ask if they would like to use another form of payment. Haste makes waste; spend your time with each customer. Check the items before the customer leaves the store for any damage, and make sure the customer has everything they purchased too. Ask for help when you need it, and don’t forget to smile and thank the customer as they leave your store.

What can often seem as common sense is easy to get lost in the everyday hustle of being a business owner. Start the New Year strong by building and keeping relationships with the people who keep our businesses running.

Posted on December 27, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — 2 Comments

Thank You from AQR

As we reflect on the past year, everybody at AQR wants to thank you all for your continued support.

We’ve had a lot happen; we hired new members, we increased consistency of our blog, and we released our first digital issue. And we’re planning for a lot more to happen in 2018.

And some things stayed the same. We still enjoyed ourselves at the fall Quilt Market (and with our Schoolhouse Series), we still celebrated outstanding quilt shops, and we still learned new techniques to share with our beloved customers.

AQR knows we wouldn’t be where we are today without you, the reader. We take pride in being able to connect a community and encourage small business owners across the nation, so thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.

We hope as you reflect on 2017 you find yourself content with your successes, and everyone at AQR wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2018.

Posted on December 20, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Gift ideas for crafters

Christmas is less than a week away, but there is still time to get that last-minute gift for the crafter in your life (while not steering too far away from your budget).

Hot glue gun: the crafter’s tool of choice. Stock up on glue sticks and glue gun accessories like tweezers and a bag to store your gift in. You can never have too many!
Knitting kit: so your crafting friend can knit on-the-go. Kits come in accessible boxes and include almost anything you’d need to complete a pattern.
Washi tape: to scrapbook or spice-up plain gift wrap. Throw in some mod podge, another crafter must-have, to save the creative in your life a trip to the craft store.
Doodling notebook: or adult coloring book, depending on what your friend prefers! Keep all those wonderful ideas in one place or buy Creative Doodling and Beyond, a book that provides doodling inspiration.
Craft storage: to inspire any crafter when it comes time for spring cleaning. Make it a package by also including a tote and cutting mat.
Jars: Mason jars have more uses than can be typed; feel free to decorate them before to make the gift even more special.
Gift card to art class or store: who doesn’t love free money! Enough said.
Crafter’s book: look into staples like Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts, or purchase a craft-specific book for knitting, macrame, and more. The list is limitless!
Wall decor: or wall art that would look good in a crafter’s studio. Whether it is something you make on canvas, a poster, or vinyl you purchased, a crafter is sure to showcase your thoughtfulness.
Magazine subscription to American Quilt Retailer: the gift that keeps on giving!

Posted on December 13, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Why Resolutions Matter

New Years resolutions can quickly become fruitless; why make a change on January 1 when you can make a change any day of the year? But, somehow, New Years resolutions are still around.

To some, it is the act of reflection that drives them to create a goal. Looking back at the year can tell us where we went wrong, where we went right, and where we got stuck in a rut. Reflection provides the opportunity to learn from the past and invest in a better self.

To others, it is a renewed attitude. The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But often it becomes a time of body shaming (even though that pie felt so right in the moment), observations of selfishness (when so much money could go to better causes), and a reminder of all of those around us who will spend their holiday alone.

But a resolution is a great way to tackle one aspect of your life and transform it. Tired of feeling heavy? Buy a gym membership. Afraid to check your bank account? Donate money to charities in a friend’s name instead of buying them a gift. Feeling guilty that you haven’t done enough? Volunteer at a homeless shelter throughout the year.

According to Psychology Today, these resolutions are what our brain needs. Goals provide direction and purpose. This leads to progress, which in turn creates happiness. And this happiness enables us to connect to people around us, providing a more fulfilling life.

So, maybe your plans to travel to Europe didn’t pan out this year. But making a new resolution can provide renewed positivity into your life.

New Year’s resolutions are still around for a reason. Let’s keep that tradition alive by setting goals to not only inspire others, but re-inspire ourselves.

Posted on December 6, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Top 10 Self Help Books

It’s never too late to start caring for yourself! Read the bios of these self help books to see which most applies to you—or to a friend.

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl was originally published in 1946 and is in the top 10 of the most influential books in America. After suffering—and surviving—four holocaust camps, Frankl writes about how to cope with, and move on from, suffering, and how he used these skills in his practice.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is both a personal and professional self help book that includes in-depth exercises to put into practice what you’re reading. This landmark book teaches you how to live a life through integrity, fairness, honesty, and dignity.

3. The New Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz was originally published in 1960, but updated to include modern anecdotes. This book walks with you on your way to success, no matter if your goal is to lose weight or grow your business.

4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini is a book about why people say yes. Learn how to make people say yes and how to defend yourself against the same tactics through this research-driven read.

5. Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is definitely the most business-oriented self help book on this list. Used on Wall Street, this book teaches you about markets and luck.

6. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie is exactly what the title says; if you’re wanting a worry-free future then this is the book for you. Other tips include time management and financial planning.

7. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz is yet another book who’s title accurately depicts what you’ll learn on it’s pages, if you reach for the moon you’ll at least land in the stars.

8. The One Thing by Gary Keller is also listed on the top five business books and has won 12 awards. This book is about mindfulness, cutting clutter out of your life to be the most productive, and how to work on what really matters.

9. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a book that follows over 3000 years of powerful public figures and narrows their common traits into 48 laws to follow in your life. Read about confidence, humility, self-preservation, and more.

10. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely shows how humans waste time and money on systemic processes in our lives. Whether you’re buying a car or choosing a romantic partner, this book exposes how humans are predictably irrational.

AQR knows business owners don’t have access to an infinite amount of spare time, but pick up one of these reads as a gift for a fellow business owner or as a way to kill time while traveling.

*Note: this list was found at Medium.com, another blog founded by the creators of a little app known as Twitter.

Posted on December 1, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

Create your online presence

Now that Black Friday, Small-Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday have all come to a close, you can take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for surviving the busiest week for retail stores every where.

And as you prepare for the continuing busy holiday schedule, one thing to keep in mind is your online presence.

Developing an online presence can be intimidating; especially if your business has never had one. But one sure way to ensure you are getting the most success during the holiday season is ensuring your website and social media are as on-point as your store.

Here are some tips to get started:

Plan ahead. Have a goal and outline for what you want your website to look like. Think of it as how you plan your store; your business’s website should be clean, welcoming, and easy to manage. Try to follow the three-click rule, meaning you shouldn’t have to click more than three times for customers to find the information they need.
Write. Write your own message but keep it short and simple. Feel free to use calls to action and advertise what sales you have going on. Make sure you tell customers what you can do for them even if you don’t have an online shopping option.
Seek help. Designing a website isn’t easy, but it is so important in today’s industry, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. The most cost effective way to build a website is through a website builder rather than hiring a designer. Check out this article for an in-depth review on which website hosts are the best for you.
Keep it professional. Make sure your website is heavy on visual content; but most importantly, make sure you’re happy with the product! Take your time building the website and try to keep your online brand as consistent as the physical store.

Another important tip is to test your website on a variety of platforms. Ideally, your website should be transferable to all three.

I realize the holiday season isn’t the best time to make a website, but with the new year comes new goals. If you already have a website, now is the perfect time to freshen it up! Creatives love to create, think of working on your website as another outlet for your creativity.

Posted on November 29, 2017January 10, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece

AQR Releases Digital Issue

Have you heard the news? American Quilt Retailer is excited to announce the special digital issue is available for download at our website! And did we mention it’s free?

In this issue you can read all about the International Quilt Market and get bonus’s compared to our print issue, including links to other articles. Just click on the links to dig deeper into your favorite pieces and ideas.

Articles include a synopsis of the Schoolhouse Series presented by Heidi Kaisand and Jody Sanders, product snapchats of favorites found at the market, and who’s who at the market (remember, it’s never too late to start preparing for next year)!

Screen Shot 2017-11-19 at 8.53.06 PM.png — Heidi Kaisand (left) and Jody Sanders (right) present at their Schoolhouse Series at the International Quilt Market.

The 50-page issue highlights more than the market in Houston, but includes advice on increasing foot traffic and this year’s quilting industry results. But don’t just take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

The special digital issue is in addition to the regular print magazine, so take advantage of this opportunity! What better way to recommend our magazine to fellow quilt retailers than by referring them to our free issue?

Reading this issue is the next best thing to attending the market, so what are you waiting for? Check out our digital issue while you have the time before the busy holiday season.