Friday, June 1, 2012

Checking In





I am afraid I do not have any stitching to share just at the moment, but I did want to talk about some positive experiences I've had in the last few days, especially to do with 'retail therapy'.  I have been on a mission to increase my supply of paints/inks/mediums/papers, and spent some time doing a bit of research on the net.  Today I received the first of several packages, but will wait until they all arrive before sharing.  I phoned this store on Wednesday after lunch - http://www.parkersartsupplies.com/index.htm - to be told that they were extremely busy and would phone me back.  In a short while I did receive a call back, and was given so much help.  I can't speak highly enough of the staff, and the service, well, that speaks for itself - Wednesday afternoon to Friday morning from Sydney - I'm very pleased indeed!!!  I will definitely be a repeat customer.

I did need some good strong cotton canvas, so thought about Spotlight, and again another very positive experience there.  They were busy in the furnishing department - apparently there was a sale on.  I did not know that - again, a phone call back was received.  I managed to purchase some good heavy canvas and some softer cotton duck with a 30% discount!!!   On my search for paper, I went to this website that I'd bookmarked some time ago, but had not really bothered much with - http://www.mes.net.au/home-news.php  I downloaded the sale catalogue and phoned the next morning, and again have nothing but praise for the staff member who took the call.  I am eagerly awaiting this package, although I understand with the volume of business due to the sale, I may have to wait, that is fine with me.

And, of course, I can't forget the 'faceless' shopping, ie internet ordering/payment.  It's cool to sit here and do your shopping.  I have had contact with the people from this website - http://www.artworxgeelong.com.au/store/store.php?Home-pg1-cid1.html helping with just a few queries, and then the order could be completed.  I happened across this site in the hunt for inks and mists, etc - http://www.scrapboutique.com.au/boutique/ - and to my delight found a 20% discount to all new customers.  Finally, this morning, I went to this site - http://www.artmaterials.com.au/ - again, one I'd bookmarked quite a while ago.  They have some great supplies and reasonably priced too.  

I know much has been said about retailing going through a slump.  There are stores that are quiet I suppose, but it's nice to know that some are busy, and perhaps they are busy because their service is A1.  I have not dealt with anyone who has been unpleasant, or who hasn't been willing to go the extra mile to offer suggestions.  I probably won't be so happy when I add up the cost of the products, but I felt the time had come for me to stock up on some of these bits and pieces.  I also feel inclined to share these positive experiences and useful websites.  I hope some of them will be of use to readers.

It's overcast here at the moment, and quite bleak.  We have been told to expect rain tomorrow, and to be honest, a little more would be nice.  I am in a little creative slump at the moment, probably due to the 'thumb issue'....................


9 comments:

DIAN said...

Linda, were you hungry? They say we spend more when we are hungry - or is that just confectionary!

I can't wait to see what you make with this lot - in fact I am looking forward to seeing what you have bought.

Hopefully the thumb will be better soon.

Thanks for the chat the other day - always inspiring.

Ella said...

Now you have my attention ,i wonder what will you make ?

Karyn said...

linda, how wonderful to have so many positive experiences. I am happy when I have one great salesperson. You are going to have fun when all your things turn up.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Dear Linda, What would we do without the internet?? I am very excited to see all the goodies you have bought and most importantly what you will do with them all. Isn't being creative wonderful. Hugs Judy

Jen said...

Hello !! Linda you are funny with a big green tick to check in.I'm commenting to say HI! to you.I haven't posted for 10 days. 6 of those days I have been minding 3 grandchildren.I hope to get a post up tomorrow.
Hope the ankle and thumb is better. Also that all the cotton is harvested.You and your hubby have been very busy of late.I will love to see all your shopping.
I have a new parcel to share next post.Its fun getting new craft. x

Juliettecherry said...

How you will enjoy when the parcels arrive. If you are unable to sew for any reason (poorly thumb) time spent on the internet is useful research. Your time seems to have been well spent. Hope you are recovering.

margaret said...

well you certainly have had a spend Linda and all from the comfort of your home.
I expect you are now thinking about what to create next, looking forward to seeing it.
By the way, have not been able to copy that cotton bud, friend showed me how on their computer but when I try it is unsucessful.Will try again later.

shirley said...

Good service will win out every time Linda. I recently went into a large well known department store to make a definite purchase from the ladies department, but the sight of the very few staff who ignored me with their noses in the air only sent me scurrying to another store, where I did receive personal attention, and they got my money.

WandarArt.Stitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.