Checker Newsletter

How many of us join organizations – and never read the fine print!  And once we join, we continue to do so – year after year – without ever revisiting why we did it in the first place!  In most cases, there is a very good reason why we became members – and in this economy, take the time to remember why!  You may discover free services have been added or revised since you joined – and all you need to do is pick up a phone to take advantage of them!

FabShop is one such organization.  When I talk to shop owners who are members, they mention the magazine.  This publication is delivered six times a year – and is truly geared to the shop owner.  The articles focus on sales strategies; new products; store displays- anything and everything to make you a successful entrepreneur.

Then there is the forum.  Shop owners can chat on-line and compare notes on what is happening in the industry.  New shop owners can get advice from successful businesses across the country – and it is all a part of the membership fee.

The Kick Off Dinner at Quilt Market is an event that grows every year.  Shop owners meet the night before School House begins for a wonderful dinner; great speakers; and a chance to find out what is happening outside of their shop.  Let’s face it – if you own a quilt shop, you don’t get out very often!!!

But, FabShop offers many other services as well.  One of my favorites is the continuing education classes that are offered throughout the year.  For a nominal fee, you can spend an hour learning from the pros. In January, for instance, Karen Montgomery is teaching a class titled “1%….a small number in pricing, 1% can bring big returns!

Many of you have attended Karen’s lectures at Quilt Market and the Checker Open Houses.  She has experience as a shop owner, a sewing machine dealer, a pattern and fabric designer, and just designed her first ruler with Creative Grids.  When Karen speaks, it is always to a packed house – but in most of these cases, you don’t get to interact!  But now you do!  Listen to all of Karen’s great ideas and then feel free to ask questions.  She is a wealth of information and is always willing to share.

In this lecture, Karen explains how to find hidden profits to grow your business.  She will cover pricing strategies for fabrics, kits, notions, books and patterns.