I'd like some opinions - LYS experience - Page 2

ChristinaKnits · 09-20-2007, 12:00 AM

I have to respectfully disagree. She PAID for a class there. If the owner had specified that they had to buy all materials at her store, that would be different. BUT, if not, I believe it is just conversation. I just do not understand this idea. She cannot carry Options anyway, and her actions may have caused enough discomfort to have lost everyone at that class as a customer. How did that save her any money?

ChristinaKnits · 09-20-2007, 05:03 AM

Originally Posted by raederle

I totally get you on shop culture. Recently, another LYS opened up in my town, and she carries Knit Picks yarn! I bought one bare skein to try my hand at dyeing, which I wouldn't have done online. But I don't know if she's able to sell it for cheaper than it is online, even with lack of shipping ... Very cool though! AND she offers a military discount... *drool*

e

wow!! I didn't think KP sold to LYS's

kindermen · 09-20-2007, 02:49 PM

I have experienced a certain "AIR" in a LYS of arrogance. It is from the owner and If I HAVE to go to that store I go when the owner is off( I asked when her off day is). I am taking a class today at another store and using my Options circular needles I just bought and was feeling guilty about using needles I did not buy there. I am sure they will ask. We will see how it goes!

chrislt8 · 09-20-2007, 02:55 PM

This is very interesting - and exactly what I was hoping for - the differing opinions. I really am torn about my "gut reaction" as I do see both sides of it. I defintely will not stop frequenting this shop as all my other experiences there have been so positive - but I do still think that a more open attitude would, in the long run, be better for her business. I will, however, be a little more reserved in just what I discuss while in the store in the future...

Quiltlady · 09-20-2007, 11:32 PM

I don't think its realistic for any LYS owner to think that the customers are ONLY going to buy EVERYTHING they use for their knitting enjoyment in their shop.

Everyone knows there are great places on line and in other stores that have lots of items that some LYS do not sell. I think discouraging you to do a "show and tell" would turn customers away. It's exciting to see NEW knitting items that are out there. I understand that if it IS sold at that shop it should/could be purchased there. They are there to make money.

In my LYS I had my Denise needles with me during a class and many of the ladies had never seen them before. The owner did not mind me showing them. She knew she could order them if anyone wanted to purchase them from her.

rachejm · 09-21-2007, 12:48 AM

In the same position I would feel quite uncomfortable so I see where you are coming from. I agree that if you are paying for a class you should be treated as a customer. I would not thank the teacher or the owner for causing me to feel uncomfortable at a class I had paid for. That said I can also see why she wouldn't want people recommending products that she can't sell.
I'd put it down to a one off and try to forget about the unpleasantness. Now that you know how the owner feels you can be more aware of what you are saying and avoid such experiences in future. Though it is a shame that you can't talk freely about certain knitting products when in the shop.

chillawilla · 09-21-2007, 03:03 AM

Free speech, we're allowed it here.

Being shushed like that is awfully rude.

I can see if the shop owner encouraged the teacher not to discuss items she could not sell, the teacher being employed by the shop, but to expect customers not to discuss items is out of bounds and unreasonable.

I'd still shop there, but I wouldn't be attending any more of their classes.

chrislt8 · 09-21-2007, 05:00 AM

WOW! I'm a little surprised so many people are coming down on the side of it being a bit inappropriate on behalf of the shop - I feel a little better about my "gut reaction". Again, other than this one incident I really like this shop, and you are right rachejm, I will just be a little more aware not to "gush" over my KP products while in that particular shop in the future.

Guess I'll just have to find an SnB in the area that does not meet in a shop so I can gush all I want

That was my first experience knitting outside of my own house and I did like the comraderie of being with other knitters

, but also thought that maybe I was a little oversensitive as I was a little nervous :-)

krazy4kats · 09-21-2007, 06:55 AM

Well, I probably would have said something right there, waving my Harmonies in the air for good measure. But, I always did have a problem with keeping my mouth shut!

I agree with others who have said the teacher's actions were uncalled for - they probably brought more attention than if she had just let the conversation die on its own.

You could speak with the owner about it, but if you are not comfortable any longer there, then just go to that shop when need be and find somewhere else. You shouldn't have to censor yourself, especially regarding a product this owner does not and cannot sell.

My "L"YS is 25 miles away and pretty much the only one within a 50+ radius of my house. They have classes also and they do state that if you need supplies, they would prefer you buy them there, but you are free to bring, use and discuss whatever. But if I had your experience in my LYS, I would definitely think again before I went back there!

There is enough online and I don't mind a road trip every once in a while so I can get whatever I need if I don't go there. My money spends anywhere (albeit a little too freely at times, LOL!).

laikabear · 09-21-2007, 09:11 AM

One of my pet peeves is being "shushed," for whatever reason. I think the teacher was out of line to do so. If the owner doesn't want her discussing stuff they can't sell there, that is fine. But I think it would be in extremely poor taste to insist that customers bring OR discuss only supplies from the shop. That's just silly.

I bet the teacher has been reprimanded for discussing things they do not sell and thought she was "saving" you from getting a remark from the owner. In fact, the owner probably would not have said anything (at least I would hope that is the case).

Some LYS owners are a little weird, though. I encountered one shopper at a LYS who had been trying to get some specific yarn for a specific pattern, and had been turned down to purchase it at another LYS. The owner had the necessary yarn in stock, but apparently thought the project was beyond the knitter's abilities. She actually refused to sell it! I was floored. But apparently this particular store owner has a rep for being weird like that. (Like it's her stash, not a store,

).

People continually surprise me.

So yeah, I wouldn't ban myself from the store, but I would be a little irked. Actually, I probably would have said something like, "Oh since you don't sell these I'm not allowed to talk about them, is that what you're saying?" really loud.