Can't believe I've been a tad slow in coming back to you all. I blame work...something has to feed my quilting habit I'm afraid. Okay, here is the first part of my series on purchasing online. I thought I'd start locally and then I'll head on to other online purchases.
Newsletters:
One thing I would highly recommend is whatever site you look at sign up for their newsletter and/or blog (can differ from site to site). This is the best way to keep up with specials, new fabrics, books, etc. the site may sell. The best deal I've got is 40% off all items on the website. This was a US shop and even with the postage, I still managed to buy the fabric at less than half for what I would have paid for it here. If you're not keen about having a lot mail coming to your personal email account, do I what I did open up an alternative online email account (e.g. Hotmail, gmail, yahoo, etc.) and have the newsletters, etc. sent there.
Postage:
I can't say this enough, always ask what the postage will be for the item. Even within Australia, this can vary. This becomes even more so when looking overseas. For example, one Kiwi online store I go to offers a flat rate of $10 up to NZ$150 while a US online store I go to has a flat rate of US$20 if you spend US$150 and free if over US$300. Most sites will have shipping rates but if you can't find them easily, check out either "customer services" or FAQs. If all else fails, email and request the postage rate for what you are after.
Australia
Craft Depot:
Link - http://www.craftdepot.com.au/
Postage - Standard Australia Post rates
Rating - Thumbs Up
The Craft Depot was my first online purchase from an Australian company. I found them to be very quick and effecient with my order and everything arrived in a timely manner. Have a look at the website which is well set up. They have a nice range of fabrics. I suspect they don't have everything online they do in their store but certainly a big enough selection to find something you're after. The Craft Depot charge standard Australia Post rates. However, recently they had a special offer of no postage charge within Australia for a couple of weeks. You can see why I suggest you sign up for the online shop's newsletters.
Sewing Box
Link - http://www.sewingbox.com.au/
Postage - A little complicated in that rates are charged more along US lines. However, they do reimburse the difference between what the checkout charges and Australian rates.
Rating - Thumbs Up
The Sewing Box is one of my more recent finds. If you love precuts then this online store will appeal to you. On top of that this site has had some of the best prices for pre cuts I've seen in Australia. And yes there is more, probably one of the best sales of charm squares, jelly rolls and layer cakes I've seen to date even with postage, just about beat the price I would pay for the same items if purchased direct from the US. Yes again, found this out through their newsletter. Delivery was quick and via Australia Post. My only criticism is the postage calculation is catered towards overseas sales. As you'll see on the website, what happens is you pay the postage and the owner will reimburse the difference to you directly within the parcel you are sent. I can confirm that this is the case.
New Zealand
KiwiQuilts
Link - http://www.kiwiquilts.co.nz/
Postage - $10 up to NZ$150 and $20 NZ$151+
Rating - Thumbs Up
One of my favourite online stores is KiwiQuilts. It course has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a Kiwi....will maybe a little. Truthfully though I enjoy Mary's blog (sign up by clicking on the link above) and probably one of the few I make a point of reading regularly. Mary designs a lot of Kiwiana style quilts which I'm totally envious of. For me, I buy a lot of my Kiwiana fabric from Mary's store and I can't say enough on how great the service is. Everything has always arrived well packaged and quickly. Now I just need to bring some of my ideas to life...stay tuned as I've a number of Christmas presents to make this year with what I've bought so far. Mary also has some great sales so keep an eye out for what will come up next!
Hopefully, I've wetted your appetite. More to come!
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