tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post6824199261408946288..comments2023-09-18T00:38:35.367+10:00Comments on Little Paper Lane: What its worth!Little Paper Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605729093268586849noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-59164099127656505932011-05-21T17:51:52.161+10:002011-05-21T17:51:52.161+10:00I agree totally and it makes it very hard for smal...I agree totally and it makes it very hard for small business to keep their doors open. I have a small boutique card making and paper craft store on the sunny coast and people are always coming in and comparing prices saying that Lincraft or Spotlight have them for a few dollars cheaper, but what customers don't understand is that the bigger stores have a bigger buying power that what I do. I just say, yes but do they show you how to use or look after that product like I do? I keep all my beautiful pattern papers in plastic bags so that they are not bent, marked or damaged. I know where I would rather shop!<br />I know the suppliers/wholesalers are trying to make money also but it really is frustrating when they sell to the bigger chain stores. For that reason, there are some Australia Paper Companies that I just won't stock as I have seen there product available in the $2 shops (can't compete with that)Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11551344436057015348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-67708742552809525992011-04-07T18:48:22.273+10:002011-04-07T18:48:22.273+10:00I totally understand. "Michaels" is a b...I totally understand. "Michaels" is a big chain craft supply store here in Canada. They sell many different brands of papers, embellishments, etc. I am seeing more of the brands there that supply craft "basics" starting to mass products homemade-esk like products like banners, cupcake toppers, etc. Basically, the companies that traditionally only provided the "basics" crafters needed to make these beautiful items are now making those very items that crafters use their supplies for. I find this very disturbing - they are screwing over their own customers to expand their product line, and as crafters, it is difficult to complete with their price point, selection and overall co-ordinationing accessories. Even companies like "Wilton" who make cake decorating supplies make very homemade-esk cupcake topper sets down. The only thing we can do as crafters is compete on customer service, product distinction and quality.LMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-85283056358816243032011-04-04T20:19:24.438+10:002011-04-04T20:19:24.438+10:00hahahaaa that is so weird!! thanks Alana, I will s...hahahaaa that is so weird!! thanks Alana, I will see if i can fix it up!! i LOVE the wizard of Oz, but not where i wanted u to go haha!Little Paper Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06605729093268586849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-85063555905658850312011-03-31T12:57:27.709+11:002011-03-31T12:57:27.709+11:00Hi just thought I would check out Pip's Meet m...Hi just thought I would check out Pip's Meet me at Mikes Blog Here and it directed me to some ruby slippers for a dorothy costume... just thought you should know darl <br />Regards, <br />Alana-MaeAlana-Mae Rocksalte. Design Studionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-7440925671639865422011-03-30T06:54:33.078+11:002011-03-30T06:54:33.078+11:00Yes you are right. It must be hard to keep the cr...Yes you are right. It must be hard to keep the creativity flowing when you're dealing with this kind of thing. Not fair. And it happens with everything. I was so sad when the small country town we holiday in ten weeks a year lost their fight for a Woolworths. I'm dreading going back in a couple of weeks as I'm sure the local supermarket that sold local produce will be on it's last legs... Thanks for reminding us to think a little further and support the people in the community who are trying to do something more wonderful (like yourself). PruxxxFlotsam Friendshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09572110432016260533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-54535276619566957302011-03-28T10:45:42.117+11:002011-03-28T10:45:42.117+11:00Well said! And unfortunately, it is the same all a...Well said! And unfortunately, it is the same all across the board: small fruit and vegetable shops are disappearing, kids' clothing shops are shutting down etc. Not only do the big guys wiggle their way in with suppliers, but they also sell cheap imitations when it comes to crafting and party-supplies.Annoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-67818560989437318132011-03-28T10:23:12.744+11:002011-03-28T10:23:12.744+11:00Totally understand where you're coming from. I...Totally understand where you're coming from. I find it very dishearting that the big stores are starting to copy crafters. I saw one stationery store chain do this. Also seeing big home magazines publishing DIY projects that I saw on a crafters blog, months ago. :-( Because it's cool, the big chains muscle in.Bekyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05115699316629226322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4765532426716196342.post-24866256578582032792011-03-27T23:00:20.517+11:002011-03-27T23:00:20.517+11:00Oh ... this is why whenever I think about getting ...Oh ... this is why whenever I think about getting into retail I back away really fast! That's REALLY hard when this situation happens Jayde. It makes it very hard for people to appreciate the value of an item when the big guys can sell it for so much less than independent shops :(<br />KellyKellyhttp://www.iloveprettythings.com.aunoreply@blogger.com