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Quilt Shop Signage - How to Use Signage Effectively in Your Quilt Shop

Second in importance only to the sign outside your quilt shop are the signs inside your quilt shop. For the signs lining the walls and shelves of your quilt shop business will either give your customers the information they require to make a purchasing decision or confuse them to the point that they throw up their hands in disgust.

There's an art to signage. Too little of it is not good. Too much of it is not good. You've got to arrive at a happy medium if you're to keep your customers happy. But how much is enough?

There's no hard and fast rule for this sort of thing, but it's safe to say there should be enough signage to help customers navigate from the aisles to the checkout counter of your quilt shop with little or no interruption.

If there's too little signage, you'll have a lot of confused clients. But if there's too much signage, you'll still have a lot of confused clients, because clutter obscures.

Ideally, you'll have signs marking every major area of your quilt shop. The signs themselves should be high enough, and the lettering should be large enough, so that people can see it and read it from at least an aisle away.

You should also stay away from confusing color schemes, as some people are seeing impaired and won't be able to make out what's on the signs. Don't get caught up into making your signs into masterpieces. Just make sure they're readable and that they impart a message.

If you can choose the right words and stress the right qualities, signs can compel customers to look at a product display that they may not have given a second glance otherwise.

If you're having a sale, you should have signs demonstrating this point. In this case, don't hesitate to use large fonts to grab the attention of your customers.

If you carry completed quilts in your store, potential buyers may be interested in learning more about the story behind the quilts they are interested in buying. So you might want to consider offering information on the maker, the pattern, and the fabrics -- as well as some choice words about the love that went into it -- to entice potential buyers. (HINT: A good place to get ideas for this type of sign is at the wine store by checking out the wine reviews.)

And don't be locked into the traditional idea of a sign as printed words on paper. Here are some other ideas for a more creative look:

• A Bulletin Board Sign: Borrow a trick from your favorite restaurant and use a chalkboard or erasable white board to create a sign that changes frequently. You can use colored chalked or erasable markers to create a fun sign.
• Quilted Signs: Make some of your permanent signs using fabric. In a quilt shop, this is a fun way to promote the art of quilting.
• Quote Signs: Find some of your favorite quotes about quilting, shop keeping, or even life and sprinkle them throughout the store. You customers will appreciate the sentiments and look forward to seeing your new signs.
• Game Signs: Some places offer a daily trivia quiz, with questions and then answers to the previous day's questions. It keeps people coming back just to find the answers.

All in all, using signs inside of your quilt shop is important. But using them effectively is even more important. Taking to heart some of the information provided above will help you to make the choices you need to make.

Consider it a sign of the times that signage can either positively or negatively impact your business.

Chuck Smith is the owner of QuiltingBusiness.com, the web's only site dedicated to helping you make money with your quilting. Visit QuiltingBusiness.com today to sign up for the FREE email mini-course: "7 Unique Ways to Make Money with Your Quilting."

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