Replies

1. 
   Barb_ | Dec 28, 1998 06:43am | #1

   *
   i've joined in a moment of idealism and used them. The downside is the shipping for each book is roughly $3 so that obliterates any savings one gets on the books. However I like being able to see the books that come out in Sewing and other crafts I like so I enjoy reading their monthly newsletters. I should also mention that the shipping goes down with each book ordered, so I tend to wait until I have a few to order.

   I believe them to be a reputable company and they are open about the costs.

1. 
   Joyce_ | Dec 28, 1998 08:50pm | #2

   *I belong to the Crafters Choice bookclub. The shipping depends on the size of the book, of course, but usually runs $3.-$4.50. As Barb said, you lose all savings on the shipping - but I like being able to browse thru the catalog at home. (I don't have a bookstore here that offers the large selection -without special ordering). You do earn "points" with each purchase and can redeem them for a book. On the down side - I get a card about 3-4 wks showing that month's selection which must be returned or the book will be sent automatically. About 3 wks ago I rec'd a book even though I had returned the card marked "NO". They removed the charge, but I still had to pay the return shipping ($3.)

1. 
   Jean_ | Dec 29, 1998 05:35am | #3

   *I belong to Crafter's Choice too. Have been a member for years.. On the up side--they have an 800 number you can use to stop delivery on a selection or to order a different book. I'm not sure if this is available to everyone or just their "preferred members". I've always been satisfied with their service.

1. 
   Mar | Dec 30, 1998 02:32am | #4

   *I am a member of Crafters Choice and have been for many years. I love the book club and an error or two that have been made they have taken care of right away. I am surprised that Joyce had to pay for a return, because when that happened to me they sent me a mailing label and I sent it back without paying a dime. The 800 number is a great convenience, I use it practically every month. I love the club and expect to stay a member.However, I used to be a member of the Rodale book club. DO NOT get me started on how bad I felt that one was. I had trouble from the get-go and I did not like their customer service AT ALL. I wrote them a letter, because I thought that that would be the best way to handle my complaints and they just cancelled me out of the club, which I DID NOT request. Most clubs would do anything to keep their members, but this one didn't even try to handle my compaints. I ran my compaints past a few people who felt that they were legitmate and not just me overreacting. That's a great way to keep your customers satisfied, just cancel them. I won't go into anymore about this, but needless to say I love Crafters Choice as much as I disliked the Rodale Club!!!

1. 
   Lee_K. | Dec 31, 1998 03:00am | #5

   *I'm fortunate to live in a big city with a great used book chain (Half Price Books). I browse there before considering buying from a book club. You can tell that a lot of members bought the book, read it, and then sold it to HPB. I buy it for at least 50% off the cover price, no shipping, plus I get to look at it before I buy.Also check out the web sites for Purchase for Less and Hamilton Books. A lot of the featured book club selections seem to be overstock or remaindered, you can get a good price via the web. Hamilton charges only $3, no matter how much you order. I recently received a package from them with almost $9 in postage, but they only charged me for $3!EBay is another way to get books cheaply. Finally, consider the library or your local Sewing Guild.

2. 
   Mar | Dec 31, 1998 08:41pm | #6

   *One of the best things about Crafters Choice is to see what is available. Once you have fulfilled your obligation, you never HAVE to buy from them again. You will still get the catalog and you will see many new books and then you can go look at them or order it cheaper if you can. Book clubs also have much more than books these days. You can also have books gift wrapped and sent as gifts, which is a nice perk. They also have coffee table books at Christmas at a much lower price.

3. 
   b1 | Jan 01, 1999 10:42pm | #7

   *can someone please give me an 800 number for crafter's choice, as i would love to look at the complete catalog before ordering. thank you for all your helpful info.

4. 
   shifra | Jan 03, 1999 08:12pm | #8

   *bh does anyone know where I can get the book: Sewing Magic by Barbara Hellyer? Shifra

5. 
   Jean_ | Jan 03, 1999 10:37pm | #9

   *The 800 number for Crafter's Choice is for members to order from their catalog rather than return the card. I hesitate to post it here.

6. 
   Jean_ | Jan 03, 1999 10:47pm | #10

   *Amazon.com will look for out of print books for you.