Thursday, December 2, 2010

PDF or Paper Patterns

Hi everyone:


I've been reading all the comments that I've received so far this week about people's preferences when it comes to quilt patterns. I'm interested in people's opinions since I sell both paper and PDF patterns.


Here are just a few things that people are saying:


Dolores said:


"I like paper copies. I don't always want to have to go to the computer to review the next step or to print out something (what would happen if your computer didn't work or you had a power outage?) I prefer to have the paper copy so that I can use it whenever and wherever I want."


Mary agrees with Dolores and adds:


"I prefer paper patterns because they have better photos and are easier to store."


Moe is happy with both formats. She comments:


"Either paper or pdf is fine with me. Pdf probably gives us access to more variety and immediate delivery."


I must admit that I have both paper and PDF patterns. I do like the paper ones since I can browse through them and there's just something about holding a pattern in your hand and being able to leaf back and forth through it quickly that appeals to me. 


On the other hand, I have so many books, patterns and magazines in my studio, that I am running out of space. Oh yeah, too much fabric might also be a problem! So, PDF patterns appeal to me as I can just store them on my computer, putting them in folders according to type of pattern, and just print out the pattern when I want to make it. It is "greener" and allows me to have more room for fabrics and other quilty things.


I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on paper vs. PDF downloads in quilt patterns. Also, would you expect to pay more or less for a PDF pattern?

4 comments:

Dana Gaffney said...

I like paper patterns. I purchased a few applique patterns not realizing they were PDF. They had to be resized. I definitely think they should cost less, it's my paper, ink and in that case my resizing.

Chatterbox Quilts said...

I hear you! I don't like it when you have to re-size things - whether it's in a book, magazine or pattern. I try to have my appliques full-size although sometimes you have to tape them together due to page size limitations.
I also think they should cost less for the reasons you stated.

SewCalGal said...

I too get nervous on the resizing thing, but I still like the electronic patterns too. Guess it all depends on the style of the pattern.

What about offering the ability to purchase via both formats, but maybe two different pricing strategies?

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Chatterbox Quilts said...

I have done just that, Darlene. I list my patterns as either paper or PDF formats and have a difference in pricing. I guess great minds do think alike! :)