I have to have this: What triggers the decision to buy?

Dear users, dear authors,
what does a pattern need to have for you to absolutely have to have it, right here and right now?
Which patterns do you tend to avoid?
Which patterns do you add to your wish list, only to buy them little by little—or not at all?

Please rank the factors that influence your decisions.

Which factors are a turnoff?
When do you click away and decide not to buy?
When do you give a good review?

Let me know.

Important purchasing factors for me are:
1. The project catches my eye right away.
The title describes what it is. (e.g., crochet pattern for a ...)
2. The description is informative (materials used, including yardage for possible alternative yarns, and required skill level)
3. It should be free of spelling and grammar errors; otherwise, I assume the pattern is also flawed.

What factors are a turn-off?
Blurry, dark images where I have to guess what the item is. Poor descriptions.
When do you click away and decide not to buy?
When there are mostly negative reviews or the comments suggest the pattern is poorly written.
When only crochet or knitting charts are included, because I personally have a hard time following them on their own.
When do you give a good review?
When I’ve followed the pattern, had no problems recreating the project, and the pattern was particularly detailed.

I handle it exactly like Heike, and when it comes to purchasing factors, I agree with Nadeleule: I want to know before I buy exactly what materials are needed and in what quantities. 
I add things I like to my wish list, but that I definitely won’t be able to make anytime soon (my wish list is getting longer and longer!). Rarely does it turn out much later that a pattern doesn’t appeal to me anymore, so I delete it from my wish list.
I prefer to leave reviews where there aren’t already many. If something in a pattern bothers me or I spot a mistake, I contact the author first.

I have my favorite designer at CP, Wollholic Claudia. Since I know from experience what her patterns are like, I usually snap them up right away.

Important purchasing factors for me are:
What really appeals to me about a pattern is when it promises an interesting technique and great results.
That includes a beautiful preview image, which can definitely be more atmospheric. In the additional images, though, I’d also like to see the complete item at a glance, as well as individual close-up shots of interesting details.
It’s also important to me that you can see what materials are needed before buying.

What factors are off-putting?
Spelling mistakes, a description that isn’t very informative, or no images clearly showing the item

When do you give a good review?
If the pattern contains all the necessary information and is written clearly, then I give a good review.

I’d also be happy to share my thoughts on this.....

I get a lot of pattern suggestions.... Of course, I click on them....

What’s important to me is having a good preview image so I can see what I’m buying..... The description should include some information, such as yarn usage, possibly the size of the crochet piece, and what skills are required.....

As for reviews, I have to admit that I often forget to leave them.... But I promise to do better.... ????

When it comes to patterns by my favorite designer, Häkelweltmitherz, I snap them up right away, of course..... I know that all my expectations for a pattern will be met there.....

Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel, too. Our favorite designer is just awesome. Three cheers for Claudia ????????????????

Well, I really go a lot by the picture—it has to totally appeal to me. I really can't stand names that no one can pronounce. My favorites are pictures from all sides and details.

What do I throw onto my wishlist? Things where I know I might like to make them, but I'm still a bit unsure, e.g. the 20th shawl....

I give a good rating when I can work smoothly and with excitement; I can't stand boring stuff, even if it cost money 

A really big purchase decision for me is also my personal favorite.... with Wollness-Designs, so Michaela, I've been buying regularly since 2015, and not just because she lives around the corner, but because all the patterns count as "easy" fare for me..... excitement, play, and pattern :)

Important purchasing factors for me are:
I have to like it, and it has to challenge me! That’s why the preview should also show different variations of the piece.

The only thing that bothers me is when there’s no information about the yarn or how much is needed.

When do I give a good review?
When the pattern is clear and detailed.

In addition to the designers I’ve mentioned many times before, I love Alina Dalichau (crazy pieces), Wollness Designs (simple patterns with that certain something), streifgetier (who taught me the necessity of counting), Maschenputtel, Marinade’s Hoppywelt (whose names I still have to look up).... and so on and so on

If I see a photo of a project and am immediately excited by it, I buy it right away. Projects that are recommended to me and that I like, I add to my list.
Detailed and easy-to-understand patterns—preferably with pictures—are important to me. Material and yarn requirements should be clearly listed before purchase.
My favorite designers are Michaela from Wollness-Designs and Mala-Design.

Important buying factors for me are that I like the design and that the pattern should be brief and well explained. It’s also important to me that the pattern specifies the materials and that they are easy to obtain.

Best regards a0
Erika

A pattern must be written clearly and understandably.
The notes should specify what I need and what skills I must have. It should also include good photos from different angles.
That’s why I love the patterns from Wollness Designs. With Michaela, you know exactly what to expect.

I add something to my wish list when I like it but don’t yet know if I really want to make it—or if I don’t have enough store credit at the moment.

It’s a shame that you can only leave a review if you’ve purchased the pattern via CP. If I’m test crocheting for someone or won the pattern, I unfortunately can’t leave a review. 

The pattern I buy immediately—without even thinking about whether I’ll be able to crochet or knit it anytime soon—is definitely presented in a way that I just can’t resist. The first picture is already amazing ;-) Then I look at the description. If there’s some mystery surrounding the yarn used, that really annoys me. I think the authors can reveal that information, and many do these days anyway. Then I also pay attention to how the patterns are written. If there are just three vague padding sentences, my confidence in a good pattern isn’t very high. So good pictures, an appealing presentation, and a clear description are really important to me.
I used to hardly ever look at the reviews, but ever since I had a real dud once, I check them too. In return, I also leave a review after finishing a project and always upload a picture of my work. Some authors appreciate that; others don’t react at all.
I review something as “good” or “very good” if I was able to follow the patterns easily because they were simply clear and well-written. I’ve only had to review something as “bad” once, though in that case I would have preferred to give it 0 stars.

If I’ve just topped up my store credit, I’m naturally more likely to buy right away. Otherwise, favorites go onto my wishlist. I also save “maybe-later” patterns there and clean it out regularly. Some get bought, some have to go.

I also use the “follow” feature and check regularly—several times a week—to see what’s new from my favorite authors. I buy from these favorites more often. But I also try out new pattern designers for myself if something catches my eye.

Hello everyone,
An important factor in my decision to buy is, of course, that I like the pattern—meaning the photos, first and foremost. Beyond that, it needs to be doable in my size, explained clearly and simply, and ideally include a crochet chart. That’s why it’s great when the description specifies which yarn to use and whether it includes just text or also a crochet chart. It’s fantastic when there’s already a little sneak peek into the pattern. That builds trust and makes me more likely to buy a pattern right away rather than letting it sit forgotten in my wish list.
I give a good review if I was able to follow the pattern and it was well explained.
I prefer to buy from designers I already know, because I’ve gotten myself into a real mess with a pattern before.
What really bothers me is when there’s no information on yarn usage or when the instructions aren’t clear.
My favorite designer is the lovely Michaela from Wollness-Design, because I know her patterns are easy to follow—they include both text AND crochet charts, there’s a preview in the description, beautiful photos, she’s available to answer questions, and I’ve always ended up with a great result.
Best regards, Julia

I haven’t bought any patterns myself yet, since I feel like I have a thousand ideas.

What interests me is: How can authors who are still relatively unknown manage to gain the trust of potential customers? 

Thanks for the feedback so far.
Welcome to all new users and everyone who doesn’t usually post in the forum.

Are there any more posts or opinions?

For me, buying patterns is a gut feeling. If I like a pattern, I get that tingling feeling in my stomach, and I absolutely have to have it. Then I buy it—regardless of whether I actually make it or not.
Other patterns that don’t give me that same tingling sensation get added to my wish list to buy later; it all depends on my bank balance and store credit.

If you had to estimate,
how many patterns on your wish list do you actually buy?
Just a rough estimate.

Do you have an absolute price threshold —an upper limit?
Or does it depend entirely on the specific pattern?

What do you think of inexpensive patterns priced under one euro ?
Are you skeptical about the quality, or do you appreciate the low price?

What do you think of free patterns ?
Do you like to pick them up if you like them?
Do you use them to get a sense of the author’s skills?

How do you go about making up the patterns?
Do you like to print out the patterns?
Or do you just open them on your computer, tablet, or phone?

Do you tend to browse the shop on your phone, or do you prefer using a laptop or tablet?
When you’re on the go with your phone, the preview images are pretty small, after all.
Which elements stand out to you the most?
What do you look for in those small phone previews?

Let me know what you think. :-)

If you had to estimate,
how many patterns on your wishlist do you actually buy?
Just roughly.

==> I’d say I buy about 20% from my wishlist. But some have to sit on the wishlist longer before they get bought. Sometimes it depends on the season; sometimes I just get the feeling that this yarn I’m seeing would be perfect for something, and then I dash over to my wishlist ;-)

Do you have an absolute pain threshold / upper limit when it comes to price?
Or does it depend entirely on the particular pattern?

==>  It does depend a bit on the pattern. In general, I think the patterns are priced okay, or actually often too cheaply. Not that I necessarily want to spend more money, but you can really see how much work some authors put into them, and I think: Wow, you’re selling yourself too cheaply. So I think 3-4 euros is perfectly fine for detailed patterns. At 5 euros I’d hesitate, but for something that needs more explanation it’s okay and wouldn’t put me off. On the other hand, 3.33 euros for a four-line pattern with no picture shocked me.

What do you think of inexpensive patterns with prices under one euro?
Are you skeptical about the quality, or are you happy about the low price?

==> I’ve bought patterns for under 1 euro before, skeptical of course, but okay, 1 euro would be a manageable loss... And then I was surprised by how much I got for under 1 euro! And again I thought, wow, girl, you’re selling yourself too cheaply. I also buy during discount promotions (more than I need too, as it goes ....), but sometimes I almost feel guilty about it.

What do you think of free patterns?
Do you like to pick them up if you like them?
Do you use them to get an impression of the author’s skills?

==>  I have a few free patterns too, but I don’t search for them. Either I come across them while browsing, or I simply like the item. Of course the author should use that too to show how he or she writes patterns. And of course I’ll then browse their shop as well if I like the style of the instructions.

How do you handle making things from patterns?
Do you like to print out the patterns?
Or do you only open them on your PC/tablet or phone?

==>  I don’t print often, and if I do, maybe just the crochet chart. I hate loose sheets of paper lying around, and besides, there’s a high risk that one of the cats will puke on them. Oops, I need to throw up, hopefully I can still make it to the pattern. I open the pattern on my phone. Sometimes I also take a screenshot of a section and pin it to my home screen. It just depends on how much I have to remember, or was able to remember.

Do you mostly browse the shop on your phone, or do you prefer a laptop / tablet?
When you’re on your phone, the preview images are pretty small after all.
Which elements stand out to you the most then?
What do you pay attention to in the small phone preview images?

==> I browse almost only on my phone, very rarely on my laptop. I usually do that on the side when I’m actually crocheting or knitting in front of the TV, but somehow I’m too lazy or too tired after all. It’s part of crafting too ;-)

But since you’re apparently reviewing processes and customer wishes right now: 
I’ve written this a few times already, but I really would like a bit more convenience. I’ve downloaded quite a lot of patterns by now, but I don’t want to constantly see all of them as equally important in my download display. If I, as a user, had a few folders available to organize myself better, that would be really helpful and not a luxury. As it is, I just hide what I don’t want to see. But if I’m looking for something hidden, I have to make all hidden patterns visible again. A custom sorting option really would be good there.
I’d also like the option to add notes to items on my wishlist. For example, to write down which yarn I think would be suitable for it, or what I need to look for when shopping. That would also be good for downloads for the same reasons.

Last but not least: I’d find a classic forum that only users have access to a bit “cozier” for discussion. An “edit” function is also urgently needed.

This turned out a bit longer than planned, but I had time just now ;-)

@Mifas,
thanks for your detailed answer.
I have one more question:

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“Last but not least: I would find a classic forum that is accessible only to users a bit more cozy for discussion.”
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Could you explain that again?

Josefa, the forum or the “cozy” one? ;-)

All of the above.

The forums I’m a member of—and where I’m more or less active—have a few public sections, but most of the content is reserved for members. In other words, you can only read posts there if you’re registered. So not everyone in the world can read my posts or view (or download) my photos. Consequently, it’s a bit more private, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes to sharing. I think more users would participate that way—maybe even post a photo of themselves wearing something or something like that. Sure, you still don’t know everyone, but for me, it does make a difference whether X number of users see or read it, or whether, in principle, anyone can view it. There are still plenty of threads that can remain public, though—for example, all the authors’ advertisements.

Okay, thanks for your input.

@everyone,
what do you think about this?

To be honest, I can’t really understand it.... everyone here has the same hobby, and only people who are interested will look in the forum and read posts here. And since everyone has a nickname (in other words, very few people sign up here with their first and last names), I personally think it’s anonymous enough. And it’s also very easy for anyone to sign up here and still just read along..... takes about a minute.

At first, I understood it to mean that you wanted a forum just for customers, so that the designers wouldn’t have access to it. But even then, anyone could still sign up as a customer......

How many patterns on your wish list do you actually buy?

That varies a lot…


Do you have an absolute price threshold—an upper limit?
Or does it depend entirely on the specific pattern?

If I really want a pattern, I’ll buy it, even if it’s on the pricier side.

What are your thoughts on inexpensive patterns priced under one euro?
Are you skeptical about the quality, or do you appreciate the low price?

So far, I’ve been satisfied with the cheap patterns too. The quality depends more on the designer than on the price.

What do you think about free patterns?
Do you like to download them if you like them?
Do you use them to get a sense of the designer’s skills?

If I like a free pattern, I’m happy to use it.

How do you handle following along with them?
Do you like to print out the patterns?
Or do you just open them on your computer, tablet, or phone?

At first, I printed way too much. Now I only print what I really need—like knitting or crochet charts, or a pattern to take with me.

Do you tend to browse the shop on your phone, or do you prefer using a laptop or tablet?
When you’re on the go with your phone, the preview images are pretty small, after all.
What elements catch your eye the most then?
What do you look for in those small phone previews?

At home, I only use my computer; on the go, I use my tablet; and I only use my phone as a last resort—the screen is definitely too small for me.

 How many patterns on your wish list do you actually buy?
It really depends, but usually a lot of patterns go on the wish list, a few get taken off, and only a few are purchased.

Do you have an absolute price threshold —or an upper limit?
Or does it depend entirely on the specific pattern?
It really depends on the pattern. For a more elaborate pattern based on the design in the picture, I’m happy to pay a bit more. In general, I think the patterns are too cheap.

 What do you think about inexpensive patterns priced under one euro ?
Are you skeptical about the quality, or do you appreciate the low price?
No, so far I’ve been able to follow even the inexpensive patterns just fine; I just sometimes wonder how cheaply some authors sell their work.

What do you think about free patterns ?
Do you like to download them if you like them?
Do you use them to get a sense of the author’s skills?
I have quite a few free patterns myself—especially for small projects—and as a complete beginner, I used to love free patterns because that’s how I first learned to read them.
How do you go about working from patterns?
Do you like to print them out?
Or do you just open them on your computer, tablet, or phone?
At first, I printed out every pattern, but once I realized how much space that took up and how much it cost in terms of money and paper, I started just saving the patterns digitally. Now, I only print out a knitting or crochet chart once in a while, maybe to take with me on the go; everything else I do on my computer.

Do you tend to browse the shop on your phone, or do you prefer using a laptop or tablet?
When you’re on the go with your phone, the preview images are pretty small, after all.
Which elements catch your eye the most?
What do you look for in those small phone previews?

I do everything on my laptop and computer—my phone’s screen is just too small.

I almost always buy mi-li’s patterns. I’ve also bought her books. Her patterns are easy to understand—I think even for beginners. Of course, I buy other patterns as well.
I don’t add any patterns to my wish list. I want them right away. However, I already have so many patterns that I haven’t made yet. I can still review them, though, because I read through the patterns immediately after purchasing them, so I know if they’re easy to follow. In the future, though, I’ll give the wish list a try.
Best, Johanna

I think the pictures have to really grab your attention right away! If something’s too small or blurry, you can’t tell what it’s supposed to be, so I just keep scrolling.
To be honest, I’m not here that often, but I’ve already tried out a few craft patterns.
Some were by authors who aren’t here anymore—the pictures weren’t really that great, but they were free or very inexpensive, and you could tell that from the patterns. I’ve slowly been getting into crocheting, and I recently tried a free pattern—the glass coasters by Nadelneule—which I liked, and I understood everything. But I’ll only buy expensive patterns once I’m better at crocheting; until then, I’ll just save the ones I like (like the hippo heat packs).

Anyone else want to add anything?

This is an old thread, but I’d still like to pick up on CreatOwl’s question here: What do new authors need to do to earn your trust? Unfortunately, this question wasn’t addressed.

I’d like to revisit the topic of setting some threads here to “private.”

Yes, of course we all share the same hobby. And since I’m also visible publicly on Facebook, I don’t mind writing about personal things here. However, I often hold back—especially when it comes to photos.

The reason is that here, everyone has access to everything we write. And that certainly isn’t limited to those who share our hobby.

I also think more users would participate here if the forum weren’t visible without logging in for certain threads. It’s mainly about the feeling… I do understand what mifas means.

It would be worth a try, or at least worth considering.

After all, author posts aren’t visible to everyone either. That already makes a difference in how it feels to write.

Maybe it’s technically possible to restrict access to threads like
“What are you doing today? What’s for dinner?” or
“How do you celebrate Easter, Christmas, etc.”
to registered users only.

To be honest, I don’t like posting such personal things publicly. And I’m sure many others feel the same way.

I’m out of this one. I don’t need to read on Crazypatterns about who’s cooking, celebrating, etc.

@Hockey,
we’ve built a community here that also enjoys discussing these kinds of things.
These topics are only found in selected threads, though, not scattered all over the forum. You can recognize the relevant threads by their titles, so you can easily avoid them.

I wish you lots of fun here on crazypatterns.