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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 3, 2015 17:32:45 GMT
How does that make it legal then? If a company says you don't technically have to buy something (even though realistically you do) since the no purchase necessary option is ridiculous, when does the no purchase necessary option go over a line? What if the no purchase necessary option was to walk 3000 miles and film yourself doing it??
Good point. And, considering that they want original copies mailed to them. Most giveaways require a postmark by a certain date, not a received by a certain date. Does this company not have a lawyer on retainer to help with this sort of stuff? I mean, they are a MULTI-MILLION dollar company. one would think. I guess they're hopeful no one will kick up a fuss over it to require them to call said lawyer.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 3, 2015 17:30:25 GMT
Creativity is often fueled by inspiration, and over at Studio Calico, I find that I can routinely, almost daily, find inspiration... to quit. From their mercurial business model right down to the practices of treating customers unfairly and like children (as exampled by committing them to write an essay) and all of the wackiness in between, I can draw inspiration to get as far removed from this company as I possibly can.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 3, 2015 17:21:36 GMT
"Now boys and girls I'm going to give you an assignment. I want you to write... a theme. How Studio Calico Inspires You." OMG...seriously...why don't I blog anymore? This is THE BEST blogging fodder, EVER! I already have half the essay written in my head. that would make the best thread, not gonna lie. If only everyone would turn in snarky essays.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 3, 2015 17:17:20 GMT
I just can't even. They're crazy over there. Legit crazy. Why would they do that?
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 2, 2015 2:12:25 GMT
I didn't know of the BBB story either. Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but April and Jacqui actually seem like they would be great for each other. Way to line each other's wallets.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 23:28:44 GMT
I particularly enjoyed the thread about the alphabets. They only have one letter each. So technically it is the alphabet (no s). Then a helpful soul adds in a site you can visit that has lots of words that only use one letter each. Oy! AND you can add more letters as an add on? Is that right? It is like selling you a bike with one tire and you have to purchase the other tire for more money. Did I read that correctly? Clearly no one has time to scrap anymore either. It's getting really annoying how people are just very satisfied with all of it. Less so the new subscribers, because they really don't know any different, but the ones that have been in it for years? It's such crap. You're hacking away at all of my kit contents WITHOUT TELLING ME and you're charging me more to do it. At least the PL kit is still decent. I'm not convinced I'll keep it because the price point did go up for that also, but it's the only one that still feels "worth it".
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 23:13:47 GMT
goldenblind221 i would be very happy to send you the transparent divider pages if you would like them. i ordered my WITL kit early enough to receive them but i am not going to use them and if you are not completely discouraged and are still hoping to make a WITL album i can get you started on a new kit with the dividers and also the veneer words. Kelly, you are so awesome for offering that up. If you're truly not going to use them, I'd be happy to offer you a trade! I've got beaucoup supplies on hand and have hoarded a few things over the years so I'm bound to have something you'd love. But Savannah got back with me rather promptly regarding the kit! I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty impressed with their resolution, and really grateful that they are going above and beyond. Hi Jacelyn, I'm so glad that this brightened your day. The kit components, minus the transparencies, unfortunately, are on hold to ship from me with the additional goodies I mentioned and the stamp set I'm offering in place of the transparencies (as mentioned above). Of the following, which stamp set would you like? - Everyday Label Stamp Set - These Days Are For Stamp Set - What Today Looked Like Stamp Set I'm looking forward to getting this to you as soon as possible so that you can being enjoying it right away. Thank you so much, Savannah So, so glad that she stepped in.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 19:55:03 GMT
That would be good, too...much more tactful (and less spiteful) than my route. LOL. I have no spite in this situation. Once I got my money back, with no resistance from them, I was fine. Disappointed, but very fine. I think it was nice that they were trying to fix the experience for me. It's just kind of hilarious and almost dumbfounding how that got messed up too. How do you respond to that?
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 19:48:50 GMT
The gesture was really nice, like REALLY nice, but almost completely ruined by its own ineptitude. It's the thought that counts, though, right? I DID get my refund, so that was good. I'm just confused how to handle it from here. You don't really want to hand slap a kind gesture that failed in its execution, do you? I don't think it will come across as a hand slap if you use the right tone of voice in your message. I would think with all the effort she is putting forth to rectify the situation for you, she would want to know that someone dropped the ball in actually executing it. I would say something like, "Thank you so much for your tremendous effort to rectify the situation. I genuinely appreciate it. However, I only received the album today. Was the kit sent separately? I certainly don't expect you to send me the kit after refunding my money, but I thought you would want to know if I don't actually receive it." Damn, your message sounds so much nicer than what I sent.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:58:55 GMT
I didn't know you live in Houston!!!! I am in Katy! So, why did they get rid of the card kit again? Only one card showed a paper clipped tag to a premade card. All the rest of them were handmade cards. I just don't get it. My folks live out in Katy! Small world.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:54:55 GMT
Man, I can't figure out this message board coding in my stupid phone. Sorry guys.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:53:26 GMT
It makes me giggle. But, I am farther removed from the stupid company and have gone through my phases of grief. Had this happened to me 2 months ago, I would have been flaming. Today? I would laugh and just respond back to Savannah letting her know that "thanks for the attempt but all I received today was the album, no kit. While I appreciate you trying to 'take care of me' I think it might be best if we just let this one go for now...have a nice day." Provided the refund processes. If they still had my money, it would be a different response altogether. p.s. I deleted your address in my quote...you should delete it in your post. The gesture was really nice, like REALLY nice, but almost completely ruined by its own ineptitude. It's the thought that counts, though, right? I DID get my refund, so that was good. I'm just confused how to handle it from here. You don't really want to hand slap a kind gesture that failed in its execution, do you?
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:46:03 GMT
Oh yeah. Address.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:33:59 GMT
Okay, an update to my AE WITL issues I was having.
So I got something in the mail today, both physical and email. I checked my email first.
Hello Jacelyn, My name is Savannah, and I am the new Customer Experience Manager. I noticed from viewing your previous conversations that you have not received your 2015 Week In The Life Kit. Please accept my sincerest apologies that we did not get this out to you sooner. Melody successfully processed a full refund on 8/25/15 and we also shipped you a new kit (free of charge) to the following address: ###### Based on our tracking information (see the attached image) this should get to you as early as today. If you do not see this refund reflected on your financial records within one week from today, please let me know. You should also receive an additional package soon with some extra goodies as a personal apology from me for the delay on our part. Unfortunately, the transparencies are no longer available, however I would like to send you one of the following stamp sets at no charge as well. Please let me know which of the following you would like, and I can include that with your goodies: Everyday Label Stamp Set These Days Are For Stamp Set What Today Looked Like Stamp Set Thank you so much for your business. Have a great day, Savannah
Woohoo, right? Sounds awesome, I'm so happy that they are trying to take care of me, and all is good.
Open up the package and it's just the binder. No kit. Just the cute little binder I had picked out.
Do I get upset? Is that a reason to get upset? The free kit they were sending me didn't come through? I'm not really sure how to feel.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 18:18:44 GMT
Oh WTF. This company sucks.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 4:50:20 GMT
I ordered a stamp from SC two weeks ago. It is the only thing I have ever ordered from them. I get emails from them 3-4 times a week now. I didn't think you could order from the Sneaks (is that even a thing?) if you didn't order kits. Anything I try to put in my cart (just to see if it works) goes in. cute pup!
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 3:44:39 GMT
the papers they're producing in the main kits definitely feel like they're leaning in that direction! Because that worked SO well for the new CM company...oh wait it didn't! LOL I was thinking about how they changed the card kit to a "stationery kit" and how it was such a slap to cardmakers. They thought they were clever saying how people don't have time to make cards ("Ain't nobody got time for that!") but when they say that it makes it sound like 1) Card making is a WASTE of time 2) Hardly anyone does it anyway, so your creative passion doesn't matter 3) No creativity is even needed because we can just buy premade stuff and it is just as good (wrong!). What audience were they listening to? I wonder if this was brought on by the success of Happy Mail. Maybe it is more profitable for them to do it like this.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 2:20:51 GMT
Does Brimfield only have 2 pieces of cardstock? Seriously? Maybe they are going to go the stationery route for the scrapbook kit? Nobody has time for scrapbooking!?!? Pre-printed scrapbook pages? You can just add your pictures. Slap a little washi tape on it, and a wooden deer. the papers they're producing in the main kits definitely feel like they're leaning in that direction!
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 2:19:58 GMT
Does Brimfield only have 2 pieces of cardstock? Seriously? I was looking at the preview today and the digitals... It does look like Brimfield only has 2 pieces of cardstock and also only 1 alpha...it is a lovely alpha, but still, really? They better offer double ups on that alpha or not many titles will be happening. I was completely unimpressed with the digitals as well...no stamps I need this time...which never happens. I still have no cut off date for myself, but if I keep feeling about the kits like I do with Brimfield it won't be long until I sub over at Citrus Twist (which is my long term plan). Most of what I LOVE about SC are the papers and stamps, which all seem to be pretty available these days, so I could always buy just those items if I wanted. I think the boards are so quiet because it feels like no one over there CARES anymore, at all. Its like a bunch of ostriches, if they put their heads in the sand long enough it will blow over and everything will be fine...sigh. Not even the CT seem to care at all. There were only about 6 of them doing any sneaks anyway... Now this is all coming from me...I am a pretty big SC fangirl (I know, I know I shouldn't be...) At least the best part of SC seems to be here now, the community! I thought of myself as a HUGE SC fan girl! Not anymore.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 1:33:59 GMT
Does Brimfield only have 2 pieces of cardstock? Seriously?
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 0:56:23 GMT
I, too, love Ali's clean look. Just something about the 'cleanliness' of it all is attractive to me. Some of the DD I have seen are literally product vomit. While everyone is entitled to do their book their own way, I love that I know Ali won't have piles of crap for embellishments. this seriously made me laugh out loud.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 0:53:19 GMT
So, they won't call you when you have legitimate customer issues but are quick to offer to pick up the phone when someone questions April? Dear God...what is that place? What did I get myself into last December? JFC. I've made cult remarks before but seriously...major cultish behaviors happening over there. Also, very interesting how many jobs are available now...last fall, there was 1 job opening. Now there are about a dozen. Finally, is anyone else a little freaked that this thread has over 38 THOUSAND views but only about 900 comments? the job thing could be because they're actually growing despite themselves.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 1, 2015 0:49:26 GMT
No. I love her stuff and these are probably pretty cool but as I said in another thread out here, I have a really hard time paying for content. I used to feel that way and probably should go back to feeling that way, especially when there's so many sources of inspiration totally free just floating around the interwebs, but sometimes it just really helps me to get shit done.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 23:13:23 GMT
The GB kit was nice but I really hated the album! LOL. I still have quite a bit left from my 2014 AE kit but I'm also pretty minimalist with embellishments. It is a bit of a rub to spend money with AE knowing that SC is getting some of it...and back in June when they announced all these changes, I was adamant they were never going to see another of my pennies. But then, when I was looking at a bunch of other kit clubs, they all had SC and 7Paper stuff in them! So no matter what, SC was going to get money from me one way or another. So I justify it with Ali's stuff based on the fact that I firmly believe that she will not allow SC to completely trash her image. And I think the fact that there is such a stigma of past mess-ups hovering over DD, I believe (hope?) that they are going to be on top of things this year. That may just be my rose-colored glasses speaking, but I really hope that to be the case. But I agree, SC sucks really hard right now. I hated the album too and just embed up painting the cover. It was better than orange, haha. You are absolutely right about SC being in everything, though. One way or another, they are going to get paid. I just wish they held up their end of the transaction better.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 21:41:32 GMT
Oh, they are all so cute. I want them all!
Price is a huge factor for me. It's usually $100 for the whole shebang, so hopefully the Ali kit will be priced a little beneath that to accommodate those who want the designer mini kits. I thought the 2014 DD kit looked thin, so I passed on it and went with the December Memories kit from Gossamer Blue (wow, it feels good to say that! I never could on the SC boards) and still have a TON left over. It's on sale, btw! I'm hopeful to find something else I like besides SC/AE. I really don't want to give then more of my money when they suck so hard.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 21:23:51 GMT
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 21:00:48 GMT
Hi Goldenblind221 - glad you made it over here. I am really sad you had a bad experience with the CS for Ali. I have always been really impressed with her, her brand and the care she takes of her customers. I am betting Ali knew nothing about your situation. I have always respected how she treated her customers and those who support her brand. Was this Ali responding or who? I have always had great customer service with Ali (though I always cringe when I see that I am getting a response from SC because you never know how they will handle things). I've always been impressed when Ali addresses a problem well before her customers know there is a problem. Her transparency rocks. it wasn't Ali, it was one of her CS robots, Sarah. I've always had exemplary CS experiences with her brand, until I actually had a problem. I was totally understanding when they asked for more time to report the package as missing. But once the tracking info said it was being returned is when I began to get annoyed. Then, once I figured out that they shipped it to the wrong damn house and STILL wouldn't send me a replacement, that's when I got really ticked. They didn't ever apologize! Not one time. They were quick to throw the blame back on me though to keep my address on file up to date, which it had been for TWO MONTHS and I'd been receiving my kits just fine.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 20:50:00 GMT
Hi Jackie! goldenblind221 I am happy to see you here! I have never been able to resist an Ali E DD kit and I don't expect this year to be any different. I feel certain she has made her expectations to SC pretty darn clear for it after all that has happened recently. thanks Beth! I'm really glad to be over here now! Those December daily books have always been my favorite thing about scrapboking. I absolutely love them.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 13:04:49 GMT
Welcome goldenblind221! I'm sorry, too, that you've had issues with Ali's CS. That is concerning. I hope she's paying attention to all this and has a backup plan. I am also worried about issues with preorder on the DD kit but I'm hopeful that there won't be any. I know, realistically that that's a cock-eyed optimist statement but I really hope that Ali has taken steps to prevent issues. We'll see, I guess. Anyway, it's a nice place over here and there's lots of inspiration and people talking scrapbooking. And the great thing is that we can talk about - and link to - any brand!! It's pretty awesome, actually. Oh, and that first few weeks after I got so,pissed, I couldn't create either...but then it came back to me and I've actually been creating more! I think once you've had enough space from their madness, the mojo comes back. I'm really hoping so! Now I just have to figure out which new kit club will spark the most creativity, or stay kitless for a while. I have a butt ton of stash to work through. As far as AE goes, we'll see. December daily is something SC has managed a few times now, so hopefully they got it down.
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Post by goldenblind221 on Aug 31, 2015 13:00:02 GMT
thanks, sara! I'm definitely a little nervous about joining a whole new community, but this makes me feel really welcome! Hi goldenblind221 ! Don't be nervous, you will see lots of familiar faces from SC I am certain! I recognise your name already. I am Imperia over at SC too, but my avatar is different...my hair is hot pink. totally familiar with you and a few others! So glad to see you all here. Your photo is gorgeous, even though I was always secretly jealous of your hot pink hair.
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