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Post by grammadee on May 15, 2020 16:20:52 GMT
Simple Stories just announced a planned Virtual Scrap Weekend RetreatNot sure the value of their "swag bag" or their day of virtual classes, but cost of the weekend is $125 US. What do you think?
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,345
Jun 28, 2014 21:14:36 GMT
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Post by kitbop on May 15, 2020 16:34:37 GMT
Well, first, it's not open to any international participants. And second, I quibble with the price. They have no venue costs, food costs, set up/take down costs, travel costs (for them I mean, for the staff teaching). I just don't think it's worth it, I'd prefer to spend my money on supplies alone. And shipping isn't included with warehouse purchases. Even if I were in the US, it would be a no from me.
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Post by hop2 on May 15, 2020 16:41:00 GMT
Wow $125 unsure That’s all I’ve got right now. My life is unsure, June is definitely unsure, and I’m not familiar enough with simple stories to decide if that’s worth $125. What if my internet craps out like on NSD? What value would I have then? It makes it like the class content will only be there live and if you can’t see it for some unforeseen reason your out of luck. Also I’m not really wanting a mini album class I’m sort of done with mini albums ( that’s just me that’s not on them that a valid class ) I don’t think I can commit to that. kitbop Good point about the additional shipping!
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leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,611
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on May 15, 2020 17:29:25 GMT
I saw that too. There is another company, can't remember who, who is hosting a virtual class for $15 but all you get is admission to the site. No supplies. I think that costs too much. I have participated in two free online events, Great Lakes Event and One of a Kind . Both are normally in person events like Stamp and Scrapbook Expo but they took the events to Facebook. There is no charge and they have vendors who would normally be onsite, do short video and/or Facebook live videos. They have giveaways too! Many of the vendors offer class kits ahead of time for purchase so you can follow along. And of course there are the shopping deals! I love these because I am in California so I would not normally attend these events.
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Post by grammadee on May 15, 2020 17:30:48 GMT
I hadn't seen the line about international, kitbop, or read any details, like shipping is extra. The thought I had was without the food or refreshments, added bonus of personally meeting the instructors or handling the product before buying, the price seemed steep to me. But I have not enrolled in many on line classes, so was looking for a comparison.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on May 15, 2020 18:04:28 GMT
to me, that sounds high. I could see that price for the in-person classes, and the cost of the venue, snacks, etc. for everyone... it's good that they're sending you the swag bag and class supplies so it will feel as "real" as it can-- but even WITH 'exclusive' live videos that you can follow along with for the classes (and in what time zone? lol) and an 'exclusive' list of things you can purchase from the warehouse sale, they should DEFINITELY drop the price at least somewhat for having to make it a totally virtual event.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 29, 2024 10:32:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2020 19:16:42 GMT
With all the amazing online content and fun stuff coming out (I'm looking at you Shimelle, and you Cocoa Vanilla!) I could not justify that amount of $$ on a virtual event.
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Post by 950nancy on May 15, 2020 19:32:44 GMT
You no doubt get a fair amount of swag for that price They probably paid a lot less for the product. However I doubt that I would want all of that product from one particular company that I already have a lot of paper from. If I knew what the product was and the content of the classes and the final projects, it would be worth the price if I wanted it all. Now I could also go to SB.com and get $125 of stuff I really wanted to complete projects and go online and watch Shimelle or lots of other designers putting out their content for free. I have been to a couple of classes by Layle, and we made an entire travel album + class for $60 and that also included paying the person who hosted the class. Now I have a template for creating little albums by Simple Stories and can buy all of the supplies for around $30-40 bucks. For the $125 + 15 shipping, I could easily make 4 albums as gifts for Christmas.
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Post by aj2hall on May 15, 2020 20:10:39 GMT
They posted this a few months ago as an in person event. An actual trip to the warehouse would be fun. I’m a little tempted but hesitating because of the cost. I wish they would post pictures of the classes, a peek of the swag bag or the exclusive deals.
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Post by Linda on May 15, 2020 20:51:53 GMT
WAY too much for my budget but I don't usually do online classes - I did pay $5 for the WITL prep party and felt that was both affordable and well worth the price. But $125 is more than I would spend for an in-person class/event and more than I would spend on supplies over several months of shopping.
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Post by grammadee on May 15, 2020 21:34:12 GMT
You no doubt get a fair amount of swag for that price They probably paid a lot less for the product. However I doubt that I would want all of that product from one particular company that I already have a lot of paper from. If I knew what the product was and the content of the classes and the final projects, it would be worth the price if I wanted it all. This is another thing. I have not bitten on many of the grab bag deals, b/c I think that even $50 goes further on stuff I actually like and would use than on the supposed $100+ "value" of the bag someone else chooses. I love Simple Stories collections, but I DO own alot of SS paper, and wondering if the "swag" would be older stuff that didn't sell out (a warehouse sale is just that, isn't it?). Now if it were the newest lines (which might be the case if you were attending a live event and taking classes on how to use the new stuff) then it wouldn't be so bad to just take a chance. But $125 US is over $170 Canadian, plus tax, plus shipping. So if I had and extra $200, I would probably be better off to treat myself to something I really want.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,810
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on May 15, 2020 22:01:20 GMT
This is put on by the lady who used to own a San Jose scrapbook store and sold it last year, they were going to have a trip to Simple Stories warehouse and do all the things there and it was like $300+ I think with no hotel or airfare to event. From what I understand, the amount of stuff you get would be well over $125 so basically it's like getting a mystery box worth $300 or something like that, plus they will have youtube live classes and will have a few raffles and giveaways. That all being said, I won't be doing it, I'd rather spend my $125 on things I know I would use vs getting a crap ton of new and old stuff that I probably won't use.
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Post by honeypea on May 15, 2020 23:01:32 GMT
I think that price is beyond ridiculous.
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Post by 950nancy on May 15, 2020 23:02:06 GMT
This is put on by the lady who used to own a San Jose scrapbook store and sold it last year, they were going to have a trip to Simple Stories warehouse and do all the things there and it was like $300+ I think with no hotel or airfare to event. From what I understand, the amount of stuff you get would be well over $125 so basically it's like getting a mystery box worth $300 or something like that, plus they will have youtube live classes and will have a few raffles and giveaways. That all being said, I won't be doing it, I'd rather spend my $125 on things I know I would use vs getting a crap ton of new and old stuff that I probably won't use. I know a lady who organizes these warehouse trips, but I think she has them go to Doodlebug. She does classes with the paper/embellishments and they can also shop. The people who actually go in person LOVE them and go year after year. I'd be much more tempted to go if I could go in person. I'll pay a little more for social interaction.
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Post by hop2 on May 15, 2020 23:09:00 GMT
This is put on by the lady who used to own a San Jose scrapbook store and sold it last year, they were going to have a trip to Simple Stories warehouse and do all the things there and it was like $300+ I think with no hotel or airfare to event. From what I understand, the amount of stuff you get would be well over $125 so basically it's like getting a mystery box worth $300 or something like that, plus they will have youtube live classes and will have a few raffles and giveaways. That all being said, I won't be doing it, I'd rather spend my $125 on things I know I would use vs getting a crap ton of new and old stuff that I probably won't use. If the classes were still available after, in case you get disconnected or have an issue that would be good but their advertising says if your can’t make it too bad. Which leads me to believe the content will only be available live and not after. No thanks. I’ve had too many internet issues lately
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Post by refugeepea on May 15, 2020 23:23:40 GMT
It probably is worth the money. I haven't heard bad reviews about Simple Stories. I have been to their warehouse. It's in a group of older buildings that were used during WWII. It's very cool looking! Some doors to the warehouse were opened before I went in their office area. I don't know, it's... a warehouse. I guess I don't see the appeal of a tour? I've seen WRMK and Echo Park and they are...warehouses.
ETA: I don't have an interest in classes. My type of scrapbooking is your basic cutting and pasting. I like to keep it simple, that's why it does not appeal to me.
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Post by refugeepea on May 15, 2020 23:28:11 GMT
And shipping isn't included with warehouse purchases. Hmm, curbside pickup perhaps? Get my product at a discount, since I skip the classes. I don't live that close but gas is cheap right now!
ETA: Forgot to add they have the CUTEST office area!
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Post by Ryann on May 15, 2020 23:50:51 GMT
This is put on by the lady who used to own a San Jose scrapbook store and sold it last year, they were going to have a trip to Simple Stories warehouse and do all the things there and it was like $300+ I think with no hotel or airfare to event. From what I understand, the amount of stuff you get would be well over $125 so basically it's like getting a mystery box worth $300 or something like that, plus they will have youtube live classes and will have a few raffles and giveaways. That all being said, I won't be doing it, I'd rather spend my $125 on things I know I would use vs getting a crap ton of new and old stuff that I probably won't use. If the classes were still available after, in case you get disconnected or have an issue that would be good but their advertising says if your can’t make it too bad. Which leads me to believe the content will only be available live and not after. No thanks. I’ve had too many internet issues lately In the "About the Classes" section in the link provided by the OP it states the YT videos will be available after the event so they can be watched "at your leisure".
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 16, 2020 0:05:40 GMT
No way would I pay $125 for sight unseen swag bag and classes.
I could buy a whole lot of fabulous for $125, and know exactly what I'm getting.
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Post by hop2 on May 16, 2020 0:28:13 GMT
If the classes were still available after, in case you get disconnected or have an issue that would be good but their advertising says if your can’t make it too bad. Which leads me to believe the content will only be available live and not after. No thanks. I’ve had too many internet issues lately In the "About the Classes" section in the link provided by the OP it states the YT videos will be available after the event so they can be watched "at your leisure". That’s good to know but on the Main page they said no refunds if you can’t make it sell your spot. Which if it’s isn’t time sensitive what can’t you make?
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Post by joblackford on May 16, 2020 1:08:07 GMT
In the "About the Classes" section in the link provided by the OP it states the YT videos will be available after the event so they can be watched "at your leisure". That’s good to know but on the Main page they said no refunds if you can’t make it sell your spot. Which if it’s isn’t time sensitive what can’t you make? I'm not certain but I think that's either a hold over from the original event posting that they didn't edit, or just a general disclaimer to make sure that if you change your mind about the class for any reason you won't be getting a refund. I think maybe they didn't alter the wording very well because who the heck would sell their spot to a virtual class? It does clearly say a scroll or so above the cancellation bit that that the videos will be available afterwards. But watching a Live class presumably means you can interact through chat, which is a little different to just watching a video later, so that part is time sensitive, and some people might try to bail if they find out they can't participate live on the day.
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Post by joblackford on May 16, 2020 1:12:41 GMT
IMO it's a lot to pay. Especially when they have the cheek to charge $14 shipping on the $125 class materials, as well as extra shipping on the warehouse extras. I know shipping isn't ever really free, but dang! I am guessing they already had the swag bags sorted and absorbing the cost of the flat rate box was going to cut into their margins too much. I guess they'll be paying their teachers and there will still be costs.
But no, I'd rather spend the money on product I choose. And I get more than enough Layle in her 1-2 hour Saturday Live rambles on YT! I like her and I'm sure (hope) she'll focus more for this, but, yeah, no...
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Post by artisticscrapper on May 16, 2020 1:34:31 GMT
When I saw the post I thought it seemed expensive for all that they don’t have much overhead. Glad to see I’m not the only one. I usually just watch videos for ideas anyway. $125 would by some very nice scrappy goodies and I’d get to pick what I want.
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Post by 950nancy on May 16, 2020 1:41:01 GMT
It probably is worth the money. I haven't heard bad reviews about Simple Stories. I have been to their warehouse. It's in a group of older buildings that were used during WWII. It's very cool looking! Some doors to the warehouse were opened before I went in their office area. I don't know, it's... a warehouse. I guess I don't see the appeal of a tour? I've seen WRMK and Echo Park and they are...warehouses.
ETA: I don't have an interest in classes. My type of scrapbooking is your basic cutting and pasting. I like to keep it simple, that's why it does not appeal to me.
I was at their warehouse in Utah two years ago. It was very cool to see in person (and I loved the discount papers). Some warehouses actually have scrapping areas attached. I would go to a crop at one of those.
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Post by hop2 on May 16, 2020 3:04:38 GMT
That’s good to know but on the Main page they said no refunds if you can’t make it sell your spot. Which if it’s isn’t time sensitive what can’t you make? I'm not certain but I think that's either a hold over from the original event posting that they didn't edit, or just a general disclaimer to make sure that if you change your mind about the class for any reason you won't be getting a refund. I think maybe they didn't alter the wording very well because who the heck would sell their spot to a virtual class? It does clearly say a scroll or so above the cancellation bit that that the videos will be available afterwards. But watching a Live class presumably means you can interact through chat, which is a little different to just watching a video later, so that part is time sensitive, and some people might try to bail if they find out they can't participate live on the day. Well, that’s why I was confused. It didn’t make sense.
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Post by sleepingbooty on May 16, 2020 19:43:48 GMT
This seems very expensive for a virtual event even with paper goodies included... I'm really surprised that Simple Stories went this high! They're usually on point with their pricing (and beating most of the competition when it comes to quality albums for the right amount of bucks) but this seems way out there. This doesn't line up with the brand's image.
That swag bag better be a swag box...
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hello
One Post Wonder
Posts: 1
May 17, 2020 0:41:44 GMT
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Post by hello on May 17, 2020 1:04:42 GMT
Hi! This is Amber the owner of Simple Stories. I usually steer clear of message boards as I know everyone has their own opinion of designs, styles, brands, and collections - but I wanted to jump on this thread to clear up some misconceptions. Just to clarify, this is NOT a Simple Stories event. It’s actually an event hosted by Creative Escape Events that are featuring our products and company. Creative Escape Events is owned and operated by Laurie Jimenez a small independent retailer that has been in the industry for many years. They have done events similar to this featuring other manufacturers like Hero Arts and Lawn Fawn Stamps, and have plans to do their 2021 events with other companies like Echo Park, etc. The event has been planned for almost a year and was originally planned as an in-person event, but had to be canceled due to the Covid-19 virus. Creative Escape customers who registered for the event were disappointed and requested a virtual event instead – this was their solution to accommodate customers who were excited about the event and didn't want to miss the classes, giveaways, goodies, and products of the actual event. Just to be clear all decisions, costs, registration, teachers, and payments are handled through Creative Escape Events, not Simple Stories. As a small family-owned scrapbook company in the industry, we do our best to support our independent retailers and customers. Where we are not the owners of the website or the event, if you have further questions or concerns about the event we encourage you to visit the Creative Escape Events registration page at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vnm55x6ab&oeidk=a07egv7hust27d4280c or reach out to Laurie directly to find out what the class materials include and all the goodies that attendees will be receiving. We love our community and industry! Happy Creating
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Post by refugeepea on May 17, 2020 1:14:58 GMT
Thanks hello for responding. I'm a big fan of your products! Any chance you'll have a warehouse sale soon?
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,389
Sept 5, 2015 18:24:10 GMT
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Post by cbscrapper on May 17, 2020 1:55:53 GMT
hello thanks for clarifying for us! Since we may have your attention, many of us on the board love your albums (and all your product) and would really love to see you make the 6x8 albums with larger spines (like you do for the Christmas album each year). I use your Snap albums for all my vacation albums, and by the time it’s complete, it could really use that extra inch for the spine/rings! Thanks for considering it!
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Post by grammadee on May 17, 2020 3:54:59 GMT
Thanks for clarifying, hello.
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