amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,408
Member is Online
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Sept 3, 2020 15:05:13 GMT
Those companies used to be so active where I live. All the local crops were run by consultants. While I still order online on the rare occasion I really miss the days of active crops and events with those fabulous ladies.
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jensen84
Shy Member
Posts: 48
Jul 9, 2014 15:49:15 GMT
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Post by jensen84 on Sept 3, 2020 15:16:12 GMT
I buy from SU and CTMH often. CM very seldom. I love the quality of all three companies stuff.
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Post by tc on Sept 3, 2020 15:18:53 GMT
I'm a consultant for CTMH. They just announced they are changing a lot of the structure. Starting Oct 1. I think part of it is in recognition that home parties aren't really the majority of the business structure anymore.
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Post by hop2 on Sept 3, 2020 16:22:39 GMT
I'm a consultant for CTMH. They just announced they are changing a lot of the structure. Starting Oct 1. I think part of it is in recognition that home parties aren't really the majority of the business structure anymore. What are they changing to? In what ways?
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leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,760
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Sept 3, 2020 16:41:01 GMT
I have a CM consultant that also sells for CTMH. She does day crops and two weekend retreats a year. When I first started with CM our consultant used to teach us how to make borders. We loved her!
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Sept 3, 2020 17:41:45 GMT
My friend used to sell CTMH for the discount but stopped when they got rid of the jr. consultant or whatever it was called. I rarely buy from them now but I somehow got on a mailing list of a local gal who sells CTMH. I also have a friend who sells SU but she moved to Chicago and I haven't bought anything since she moved. She would have card classes and we'd do a card club once a month which was great. I'm sad she moved because we had so much fun making cards together. I haven't been able to replicate that vibe in a group since.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 17:41:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2020 17:43:23 GMT
No. Aren't they multi-level marketing? Or they used to be?
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Sept 3, 2020 18:02:55 GMT
No. Aren't they multi-level marketing? Or they used to be? They still are MLM’s. I guess I’ve been lucky, the only time I’ve ever been actively recruited was at a CM party and I haven’t been to one since (that was 20 years ago).
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Post by tc on Sept 3, 2020 18:21:43 GMT
I'm a consultant for CTMH. They just announced they are changing a lot of the structure. Starting Oct 1. I think part of it is in recognition that home parties aren't really the majority of the business structure anymore. What are they changing to? In what ways? Well, there's a lot and there's still a lot of questions being answered because they just gave us this information earlier this week. I'm not even sure I should be sharing this info yet, except I think it needs to be out there so customers are aware. Here are the highlights: I don't think the typical customer will see much change. If you were just placing an order online once in a while, not a whole lot will look different. Except if you were interested in the VIP program (see paragraph below). Consultants are being renamed "Makers". And then there's another level underneath Maker with lower quarterly minimums, but also a lower discount percentage that would be an option for consultants that are more hobbyists. The discount percentage for Makers *is* increasing, slightly. But...well...see below(the **). The structure of the titles, earnings, commissions, and having a team is changing for Makers. They are also adding an annual fee to continue being a Maker (this is in addition to meeting quarterly minimums). There's a new program called VIP customer that offers those customers (for a yearly fee) the chance at exclusive deals, special perks - for example Stamp of the Month is free each month with a $50 order - special sales only for VIP customers, and an award of points (sort of like Kohl's cash) for every order over a certain dollar level. I think that dollar level is $50, but don't quote me. The points are able to be acculated so customers could save points from several different orders and then basically place an order for free if they wanted to use all their points from several previous different orders. Probably the biggest change for regular customers is what happens to what we formerly called parties. A "party" used to be $150 to qualify (USD) and $25 in free product. Now there's a new program called Rewards Your Way where the makers get to decide how to divy out the rewards and to qualify for rewards you need a minimum of $100 in orders and the first reward level is $10. I still have a lot of questions about this. But this is all I am willing to share in this space at this time. PM me if you have other questions. **So while I'm seeing a higher percentage discount as a Maker, it doesn't equal a "raise" for my situation. I typically just meet my minimums each quarter and then stop. Before between my discount and two party orders of $150 each I would be "compensated" $116 in either commission or free product. If I were to keep my ordering pattern in the new structure, my "compensation" would drop to $95 (combination commission and Rewards Your Way points). Plus I need to add on an annual fee now. I'm still deciding what I want to do.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,675
Location: So Cal
Member is Online
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Sept 3, 2020 19:10:37 GMT
So you have to pay to work for them?
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Post by huskermom98 on Sept 3, 2020 19:33:20 GMT
A friend of mine does SU and hosts a monthly get-together that I attend so I have to buy something each month. Every year I think I'm going to stop going because I sometimes struggle with what to purchase, but it's fun to get together.
I only buy CM once a year. The one remaining crop I go to is hosted by a gal that sells CM (but mostly for personal/family use and because of this one crop). Some years I buy more than other years, but I don't feel obligated to buy anything just because she hosts the crop. CM has very little that is useful for me.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,799
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Sept 3, 2020 19:40:24 GMT
It seems I'm the rare scrapbooker, who has never purchased from or attended events held by any of these 3 companies/their reps.
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Post by tc on Sept 3, 2020 19:43:45 GMT
So you have to pay to work for them? Their stance is the annual fee covers your website, the credit card processing charges, and our heavily subsidized shipping rates. I get it. Not happy about it, but I get it. They haven't changed the compensation structure for more than 20 years (except for some scaling of override commissions for people who had teams). From what I have been told (and who knows?) these changes are to maintain profitability of the company's future and also remain debt free. Now, some of this has eerie similarities to what we've been seeing happening with other MLM companies who either went to direct sales or closed their doors entirely. I honestly don't know if that's in the cards or not. I hope not because I do, obviously, really like the products. There's a lot of chatter right now from consultants who have customers who do not use the online side of the business and what are they supposed to do for those customers who want to be VIP customers? I haven't seen great answers to those questions yet. I do feel like aspects of this new program remove the need for consultants or, at a minimum, reduce the emphasis on the old vision statement that we were the company that would "Show you how". For full transparency - I was a consultant for about 7 years, took a break for approximately 5 years, and signed back up a little over a year ago basically to restock my supply of inks, markers, cardstock, and do it at a discount. When I was a consultant the first time, I did get to the point where it was a side business for me (in addition to my day job). I had a team and several monthly groups, etc. That was also back during the time that I had to pay a fee for every credit card processed and at the very beginning of my first time around - they didn't even offer individual websites. This time I am basically my only customer. I had another customer, but she signed up under someone else (which was fine with me) and is also now thinking about her future with the company and if this new structure is worth it to her.
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Post by epeanymous on Sept 3, 2020 19:52:22 GMT
I went to a few SU parties when I lived in SC, but that sort of thing doesn’t seem as popular here. When there were big SB conventions, I’d always pick up a SU catalog and buy some things.
I would probably go about once a year to a party if they were still common/popular here.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 17:41:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2020 20:33:35 GMT
No. Aren't they multi-level marketing? Or they used to be? They still are MLM’s. I guess I’ve been lucky, the only time I’ve ever been actively recruited was at a CM party and I haven’t been to one since (that was 20 years ago). Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure if they still were and I'm vehemently opposed to financially supporting MLM's.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Sept 3, 2020 20:38:29 GMT
I hear you, since I've learned how horrible MLM's are I try not to give my money directly to the company but Stampin' Up has really good stamps and inks and it's hard for me to quit them fully. I haven't bought anything new in probably 3 years, I've been buying used stamps & stuff at craft flea markets lately. They still are MLM’s. I guess I’ve been lucky, the only time I’ve ever been actively recruited was at a CM party and I haven’t been to one since (that was 20 years ago). Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure if they still were and I'm vehemently opposed to financially supporting MLM's.
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Post by 950nancy on Sept 3, 2020 20:53:15 GMT
I just bought the cutest punch from Creative Memories. It is a camera. I cannot believe how expensive it was, probably due to MLM sales, but I got it for free using points on Amazon.
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Post by scrappersue on Sept 3, 2020 22:36:46 GMT
I have a few friends who are CM consultants - mostly to get a discount and a few who are CTMH consultants. If you haven't looked at their stuff recently you should because they have some really nice stuff. I bought the CM 12" trimmer that is wonderful. They also have some great punches and punch systems - I mostly borrow at retreats. I did by that camera punch because it is so dang cute. CTMH has some great scrapbooking papers and kits (and stamps) that change every couple months. I think both of these companies has kept up with the industry. I don't stamp much so don't follow Stampin Up - not sure what they are up to.
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Post by honeypea on Sept 3, 2020 22:56:06 GMT
Is it CTMH ink that Heba has been raving about? I’ve wanted to try it, but figuring out how to purchase it slowed my roll.
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Sept 4, 2020 1:35:12 GMT
My mom was a CM consultant back in the day. She would host parties where her friends would come over and scrapbook. I still use their albums, and tools. If I can get their papers or embellishments on sale, they have nice designs these days, but I do think it’s too expensive at full price. I just order on their website or amazon . I’ve never used CTMH or SU.
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Post by melanieg on Sept 4, 2020 2:16:19 GMT
My friend is w ctmh. I try to support her when i can.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,343
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Sept 4, 2020 2:20:16 GMT
I loved the CTMH albums, but I stocked up when I thought they were discontinuing the color I loved. Now I have enough albums to last me for years. They changed over time, and I really haven’t liked their stamps or much of anything since. I have bought a few things like page protectors and ink pads from a friend who does CTMH, but that’s about it. I used to order a ton of their stamps as well as their albums. Not anymore.
I do order once a year or so from SU. The last time, I ordered their stamp platform. I haven’t ordered since.
I have no interest in CM. I left them behind long ago.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Sept 4, 2020 2:26:16 GMT
Is it CTMH ink that Heba has been raving about? I’ve wanted to try it, but figuring out how to purchase it slowed my roll. If that's what it is, many consultants have a website. You just order there and it ships right to you; I don't recall the last time I went to an actual "party." I'm guessing tc can help you out; if not, I can give you the link to my demonstrator's website. ETA: I do shop with both CTMH and SU. I typically have done this through hostess clubs (spend so much each month, get a turn at being hostess and earning the rewards), though with the new rewards program for CTMH, it sounds like my demo is going to discontinue them. My CTMH demo is the one who's run all the crops I've been to in the last seven years or so. We were supposed to have a four day one in a couple of weeks (boo, covid). She's done a couple online, which were fun, just different fun. I've stuck with her because she has never required that you purchase product to attend, never required that you only use CTMH products, and never once asked me to sign up as a consultant. And I really like SU cardstock.
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Post by honeypea on Sept 4, 2020 2:51:03 GMT
Is it CTMH ink that Heba has been raving about? I’ve wanted to try it, but figuring out how to purchase it slowed my roll.
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Post by ebbie on Sept 4, 2020 4:03:53 GMT
It seems I'm the rare scrapbooker, who has never purchased from or attended events held by any of these 3 companies/their reps. I have never purchased anything from CM, CTMH, or SU either. I have attended crops hosted by reps, but never bought a thing... I'm thinking, maybe it was because I learned about scrapbooking through LSSs, rather than through one of these companies.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,408
Member is Online
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Sept 4, 2020 11:44:39 GMT
Is it CTMH ink that Heba has been raving about? I’ve wanted to try it, but figuring out how to purchase it slowed my roll. You can just order online without having to go through a consultant for all 3 of those companies.
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Post by curiouscrafter on Sept 4, 2020 16:51:30 GMT
They still are MLM’s. I guess I’ve been lucky, the only time I’ve ever been actively recruited was at a CM party and I haven’t been to one since (that was 20 years ago). Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure if they still were and I'm vehemently opposed to financially supporting MLM's. Why? I’m curious to know why you won’t support them. I do, so wonder if I missed something wrong with it.
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Sept 4, 2020 17:06:25 GMT
I mostly purchase ink from SU. I actually really like the formulation, but when creating my swatches, I discovered some of the colors from the new ink pads (so only a year or so old and barely touched) have eaten away the foam or something. The last time I had an issue with the ink in the pad itself, they accused me of trying to steal from them when I wanted them replaced (they had discontinued the ones I had and made new formulations, so I wanted the new ink pads given the drying out was not my fault but rather their production issue). That is not an exaggeration, either...the person that I dealt with said those exact words before I asked for a supervisor because I felt the accusations were incredibly rude and out of line and that that was unacceptable behavior. If anything, them selling a faulty product and trying not to honor replacing them is stealing from their customers. At any rate, that soured me on the company but I really like their inks so I sign up every once in a while when they have a good sign up deal and get a few things here and there plus inks and refills because I do really like their inks even with the occasional issue. This last time I signed up, I picked up a lot of the daisy products because I LOOOOOOOVE daisies.
For the most part, if I buy anything but the sign up order, it's clearance or used. I've found plenty of really good deals on Facebook Marketplace over the past couple of years and that's how I get 80% of the SU products that I like.
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lazorkay
Full Member
In a whirl wind time
Posts: 105
Aug 13, 2018 19:34:13 GMT
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Post by lazorkay on Sept 4, 2020 18:10:57 GMT
I haven't purchased from any of these 3 companies in quite a while. Years ago I was a CM consultant, and still use their albums and pages. I do need to get some pages, but I haven't bought anything else from them.
I like CTMH's smooth white cardstock and have been out for some time - just haven't ordered anymore.
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Post by myboysnme on Sept 4, 2020 22:03:20 GMT
I do still buy from scrap friends who are consultants. I know some CM folks who still offer crops. The others not so much.
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