kaybree
Full Member
Posts: 248
Jul 23, 2015 10:38:23 GMT
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Post by kaybree on Sept 3, 2015 19:08:19 GMT
Perhaps they realized they were holding an illegal lottery versus a legal giveaway. They probably "figured it out" from reading this thread ...
EDIT: If they were going to allow for "essays" they would need to allow time for someone to actually mail the essay to their office, per their rules and regulations. They can't even create a good scam if they try ...
That was my point exactly. |
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Post by mom on Sept 3, 2015 19:17:54 GMT
Wow - I am just reading up on this mess. This truly is a cluster*ck.
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Post by STBC on Sept 3, 2015 19:30:14 GMT
Wow - I am just reading up on this mess. This truly is a cluster*ck. Seriously!!! Can't make this stuff up! It's crazy.
I like that when you go to their main page, one of the images is the "good enough" card 
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Post by anniefb on Sept 3, 2015 19:33:11 GMT
Yes. I have been a PL subber from the first kit, which I subscribed to sight unseen (I was a SB subber but dropped my SB sub a few years ago). I am not under any commitment now but am likely to sub through December. I will not be re upping in January under the terms they have for a very simple reason: I no longer trust the company. I am not committing to six or twelve months of kits when the company changes kit contents, policies, the nature of subscriptions, and prices. I am sure I am not the only person in my position. I'm guessing the bottom is going to drop out that month. I could've written most of this myself. I have completely lost faith in what my PL kit will include each month. This month's reduction in card stock in the SB kit without any notice was the last straw. What sort of business thinks it's okay to reduce quantities by 50% and not inform subscribers? I still love most of their products and can't say I'll never shop there again. However, I most definitely will not commit to 6 or 12 months of kits knowing that the box could be half-empty any given month. I can only imagine the volume of subber deals that will be sent out in January under the guise of a New Year Sale they had *always* planned on having because they're just so thoughtful.  Too bad their server can't seem to get it together and send them to all registered community members. LOL Yep, yep and yep. |
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Post by anniefb on Sept 3, 2015 19:41:07 GMT
I'm pretty sure they realized it was illegal or something because they thread has been altered from the original to include a new "Official Contest Rules" form that you can download that wasn't there before. The OP locked the thread and then about 20 minutes or so later there was a form you could download on dropbox. In that form there is a section that stated this: Maximum one (1) entry per person per item for a maximum of ten (10) entries – if it is discovered in the ordinary course of the contest that you entered more than once, you will be disqualified. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY: To enter, you must purchase one of the items above or have the option to write a minimum 1,750 word essay on how Studio Calico inspires you. To be entered, mail your essay to: Studio Calico Bundling Contest, Studio Calico, 114 Corporate Court Bowling Green, KY 42103, USA (the “Contest Address”). If submitting an essay you must include your name, address and phone number on top of your essay, and include your signature at the bottom of your essay. All essays must be originals and not mechanically reproduced. If mailing in an essay entry, to be eligible for the contest, such entry must be received prior to 11:59 p.m. (EST time) on the Contest Closing Date. Entrants who are under the age of majority in their province or territory of residence must have their essays signed by a parent or legal guardian. I am peeing my pants right now. An essay on how SC inspires you? OMFG. I am sooooo tempted to write one but it wouldn't be received by their contest closing date. I seriously can't stop laughing. OMG this made my day. And I think you should definitely write that essay  |
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Post by katemac on Sept 3, 2015 20:27:20 GMT
Wow, did you see what they posted? sgillispie says…
Hey everyone- Here is the latest with the contest: It is officially closed.
gigi333, sadly, we can't allow international customers to enter due to certain laws- shipping does not play a role here. We explained all of this in the contest rules and regulations. Unfortunately, in our excitement to give you an opportunity to win we committed an error by not posting these rules before the contest opened. The community pointed out our mistake, and unfortunately now we have to close the contest. I totally understand where this can be frustrating and I hope you'll forgive us. We promise to be more mindful in the future to include ALL information and regulations from the beginning. I'm so sorry!  In the mean time, please be on the lookout for a new contest in the message boards from the Customer Service team. We got our hands on some extra adorable alphas that we are looking to give away! |
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Post by katemac on Sept 3, 2015 20:28:47 GMT
Oh and then she locked the thread, of course.
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 3, 2015 20:33:59 GMT
Wow, did you see what they posted? sgillispie says… Hey everyone- Here is the latest with the contest: It is officially closed. gigi333, sadly, we can't allow international customers to enter due to certain laws- shipping does not play a role here. We explained all of this in the contest rules and regulations. Unfortunately, in our excitement to give you an opportunity to win we committed an error by not posting these rules before the contest opened. The community pointed out our mistake, and unfortunately now we have to close the contest. I totally understand where this can be frustrating and I hope you'll forgive us. We promise to be more mindful in the future to include ALL information and regulations from the beginning. I'm so sorry! In the mean time, please be on the lookout for a new contest in the message boards from the Customer Service team. We got our hands on some extra adorable alphas that we are looking to give away!
So people who entered by buying stuff still are entered in the contest? And no one else has the chance? Shouldn't they say the contest was voided or something else?
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Post by jjwalker9183 on Sept 3, 2015 20:55:14 GMT
I just find it so telling and so fitting that the boards are blowing up now...because of Ali and Ali alone.
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Post by gigi333 on Sept 3, 2015 20:55:35 GMT
I don't understand this law, They gave prizes to internationals at the reveal prize thing what's the difference?  Wow a years sb kit worth 400+ or some alphas!!! |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 21:12:53 GMT
I just find it so telling and so fitting that the boards are blowing up now...because of Ali and Ali alone. It's the most active the boards have been in months. |
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lmcge
New Member
Posts: 8 
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Post by lmcge on Sept 3, 2015 21:13:36 GMT
I don't understand this law, They gave prizes to internationals at the reveal prize thing what's the difference? Wow a years sb kit worth 400+ or some alphas!!! Now now gigi, be sensible. It's alphA! One of each letter thank you. It will hone your creativity. You could write an essay about it. Once your get sufficient alpha sheets to compose it, one letter at a time. |
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Post by anniefb on Sept 3, 2015 21:18:18 GMT
I don't understand this law, They gave prizes to internationals at the reveal prize thing what's the difference? Wow a years sb kit worth 400+ or some alphas!!! Oh, gimme some alphas please  I was looking for an appropriate smiley - maybe this one will do. 
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 21:19:20 GMT
I don't understand this law, They gave prizes to internationals at the reveal prize thing what's the difference? Wow a years sb kit worth 400+ or some alphas!!! I think it has to do with rules and regulations governing sweepstakes and giveaways in other countries. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweepstakes |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 21:20:34 GMT
I don't understand this law, They gave prizes to internationals at the reveal prize thing what's the difference? Wow a years sb kit worth 400+ or some alphas!!! Oh, gimme some alphas please I was looking for an appropriate smiley - maybe this one will do.
And here I thought that ridiculous cancellation policy would be the demise of SC. Smaller things have brought down bigger companies. Don't eff with the FTC. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 26, 2024 4:27:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2015 21:37:23 GMT
I know people still love SC's products, but I just can't understand how people want to continue to do business with this company. This is probably the most shady, sneaky, full of shit company I've come across. They continue to pull crap, and get away with it. They delete, lock, ignore issues, yet people still put up with it. WHY?
So there was no mention of Internationals not being able to participate, yet at least one international did purchase something to be entered, even though it was supposed to be NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, and they find out after the fact, they're not eligible. I can't wrap my brain around this.
How does this company continue to get away with this? And how do they still have a a following?
I'm sorry that probably sounds harsh for those that still love their stuff, but this company isn't changing. And, their bull is getting worse. They aren't going to change.
I said this somewhere earlier in the thread: fool me once, shame on you; fool me once shame on me. This company does this crap over and over and over and yet people keep going back for more. I don't get it.
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 21:41:45 GMT
It's too bad it came to this with the giveaways. And I'm sure there are going to be people who side-eye the people who pointed out the illegality of the contest (or side-eye those of us out here talking about it because, like others have stated, I'm sure SC is monitoring this thread). Who's it hurting, right?
But, this company is grossing more than 7 MILLION DOLLARS in revenue. They are not some small little mom and pop shop who can get away with a "whoops! we made a mistake!" They have a giant subscription base (shrinkage yet to be seen), they have 3 companies under their umbrella and they just collaborated/partnered with two pretty big brands/blogs. That's not small potatoes. They need to be accountable and they need to do things right.
April posted something in her IG awhile back when their CFO passed away about how he was helping her figure out how to be a "real company"...well, obeying the laws are a pretty big part of being a real company, people.
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Post by icequeen on Sept 3, 2015 21:55:20 GMT
It's too bad it came to this with the giveaways. And I'm sure there are going to be people who side-eye the people who pointed out the illegality of the contest (or side-eye those of us out here talking about it because, like others have stated, I'm sure SC is monitoring this thread). Who's it hurting, right? But, this company is grossing more than 7 MILLION DOLLARS in revenue. They are not some small little mom and pop shop who can get away with a "whoops! we made a mistake!" They have a giant subscription base (shrinkage yet to be seen), they have 3 companies under their umbrella and they just collaborated/partnered with two pretty big brands/blogs. That's not small potatoes. They need to be accountable and they need to do things right. April posted something in her IG awhile back when their CFO passed away about how he was helping her figure out how to be a "real company"...well, obeying the laws are a pretty big part of being a real company, people. And if you personally don't know all the relevant laws, make sure you hire people who do (or who have the common sense to look into legalities BEFORE posting things for public consumption). If this was my company, I'd be seriously PO'd at the marketing head who's job description probably includes overseeing any promotional materials begin sent out. |
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Post by katemac on Sept 3, 2015 22:07:24 GMT
seriously, how do they not have someone on staff that knows about that kind of thing? They're a big company!! It's mind-boggling.
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kaybree
Full Member
Posts: 248
Jul 23, 2015 10:38:23 GMT
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Post by kaybree on Sept 3, 2015 22:13:49 GMT
I really don't understand it. They could have "revised" the terms allowing a "no purchase necessary" clause, and kept the contest running. Shutting it down early seems like sour grapes to me. And I don't understand the not open to internationals thing either. When they did the golden ticket promo a year or so ago, it was for a 6-month subscription, and I think one of the three winners was international. What changed, or are they just determined to be arseholes on purpose?
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 22:16:57 GMT
I really don't understand it. They could have "revised" the terms allowing a "no purchase necessary" clause, and kept the contest running. Shutting it down early seems like sour grapes to me. And I don't understand the not open to internationals thing either. When they did the golden ticket promo a year or so ago, it was for a 6-month subscription, and I think one of the three winners was international. What changed, or are they just determined to be arseholes on purpose? My guess is that they have been running illegal sweeps for awhile now. |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 22:19:28 GMT
It's too bad it came to this with the giveaways. And I'm sure there are going to be people who side-eye the people who pointed out the illegality of the contest (or side-eye those of us out here talking about it because, like others have stated, I'm sure SC is monitoring this thread). Who's it hurting, right? But, this company is grossing more than 7 MILLION DOLLARS in revenue. They are not some small little mom and pop shop who can get away with a "whoops! we made a mistake!" They have a giant subscription base (shrinkage yet to be seen), they have 3 companies under their umbrella and they just collaborated/partnered with two pretty big brands/blogs. That's not small potatoes. They need to be accountable and they need to do things right. April posted something in her IG awhile back when their CFO passed away about how he was helping her figure out how to be a "real company"...well, obeying the laws are a pretty big part of being a real company, people. And if you personally don't know all the relevant laws, make sure you hire people who do (or who have the common sense to look into legalities BEFORE posting things for public consumption). If this was my company, I'd be seriously PO'd at the marketing head who's job description probably includes overseeing any promotional materials begin sent out. The same marketing head that's running a $60 marketing for creatives course? I don't see April being PO'd at her.  |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 22:20:55 GMT
Wow - I am just reading up on this mess. This truly is a cluster*ck. Seriously!!! Can't make this stuff up! It's crazy.
I like that when you go to their main page, one of the images is the "good enough" card
I think that's their company motto. Followed by "sorrynotsorry" |
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Post by icequeen on Sept 3, 2015 22:25:58 GMT
And if you personally don't know all the relevant laws, make sure you hire people who do (or who have the common sense to look into legalities BEFORE posting things for public consumption). If this was my company, I'd be seriously PO'd at the marketing head who's job description probably includes overseeing any promotional materials begin sent out. The same marketing head that's running a $60 marketing for creatives course? I don't see April being PO'd at her. Being able to get people to drop $60 a head, and still show that you don't know squat about the legalities behind marketing? Clearly someone knows how to spin and sell snake oil. However, an ethical business owner who fears the government may want to have a little sit down with her to ensure this doesn't happen again. You have to wonder what would've happened if someone just reported them vs warning them on IG or FB that they were breaking the law. |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 3, 2015 22:29:54 GMT
The same marketing head that's running a $60 marketing for creatives course? I don't see April being PO'd at her. Being able to get people to drop $60 a head, and still show that you don't know squat about the legalities behind marketing? Clearly someone knows how to spin and sell snake oil. However, an ethical business owner who fears the government may want to have a little sit down with her to ensure this doesn't happen again. You have to wonder what would've happened if someone just reported them vs warning them on IG or FB that they were breaking the law. I 100% agree with you. The bolded part, however, may be where there are problems and why this keeps happening. |
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 3, 2015 22:30:11 GMT
Holy wow.
I just got home from work (having been following along with everything all day, ha!). I said to my husband, "Well, crap went down today on the scrapbook forums..." and he said, "What, with that same company AGAIN?!" haha, he knows exactly what I'm talking about! After I explained the day's events, he asked why anyone would still buy from them. I didn't have an answer.
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bethann64
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by bethann64 on Sept 3, 2015 22:48:58 GMT
OK I think that is all she wrote for me.... I am convinced. Unreal.
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Post by freeatlast on Sept 3, 2015 22:53:41 GMT
This is what happens to a business when the criteria you use for hiring people consists of them kissing your butt, drinking coffee and wearing cute outfits. I would really like to know how many of the key executives hold advanced business degrees and held similar positions at similarly sized companies. As a company moves from the mom-and-pop store to a multi-million organization having experienced people to guide the growth is critical.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Sept 3, 2015 23:01:40 GMT
^^^YES, YES, YES^^^
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 3, 2015 23:23:09 GMT
I think one of its biggest problems is trying to be both. Don't market yourself as a small business if you can't give it that kind of attention. SC used to be great at that, and gained a lot of devoted followers because of it. But they grew, and now they're no longer small (at least in this industry), so it would be wise for them to act like a big girl business and start making that separation. Honestly, if the message boards are giving them all these problems, they need to shut it down, or hire people (plural) whose job it is to moderate and actually address the customers. No more of this fingers-plugged-in-my-ears-lala-can't-hear-you stuff. Hire some folks to take up community responsibility, let the community know about it (because we're actually pretty good at self-policing and helping each other out), and let those hired people handle or redirect customer issues that shouldn't, but ultimately do anyway, wind up on the message board. And aside from that, truly, above and beyond everything else, pay attention. The devil is in the details, and they are just letting so much stuff get messed up, and it's really unprofessional and creates volumes more work to fix than to proof. The trust of your customer is so important. Do everything you can to KEEP it. Once it's gone, it's gone.
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Too bad their server can't seem to get it together and send them to all registered community members. LOL
In the mean time, please be on the lookout for a new contest in the message boards from the Customer Service team. We got our hands on some extra adorable alphas that we are looking to give away!
