lizacreates
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,862 
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Post by lizacreates on Sept 5, 2015 1:05:13 GMT
Hello, I am new here and I was never active on the SC boards and only started reading the threads there when those ridiculous price change emails came out. I agree that essay was joke, but did anyone see in the "official rules" the part about having to answer "a time-limited mathmatical skill testing question"?? And is that only if you live in Canada? WTF, I honestly can't understand that part, it doesn't make any sense.  "THE DRAW A random draw from all eligible entries received will be conducted by a Studio Calico staff member, at its office in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Tuesday, September 6, 2015 at approximately 10:00 a.m. (E.S.T.) to award the Prize, subject to these contest rules. You do not need to be present at the draw in order to win. The Prize will be awarded to the person named in the first entry drawn, subject to these contest rules, if he/she (i) correctly answers, without human, mechanical, electronic or other assistance, a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question to be administered by Sponsor during a pre-arranged, mutually convenient telephone call only if they are a resident of Canada and (ii) otherwise complies with these contest rules." Canada requires it because its law requires a level of skill and winning cannot be predicated simply on luck or chance. |
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lizacreates
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,862
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Post by lizacreates on Sept 5, 2015 1:07:46 GMT
Well I don't care about the laws Not that I think they should break the law I just think they should only do giveaways or competitions that can be open to all subbers we all pay the same amount for the kits we all pay out every month. If they can't open it to all in my opinion it shouldn't happen. I just feel subscriber perks should be open to all subscribers as we are all in a contract. And it was annoying that that was not announced and Was hidden in the terms and conditions. It's one thing giving free shipping I understand it's cheaper to ship to Americans however it's not free, the boxes are not free etc, they have deals where the domestics get free shipping and I feel internationals should get even $2 off the cost of shipping, I've no problem paying the difference. Everytime scrapbook.com run similar promotions they have a code for $6 off for internationals. I just strongly feel all subscribers should Be eligible for something they announce is a subscriber competition Just to be clear this is not aimed at either of the posters posting explanations, it's just frustrating because it's not about the competition or the shipping it's about equality which I know sounds silly but it's how I feel, I feel like a lot of the time sc makes international subscribers feel like second class citizens. And it's about feeling appreciated as customers as much as the rest of the customers are. I shouldn't have to say hey what about us we are subscribers too. But many times I do. I am not an SC insider and I’ve not even been a customer for close to three years. I can only guess that SC did this “giveaway” to create buzz and spur sales at a time when sales are flagging. (Of course, they made the mistake of obligating a purchase. This is SC, after all.) Once they framed this as a “contest,” then they were locked into the regulations of running one, irrespective of the customers’ perception or reaction. Unfortunately, it is what it is. Of course I know what you were seeking was simply fair play. And I certainly am not undermining your frustrations or criticizing how you feel. Frankly, have you had any success with SC in your dealings or SC posts or conversations that would lead you to believe int’l customers would ever gain a level playing field? Have things changed with the raised voices of int’l customers? Or have they landed on deaf ears? The reason I ask is because if your past dealings with them are used as a predictor, then the likelihood that you’ll ever perceive fairness is slim. |
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janeangel
Junior Member
Posts: 87
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Post by janeangel on Sept 5, 2015 1:30:26 GMT
Hello, I am new here and I was never active on the SC boards and only started reading the threads there when those ridiculous price change emails came out. I agree that essay was joke, but did anyone see in the "official rules" the part about having to answer "a time-limited mathmatical skill testing question"?? And is that only if you live in Canada? WTF, I honestly can't understand that part, it doesn't make any sense. "THE DRAW A random draw from all eligible entries received will be conducted by a Studio Calico staff member, at its office in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Tuesday, September 6, 2015 at approximately 10:00 a.m. (E.S.T.) to award the Prize, subject to these contest rules. You do not need to be present at the draw in order to win. The Prize will be awarded to the person named in the first entry drawn, subject to these contest rules, if he/she (i) correctly answers, without human, mechanical, electronic or other assistance, a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question to be administered by Sponsor during a pre-arranged, mutually convenient telephone call only if they are a resident of Canada and (ii) otherwise complies with these contest rules." Canada requires it because its law requires a level of skill and winning cannot be predicated simply on luck or chance. Wow! How interesting... Thanks for that info :-) |
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Post by goldenblind221 on Sept 5, 2015 4:39:47 GMT
This is the very first time in the 4 ish years I've been a subscriber that I've ever seen kits still available on clearance after this long.
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
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Post by AmandaA on Sept 5, 2015 4:50:46 GMT
I saw the email right before leaving to run to Michael's tonight... I put an add-on in my cart JUST for those number shaped paper clips (I have a problem with collecting anything with numbers on it for my DD) but then thought about how stupid that was and I really didn't want to give them more of my money. So I left... And found almost identical paper clips at Michael's AND had a coupon. YAHOO! Who needs SC  |
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Post by gigi333 on Sept 5, 2015 6:31:42 GMT
The explanation for no international entries makes complete sense. Here in Canada, it's not uncommon to see contests that specifically exclude entrants residing in one of our own provinces for the exact reasons that abr79 posted. Seems unfair, but running a everyone's included contest that opens you up to a lawsuit or financial liability is not sound business practice. Then they should just not have a contest, that's my point and the laws are not my problem, sc should have all that covered and either do something that can be open to all subscribers or do something else instead |
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Post by gigi333 on Sept 5, 2015 6:39:13 GMT
Well I don't care about the laws Not that I think they should break the law I just think they should only do giveaways or competitions that can be open to all subbers we all pay the same amount for the kits we all pay out every month. If they can't open it to all in my opinion it shouldn't happen. I just feel subscriber perks should be open to all subscribers as we are all in a contract. And it was annoying that that was not announced and Was hidden in the terms and conditions. It's one thing giving free shipping I understand it's cheaper to ship to Americans however it's not free, the boxes are not free etc, they have deals where the domestics get free shipping and I feel internationals should get even $2 off the cost of shipping, I've no problem paying the difference. Everytime scrapbook.com run similar promotions they have a code for $6 off for internationals. I just strongly feel all subscribers should Be eligible for something they announce is a subscriber competition Just to be clear this is not aimed at either of the posters posting explanations, it's just frustrating because it's not about the competition or the shipping it's about equality which I know sounds silly but it's how I feel, I feel like a lot of the time sc makes international subscribers feel like second class citizens. And it's about feeling appreciated as customers as much as the rest of the customers are. I shouldn't have to say hey what about us we are subscribers too. But many times I do. I am not an SC insider and I’ve not even been a customer for close to three years. I can only guess that SC did this “giveaway” to create buzz and spur sales at a time when sales are flagging. (Of course, they made the mistake of obligating a purchase. This is SC, after all.) Once they framed this as a “contest,” then they were locked into the regulations of running one, irrespective of the customers’ perception or reaction. Unfortunately, it is what it is. Of course I know what you were seeking was simply fair play. And I certainly am not undermining your frustrations or criticizing how you feel. Frankly, have you had any success with SC in your dealings or SC posts or conversations that would lead you to believe int’l customers would ever gain a level playing field? Have things changed with the raised voices of int’l customers? Or have they landed on deaf ears? The reason I ask is because if your past dealings with them are used as a predictor, then the likelihood that you’ll ever perceive fairness is slim. Ah I know it's pointless but I just can't help myself complaining about it!!! |
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Post by gigi333 on Sept 5, 2015 6:39:55 GMT
Wow 10 hours later and only one add on is sold out
That is very telling I'm so shocked
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Post by icequeen on Sept 5, 2015 11:44:53 GMT
Wow 10 hours later and only one add on is sold out That is very telling I'm so shocked The fact that there were so many different kits on sale is surprising. The reality that even at 50% off they aren't flying off the shelves is not surprising at all. Customers are speaking with their wallets. Either they've cancelled or they're international and cannot justify the shipping. |
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 5, 2015 12:23:04 GMT
Wow. Yeah, can't say I've seen kits at 50% off still around the next day! That either means people just aren't buying them OR they ordered way too many and now have overstock. I think part of the business model depends on 'selling out' to create hype, though, so I'd be surprised if it was overstock...
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Post by gigi333 on Sept 5, 2015 12:28:18 GMT
I suppose a lot of people spent their budgets with December daily
I bought several but only because I still have some birthday money left otherwise with dd there wouldn't have been room in my budget
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Post by icequeen on Sept 5, 2015 13:14:53 GMT
I suppose a lot of people spent their budgets with December daily I bought several but only because I still have some birthday money left otherwise with dd there wouldn't have been room in my budget I know I did. I'm not sure if having the DD pre-order two days after a monthly reveal was the best idea. I know I bundled less to have money for DD and spent < $10 at last call on some things to use in my DD. it's also put me in a Christmas crafting mindset, so if it's not holiday related, I'm not as interested. |
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Post by needtime2scrap on Sept 5, 2015 13:36:45 GMT
I know I just went and check-out out some of the sale kits and while I was tempted the Canadian $ and shipping right now would have almost been like paying full price and really I didn't like them that much. I decided that if I was willing to spend $100 on supplies I'll order from a Canadian site.
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Post by icequeen on Sept 5, 2015 14:04:34 GMT
I know I just went and check-out out some of the sale kits and while I was tempted the Canadian $ and shipping right now would have almost been like paying full price and really I didn't like them that much. I decided that if I was willing to spend $100 on supplies I'll order from a Canadian site. You could always try your luck by posting a wanted list in the Sale or Trade sub-board for the kits you want. |
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Post by epeanymous on Sept 5, 2015 14:24:13 GMT
I did buy several of the sale add-ons. The only add-on I had purchased in six or seven months was the book-themed one from July. That said, I thought the sale prices were more or less fair for the PL add-ons I bought, as opposed to bargains, and I had a few SB add-ons in my cart that I deleted after I looked at the detailed contents and decided that they weren't worth the half-off price for their contents. It is funny, because I started subbing with Summer of 69 and remember that they had the photography-themed kits (Leica, etc.) on clearance shortly after I started subbing, and that I couldn't believe how much stuff was in them for the discounted price.
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Post by Skellinton on Sept 5, 2015 15:22:03 GMT
I did buy several of the sale add-ons. The only add-on I had purchased in six or seven months was the book-themed one from July. That said, I thought the sale prices were more or less fair for the PL add-ons I bought, as opposed to bargains, and I had a few SB add-ons in my cart that I deleted after I looked at the detailed contents and decided that they weren't worth the half-off price for their contents. It is funny, because I started subbing with Summer of 69 and remember that they had the photography-themed kits (Leica, etc.) on clearance shortly after I started subbing, and that I couldn't believe how much stuff was in them for the discounted price. Yes, the prices are more accurate now that they are half off, rather than a deal, aren't they? it is crazy that they haven't sold out yet, I am really stunned by that. They must have had some serious overstock of those add ons on top of the Amelia and Baxter kits that are also half off. Are those add ons From before they announced the change over? |
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Post by maryboys on Sept 5, 2015 15:41:38 GMT
I agree that the prices at 50% off are about what the kits are really worth. It really struck me how much the kits have changed in value - less product for significantly higher price - when I looked at the sale kits last night. I know many people have already noted that!
I think that there has been excess inventory at SC for quite a while, even before changes were announced. Thinking back, it seems like it's been about a year and a half or so since kits sold out; and there have been major 'sales' on kits that they NEVER had prior to that time.
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Post by freeatlast on Sept 5, 2015 16:05:27 GMT
I agree that the prices at 50% off are about what the kits are really worth. It really struck me how much the kits have changed in value - less product for significantly higher price - when I looked at the sale kits last night. I know many people have already noted that! I think that there has been excess inventory at SC for quite a while, even before changes were announced. Thinking back, it seems like it's been about a year and a half or so since kits sold out; and there have been major 'sales' on kits that they NEVER had prior to that time. Didn't something happen about that same time that caused a lot of people to leave? We need a timeline of SC blunders. It would be very crowded! |
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scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
Posts: 4,063
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Post by scrappyesq on Sept 5, 2015 16:21:00 GMT
I'm actually surprised that there is anything left at all. If it wasn't SC having the sale I would've purchased a ton of stuff.
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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 5, 2015 16:26:13 GMT
I caved and bought a few things I had wanted before, but couldn't justify the price. This after swearing I would never buy from there again. Sigh, what can I say, I'm a sucker for a deal. Are you guys goig to pitchfork me out of this thread now? |
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Post by abr79 on Sept 5, 2015 16:49:43 GMT
LOL kaybree. No, no pitch forks. I bought a couple kits, too. I needed Frank and Ferris Wheel and at half price they were finally reasonable for me. |
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Post by saralovesducks on Sept 5, 2015 17:00:42 GMT
All my budget went to DD and Story subs this month. Go Ali!
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plmom
Shy Member
Posts: 36
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Post by plmom on Sept 5, 2015 17:05:16 GMT
So kits are still available at 50% off? I looked yesterday but I'm not interested enough to give their site another hit today. Too funny. I can't believe people are actually not going crazy for their kits anymore. I mean, we can all say we won't buy from them but if a big sale comes up, actually doing just that, not buying, is a totally different ball game, right? When I was looking around yesterday, I didn't even feel tempted to buy a kit at half price. There were a few items in the kits here and there that I thought would be nice to have but it's THEM.......I just don't want to spend my money on THEM. THEY make me feel like I'm a child. The way THEY talk down to everyone, lock and delete the threads and I can't get over Aprils message to us all about the changes in the TOU. Helpful, not hurtful and that other bullshit.
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Post by icequeen on Sept 5, 2015 17:23:50 GMT
I caved and bought a few things I had wanted before, but couldn't justify the price. This after swearing I would never buy from there again. Sigh, what can I say, I'm a sucker for a deal. Are you guys goig to pitchfork me out of this thread now? Let's be honest, I'm sure a lot of us in this thread still have subs, bundled orders, and preordered DD stuff all coming from Bowling Green. In the spirit of full disclosure, I went to buy 3x8 and 6x8 page protectors because I made a serious dent in my stash this morning (2 uninterrupted scrap hours = bliss). Ali's sold out of the skinny ones so I'm debating buying the others from SC to save on shipping and get them quick. |
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 5, 2015 17:34:49 GMT
I'm getting the Story Kits from Ali and I got DD stuff on Thursday. I'm hoping that most of the profit goes to Ali and only a small percentage gets to SC. I'm at least banking on the fact that most of their income isn't going to be the cuts from Ali, ABM, or BPC. I looked at the sale kits briefly, but honestly didn't want any of them. To buy a kit like that, I really have to LOVE at least 85% of the items included.
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Post by maryboys on Sept 5, 2015 17:48:47 GMT
I hope nobody feels ashamed for purchasing items from SC that they love and will use...I don't think any of us has ever wanted SC to go out of business. We have loved their kits and products for years and that is why we care that this is going so badly especially as of the past couple of years. 'Hope springs eternal in the human breast', after all. We've given feedback for years in hopes that things would change for the better...but it seems that is very unlikely to happen at this point. And that's why it is finally truly showing up in real numbers now - nobody can convince me that they have nearly the kit business that they used to have. April believed that the customer base was endless, and that this cycle of newbies -> disappointment, dishonesty by SC -> lost subscribers -> newbies-> could go on forever. Right now, it seems obvious that it's the other businesses keeping them afloat. Sad but true.
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lizacreates
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,862
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Post by lizacreates on Sept 5, 2015 18:15:27 GMT
More so than overstocks, customers in Canada, Australia and New Zealand (huge scrappers and crafters) are being hit hard with their plummeting currencies. I assume many of them have halted or cut back their spending in the U.S. regardless of how they feel about SC or shipping fees. Canada is also undergoing a very painful period of massive layoffs right now as crude oil prices continue to dip. SC will be alright, though, because the euro is stable and the pound is very good right now (our British friends are big scrappers). They also get a portion of Ali, ABM, etc., and Ali's products are as strong-selling as ever.
What will be truly interesting is what happens at the end of the year. That’s when thousands of customers will decide whether they’ll commit to new terms or not. I’m suspecting that diversifying (the Saldana and Brown partnerships) was done as a cushion to a possible fall in subs.
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Post by mdith4him on Sept 5, 2015 18:41:23 GMT
Very true, lizacreates, about the currency comparison. I have seen several people on the SC boards comment that with the conversion rates, they just can't buy more right now. And yes, maryboys--I would hate to see them go out of business because they do offer a lot of jobs to people in the area plus with the downward trend for scrapbooking in general, I don't want to see more companies fade away. I think eventually, though, the cycle for newbies coming in has to thin out. There is a finite number of scrappers and most people who do anything scrapbooking-related online know about SC. SC's reputation has taken a big hit as well. I think the general consensus is people still love SC's products, but they don't love the customer service, policies, or quality control as much as they have in the past. SC will either have to have a massive improvement in those areas OR they'll have to shrink their business to reflect their shrinking customer base. |
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Post by foucaultgirl on Sept 5, 2015 18:44:26 GMT
Hi! I'm foucaultgirl both here and at SC. I am waffling on if I want to cancel right now or wait until December to cancel my subs at SC. I *do* like their classes, generally (although the content seems MUCH less detailed this year than it was last year), and I generally love their products. I've been sporadically active on the boards since 2009, and have been a subscriber since 2010. I have found immense delight in and inspiration from the DT and community at Studio Calico. However, as both the kit contents and DT members seem to dwindle while the regulations about when products will be available grow more Byzantine and the penalties/terms of subscription become ore draconian, I feel that it's probably time for me to move on. Hopefully this thread will give me the push to go ahead and cancel.
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,482
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Post by cbscrapper on Sept 5, 2015 19:04:05 GMT
Hi! I've been lurking here a bit. I'm disappointed in the continued dwindling of the SB kit and am planning to cancel my sub to that after this month (I somehow got roped into an extension that I have now fulfilled). I plan to keep my PL through the end of the year and will evaluate then. I'm glad to have found this thread and have a place where people can be real.
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