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Bad business practice or protecting ideas from "spies&q
OK, this happended a couple of weeks ago and I'm still not over it. Since you all posted all this great info on Twinkling H2O, I wanted to get some to try. Since Su doesn't sell them (by the way, I'm not a demo) I tried my favorite local stamp store. She didn't sell them, but referred me to another local stamp store which I have never gone to. So away I go to buy the Twinkling H2Os. While browsing in the store I see a beautiful card. I ask the lady at the cash register (whom I assume is not the owner of the store) what was used on the card because I like the effect. She wouldn't tell me stating the following reasons:
1. They are holding a class on this technique. I love taking classes, but this class was offered at a time when I couldn't attend. I told the lady this.
She stated it would be unfair to those paying for the class, to just tell me the materials used.
2. There are "spies" from other stamp businesses and they need to protect their creative ideas.
I was sooo offended! I told her that I thought it was good business to share with customers, that's how you sell product! My hands are shaking as I type this, I'm still stunned. She basically called me a spy. When I told her that the only other stamp store in the area is the one that referred me to her store, she was unmoved!!!! I had approximately $50.00 worth of merchandise in my hands which I promptly put down and walked out.
Now I still want the twinkling H2O and I'm fighting the urge to go back there. Tell me to just order them online. If anyone has an online store that they'd recommend I'd really appreciate it!
Oh that just stinks! What, does she come up with all HER ideas for her classes and samples in the store? NOT! Oh, people like that just make me mad!!!! I hope you stuck your tongue out at her as you left. :? I'm so sorry you had to experience this!
I do have an unopened package of Twinkling H20's that I thought looked cool but haven't touched. I honestly never will. I could send them to you.
PM me if you are interested...
__________________ "Nothin' could be finer than to be in Carolina in the mornin'!"
GRRRRR
That woman obviously doesn't GET IT! Last week I went to Stamp Fanci in Pittsburgh while visiting my MIL, and Marge (?) took the time to show me so many cool things!----I had to have them! I bought MORE things, not less, and will definately go back again and again!
She probably didn't share her toys in the sandbox either...
If you are still looking where to order the Twinkling H2 o's, here are two sites. I've used both many times, and they are good companies in my opinion. I agree, that the best stores demonstrate the product. I go back to places where I have learned new techniques, and how to use products. Most stampers are very generous in sharing ideas, especially on SCS. We're all improving so much with all this knowledge.
By the way, a hint on using them. I've been told to let them dry completely before putting the caps back on the little jars. That way, they will stay nicer. I personally like the mini size, that way I can have more color choices. I never felt I was greedy in my younger days, but I want every craft item, and every color of the H2o's.
I agree with above posters...order online, write a letter to the store and tell the other store of your experience, they are not going to want to send people there if it is not a good company, especially since it is a competing store. I am sorry that happened to you, i would have walked out also...I would never return, if you go back it just shows that you walked off mad but that it had no lasting effects so the worker will not change their practices.
__________________ My avatar is my adorable niece, she makes me smile, thought she might make you smile too!!
Thanks everyone for your support!!!! I'm actually buying some from another SCS and I'm sooo happy about it!!!! I love instant gratification, and I knew in my heart that going back there wasn't the right thing to do. Further, I am going to write a letter, and let the good stamping store know what happened.
And I loved the suggestion that I should have stuck my tongue out. It made me laugh!!! I had a total visual of me doing that!!! Paranoid, mean stamp store lady!!!
I also have a situation that was similar to yours olny it turned out to my benifit!! I am a SU demonstrator and met some ladies (who had been going to another demo) and they asked how I had made one of my samples and after I explained it to them they were shocked!! They said the other demo wouldn't tell how she does things either, she would tell them they had to have a show or come to one of hers and she would demonstrate it then...they refused to book with her they said it felt like blackmail...so they got a group together and started a 10 club with me~whoohoo!! They are such a nice group of ladies too, I just love them.
So what comes around goes around as my dear grandmother would say! The store lost your business and possibly that of any who hear how you were treated, I know I wouldn't give them my business, customer service is HUGE in my mind!
Glad that you found the stuff you needed elsewhere!
Shelly
I can't believe the experience you had! Not only do my local stamping stores tell me what they use, they ENCOURAGE me to bring in a camera and take pictures!!! :shock: The only thing they WON'T tell me is how a particular technique is done if they have a paid class in process. And that's to be expected. SHEESH! And for those classes, in at least one instance, it's because they bring in outside artists to teach the classes, so they don't know how to do it anyway!
Becky G
We had a stamp store here in Vegas that was like that. I was in there and asked how a particular card was made and the owner basically told me if I wanted to know that I would have to come to the class. I was shocked because I know that if you tell people how to do it more than likely they'll buy the things from you that they need to do it! After that incident I ended up not going to that store unless I needed something IMMEDIATELY (which wasn't often). Then about a month ago I went looking for Hanukkah stamps and lo and behold they had closed!
One of my favorite stamp stores, Dewey Inkum & Howe (the retail storefront of Clearsnap, makers of Colorbox Pigment Inks/Fluid Chalk Inks, the Rollagraph wheels, and makers of SU!'s Fluid Chalk Petal Point pads, and Stampin' Around Wheels and ink cartridges!!!! ) has a delightful lady that manages the store, named Harriet.
If I walk in there and ask how something was done, she drops everything and takes me right over to her work counter and shows me.
Another stamp store in Oregon, First Impressions, has the same policy--their sales clerks are trained to go over to a work table and SHOW you about any product or technique you ask about.
Absolutely WONDERFUL! And, you can bet, even if I don't purchase the item they demonstrated for me, I make a purchase.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
When customers like a card I have made in my sample basket and I am doing it during a techniques class I will tell them how we do it basically (like the materials) so they can try it. (It is always easier to explain hands on, but I also understand that not everyone has the same schedule a I do!!!!)
Poor business? Yes! absolutely. I remember that starlitstudio posted about this a while back at a bead store. Not good customer relations, that's for sure!
__________________ I want people to be afraid of how much they love me-M. Scott
GRRRRR
That woman obviously doesn't GET IT! Last week I went to Stamp Fanci in Pittsburgh while visiting my MIL, and Marge (?) took the time to show me so many cool things!----I had to have them! I bought MORE things, not less, and will definately go back again and again!
She probably didn't share her toys in the sandbox either...
Where in Pitt? I'm going back there again end of March. Would love to have a stamp store to go to.
Re: Bad business practice or protecting ideas from "spi
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela Bounds
I ask the lady at the cash register what was used on the card because I like the effect. She wouldn't tell me stating the following reasons:
1. They are holding a class on this technique. I love taking classes, but this class was offered at a time when I couldn't attend. I told the lady this.
She stated it would be unfair to those paying for the class, to just tell me the materials used.
2. There are "spies" from other stamp businesses and they need to protect their creative ideas.
I was sooo offended! I had approximately $50.00 worth of merchandise in my hands which I promptly put down and walked out.
UNBELIEVEABLE! This makes it so easy - I would walk out too - NEVER go back.
This is where I got mine...came in just a couple of days, got an e-mail from them stating they got my order and would ship them right out. It's also the best price that I found on the internet.
I am so sorry she did that to you. I would write a letter to the owner as suggested and then let the 1st store know what happened. What the heck is twinkling H2O's? I really need to spend more time on SCS contrary to the thinking of everyone around me. Jeez!
__________________ Me in my YUCKEE old Hilton room at Convention 2005. WOO HOO WOO HOO HOO
it doesn't even make sense, spies?! so what the heck do stamp magazines publish? OLD stuff? no they publish new stuff and tell us how to do it! it's not nasa, it's STAMPING!
Location: Take off, eh? - to the great white north
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OMG lburanas Your kid is ooooooooozing CUTE!!!!!!!
I think you did the right thing - walking out without buying a thing!!! I, too, would also go back to the store that recommended them and tell the manager there what happened. Also, write a letter to the owner and tell him/her your story. Bad service needs to be "aired". Oh, yah, when you speak to the manager of the store that recommended that awful store to you, play up how helpful her help is. No harm in "airing" good service, either.
Do you remember which set you ordered? Pinefeather suggested TW-1251 which has many of the basic bold bright colors.
Thanks,
Donna
I don't know the number off hand, but it has Hot Cinnamon, Sunflower, Irredescent Green and a bunch of others! I got the smaller containers with 24 colors in the set.
How rude! I do tech classes and have lost (?) a potential student by telling them how the tech works. Lost out on money that way. :( Kinda don't want to share the goods unless you come to the class but don't want to hold out either. Same woman calls the shop every month to find out what we will be doing and then how the tech works and I just havent been able to figure out a way to say come to the class! My classes are cheap too! I only charge between $10-15 per person...all materials supplied.
Would I be rude to tell ppl who are wanting to know how to do the tech. to come to the class and find out? Kinda seems like a catch 22. I want ppl to learn and have fun but this is also the only way I make any money right now. I'm also doing all the work.
__________________ Melissa Wadkins (Mel)
Peace begins with a smile.
Member #3785
I work at Michael's crafts and if someone comes in and asks how something is made I tell them or if I dont know I ask someone.
Sometimes we dont have what they are looking for and if I know where else it can be found I tell them that. What made me mad one day I was trying to help a customer and I knew what she was looking for and I knew we had to have it and I asked the assistant manager where it was and he said we dont have it. I just walked on and told the lady I would find it for her and we did find it and it was what I asked for. She said oh they just dont want to help anyone. I really see that in some of the workers and then again one lady will quit what ever she is doing and take someone and show them guess it is all a matter of if they have good customer service skills. I think people that work with public and arent good at it should take customer service 101 LOl
Julie
__________________ A frown is a smile upside down!!!!!!!!!
I think that lady in the store needs to learn the lesson that bad service usually comes back and bites you in the a**.
As far as people coming to tech classes outside of a retail store, I think it is fair to limit the information you give out. I'm sure you give a brief description of the class outline and if someone wants more info than that without coming to the class, I would offer the instructions and work materials to her, and charge the class fee, perhaps at a discounted rate. I don't think that people should expect you to do all the work, then reap the benefits with no compensation to you.
I think it is different in a retail store, because they have everything right there to recreate whatever they are displaying and should expect that people are going to ask questions if they are interested. Many people who are avid stampers would buy the needed products and go, so they would probably benefit more from the sale and those who need instruction would still sign up for the class anyway and they would profit that way.
Boy, am I chatty tonight...
Ronda
That's how I felt. Don't get me wrong, I love taking classes, even if I know how to do a technique, because I love the interaction with others. And often you learn a twist from another student. I would have jumped on this class, but I was already committed that night.
I just think this store didn't see the forest for the trees. Not only did she loose my immediate sell, but I will never take a class there or buy anything there. Sooo There!!!!!!!
As far as the lady that only holds classes, and this is her only means of earning. I'd say it's fair to guard your information because what you are selling is information/knowledge, not products like a retail store.
I think a store is different. If they tell you the technique you will buy the supplies.
However, at my stamp camps last Christmas I had a customer come (my mom of all people). She paid for the class, and of course they never have to buy, but. . .then went to a craft store and bought the supplies. Modge Podge instead of Crystal Effects like I had used. Glitter from the craft store instead of Dazzling Diamonds. You get the idea.
She made the Christmas bulbs like we had made at my class, and gave them to teachers, friends, etc. I was shocked and hurt. She would take my ideas and then not buy the product from me.
Now she was over the other night. Saw the tiles I am making this year for my Sunday School teachers at church, and she said how did you do that, I could see her eyes thinking. It really made me mad. I didn't tell her you have to stamp in Staz-On so it won't bleed. I never mind sharing ideas, but she hasn't bought any supplies from me in over a year, and why should I just give her ideas! Maybe I'm wrong, but that is my opinion on that.
Stores blow it big time, though! I usually can't wait to try out new ideas I see there and if they help me with products, of course I will buy them there if I can't get them through Stampin' Up!
It sounds like you shopped at my local stamp store! They are pretty much the only game in town (although they are located 40 miles from me). They (including the owner) have the same attitude. I took a couple of classes from them and one of my "classmates" mentioned a card they had made at a SU workshop. The instructor went bonkers and asked that none of us mention any competition while we are taking their classes! After the class a few of the regulars were talking in the parking lot and said it is "tabu" to talk about any products they don't sell and especially about any competion while in their store. Needless to say - I haven't been back. I sooooo much want to open a stamp store to compete against them! I figure all I need to do is offer good customer service and I could put them out of business! It really irks me when this happens!
My mom does the same thing...the cheap pads from Michael's. Stamps on their 40% off sale. She even bought one of the huge rainbow pads...but she's wondering why the whole pad turned brown after it bled together. She'll even cut the front off of cards I make for her and re-use them.
At this point, I just tell her what's up and if she still wants to shop at a craft store, then any product defects are their problem *shrug*
I'm a demo and I tell all of my customers that I'm most successful when I CASE! I make it a joke. I encourage everyone to CASE and make projects their own. I don't make anything sound 'secretive'. Frankly, so many people read magazines and SCS that I'd rarely if ever be offerring something revolutionary!!
I, too, teach techniques classes. If someone can't make it to a class, I offer to help them at a different time, or give them a quick run-down of the technique. I alway highlight what SU sells and let them decide what they need to purchase. I have the most fun when I get together with a friend and stamp in the morning while the kids are in school. I end up with good relationships and future sales, too!
The more knowledge a person has the more fun they can have with their stamps!! My biggest fear is of someone buying from me and not knowing what to do with their investment!!
Finally, classes are for fun and social-time too! That store employee totally lost a potential customer and friend!
SCS is the place to be to learn new techniques and make new friends!
My mom does the same thing...the cheap pads from Michael's. Stamps on their 40% off sale. She even bought one of the huge rainbow pads...but she's wondering why the whole pad turned brown after it bled together. She'll even cut the front off of cards I make for her and re-use them.
At this point, I just tell her what's up and if she still wants to shop at a craft store, then any product defects are their problem *shrug*
Yeah, when I was a SU demo, I had to laugh when my own sister said to me "you would be SO proud of me, I got all this stuff at Michaels the other day to do stamping and scrapbooking ...." Like WHY would I be proud of that? Of course now a year later I am not a demo and another family member has just started going to classes and craft shows and has a SU demo that she is buying stuff from. Tells me about stuff she saw like I have never heard of that and all. Makes me want to scream. Ok, makes me want to sign up again. Ok everything makes me want to sign up again!
I kind of understand that the store is afraid if they tell you, then you won't sign up for the class - but really, if you tell them you aren't able to take the class, and you are obviously wanting to purchase the items right then and there to do the technique, the store is just plain silly! I would be upset because if I were the sales clerk I would just tell you the products and sell it up! Then have you sign up for the next class - make a waiting list if enough people are interested and have the teacher do another class! Hello!
I became a demo because of a great little hole in the wall stamp store. Met the lady at a craft fair. She showed me how to color the stamp and do some other neat things! When I went to her store she had embossing paste - haven't seen it anywhere else yet. Anyway, saw a beautiful simple rose she had done and asked how? She showed me the product, let me sample try it right there and guess what? I BOUGHT IT!!! She held classes too, but understood some people just can't make it. Sure a class you can do "under the table" and you get a whole card or whatever from, but you do it to encourage the use of a product. Her little store went out of business and I found SU before she closed. I even gave her one of my first catalogs and got a customer from her store too! Customer service seems to be becoming a lost art. When I get together with friends/customers to just stamp and play, I'm always happy to let them try/use my stuff, cause GUESS WHAT? Then they want some too! I have a customer that tells me I'm too generous sometimes. I smile at her and ask "and how much did you just spend with me?". She usually spends at least $80, usually more every other month! So, give a little GET A LOT!
Bad business practice or protecting ideas from "spies&q
