The Angel Company closing?

[jeanstamping2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. Joy

I just wanted to say "thank you" to all of you wonderful Angels who have worked so hard to inspire us! I enjoyed my time as an Angel a number of years ago, and I only hung up my wings when I started my Day Planner business, but I've been so inspired by all of you and encouraged by your friendships and in love with your stamps that I actually had considered signing up again, but just didn't think the timing was right. I'm sure the Lord had a reason for that now. I am so sorry for Mischelle and her family - and for each of you as well. As a small business owner myself, I can imagine the range of emotions that each of you will go through on your way to your "new normal". I hope that each of us, angels or not, will continue to make Mischelle's dream a reality - not just a stamp company, but her emphasis on the fact that "we have been blessed to be a blessing". Come to think of it, what an amazing legacy she left us in the last catalog. It is full of fun holidays to remember others on, card club ideas for sharing our lives with others, and the encouragement to "adopt" children to make cards for. I know I'll be keeping this catalog for future reference!!

I love you all and I'm praying for you!

Well said.


I also want to tell you, That your Blog is Awesome!!!!!

[ds2003]

i can remember how upset some SU! consultants were with the Color Renovation so I can only imagine how upset TAC angels are especially since there was little to no warning. I'm saddened to hear about TAC shutting its door. It is hard when something that someone has worked so hard far is pulled from under them.

I wish you all the best in whatever adventure you decide to tackle next. There are a lot of great companies out there. Maybe this will be enough for some of you to start a new venture. Best Wishes.

Carla

[CoastieCreations]

Does anyone know of any other stamping workshop/party plan type businesses out there besides SU and CTMH that consultants work off of commissions?

[jeanstamping2]

There is memory works,

And you might want to check here for more ideas.

About Direct Selling | DSA

[Karen99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

Does anyone know of any other stamping workshop/party plan type businesses out there besides SU and CTMH that consultants work off of commissions?

AMUSE...they are a new company, so you could check that one out...get in on the ground floor of it. No, I'm not a demo for them, but I'm thinking about it.

[tamijo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

Does anyone know of any other stamping workshop/party plan type businesses out there besides SU and CTMH that consultants work off of commissions?

there is a*muse as someone said

ippity is also out there but it's not commissions- it's more cash and carry I believe.

That's all I can think of at this time.

[jeanstamping2]

Ippity we buy at wholesale prices and re-sell them. Right now there are about 50 of worldwide.

So we do make money...And most of us have inventory on hand. And have parties and such.

Ippity is a line of stamps from the Unity Stamp Company

[penningtoncreates]

Quote:

Originally Posted by love5523

I was saddened to hear this news also. It sounds like Michelle didn't really have a choice in how things ended... in way that may seem abrupt to all of us.

It could have been worse, like other former companies whom I won't mention by name :( who held "closing sales" and then stiffed consultants and their customers out of money and never fulfilled the orders they accepted, and never offered any further communication.

At least hopefully this way, TAC Angels were able to collect their last commission checks.

Wishing all the best to Michelle & her family, and the entire "Angel" family.

Stacy, you nailed it. Mischelle did everything she could to protect us in the field. She busted her tail to fill back orders and made sure the final commission checks were sent before the bank froze all activity. Closing a {dsc}direct sales co is not like closing a {rsc} retail sales co. In dsc, there is commission to pay out. If sales continued, there would not be away for TAC to pays it's demos. Period.

[penningtoncreates]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risa

Years ago, I was part of Scrap in a Snap...it went down in flames much like the companies you are describing. They didn't pay commissions, they charged credit cards for product that was never sent. There were rumors of yard sales and outlet mall stores where the same product that was never sent to customers was being sold...In stark contrast, Mischelle has handled herself and the closing of TAC honorably and gracefully in every way. It makes it all so much easier to see the captain behave in such a bold and honest manor. Really bittersweet. Her (in some ways our dream) dream is fading rapidly, but her grace abounds.

AMEN!

[miss]

Just adding my two cents to all you angels that I am sorry! I thought the new catalog this year was gorgeous and was getting ready to place an order. Best wishes to you all, keep stamping & keep us posted!

[JanTInk]

I am sorry to hear this as well. It seemed to me to be a good company that had good products. I can only imagine what all you Angels are going through right now. I wish you all the best.

[godey1863]

Hello, I just noticed on Paper Wings it states that The Angel Company closed its doors in August, no date cited.

Sue Ellen:(

[stamp2stamp2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen99

I agree!! Well said!! Rita, I enjoyed having you as my upline for the time I was a TAC angel! I haven't been active for the past year, I was making my purchases thru Nancy, but we are all very sad over this news. TAC was a wonderful company, with a great product! I wish you, and all demonstrators the best, in whatever life brings your way!! God Bless you all!! Karen

Aww shucks Karen... you're making me blush. I had so much fun meeting you and Nancy a couple of years ago when I was out east. That ribbon outlet was fantastic! Stay in touch...

Rita

[stamp2stamp2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mymj

Thank You Rita for putting into words what so many of us are feeling.... And thank you also to the kind and understanding people that have offered support and well wishes here on SCS. We will get through this and life does go on....And most of us are better for having TAC as a part of our lives....

And as we all know - Stamping is great therapy.....we just might need a little more of it for a while... ;)

You're welcome Mary.

And the support and understanding we have received on SCS from many of you have been good for the soul. I think the shock is wearing off a bit for many of us and we are starting to move on, deciding what we want to do with our stamping lives.

Rita

[Joan B]

I am so sorry to hear this.

The economy is so difficult for so many people. I am sure this was a very very difficult decision.

Wishing you all the best.

[bjlee717]

Are there any angels out there wanting to sell their stamps....planning on listing on the BST? I didn't have a chance to go through the new catalog, but would love to buy some of the older stamps.

[1gr8lady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjlee717

Are there any angels out there wanting to sell their stamps....planning on listing on the BST? I didn't have a chance to go through the new catalog, but would love to buy some of the older stamps.

jeanstamping2 has some for sale in the selling section.

And I am going to miss TAC's papers the most. My customers will too. I LOVED how well they coordinated, as even the beginning scrapbooker didn't have to really think about which paper matched with other ones. I felt badly when I told my clients that TAC was no longer in business, as everyone wanted to place one more order.

[CharityHand]

The angel who regularly sent me updates went right over to AMuse. One other that I know of has, too.

The cost to be a demo with CTMH is $99 and they have lower prices (but then again I know some people are rubber only, no clear so might not be an option for them). Personally, I don't discriminate! LOL

SU and AMuse new demo start-ups $175, right? The unmounted rubber with these companies might make an easier transition with TAC customers. All are great options.

[CharityHand]

one question. The image on the back of Amuse stamps. Is it a sticker like SU or is it actually printed onto the cling?

[ds2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharityHand

Even better! lol

one question. The image on the back of Amuse stamps. Is it a sticker like SU or is it actually printed onto the cling?

It is printed on the cling. You are ready to go right out of the box

[Judiebri]

I also want to say I'm sorry to hear about the closing.

[CoastieCreations]

I've been looking at the A Muse Studio; is it me or are their stamps/stamp sets a bit expensive? I wish their website marketing department would put the size of the stamp sets so we have something to gauge. Also, does it not offer 12x12 paper? All I see is 8 1/2 x 11. I'd like to know how often they update catalogs? and finally, what is the commission %?

[stamp2stamp2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjlee717

Are there any angels out there wanting to sell their stamps....planning on listing on the BST? I didn't have a chance to go through the new catalog, but would love to buy some of the older stamps.

I just added a thread in the Buy/Sell area. I will be updating it with more in the near future.

Rita

[Novell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

I've been looking at the A Muse Studio; is it me or are their stamps/stamp sets a bit expensive? I wish their website marketing department would put the size of the stamp sets so we have something to gauge. Also, does it not offer 12x12 paper? All I see is 8 1/2 x 11. I'd like to know how often they update catalogs? and finally, what is the commission %?

I think their stamp sets are comparably priced to other companies. Stamp sets in the catalog are true to size. No, no 12x12 paper. Main catalog will be updated yearly. Recently, a new Holiday Catalog and Inspiration Guide was released. As for the commission rate or other specific details, I encourage you to visit their website.

[Phantom]

For all of those wonderful questions about A Muse Studio, I'd like to suggest that you write to A Muse at [email protected]. They'll be happy to answer all of your questions!

Or simply visit www.amusestudio.com to choose a consultant (click "start a business" or "shop online"), or choose a consultant from signature lines here on SCS, or Google one. I may be safe answering some of these questions here but I'll give Lydia a break from deleting my posts for a change ;) .

The bottom of this page gives you the independent creative consultant agreement.

Any consultant would love to answer your questions, but there is a fine line between information and self-promotion in the forums of SCS.

I don't think I've posted on this thread already - can't remember - but have written to a few angels I know. My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of your wonderful company. I wish every one of you all the best. I know your wings will bring you to another creative place and for those of you looking for a company to belong to, I hope you find just the right fit for you. They'll be lucky to have you.

[CoastieCreations]

I have emailed an A Muse consultant. Their website shopping option doesn't go into descriptions about the stamp/stamp set sizes; reason I asked. While they may be 'true to size', that doesn't tell us anything when looking on a computer screen vs. looking at the catalog. Hopefully, the local consultant I contacted will mail one quickly. I just don't want to be pressured simply because I gave my personal info to any consultant as which, often happens. Sometimes, once you give your name/address/phone/email, you're hounded. Like TAC, I want to take my time in my decision to see if its a company that meets my wishes/goals etc. to be a potential consultant.

[Phantom]

Lisa, I hope you get your catalogs soon!! It's always fun just to have it in your own two hands, too.

[CoastieCreations]

Thank you Nancy!

[bjlee717]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamp2stamp2

I just added a thread in the Buy/Sell area. I will be updating it with more in the near future.

Rita

Thanks, Rita. I'll take a looksie.

[Phantom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

Thank you Nancy!

:^) I'm sure you'll find a good company if you choose to go that route, too -- you have a great track record: TAC and Tastefully Simple!

[liannallama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharityHand

The angel who regularly sent me updates went right over to AMuse. One other that I know of has, too.

The cost to be a demo with CTMH is $99 and they have lower prices (but then again I know some people are rubber only, no clear so might not be an option for them). Personally, I don't discriminate! LOL

SU and AMuse new demo start-ups $175, right? The unmounted rubber with these companies might make an easier transition with TAC customers. All are great options.

Charity, right now it is only $99 to sign with a|s and there is a deluxe version for $149. You can find more info on the website (except for stamp sizes, LOL!) or you can contact a demo. The stamp sizes are life sized if you have a paper catalog but it doesn't do any good on the computer screen!

[I hope this is not considered advertising, I tried to answer a direct question concisely.]

[ds2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

I have emailed an A Muse consultant. Their website shopping option doesn't go into descriptions about the stamp/stamp set sizes; reason I asked. While they may be 'true to size', that doesn't tell us anything when looking on a computer screen vs. looking at the catalog. Hopefully, the local consultant I contacted will mail one quickly. I just don't want to be pressured simply because I gave my personal info to any consultant as which, often happens. Sometimes, once you give your name/address/phone/email, you're hounded. Like TAC, I want to take my time in my decision to see if its a company that meets my wishes/goals etc. to be a potential consultant.

You could also print out 1 or 2 pages from the catalog. It isn't ideal but it will at least give you an idea of the scale between the catalog and your screen. I don't have my catalog with me but i believe it is pretty close to an 8.5x11 inch piece of paper.

Hopefully you will get a catalog soon with no pressure attached.

[Louisa May]

Quote:

Originally Posted by not2shabbydesigns

1. It's like that old saying: Is the glass half empty or half full?
If you're a half empty person you will take things in a negative manner and assume people have selfish intentions, like an ambulance chasing lawyer.

If you're a half full person you will assume that the person is trying to be helpful and ease your burden.

2. Loss of a Pet.
Some people can't even think about replacing their precious baby and if you mention it they look at you like you're heartless and crazy.

Some people will be at the pound within three days because they have so much love to give they want to rescue another baby right away.

What I don't understand is why someone who experienced the vulnerability of being in a demo situation, someone who lost her investment, would want to repeat the risk.

[OpalsMum]

I was an Angel Company Demonstrator. I loved my experience with them. They all treated me very well. Company closings are never done in ways that everyone is happy. I would not want to be Mischelle or a company employee for anything. My heart goes out to them all. I also want to thank them for the positive experience that I had.

No one will ever have all of their questions answered and what does it really matter anyway. They are gone. If you want to do direct sells, you have to go with another company. If not, you figure out what is next in your crafting life and get after it. Those of us that were with them at the end are the ones that have the most questions, but even we won't gain anything by speculation. Unless Mischelle posts something somewhere, we will never know. So, my opinion is we should all wish them well, be grateful we're not in their shoes, and say a prayer for everyone's peace and future success.

Best to everyone.

[not2shabbydesigns]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louisa May

What I don't understand is why someone who experienced the vulnerability of being in a demo situation, someone who lost her investment, would want to repeat the risk.

Good question. I have a really long answer, but I won't bore you with the "Life is a Risk", "To Never Try is to Fail", etc.

Short answer:
They want to keep doing something they love. I guess the risk and the money that may be lost is worth it to them.???

I'm not brave like that. I don't invest in anything except my son. I put him thru college and since the day he graduated he has never needed to depend on me for anything. So that was/is a great investment.

I'm not a risk taker, so I admire people who are. I bought a house one time and kept it for a year and sold it, made a $10,000 profit. Thought I would be smart and do it again. After the year I couldn't sell that house and had to just about give it away to get rid of it. I didn't lose anything, I pretty much came out even. But, that was it for me. So, I don't take risk.

It would be really interesting to know how many Angels TAC had and how many do sign up with another company within the next six months.

[not2shabbydesigns]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpalsMum

I was an Angel Company Demonstrator. I loved my experience with them. They all treated me very well. Company closings are never done in ways that everyone is happy. I would not want to be Mischelle or a company employee for anything. My heart goes out to them all. I also want to thank them for the positive experience that I had.

No one will ever have all of their questions answered and what does it really matter anyway. They are gone. If you want to do direct sells, you have to go with another company. If not, you figure out what is next in your crafting life and get after it. Those of us that were with them at the end are the ones that have the most questions, but even we won't gain anything by speculation. Unless Mischelle posts something somewhere, we will never know. So, my opinion is we should all wish them well, be grateful we're not in their shoes, and say a prayer for everyone's peace and future success.

Best to everyone.

Well, I guess your prayers and well wishes are working. If you read her twitter comments she is happy as a lark, laughing, receiving flowers and having a great time.

[CoastieCreations]

Awesome to hear she's doing well.

[shastess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieCreations

Does anyone know of any other stamping workshop/party plan type businesses out there besides SU and CTMH that consultants work off of commissions?

There is also a new company called Pink Whimsy. It is scrapbooking, apparel and home decor. Because it is new the first quarter doesn't end until December 31 and the start up is around $50.

[Lisa Loiselle]

I was an angel for several years and was truly saddened to hear this news. I can honestly say that the stamps I love the most and reach for most often are from TAC. As I read through this thread I couldn't help but think, there was no fair, or good, or easy way to close this company. No matter how Mischelle chose to do it, with or without notice to customers and angels, she had to remain within the law and the requirements of the bank. I was always impressed with Mischelle's desire to bring simplicity into the art of stamping, and to meet the needs of a constantly changing customer base and market. When I started stamping in 2001, there was SU, TAC, CTMH, and brick & mortar. Now there are bazillions of online companies with much lower overhead than a direct sales company. I don't think TAC ever found its footing to become unique enough to stay alive in this tough economy. I will treasure my TAC stamps and will use them for years and years to come.

Lastly, my heart goes out to the angels who were counting on the income from this business. I hope and pray that you will continue to proudly use TAC products to express your creativity. Best of luck to all.

[Lisadwb]

I am deeply saddened to hear about TAC. My prayers go out to Mischelle and her family. She has always been very classy in all she has done. I can only imagine what she is going through now.
Reading through this thread feels like a reunion, I am seeing so many familiar faces.
I will say that all of the demos I have come to know have all been true Angels!! You have always been helpful, kind and very creative. I wish you all the very best.