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Hmmmm thought these were gifts to SU demos..... someone is selling theirs online at ebay. Wouldn't this be illegal since it is not offered to the public yet? Or is it simply bad manners?
Demonstrators are not supposed to sell anything that is current meaning in the current years mini;s or the big catalog. I think a lot of demos have lost their demonstratorship over this. Knew this was going to happen though probably a lot more on ebay too.
I agree that it is theoretically possible that this is ok. For example, I quit SU at the same time that the sets were sent out. I got a set. I am no longer a demo -- therefore, I could sell it. However, the chances that this is not a demo, or not a demo working with a non demo to circumvent the demo's contract with SU is probably small. It just happens too frequently to be always legit.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I'm hoping it doesn't get bid any higher, and turns out to be at least a $19.95 set! Bet she thought she'd be racking in the dough on this "exclusive" set.... Everyone knows it's going to be in the Spring Mini... she even says so in her discription!
It disturbs me because of several reasons. Only demos got this gift and it is a heck of way to say thank you for the gift by selling it. Then I think it undermines real demo's who work hard at their business only to have unscrupulous (<--badly misspelled) demos to sell things they KNOW they are not allowed to do on ebay.
Then to top it off I find it bad manners. If you don't like it - give it to someone as a gift. Don't try to sell it off --- especially since you know that it is against SU policy for a demo to do so. We all know this is a demo, since they were the only ones to get the set as a gift.
I don't understand why this disturbs people. I don't understand how it hurts anyone at all.
Another reason this disturbs people (especially demos)...Shelli gave us a gift. And this is how some people repay her. This isn't the first one sold on ebay right now nor will it be the last. How much is she going to want to give us gifts when a bunch of bad apples turn around and do this with a gift? Unfortunately, this is what happens every time.
And really, the thought that people selling on ebay (I'm talking about demos or those supplied by demos here, not customers selling the occasional thing) doesn't hurt anyone is just plain wrong. It hurts every legitimate demonstrator.
I have to agree that selling this set on ebay is wrong. I don't think selling it is wrong. Maybe it is not her taste. Offering it to a current customer base I think is fine. Selling current sets on public sites is bad for any direct sales company and demonstrator business. It under cuts the current catty and undermines and distroys the relationships we demos work SO HARD to build.
Inky Hugs
Risa
I have a slightly different take on why I think this is wrong. I don't consider this set to be a "gift" from Shelli Gardner in the same way my son or husband gives me a gift. This is a business expense from SU to its demos, and you can be sure the IRS will see it that way!! LOL. It was great and I was thrilled to get a free set! I consider it one additional way SU tries to keep its salepeople happy. So, I don't consider it rude to sell it or give it away.
However, I believe it is wrong to sell this set on ebay because demos sign a contract with SU and specifically agree NOT to sell current merchandise on internet auction sites. This is enough of a reason for me. The rationale behind the rule is that it undercuts demonstrators who are trying to build a base of customers through one on one contact with those customers through workshops, etc. It doesn't matter what I think of the rule or its rationale -- when I was a demo I felt legally and morally bound to the terms of that contract.
I think that the internet will permanently alter the manner in which home based businesses like TAC and SU will operate in the future, but that is not the demo's decision to make -- it is SUs. If a few demos don't play by the rules, they alter what should be a level playing field into an uneven one. That is why I will not buy current SU merchandise on ebay.
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if you notice she has a very poor selling score... 96%... not really a great score. i wouldn't bid even if she was allowed to sell.
jan
I can tell you from first hand experience that often a feedback score between 95-100% is still excellent. People can be vindictive in leaving feedback and there is absolutely nothing that a user can do about it unless both participants agree to remove feedback.
Here is my two cents worth.... Ebay is fine I don't feel the competition because I have watched these sites and seen items in the catty go for more than they are priced, and the s/h is usually more than what we as demo's would sell it for. I just think the people are stupid when they buy ebay paying more than they should especially on current items
How can it be considered "current merchandise" when it cannot be purchased currently?
It is a preview of an item coming up in March, like an "advanced copy".
Even merchandise we sold in last years summer mini is still considered "current" per SU's definition. Until the new catalog comes out in July and we KNOW for a fact a mini set isn't in the new catty, it's considered current.
How can it be considered "current merchandise" when it cannot be purchased currently?
well the SAB sets are current sets and aren't available yet...hostess sets aren't available for purchase yet they are current sets....calling sematics is basically justifying dishonestly....
I live by the theory of a white lie is still a LIE!!!
Customer speaking: I was at one time doing CM which is homebased. I followed the rules and had some very loyal customers. I agree that this shouldn't have been put up on ebay. Give it away privately. Maybe a bonus for a certain level of purchase if that's allowed. I have a terrific demo also is a good friend and I don't hesitate to call her if I want to order.
Wierd..... look what I found on ebay
