toAnyone Who Went to Conference.what Kind of Things Are Merrill

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the offerings from Merrill at a recent conference, highlighting the quality and pricing of clothing and accessories. Participants noted that items like a microfiber suede jacket priced at $50 and various t-shirts were reasonably priced, though some expressed disappointment in the selection and quality of smaller items like stickers and postcards. Overall, attendees were pleasantly surprised by the clothing quality, with many purchasing multiple items, while some voiced concerns over the durability of certain products. The conversation also touched on personal experiences related to family and the importance of attending future conferences.

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kristenlee
kristenlee
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127
To anyone who went to conference.
What kind of things are merrill offering? Did they have nice stuff at reasonable prices?
Kristen
 
They did have nice stuff, and the prices were reasonable. I like to buy things on sale so I don't usually spend that much money for clothes. For example, there was a really nice microfiber suede jacket for $50. That's not a bad price, but I'm used to buying things on sale. Know what I mean? I did buy a short sleeve t-shirt for $10. That's not too bad. There were quite a few cute clothes items and bags. I have to make more money selling PC before I allow myself to buy that nice $50 jacket.
 
I like to buy things on sale too. I can't wait to see what all they have for us.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
what about smaller items like pens, notepads etc...
 
You know, I really don't remember because I just looked at the clothes. They did have large notepads in sets of maybe 3 and 6 or something. There were envelopes and labels. I don't remember if there were pens.
 
I have to say that I was skeptical about Merrill being the clothing resource for us because many of their items are pricey... I think their quality is amazing but it's expensive so I choose to be picky about what I invest in. I was very, very pleasantly surprised at the quality and PRICES of their items! VERY, VERY reasonable for what you are getting! Their staff was great to work with as well. Unfortunately, two consultants who purchased totes from them at Conference have already had them start coming apart. Merrill was great to exchange them but one discovered hers was coming apart on the way home last night. But overall everything is great.
 
They did have cute note pads, note size and letter size, can't remember the price though. I don't remember seeing any pens...but they may have them.
Clothing wise I didn't think the price were that bad, I was expected worse but I wouldn't call them inexpensive...average I gues... It would be nice if they put somethings on sale now and then...
 
I was very happy with the clothing options. Nice selections and the prices are very reasonable. I got 2 scoop neck T's, 1 button down shirt, 1 visor, 1 child's t, 1 adult t, 1 pair of flip flops, 1 pack of stickers.....I think something else too for $116. Not bad!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
flip flops were those just a confernce thing or are they going to be available to everyone? I love flip flops
 
Flip Flops are just a conference thing...i got mine last year, LOVE EM!
If you know anyone in Wave 3 I'd ask them to get you a pair...people always notice mine and it starts the conversation!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
darn I don't oh well, there is always next year.... I need to go next year I haven't been for 2 years and it is really getting to me. I didn't go the year before last because my grandfather died and before he died he told me a "family secret" that he had helped my mom keep me from my natural dad, and that he had found my dad and gave me the number, so I called my dad and got an answering machine, left a message and it took him all of 10 minutes to call me back. So I went to see him instead of conference, not a difficult decision at all, my dad and I had been apart for 33 years and when I went to his home it was like I walked into my own, there was no awkwardness at all, just picked up where we left off, I look just like him and have the same mannerisms and everything plus I have 2 brothers that I met for the first time too. Then I also went and saw my dad again a couple of months ago so I couldn't go to conference too
 
kristenlee said:
darn I don't oh well, there is always next year.... I need to go next year I haven't been for 2 years and it is really getting to me. I didn't go the year before last because my grandfather died and before he died he told me a "family secret" that he had helped my mom keep me from my natural dad, and that he had found my dad and gave me the number, so I called my dad and got an answering machine, left a message and it took him all of 10 minutes to call me back. So I went to see him instead of conference, not a difficult decision at all, my dad and I had been apart for 33 years and when I went to his home it was like I walked into my own, there was no awkwardness at all, just picked up where we left off, I look just like him and have the same mannerisms and everything plus I have 2 brothers that I met for the first time too. Then I also went and saw my dad again a couple of months ago so I couldn't go to conference too
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that is great you got to meet your dad! i hope you guys have a great relationship and have fun making up time!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
yep it is pretty cool thought there would be some uncomfortable moments, but it is just like we were never apart
 
I got the flip flops, A black, 3-quarter length sleeve short with glittery lettering, a lilac colored t-shirt and a visor. I was pleasantly surprised with the products they had. Some were expensive but some were alright.
 
kristenlee said:
darn I don't oh well, there is always next year.... I need to go next year I haven't been for 2 years and it is really getting to me. I didn't go the year before last because my grandfather died and before he died he told me a "family secret" that he had helped my mom keep me from my natural dad, and that he had found my dad and gave me the number, so I called my dad and got an answering machine, left a message and it took him all of 10 minutes to call me back. So I went to see him instead of conference, not a difficult decision at all, my dad and I had been apart for 33 years and when I went to his home it was like I walked into my own, there was no awkwardness at all, just picked up where we left off, I look just like him and have the same mannerisms and everything plus I have 2 brothers that I met for the first time too. Then I also went and saw my dad again a couple of months ago so I couldn't go to conference too
Click to expand...

O.k., then... you definitely get into the finals if we have a "why I didn't go to conference" contest! WOW!!! Did Gpa say why he/mom kept you from dad?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
my mom simply wanted to cut all ties from him
 
I LOVE the flip flops I got them last year and they are in great shape still I wish I could get anotherb pair
 
I ordered one man's polo shirts. It did look nice. I'm going try to get one a year. Besides that I got the package deal on business cards, a stamp, and something else. (can't remember). I bought a polo shirt from Walmart and a dress shirt from a garage sale and had them monogramed by someone. They look pretty good even though she couldn't do the PC symbol.

Bobby
 
would love to see a pic of the flops so i can ask my team to get-how much were they
 
I stuck with my plan to boycot Merrill at conference. I was quite proud of myself for taking a stand since I'm a self-proclaimed "shop aholic". I'm still super disappointed about Nancy's and although there is nothing we can do about it, my hope was that the message would get to Merrill to lower their prices or to Pampered Chef to add a new vendor. I feel good about it and my checkbook thanked me LoL.

I do have to say that I went into the Director store at conference from Merrill and there was didly squat in there. I was really not impressed and I heard the same thing from all the Directors in line around me.
 
I am glad you wrote the above. I agree with you totally. My director was very disappointed in the Director store as well. I also thought the way entry into the booth was set up was handled poorly as well.
 
I loved my merrill purchases... some items were quite reasonable and others were a little expensive. I got the flip flops, a red scoop neck embroidered tee, a black 3/4 length sparkly tee, a few sets of stickers (too expensive in my opinion though), host packet envelopes, the MoMA dots pen (which broke in the 1st hour I used it which they exchanged for me right away), and a black puffy down vest which I ordered... overall I spent a bit more than I wanted (however I resisted buying the lapboards, so I rationalized with that :D) but I am really impressed with the quality of the clothing and I liked how we could try stuff on before we bought it. I thought the 3/4 length button downs were a great steal at $19, but they ran very small (I would of have to go up 2-3 sizes as did most people I know!) and I figured I am more a t-shirt girl than button down girl, so I went with a 2nd tee instead. I am excited to see their postcards on their website as I wasn't a huge fan of Nancy's postcards (but I was of everything else!). Sorry for the really long post, but I am getting tired and I guess everything is coming out of my fingers :)
 
I also got the sparkly 3/4 tee and thought the vests were cute but in CA who needs vests or jackets really! I want to hem the sleeves though cause it's hot right now and I want to wear it at my next show in August! The size Med. was bigger than I expected so I hope when I wash it it shrinks up some!
 
heat123 said:
I also got the sparkly 3/4 tee and thought the vests were cute but in CA who needs vests or jackets really! I want to hem the sleeves though cause it's hot right now and I want to wear it at my next show in August! The size Med. was bigger than I expected so I hope when I wash it it shrinks up some!
Click to expand...
Oh, to be in CA and not need a vest or jacket! I envy you (but I'm not coveting. I'm happy you can be there!)
 
I was actually impressed with Merril's selections. I bought a child's XL tee... The small adult was down to my knees nearly... I wore it today and it fit well.
Some things were expensive, but most were reasonable compared to other such companies. I did splurge on the flip-flops...they were 15.95...I think...but they are really cute and comfortable. I bought the small notepads...I think there are 5 in a pack...a frisbee, and the birthday cards. I ordered the red yoga pants and a blue hoodie. The hoodie was only 22.00. Other than at WalMart you can't buy a hoodie for less than 30.00 in my area. They put out their catalog. I didn't see any pens at conference but the catalog had 2 or 3 different ones. I am hoping they will continue with more of what we saw at conference.
 
What is the website for Merril??
 
MerrillI was just going to ask about the Website for Merrill. There was a mention of being disappointed with Nancy's Arts website. I am as well. I get TONS of stickers and postcards from this site. I was just on last night and they're having a lot of the "Buy 1 get 2 free" sells on their stickers. Mainly due to no longer providing PC stuff. I'm hoping Merrill's stickers and postcards will be comparable to Nancy's!
 
Merrill is at: http://www.merrillestore.com/pamperedchef/index.asp You need to log on through Consultant's Corner, though. Go to Promoting your business > Licensed merchandise Vendors.

The stickers from Merrill had exactly the same wording as some from Nancy's.
 
chefann said:
.....The stickers from Merrill had exactly the same wording as some from Nancy's.
Click to expand...
Yes, but they were boring and more expensive!
 
pamperedlinda said:
Yes, but they were boring and more expensive!
Click to expand...

I agree with that!

I have always used the "bring a friend or outside order...." sticker from Nancy's - Merrill had one - but the colors were dull, and I loved Nancy's because they were set up 1 sheet per show - so easy to grab and go when you are doing invites on the run.

I wasn't impressed with the postcards either - and I think the stationary/thank you cards/note cards etc.....were very pricy.

I did like the clothing though.
 
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