Is Nancy's Closing for Good as Merrill Takes Over PC Products?

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

It also doesn't mean that they can't change back... perhaps PC isn't willing to change their mind right now, but 6 months from now if there are specific problems or complaints that may change.

My business failed after I lost my number one client, and I can tell you from experience, after six months, there will be little chance of Nancy being able to suddenly put her infrastructure back into place. Business life just doesn't work that way. Employees move on, office and warehouse areas get sublet, contracts with suppliers are terminated - it isn't a switch you can just turn on and off.

There are two chances of TPC changing their minds in 6 months, and Slim is on a diet.

 

[ivykeep]

My business failed after I lost my number one client, and I can tell you from experience, after six months, there will be little chance of Nancy being able to suddenly put her infrastructure back into place. Business life just doesn't work that way. Employees move on, office and warehouse areas get sublet, contracts with suppliers are terminated - it isn't a switch you can just turn on and off.

There are two chances of TPC changing their minds in 6 months, and Slim is on a diet.

I know how that is -- worked for my Dad's company for 10 years and we went under when we not only lost our largest client, but they deliberately tried to put us under and ultimately successed after they "settled" our breach lawsuit and paid off our attorney to put through a bad second contract (long, nasty story -- done by a large grocery store chain in our area that I refuse to go into and cringe when I host a party and see their logo on any of the ingredients).

Taught me that no matter how great a client is, you can't put all your eggs in one basket because in any business relationship the relationship can end at any time (one company goes out of business or changes direction). Unless you are the same company there is no loyalty in the business world if the winds of change are blowing.

Nancy CAN stay in business by marketing her products to other companies (maybe other direct selling companies) and just keeping the logo out of things. Yes, it's a huge blow to her and sadly the HO's decision affects a lot of lives, but since there is no reason why consultants who like Nancy's products can't keep buying from her and since she can work to build other business if she chooses, she may still be in a position to re-grow.

As a general rule, you should always look at your business and keep it diverse. Anytime it's going to go under with the loss of one client you are too focused and need to diversify or at least have a contingency plan if you do lose them. I learned that the very hard and painful way.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I knew I'd eventually go under without the large client and was working on some contingency plans. My client, Company A, was being groomed to be taken over by Company B, a large computer manufacturer and it would have been a perfect marriage - both companies would still be going strong. At the 11th hour, a competitor to B, Company C, stepped in and bought my client. C bit off far more than they could chew, made three or four just stupid business decisions and within 6 months, both companies were pretty much gone. C still exists, a shadow of it's former self. My client, Company A, exists as a separate entity but they have about 75 employees where they had about 6,000 when I worked for them.I was able to limp along for awhile (I did high level software training) but the entire computer training business went south after 9/11. So now I'm a writer, sign consultant and [drum roll] TPC Independent Consultant.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I know how that is -- worked for my Dad's company for 10 years and we went under when we not only lost our largest client, but they deliberately tried to put us under and ultimately successed after they "settled" our breach lawsuit and paid off our attorney to put through a bad second contract (long, nasty story -- done by a large grocery store chain in our area that I refuse to go into and cringe when I host a party and see their logo on any of the ingredients).

Taught me that no matter how great a client is, you can't put all your eggs in one basket because in any business relationship the relationship can end at any time (one company goes out of business or changes direction). Unless you are the same company there is no loyalty in the business world if the winds of change are blowing.

Nancy CAN stay in business by marketing her products to other companies (maybe other direct selling companies) and just keeping the logo out of things. Yes, it's a huge blow to her and sadly the HO's decision affects a lot of lives, but since there is no reason why consultants who like Nancy's products can't keep buying from her and since she can work to build other business if she chooses, she may still be in a position to re-grow.

As a general rule, you should always look at your business and keep it diverse. Anytime it's going to go under with the loss of one client you are too focused and need to diversify or at least have a contingency plan if you do lose them. I learned that the very hard and painful way.

Well Said Laura!!

 

[AJPratt]

The great thing is that we can still order from her.

I am curious what Merrills will come out with, and hope their prices are better.

 

[Shawnna]

Merrill is going to have to do a lot of changing as far as I'm concerned...Maybe they will. They are too overpriced. I also think their products are "stiff" looking. They don't seem to fit comfortably into my lifestyle or business. The way I see it we have two choices...Take it or leave it. At this point, I choose to "leave it".

 

[Kitchen2u]

Sounds like HO has sent a mass generic email to all of us who contacted HO.

Ginny

Here's what it said:

Dear Ginny,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us regarding
Nancy's Artworks. We appreciate your concern, and understand that you're
disappointed about Nancy's no longer being a Pampered Chef licensed
merchandise vendor. The Pampered Chef has enjoyed a great relationship
with Nancy's for many years. We wish Nancy's all the best for the
future.

Some Consultants have asked if they can continue to purchase products
from Nancy's. As an independent sales Consultant, you're free to
purchase products that do not carry The Pampered Chef brand from
whomever you wish.

However, please be assured that we are working with Merrill to ensure
they offer a variety of Pampered Chef branded products at a variety of
price points to meet your needs. We're confident that Merrill will
provide you with excellent service, a wide variety of items for both
Consultants and Directors, and competitive prices. Additionally, you can
contact Merrill directly at [email protected] with
requests for products you would like to see them offer.

To ensure they consistently meet your needs, we'll continue to monitor
the quality of Merrill's service, the breadth of their product offering
and importantly, their pricing, as we do with all vendors.

Again, we appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely,

Jane Miller
Director, Recognition and Promotions

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Competitive to...three bucks a gallon for regular? Thirty two bucks for a bottle of bourbon? Competitive to what?Lessee...

• VIP dumped for Merrill.
• Country Printing dumped for Merrill.
• Nancy dumped for Merrill.
• UPS Dumped for FedUp (If Merrill was in the freight business, you know who would have gotten the contract!)

This is a notice from Jean to Doris - "This Ain't Your Company Anymore."

 

[pcchris]

Does Warren Buffett own Merrill? Anyone know? just wondering.

 

[pcchris]

BTW, My order from Nancy came in today. There was a very nice letter actually signed that thanks all of the PC people, and how she'll miss us all...which I thought was very nice. In the letter, she stated that they are anticipating most of their inventory to be gone before the end of June, so I'm just giving you a heads up on that. Also, she sent a certificate for a $10 freebie, so I guess I'll have to order some more from her when I get some $. I think this was the fastest I ever got something from her...normally it took a week, this time was faster. I'm so bummed. I love her stuff.

 

[AJPratt]

That was a nice touch!

 

[pcchris]

Yep - Nancy is a class act. Too bad she's been kicked to the curb. Maybe that was a bit harsh...sorry to anyone who thinks so, but that's about how I feel about it.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Does Warren Buffett own Merrill? Anyone know? just wondering.

"Document services company Merrill is no relation to financial services giant Merrill Lynch, but the companies do share an interest in SEC paperwork. Through its transactional and compliance services segment, Merrill provides printing, distribution, and electronic processing of SEC filings and other documents related to corporate transactions. Merrill also handles documents used in litigation and in direct marketing. The company operates from some 70 offices in the US and about 15 in other countries. Affiliates of DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, a unit of investment firm Credit Suisse, control a 58% stake in Merrill. "

If there's a connection there, I haven't been able to find it. That doesn't mean it isn't there, though.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Yep - Nancy is a class act. Too bad she's been kicked to the curb. Maybe that was a bit harsh...sorry to anyone who thinks so, but that's about how I feel about it.

Harsh?

You're too kind.

 

[cooking.with.ann]

Does Warren Buffett own Merrill? Anyone know? just wondering.

Yes and no. It's owned by his investment group, Berkshire Hathaway. He's been giving shares away at a rapid clip to the foundations owned by his children, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Here's a link to Slate Magazine's rundown on his donations:

http://www.slate.com/id/2159775

 

[AJPratt]

Yes and no. It's owned by his investment group, Berkshire Hathaway. He's been giving shares away at a rapid clip to the foundations owned by his children, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Here's a link to Slate Magazine's rundown on his donations:

http://www.slate.com/id/2159775

I missed where the article said that BH owned Merrill.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I missed where the article said that BH owned Merrill.

me too, but then I just skimmed over it.

 

[ChefLisa]

I just looked at the list of Berkshire Hathaway companies and Merrill is not owned by them.

On the Merrill Corporate site I read the company is privately owned with 47% ownership belonging to the employees.

Lisa

 

[AJPratt]

I think the OP was just making a tongue and cheek comment.

 

[MissChef]

BTW, My order from Nancy came in today. There was a very nice letter actually signed that thanks all of the PC people, and how she'll miss us all...which I thought was very nice. In the letter, she stated that they are anticipating most of their inventory to be gone before the end of June, so I'm just giving you a heads up on that. Also, she sent a certificate for a $10 freebie, so I guess I'll have to order some more from her when I get some $. I think this was the fastest I ever got something from her...normally it took a week, this time was faster. I'm so bummed. I love her stuff.

When did you order your stuff? I ordered about 2 days after the announcement! And I want my stuff! It's already been charged to my account and I really want my stickers! And the other goodies I ordered! I am sad about Nancy's Artwork's being let go also, She was a great vendor and I've met her at conference before and I feel bad for her! I've read all through this thread and I agree with a lot of you.... but for now I will just plead the 5th and keep quiet until I hear more. What??? Keep quiet, MEEE ,my husband would be amazed!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I just looked at the list of Berkshire Hathaway companies and Merrill is not owned by them.

On the Merrill Corporate site I read the company is privately owned with 47% ownership belonging to the employees.

Lisa

If the employees own 47% and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (Credit Suisse) control a 58% stake in Merrill, 105% of the company is owned by somebody.

Hmmmm.

I wonder if the employees stake is held by Credit Suisse and there's another 42% of it out there someplace.

This is why it is so difficult in today's market to determine who owns what anymore.

 

[MissChef]

I got my order yesterday and all the stuff is great! I'm even sadder now for Nancy! and sad for us too, as she was very good and she was very well priced! I think I will order one more time before she's gone! I am going to go through her catalog she sent me! What a nice lady, I will miss her!

 

[jzramom]

I wonder what would happen if a bunch of consultants showed up at National Conference general session with the digital name badges from Nancy's saying
We Love Nancy!!!

 

[pcchris]

I wonder what would happen if a bunch of consultants showed up at National Conference general session with the digital name badges from Nancy's saying
We Love Nancy!!!

Great idea! Sadly, I don't think they would care. It's a real bummer!

 

[chefjwr]

Yes, Merrill is expensive and we have so little choice when all is from 1 company only.

Julie

 

[Cassie1037]

I ordered from Nancy's about a week ago, and loved everything I ordered. Plus, she sent a little sample "free" package along with it, saying thank you and enjoy. It is sad to lose her business. I prefer not to order from Merrill.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Great idea! Sadly, I don't think they would care. It's a real bummer!

Not only will they not care, it will do no good. Nancy has already moved on and made other plans. Business decisions are often not reversible.

 

[AJPratt]

Not only will they not care, it will do no good. Nancy has already moved on and made other plans. Business decisions are often not reversible.

Unfortunately, you're right.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Which is really sad..