Poll: TPampered Chef Authorized Vendors

[AJPratt]

KG & Anne you are just tooo funny. I know if I see you both posting that I should NOT have anything in my mouth while reading the thread.

He started it~

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Yeah, but you set me up. I just CAN'T resist a good straight line!

 

[jdavis]

OK, I haven't purchased anything from Merrill because for my VERY TINY budget they are way overpriced, even though I do like a few of their things, could be more of a variety.

Nancy's I had tried to order from there before but it didn't go through because they don't take Debit Cards, UGHH!!! I was really looking forward to it. I just can't get myself to get another credit card just to purchase things when almost everywhere takes debit cards any more. I would really LOVE to order some things from her though. I have heard so many good things from there and there are lots of things that I want. POUT. I am just not patient enough to send in a check with my order.

VIP, I ordered from them a couple of times only Clearance items because they are a bit out of my budget also, besides the fact that I had gotten 2 previously used shirts and they were 2 different sizes and they both fit, just a bit more snug than I would like and the HWC shirt that I have is even more snug than I would like but the size I ordered is 2 sizes bigger than the other 2! I also purchased some things at NC last year when they had their bins filled with stuff, I was SO looking forward to that this year, I had brought extra $$ just for that reason, I was so disappointed.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Pssst - Nancy will take a debit card.

 

[jdavis]

He started it~

Only because I haven't been able to get on for a few days I wouldn't have resisted that one either, lol.

Pssst - Nancy will take a debit card.

Since When????? The last time I tried to order from her she called me about it and they didn't take debit cards so I hadn't even tried since then, and I asked at NC and they said they didn't take DC's! KG if you know something I don't you better spill.....

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

[shrug] She took mine. I didn't tell her it was a debit card, just said I had a Visa and rattled off the number.[/shrug]I will BET what she meant is that she can't take the Pampered Chef debit card. That is because TPC Debit Card is propriatary to TPC. If you don't have a regular check card for that account, call your bank and get one. They are treated just like a regular credit card. Check Cards can be a problem at certain hotels and you don't want to use one for renting a car, because the vendors tend to extract huge credits to cover themselves in case you run off with the car - and that is often more than your balance. That kind of transaction can ruin your whole day.

 

[jdavis]

Well I tried to use my regular banking debit/atm/check card whatever you want to call it, and it didn't go through but I wasn't in town after I had placed the order for a while so I just said forget it. So then when I wanted to order again I emailed and asked them about it and they said they didn't take debit cards. HMMM. Maybe I will have to email again and ask Again.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Don't ask. Just tell them you have a Visa or MasterCard, whatever it says on the face.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I too feel this way!

I feel with my fingers.

(This is just a bump for those who haven't voted in the poll yet.)

 

[pkd09]

I wouldn't say "favorite" but I have purchased from all of them. They each have their own nitch. Nancy's is great for the everyday stuff with great prices, VIP for clothing but sometimes pricey, Merrill is high quality yet pricey on some things. I do wish all of them sold more at conference. That way we save on shipping. I think shipping with VIP and Merrill is high. I watch the close-out items for better deals.

 

[Shawnna]

I have used my debit card to order Nancy's. But, it is a Visa card. I just clicked Visa, typed the number and expiration date and it went through. When I use it at WalMart it always goes through as a credit card and not debit...same at a restaurant and our local Sharpes store. I am not sure why, but many times it won't work if I put it in as a debit card, but put it in as a credit card and it works every time. It still just automatically withdraws from my bank account. I only recently started using a debit card. I got it to use when I purchase things online or if I don't want to go inside at the gas station.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Shawnna, I believ that has something to do with security but you would have to ask your provider. I have experienced the same thing myself.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I think they are all expensive but have very professional quality. My biggest complaint with Merrill is that the print is too small - esp. the consultant name on the stamp and no catalog; with VIP is that sizing is unpredictable - glad they bring sample to conferences so we can try them on!; with Nancy's is that a lot of their things are generic (don't have PC available on all things).

My problem is I look at their websites or catalogs and I get sucked in and spend way too much. Then I forget to use the cards, etc. that I buy.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Bump bumpity bump bump.
Bump! Bump!C'mon everyone, vote and give us your comments! This poll is open until Oct 31!

 

[chef-kina]

I agree pretty much a little with everyone!

I love Nancy, because it's Nancy! I too met her at conf. and it was nice to actually meet her. I believe that she truly does take care of us and that is great. I do however, agree that the things could be updated a little. I wouldnt mind paying a little more for something more modernized. I like the new sandstone stuff alright, but I don't love it. I got the logo pack at conf. and I LOVE that.

Merrill-screwed me over once, and so I won't ever buy from them again. When I ordered my biz cards they sent them to me, and receive was spelled wrong. I had doulbe checked, printed the page and all. So I got them and then called them. They said oh sorry it is your resp. to make sure there were no errors. I said I did, they said prove it please. What kind of a thing is that to say? ugh. so i fax it to them. they say oh ok fine, we will give you a credit to use for $20 dollars. WHAT? I spent over $45, and they are not gonna give me a whole new order? UGH! whatever. won't ever buy from them again. Plus I think they are a money hungry corporation, and could care less about us in the pc world, so long as they make a buck.

VIP-I like some of their things, but I just don't think spending that much for a shirt is ok. I did buy one at conf. I must say that I do like it, but I only spent $15 for it. But I know they have to make money, I just wish they would quit trying to make soo much off of us.

Sorry way longer than I intended! LOL!

 

[gilliandanielle]

Jennifer Davis!!! You are such a little hottie!! Why have you been hiding behind the avatar of your boys??

 

[Chef Kearns]

VIP--I agree with other posters about the sizing. Being a bit of a larger person I feel like the sizing runs small. I've bought a few shirts from them I couldn't even squeeze the sisters into, let alone wear to a party. Sizing and price are the 2 things keeping me from ordering more from them.

Merrill--I recently bought the stamp and business cards. I think they are okay, but agree about the font size. My stamp is really small now. I really liked T&C stamp. There was almost no drying time. I could stamp and go. AND I didn't have to include my address just to fill it out. I don't like having my address on my business cards and stamp. I thought it would look too weird to not have it though.

Nancy's--I have bought from her several times. I LOVE the stickers. My debit card has issues when I use it with them. They always have to call me. It never goes through for whatever reason. I don't tell them it is debit I do like KG. Oh well, I feel responsible for them refusing to take Debit cards. Sorry guys!

I love wearing logo clothing because people really do notice it, but I think I am done with VIP. The pricing is crazy and they are not responsive to customers. I sent an email to someone and NEVER got a response back, not even to say that they received my email. I guess they were too busy counting all of our money!

 

[janel kelly]

Do you know I have not bought from any of these vendors. I don't buy postcards to send. I make phone calls. Its cheaper. I got a free stamp from vistaprints as well as free business cards. So I've really not bought much extra for my busniess. I guess I just keep things really simple. I do buy alot of supplies from pampered chef but that goes without saying. One of these days I do need to break down and buy a shirt with the PC logo on it.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Jennifer Davis!!! You are such a little hottie!! Why have you been hiding behind the avatar of your boys??

You should meet her in person, she's really so much prettier than her photo! I met her at conference and didn't recognize her from here until I saw her chefsuccess sticker on her name badge while we were waiting for our HO tour. Jennifer has a great personality and we had a fun time palling around most of the day (at least I did).

 

[jdavis]

Ahhh, thanks gals. I hadn't been hiding I just hadn't found many pics of myself, don't like the camera too much, and this one isn't the best pic either, but I just got these pics back and I always get my pics on cd now so I just popped it in and cropped it on here, I posted a pic of the whole family under photos from the wedding also.

And Linda, I had fun also. It was really cool to get to meet a few people from this board, it made it so much more exciting.

 

[reba515]

this may be a little OT but I am in need of new biz cards so i will order from Merrill but my question/delimma is, I am a FD but would rather just put Ind. Cons. on my cards. to me it just seems like it sounds silly especially on a biz card. Now don't get me wrong,I know i worked for it and i am proud of of my status but to those who might pick up/read my card it have no idea what it really means.It sounds like "hopefully someday i'll be a director" Its the word "future" that just keeps sticking in my head.

you know like those t-shirts babies wear that say "FUTURE FOOTBALL STAR" or "FUTURE BALLERINA"!
Any opinions on this? am i just being a jerk??!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I know directors who just have "Independent Consultant" on their cards. It makes them feel less intimidating. I'm not sure what I would do if I were in your spot.Anyone else?

 

[BethCooks4U]

I did have IFD on mine and I felt the same way that you do. In retrospect I wish I had left it IC until I made director and then made the change.

Do what you are comfortable with.

As far as having director on my cards now. It is a much bigger deal and harder to attain so I definitley encourage that! It also tells others that I am there to help them as they start out if they are nervous about it for one thing.

 

[reba515]

thanks...wasn't sure what kind of response i was gonna get! yes when i become director i will definitley put Director on them.
i've been putting off ordering since July! now i really need them

 

[MamaChef]

I LOVE Nancy's, have ordered from her since I started 5 years ago! Have not ordered from Merrill's.....to expensive....I agree with all of the other comments...it's insane!

VIP- again, I agree!!!! Personally, they are worse than Merrill on the prices! I've purchased from them, and have usually been OK with what I have purchased, but I've only bought things on sale. Recently when I've purchased shirts, I've purchased them on ebay....yeah! I'm horrible! But seriously! I can't just go out and have someone make me a shirt for cheaper, or I'll be infringing on the copyrights...and I want to advertise, but I just don't have the money to buy directly from them! By the time I can afford something, they are out of my size on clearance...it's frustrating!

Aaaaand I digress....

 

[PCJen]

Well I tried to use my regular banking debit/atm/check card whatever you want to call it, and it didn't go through but I wasn't in town after I had placed the order for a while so I just said forget it. So then when I wanted to order again I emailed and asked them about it and they said they didn't take debit cards. HMMM. Maybe I will have to email again and ask Again.

Here is what I have learned on the bank Debit Card thing. No need to say it is a debit card as long as it is a Visa or MasterCard. It will run through as a credit card, even though it's a debit card, and post to your account in 3 days. If you run it as a debit card it goes through the same day. So...If you go to a store and hand the cashier your card she/he will run it as a credit card and you sign your receipt (post in 3 days). As a debit you swipe it through the card machine yourself at the check stand (posts in the same day).

I order from Nancy's and never have had a problem using my bank debit card.

I hope this helps.

 

[PCGINA]

ImoNancy's: I agree with most - she is reasonable, friendly and helpful, BUT - most cardstock items are WAY outdated. They need to be more contempory and lighter in colors. The dark postcards have ot go. I do love her stamps and the new stationary though

Merrill: I purchased my stamp and biz cards from the. I againg agree, too small of font. At NC the "workers" behond their conuter must have been from hire-me-I'm-stupid-and-don't-give-a-sh_ _ -about-you, Inc. because they were rude, pushy and really didn't seen to have time for my questions. I was there to BUY some items!!! They must have assumed that I was listening to the previous cutomers convertation with them and/or I should have been paying atteniton BECAUSE I happen to ask the same questions as the preson that just left!! And why is it that god old American greenbacks are worthless to them!! OK - I'll stop...

VIP: The name suggests the price for me... TOO MUCH for everything...

Sticking to biz: I buy most of my stickers from them.

I agree with Anne, give us something we can afford and in turn use frequently and purchase more of it!! What a concept!!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Bumptiy bump bump, bump bump!You have a few more days to post your comments here and answer the poll.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

this may be a little OT but I am in need of new biz cards so i will order from Merrill but my question/delimma is, I am a FD but would rather just put Ind. Cons. on my cards. to me it just seems like it sounds silly especially on a biz card. Now don't get me wrong,I know i worked for it and i am proud of of my status but to those who might pick up/read my card it have no idea what it really means.It sounds like "hopefully someday i'll be a director" Its the word "future" that just keeps sticking in my head.

you know like those t-shirts babies wear that say "FUTURE FOOTBALL STAR" or "FUTURE BALLERINA"!
Any opinions on this? am i just being a jerk??!

My opinion on this - I don't use the title "future director", because for me - it's a temporary thing..... I don't plan on being a FD for long - I'm working my way to director! It's not that I'm not proud of it - I just know I won't be here at this place for long - so why invest in supplies with that title when it will be obsolete soon?! I also agree that when others who aren't PC consultants read it, they won't know what it means.....just might think I'm a director "wannabe", and I really don't want to cheapen my position as a FD that way either!

 

[yummy4tummy]

Hey KG...you should have put something along the lines of...I might consider buying from...

I personally have never bought from any of the companies on the poll. Too rich for my blood! I have gotten some freebie postcards from my director (from Nancy's) but found they were too plain and boring (sorry Nancy). Now I do all of my own designs, personalized and colorful. I also design my own shirts, jackets, hats etc. Costs me a fraction of a fraction of the cost....Always the right fit and FREE SHIPPING!

Valky