Calendars got here. Late, but at least they got here, right? I eagerly ripped into them and began flipping pages like a mad woman: January... February... March... April... May... June... August... Sep...?Oop. Skipped July. So I flipped back: September...August... June... May... ?
What in the world?!
I pulled out another. Then another. May... June... August. No July. In any of them. I threw an entire box of calendars against the library wall and screamed. I screamed so hard my chest hurt.
The printing company told me that the file I uploaded to their "secure" system apparently never "received the July page". I'm looking at the file I created and uploaded. It has July, I tell the man on the phone. He apologizes, then sits in silence. So what... you print a calendar without July? You don't contact me first to see if there was an issue with my file? You print an ELEVEN MONTH CALENDAR?
To shut me up, he gets a supervisor on the phone. They agree to reprint 50% of my order for free, but tell me that I'll have to pay to reprint the other half of my order. But I don't have the money, I tell them. I already gave you the money.
I can't tell you how badly this Baptist Sunday School teacher wanted to say cuss words at them. I was - and still am - angry. But then I think about all the people who are dealing with real issues today: hunger, death, disease, grief, war and heartbreak, and I realize that a calendar is just that: a calendar. A few pieces of paper. It's not the end of the world.
So. For those who've been waiting sweetly - patiently - for your calendars, I regret to tell you that we'll have to wait another few days. I'm so, so, so sorry. I can't tell you how ready I was to ship these out and get it all done with. Once the calendars arrive (with July this time), I'll begin shipping, starting with those who ordered first and have been waiting the longest. The most recent orderers may have to wait while I scramble to scrape together the cash to pay for the last lot of calendars.
So frustrating. And I'd hoped to have them to you as a happy New Year's thing? And I did this to try to make money?! Sheesh. What a disappointment.
Maranatha, God. Maranatha. Whether we're talking calendars or the end of days, it's not much fun down here right now.
25 comments:
All is well. I don't know where I fall in the scheme of things... but I am fine with the wait.
Oh what a bummer, Brin! I'm sure that you have very understanding readers, though. :)
How annoying and disappointing for you, to say the least! I am fighting with a medical office over their seeming inability to bill the insurance with any claim that comes their way. I have been sweet, loud, cried...just got another collection notice in the mail...we have insurance that will pay it...all they have to do is submit it....
People!
Frustrating....
Hang in there, girl.
You have lots of friends and supporters out here in blogland.
Whatcha gonna do with the ones that don't have July in them? Maybe you can sell them cheap somewhere? Let me know, I'd love to have one, July is too hot to remember anyways....lol You are right, who would publish a calendar with a missing month? I think they should replace the whole order for you, free!
Brin- Sell them without July anyway! You'll be the first. It'll be wonderful! It's summer break. Who will miss it??? I'll buy one. Full price even. Jenn
You all are so sweet. And funny! The bad calendars have already been returned (at least they paid the postage!). Part of the deal for getting half of them done again for free. Although... what in the world could they possibly have wanted with them? I should have thought to ask...
If I could reach out and hug each of you I would. And I'm not really a huggy person. :)
Brin
Awww... I am SO sorry that this happened. Maybe I should have never mentioned selling calendars in the first place! But I agree... they should have never printed the calendars without checking with you first.
Trust me... one day you'll look back at this and laugh about it. Until then... just try to grin and bear it. :)
OH! It'll worth my wait, I am sure!!! It's ok Brin, really. :)
XO
Holly
I would guess that they are going to print the July page and add it to the already printed calendars.
God Bless You,
Brin, I know just how you feel---I think some warfare is going on in the heavenlies right now and we who are spiritually sensitive feel the fallout- I'm serious! Does that make sense? Please send up another prayer for my 23 yr. old Mary again! She's wandering around Union Station in D.C. & someone just approached her for $ while I was talking on the phone to her-- (far from home here in LR)-she's pining for her lost love in Baltimore who refuses to answer her emails. Is there a healing balm for broken hearts beyond time? Hugs to you! V.
You need to find out if Sue's right ... if they're just adding the July page you better not be paying another red cent!!! Who would print a calendar without a month??
I wouldn't pay them anymore.. That is soo annoying! I went with a printing company for our birth announcements and doublechecked the proof and everything twice. Then they sent them WITHOUT the name. Isn't that the most important part!? I don't think printing companys have very good editor/proofreader type people working for them. All of our birthdays are in July (including my newborn) so it's kind of an important month. They should reprint them for free. Especially if they knew how big a "word of mouth" influence you could be. The company I went with reprinted for free and I didn't have to send them back. I was very happy with the outcome. (Although not sure what I should do with the 100 that don't have his name on them!) lol... We're all understanding here... I didn't even know you were doing them. I'll have to get one! is it too late to order?
Brin, don't worry.. it will become a better day. God is holding you right now.. only one set of footprints.. stay strong and stay in His will.. you'll be fine..
Hi, Brin, what a total disappointment & complete idiocy on their part! I don't blame you for being upset.
Hope you have a Happy New Year, I don't get by here as often as I'd like.
Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine, flooding my soul with glory divine...
This always helps me in times like these. Who in their right mind would print an eleven month calendar without checking?
Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine...
I sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" at times like these. Sometimes it helps.
Really, Brin, I don't understand why you have to pay them one red cent for an inferior product. Is it worthwhile to sue them? I think I'd start with the Better Business Bureau. I've been able to help people get out of contracts with businesses by using the BBB's services.
Ignore all of the above, if it causes you any more frustration.
Gosh, what happened to yesterday's blog post? It seems to have vanished into thin air!
That stinks.. I can't believe companies can do that and STAY IN BUSINESS! If my husband screwed up and then said, well sorry mam, you have to repay me again while I fix that screw up... we wouldn't be IN BUSINESS ANYMORE! GEEZE what is this stinking world coming to? take care and I wish I could buy something from you but we are out of work up here too right now... Maybe the government will bail us all out? There's a thought! LOL
Brin, I feel your pain as I asked my husband today "why is Satan trying so hard to bring us down".
As I see it you have a few decisions
#1 let the blog world know the name of company
#2 Better Business Bureau for certain file a complaint
#3 hire an attorney ( or a good friend if you have one in that filed)
and let them know you will not pay more money for inferior products, and that the calendars were presold and you have full intentions of including the business name when addressing customers with the situation of July missing, as you may have to refund some customers
#4 Play Hard Ball cause this company spells "Fraud" in my book.....
And the corporate office may not know what the little guys are doing......
YOU paid them for a job they didn't complete correctly.....
Blessings from Michigan
Always, always get a proof. Even an electronic proof will prove that you saw what they were planning to print.
And yes, push for a full reprint. That's ridiculous that you should have to pay again! Or give them a second chance at redemption with another project at a HUGE discount to make up for this financial loss to both of you really.
I don't agree with publishing their name on your blog. Although it may make you feel better initiallsy, revenge and holding grudges doesn't usually pay off in the end.
What idiots they must be to print your lovely calendar with a month missing! Not to even send you a quick email, perhaps the concept of customer service is a new one for them.
Keep your chin up, I'm sure you'll sell all your calendars one they arrive, with 12 months!
Snagged that scone recipe first thing this morning...my beloved read the deal with the calendars and I thought that you should know what he walked off singing..."The Lion of Judah will break every chain and give us the victory again and again."
I think you SHOULD print the companies mane on your blog. It was their mistake and people should know who not to do business with if they want to do something similar in the future. It isn't a matter of revenge, it is a matter of poor business pracitces and them standing behind the product they sell. If I were ordering printing online, I would like to know who not to trust with my order!
Of course it is up to you. but I do think letting people know the name of the company is completely Ok. a good idea in fact. True companies who understand the important concept of loyal customers...and the customer is always right...(which creates loyal customers)...also respect the fact that a ton of business growth comes from word of mouth. I do not feel revengeful when I pride myself in being big on word of mouth. If someone does a great job with waitressing or is a good nurse... or goes above and beyond with customer service, I tell everyone. I am the first to ask for a comment card to make that person's day..week..year. Businesses should know who their prize employees are - the ones that make they company set apart and better. They should also know the bad apples. So as i see it - word of mouth is an important tool to help all of us become better and get better service. It pushes companies to strive to be more quality companies. Just my two cents and now I'll get off the soapbox :) I'm sure you are just tired of thinking about (considering how frustrating it was and is) so let's just get on to a great and promising 2009! :)
Tara's right. Just hearing the word "calendars" makes me want to gag. I handled the situation as firmly and best I could... we reached an agreement... and it's done. Now I'm just waiting for reprints.
Lesson learned: I'll never sell anything again that I don't personally make or am staring at when it's posted! The sad thing is that some people are truly angry with me... and they have every right... and this fiasco is costing me some customers and a great Etsy reputation. Bugger! Live and learn, right?
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