Competition reveal...

[circoit]

Its fine if BE wants to offer those that refer a lot of customers their way - perhaps a free angel purse for every "x" number of people that end up buying. But, to offer a competition just seems tasteless to me. I've been involved in competitions like this before - selling knock-off perfumes to people on the street (and, to friends and family, of course). These kinds of marketing tactics belong at MLM companies and not at high-end handbag companies.

[calibaggal]

Originally Posted by msterling

I agree with you. Although I would be happy to share information about BE if someone asked me about one of my bags, I cannot actively promote BE to my friends. Since bags are not a priority to them, I would feel foolish trying to get them to sign up and they would likely feel uncomfortable if I even tried. So, I'll be sitting on the sidelines for this promotion since I am already a customer. That's tough since there are bags that I would be interested in trying out with a 40% discount and free shipping, but would never buy at full price. I'm not saying that BE bags are not worth full price. I have paid full price and it is definitely worth it for a bag that I think will be perfect for me. For a style and/or color that I'm not sure about, I'm willing to take a chance at a discounted price, but not at full price.

^^^ITA
Knowing the current financial position of my close friends and family, I would be tactless to ask them to sign-up for something that is out of their range. As for co-workers I find it unacceptable to share information on anything like this. It would be totally unfair to do so since I have confidential salary information. I share BE with those who ask and seem really interested.

There are bags I would try at 40% off. If they did not work out for me I would "gift" them to someone else. Which would be an introduction to BE for them. Buying from the sample sale was what hooked me on BE. After I received my bag I have paid full-price for several bags in the same style. If I were to buy a bag I am unsure of at 40% off what is to say I will not order it again at full price.

I think I would be fair to loyal customers to offer a bag at 40% if they have not previously purchased the style through BE.

[Jenova]

Shall we agree to disagree and let this thread drop now?

[*suzi*]

Originally Posted by Jenova

Shall we agree to disagree and let this thread drop now?

Well said. I think the majority of our regular members have given their honest opinion. I do think that if Jackie is going to visit the forum on occasion that it would be good to hear what her customers are thinking. Then, she can plan her next promotions and events based on the feedback (both good and bad). I know everyone here loves BE AND Jackie. I truly believe honest feedback from loyal customers can be invaluable for a company.

[lovebags2]

Hi Ladies,

I just read this thread now. I hope you don't mind if I quickly offer my opinion.

First, I see what Jackie was trying to do. Her goal was to expand BE and try to provide a little fun while doing so. I thought it was a creative gesture on her part. But, I do understand everyone's points as well.

Personally, I never enter any sort of competition. I didn't enter the last BE one and had no intention of entering this one. I"m just not competive by nature! Plus, like everyone here has already mentioned I'm definetely not comfortable discussing what I pay for my handbags with my friends/family. I know Jackie has asked me on occasion to let my friends know about BE but honestly, I "can't". Even if my MOM knew what I pay for a handbag then I'd never hear the end.

SO: I do understand where everyone is coming from and I"m sure Jackie does now too.

I'm not saying this competion was the best idea but I do know it wasn't ever meant to offend anyone. I"m sure Jackie just assumed those that didn't feel comfortable then wouldn't participate.

BE is expanding and I"m sure there will be bumps along the way! In this economy, I can't imagine trying to run a handbag company. I give Jackie lots of credit for her ambition!

[TropicalGal]

[rachaelmb]

Originally Posted by TropicalGal

I totally agree. As a suggestion for future promotions that all loyal BE customers could participate in:

Submit a name for a new bag and if your name is chosen you win that bag.

or

One day advance preview to shop the next sale for existing BE customers that have ordered within the last year.

[Charmed05]

I love your ideas rachaelmb! I think the name suggestion is good because surely everyone could participate in that one?!

I also thought about everyone designing their perfect BE bag, but I know a lot of people will say they can't do that. But, I think it would be fun seeing what others design. I know other companies have done this before and the girls had a blast with it. I think everybody voted in the end.

[BelenEchandia]

Originally Posted by rachaelmb

I totally agree. As a suggestion for future promotions that all loyal BE customers could participate in: Submit a name for a new bag and if your name is chosen you win that bag. or One day advance preview to shop the next sale for existing BE customers that have ordered within the last year.

I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend. I love these ideas. Come the next 3-day sale you have my *word* that we will definitely adopt the second one and the next time we have a new bag we will have a bag naming competition too.

We did consider doing a "Design a Bag" competition about a year ago, but most people felt that they preferred to leave the designing to the professionals lest the aesthetics and proportions were out. Most people also felt that they would not enter, that they preferred to enjoy their handbags rather than designing them. However we are always open to suggestions, I never rule anything out.

Enjoy Sunday.

Jackie X

[msterling]

Originally Posted by BelenEchandia

A year before I became a handbag designer I didn't even own a handbag. And I would NEVER have spent a lot of money on one. However, once I started studying it and working with workshops and learning about why good-quality bags cost so much, I really began to notice the difference, both in terms of quality and the way a good bag makes you look and feel. I have a very chic Spanish friend who says that whatever you are wearing a great bag and a shoes make your outfit. And she's right.

I've only been into handbags for 1 1/2 years now. Before then, a handbag was simply a necessity for carrying around stuff. I used to buy a simple black leather bag for about $50 to $100 and use it every day until it started showing too much wear. The funny thing is that those bags actually lasted for many years. Although durable in that sense, they were lacking a bit in terms of style.

I ended up interested in handbags after I overhauled my entire wardrobe, thanks to several years of watching What Not To Wear. After seeing several episodes in which the person featured on the show dressed a lot like me, I realized it was time to change. Once I started dressing better, I knew I needed better bags. Now, I don't mind paying extra money for a good quality bag that is also functional and stylish.

Regarding your friend's comment, I agree that in most cases, a great bag and shoes can make an outfit. However, I don't think great bags and shoes help much when a woman is wearing oversized sweatpants, sweatshirts, "Mom" jeans, etc... I believe that the right clothes along with the right bag and shoes can boost confidence and make a big difference in how you present yourself to others. I have a decent wardrobe now and some great BE and RM bags, but I'm still working on the shoe part - I'm just not a shoe person.

[BelenEchandia]

Originally Posted by msterling

I've only been into handbags for 1 1/2 years now. Before then, a handbag was simply a necessity for carrying around stuff. I used to buy a simple black leather bag for about $50 to $100 and use it every day until it started showing too much wear. The funny thing is that those bags actually lasted for many years. Although durable in that sense, they were lacking a bit in terms of style. I ended up interested in handbags after I overhauled my entire wardrobe, thanks to several years of watching What Not To Wear. After seeing several episodes in which the person featured on the show dressed a lot like me, I realized it was time to change. Once I started dressing better, I knew I needed better bags. Now, I don't mind paying extra money for a good quality bag that is also functional and stylish. Regarding your friend's comment, I agree that in most cases, a great bag and shoes can make an outfit. However, I don't think great bags and shoes help much when a woman is wearing oversized sweatpants, sweatshirts, "Mom" jeans, etc... I believe that the right clothes along with the right bag and shoes can boost confidence and make a big difference in how you present yourself to others. I have a decent wardrobe now and some great BE and RM bags, but I'm still working on the shoe part - I'm just not a shoe person.

I found a great shoe designer at LFW, he does not advertise or have a website and all his shoes are made by hand in London (the next Jimmy Choo now that Jimmy no longer makes Jimmy Choo shoes?). If anyone wants his details I can try to dig them out.

[chica1]

Coach had a "design-a-bag" contest earlier this year. I saw the winning design but I'm not sure if they have any plans to sell the bag. In fact, if I remember correctly, there was no real design done by contestants. We were just permitted to make changes to an existing bag.

Originally Posted by BelenEchandia

I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend. I love these ideas. Come the next 3-day sale you have my *word* that we will definitely adopt the second one and the next time we have a new bag we will have a bag naming competition too. We did consider doing a "Design a Bag" competition about a year ago, but most people felt that they preferred to leave the designing to the professionals lest the aesthetics and proportions were out. Most people also felt that they would not enter, that they preferred to enjoy their handbags rather than designing them. However we are always open to suggestions, I never rule anything out. Enjoy Sunday. Jackie X

[finzup]

I think designing a handbag would be the single most fun, interesting, and maddening thing ever! I had such a hard time with what was offered to us for bespoke bliss -- just think about it - if you had all the bespoke bliss options AND you could completely design a handbag from the ground up -- the possibilities are endless! It would be so amazing and overwhelming at the same time! (I would be totally up for it though!)

[circoit]

Originally Posted by BelenEchandia

I found a great shoe designer at LFW, he does not advertise or have a website and all his shoes are made by hand in London (the next Jimmy Choo now that Jimmy no longer makes Jimmy Choo shoes?). If anyone wants his details I can try to dig them out.

This sounds really interesting. Do you think he can make a design in a wide width if I ask him? I love designer shoes, but most do not fit me because I have really wide feet.

[chica1]

Yea, you are so right. I gave up on the Coach contest. I don't know why I took it so seriously but it was fun trying to come up with ideas.

Originally Posted by finzup

I think designing a handbag would be the single most fun, interesting, and maddening thing ever! I had such a hard time with what was offered to us for bespoke bliss -- just think about it - if you had all the bespoke bliss options AND you could completely design a handbag from the ground up -- the possibilities are endless! It would be so amazing and overwhelming at the same time! (I would be totally up for it though!)