Missty's DYOB project

[enga4]

I can't believe that, Missty. I'm so sorry that your bag got cancelled. It's really like the end of an era for HH.

[True Religion]

Oh my... I'm really sorry to hear, Missty and Jordan :(

I haven't gotten an e-mail yet, but I haven't started either, simply because I too remember that there were "No Deadlines" and I wanted to be sure of what I wanted before I sent it to them, even if it took me a year or two.

I wonder if we can get them to reconsider under the terms that we'd work with their timeline. I'm so sorry that you guys both got so far in the process to have them back out...... I'd like to complete this too.


It says: "there is no time limit to coming up with your design. you will review swatches of leather under the advice of our designers." Also "Final Sale."

[fafnir]

Oh, I am so, so sorry. It was the last thing I expected to see when I opened this thread. I know how much you had invested in this project and how much the bag meant to you, Thuy.

And to the others, too. Everyone was collectively so excited about this project. It's a real loss.

[siouxie]

terribly sorry to all of the ladies with designs - this is pathetic - it all boils down to:

communication (or lack thereof)


It really seems like hh is full of fun ideas, but they don't seem to want, or have the ability, to think through the details of implementing their ideas into a format in which they can execute

[pursegal]

I'm so very sorry for the ladies this has happened too. Its really a shame, and it makes me sad to think of all the time and effort the ladies put into this project.

HH seems to have some major growing issues right now and their lack of empathy for their loyal customers is lacking huge, its really just a shame and I hope they work this out real fast, because at this point I can't help but wonder how many loyal customers they have offended or ran off to another brand that will appreciate their dedication and money.

[lunarlu]

I am so sorry that you girls put so much time and effort into designing your dream bag and this had to happen. It was inspiring to see the creativity that came out of you. I almost wish we could just learn how to make them ourselves, because it seems a shame not to bring those designs to life.

[RealMcCoy]

Thuy, I would have a long talk with them. Tell them you understand the challenges the design team has been under. Ask them what would it take to make the DYOB still work. How much time would they like you to wait? Ask them if they would keep it on file and would embark on it towards the end of 2010 (if you are willing to wait for it...I would be for that beautiful bag). They may need that much time to get comfortable with their new manufacturer who probably has put limits on them also. Ask them if this was, indeed, a time constraints issue or if it was a profitability issue. If breaking even is a problem, ask them what it takes to make it a go. If they say it would have to be... say something like double - then tell them a double GC should cover it, LOL. It would be cheaper for them to negotiate time with you. I would also point out to them the incredible GOOD viral advertising they have gotten out of this project up to now for little money/resources. And... how much bad viral public relations could come out of this - totally out of your control, mind you, but I've already read through 3 pages of upset posts and this would be just the tip of the iceberg.

I really think they have not thought how much this would cost way beyond the manufacturer order. It would cost them in bad online presence ( a virus of postings). But, even more it would cost them the potential for an incredible human interest project that could garner them a massive ammount of free public relations / advertising. I am astounded that they haven't considered this. It has to be a decision that was made by the design girls. If they had a PR or marketing director, canceling this project would never have been considered. As a marketing manager, I shudder at this... and hurt for what this blunder could cost them.

Moreover, if I was their marketing director, I would warn them that they have a potential law suit on their hands. Time has nothing to do with this. If time was of the essence, they could have told you this any time during this past year. They didn't. A litigator would have have a field day with this.

[pjrufus]

Missty, Jordan, True - I'm so very sorry for all of you. With all the HH disappointments many have been going thru lately...this one takes the prize. I've loved following the process and was looking forward to seeing it through, but that can't compare to what I'm sure your feeling. My heart is with you.

[chodessa]

RMC for HH president fer sher....

[slsk]

Originally Posted by True Religion

Oh my... I'm really sorry to hear, Missty and Jordan :( I haven't gotten an e-mail yet, but I haven't started either, simply because I too remember that there were "No Deadlines" and I wanted to be sure of what I wanted before I sent it to them, even if it took me a year or two. I wonder if we can get them to reconsider under the terms that we'd work with their timeline. I'm so sorry that you guys both got so far in the process to have them back out...... I'd like to complete this too. It says: "there is no time limit to coming up with your design. you will review swatches of leather under the advice of our designers." Also "Final Sale."

OMG. I used to be the biggest HH cheerleader / fan. But that.... that takes the cake. I mean, there's "small independent company growing pains" and then there's "writing checks that your butt can't cash." I would be pi$$ed.

[kate83675]

A toast to RMC

It would be wonderful if this could be salvaged in some way for the ladies who won the DYOB. I'm disappointed and I'm merely a bystander, I can't imagine how it feels to have put so much into this and have it taken away.

[True Religion]

Originally Posted by chodessa

RMC for HH president fer sher....

One YES vote from me!

I feel like I say this all the time, but RMC really gives the best advice. She's right... we should still talk to HH and see what we can do. We can work with their schedule, for when they have more time. Or if they wanted to extend a deadline for us to finish a design, I could understand that too, even if the manufacturing process takes longer.

This is definitely a situation where the issue isn't "we can't get it done," but "we don't want to get it done." Hopefully it's not too late to change things.

[carlottalyn]

Ditto everything Kate said. I am SO sorry Missty, Luciana and TR. I can't believe they canceled it. I hope they decide to work with you guys with more time!!! Surely next year they'll be settled down enough to be able to complete three bags...? If they're still around, anyway. Sigh. Good luck.

[Suzzeee]

Wow - guys I am so sorry to hear about these custom bags getting canceled -- it was such a unique and cool "once in a lifetime" thing too! RMC is right when she says that this is a horrible PR move -- I almost bid on that, but just didn't have the time to devote to the project, but if I had, I would have been crushed for sure! I think it's worth going back to them to see if the project could be completed after FW2010 is done which honestly shouldn't be all that far off. Another option would be to find a craftsman yourself who could make your design come to life. Both HH and RM used to manufacturer in NYC until they got too large so I'd have to think there are some talented people in NYC.

[tonij2000]

Unbelievable! If you do take the gift cards, make sure you find out first, what they can and can't be used on... I wouldn't be surprised if they told you that they were only good on full priced merchandise.