~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[Tinkercc]

That is an amazing bag!!!! You continue to out do yourself.

 

[Iamthequeen]

WOW! You have once again outdone yourself. What a lucky recipient! I'm still hoping for an auction bag....

 

[BridgetR3]

Oh my goodness!!! That bag is ADORABLE!!!! I don't know who the customer is but I think you should just sell it to me!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Yes it is!

I think i'd run away SCREAMING!!!!

Nada I left work early to go picture crazy!!!

What time is the 3:00 parade?!?!

I don't believe it until i see it!!!!

see above

Your SIL's Mom? isn't that easier???

You crack me up - I love ya!

have been reading your Trip reports for a long time and stalking you on facebook too. I hae yet to see one person say anything BAD about your bags..
Every time you post a bag it gets harder and harder to come up with synonyms for amazing.

Awww... Thanks Mo! And quite honestly I continue to be amazed by the fact that I create something that people like. Every time I post something, it's out there to be scrutinized, and it's really hard to "put myself out there" - which I am sure you can relate to with your ahhhhmazing photography. So, thank you for continuing to like what I make.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! FRIDAY DANCE!!!!
Good luck on shopping!!! you know you will do a great job!!!

Meh - let's just not talk about that right now.

I'm glad you had a nice lunch yesterday with Josh's brother's Wife's mom
I hope your shopping goes better than you expect. Have a great weekend

Thanks Lillian, I will do a shopping update below, let's just say that it wasn't the best trip.

24 hour day at MK confirmed on the official disney parks blog I may have to find a way to hobble over there Dang I missed this in Feb and its a week after Fred comes home

The sad part, that even if this happened during one of our days, I am not sure that I would swtich - that would be a CRAZY event!

Nope...Magic Kingdom on May 24...as wella s Disneyland and California Adventures... all open 24 hours...
Nini

Cool that they are doing it at both.

Glad lunch went well.

Happy shopping day, and have a wonderful weekend. Come on Spring!

Thanks Kathy... Oh the weather was GORGEOUS here yesterday... So gorgeous, that I plan to go to the meat market this morning to get some brats for dinner tomorrow night - we need to grill, and eat on the deck. LOVE summer!

You just keep getting better and better.

Thank you Kathy, that really means a lot to me.

I love the color of the bag. The bucket at the zipper is great. The applique is AMAZING. It's a shame that not many people will see it

Thanks Lillian... I am pretty sure the person who ordered it will make sure that everyone sees it. If it were me, I would carry it backwards occasionally. LOL

D - The Sorcerer Mickey bag is awesome! I love it! You did a fabulous job as always! And the little bucket zipper pull is such a great added detail!



I'm going to be there! I'm not sure how long I can hang, probably not all 24 hours, as I'll be there for work and have an early morning meeting, but I'm going to try my best!

Thanks Gretchen... That zipper pull was CRAZY to make, because I had to attach it to the zipper BERFORE I appliqued it... So, I was working around that darned bucket/zipper the entire time I was appliqueing it and attaching the zipper to the bag... I was sewing on baited breath, because I thought for sure I was going to sew that bucket in to a seam. LOL

That. Is. AWESOME!!

I love the bucket! And the base fabric. And the back applique.

WOW!

Thanks Ruth... I do love how it turned out. Especially since I've been working on it off and on for so long. I was just glad I was able to squeeze in the last little bit yesterday and the day before.

And yes, my evening was quite relaxing. So relaxing that I kinda drifted in and out when DH was talking to me. But before the cider kicked in I actually got some work done in the sewing room and have a reversible dress prototype for my classic Sasha doll. Although she's probably classified as "vintage" these days: I got her for Christmas 1980 or '81.

Here's hoping you got some great deals.

LOL I doze off like that all the time. The family always teases me - it's rare that I ever see a full movie - EVER.

Glad you were able to get some sewing done. How do you like your new machine?

Meh... I will talk about my "deals" below...

Thank you! It does make one feel good.

You've had to deal with for way to long. I'm glad they finally got it to you. Hopefully they fix what ever the problem is. Good luck with the shopping!

Of course now our weather has cooled off a little bit and I'm happy with it!! I love our warm days! I just hate getting the electric bill!!!

Glad you were able to get a lot done over the last couple days!

I'm completely in love with the newest Mickey bag!! Everything goes together so well!!!

Thanks Sandra! Yah - we'll see if I get my paper this week? Now that I know my delivery cut off is 7:30 am, I won't wait so long to bug them about the non-delivery.

And thank you for the bag compliments. They mean a lot to me.

That is an amazing bag!!!! You continue to out do yourself.

Thank you so much! I love that people love what I make, it makes it all worthwhile for me.

WOW! You have once again outdone yourself. What a lucky recipient! I'm still hoping for an auction bag....

Thank you! I am pretty sure you will get your chance, I've been working hard on my BIG auction... I am just trying to decide how to go about doing it?? I may talk about it a little bit below.

Oh my goodness!!! That bag is ADORABLE!!!! I don't know who the customer is but I think you should just sell it to me!!!!

Thanks! LOL I am not sure she would go for that. YOu might have to fight her for it.

**********************************************************

So... My shopping trip... Yah - it was such an awful experience, I am not ever sure I want to talk about it, because I will just get all mad again.

My list was very small yesterday, since I've managed to stock up on most of our used items over the last few months - I really didn't have much to get, except for perishable items.

I did have a few remaining stacker coupons that expired soon, I wanted to use them up. But, for the most part, I was not purchasing multiple items - or TONS of items that weren't excessive... If ya know what I mean.

So, I get up to the check out - and I end up with the "Coupon Hater Cashier" - yah... So fun! <--- Sarcasm

As I beginning to check out - I always tell the cashier that I have coupons for almost everything - so then maybe they will take a mental note of what I've purchased, so we don't have to dig back through the bags to find the item later.

The first snag, was that I had a coupon for -$3 off of 10 Weight Watcher meals... Now I don't normally purchase these, but my schedule is really hectic over the next few weeks, and I won't have the time to prepare meals ahead of time for my lunches - so I splurged. I counted 10. So, when I was checking out, the cashier told me I only had 9, so I needed to go back and grab another one to use my coupon. Grrr... I could have sworn that I counted correctly... It wasn't until I got home, I counted them again - and I had 11. So, I ran all the way to the back of the store for nothing. But I didn't know that then. Sigh.

So, I handed the cashier my coupons. And she went nutso on me... She would only let me use ONE (yes 1) identical Target coupon. So, anything where I had purchased 2 items to use 2 of the same Target coupons... I had to put one back. Now, I did not do a TON of stuff like this, but I had a few items that I did want to purchase multiples of - and not excessive multiples... But, like - Sour Cream... I purchased 2 - I had 2 -50 cent coupons. We easily go through two containers of sour cream in any given 2 week period. But nope... She wouldn't let me use that second coupon, so I had to put one back. Same with the cheese... We use a TON of shredded cheese - so I had 6 in my cart - and 3 Target coupons (something like save $1 on 2)... Nope, I had to put 4 of those back.

In the end - there were several items in my cart, that I genuinely NEEDED - that had to be put back. I was very upset. And she was very rude to me... Once she found out I was a Team Memeber, she told me to go and relearn Target's coupon policy, because I'd likely be fired for not following it. She was a Team Lead - so it isn't as if she was a cashier on a power trip - well, she sort of was, IMO. But... I work electronics... Sorry, but I have not physically taken a coupon in YEARS. And - up until this shopping trip, the policy was 4 identical coupons could be used.

Oh - and not only that... but while I was putting items back... There were several times I had to remind her to take them off of my order... She was so "put back happy" that she just threw the items back into the bin, with out subtracting them from my order. When I got home, I discovered 2 more items that were on my receipt, which she put back but never took off. So, I paid for them, and didn't get them.

Since I will be in that area today, I am going back to that store, and I am getting refunded for those items, and I also plan to purchase all of the items she made me put back... because I needed those things.

I told BFF yesterday, I was soooo mad, that we need to start shopping at a different store, because they are so rude to us there now.

So, I can't even give you my totals for yesterday, because my beginning balance I wrote down is all skewed because I had to put so many items back and there are so many things on my receipt that I paid for, but I didn't get. It's a huge mess, and I am not a happy girl.

This doesn't really hurt my coupon shopping all that much - it does make it a little more difficult, as I will have to have several different transactions. But, I am at a Target store a few times during the week, so instead of having one large order built up for a week, I will just have to break it up into smaller trips. Kind of a pain...

The part that irritates me that most, is that I wasn't purchasing excessive amounts - you know? I could totally understand if I was clearing shelves... But 6 shredded cheeses, 2 sour creams, 2 chap sticks, 2 half gallons of icecream, 1 shampoo and 1 conditioner... OUt of all of that, I had to put back, 4 cheeses, 1 sour cream, 1 chap stick, 1 half gallon of icecream (this is all I can remember off the top of my head - there was soooo much more) These are all items that realistically a family of 4 goes through in a 2 week time period, and that's what frustrates me the most, is that I couldn't even purchase the items on my list.

Grrr... Now I am all upset about it again. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad, had she not been so rude on top of it all. I hope she is there when I go back today to purchase most of the items that I couldn't get yesterday.

**********************************************************

As you all saw - I finished my latest bag yesterday... I am just so happy to have it done. I don't like half finished projects hanging over my head - but sometimes it just can't be helped. And I am super happy that it turned out to be a well liked bag set.

BIG auction ramblings:

So, I am trying to figure out how I am going to make this all work. In the plans, for now, is 5 complete bag sets... I am also hoping I will have the time to add a few misc. accessories at the end.

As I sit right now, I have 2 complete sets (almost) finished. I have my 3rd set all cut out and ready to go.

Logistically, I am trying to figure out how I want to go about auctioning these off... I would really like some opinions here.

The last time I did a big auction... I listed one item per day, and it lasted for about 12 days... Towards the end, people just seemed to fall off.

Here is what I am thinking for this time around. Rather than list one item per day, I will list everything on the same day... Hopefully with in 5 minutes of eachother, then they will all end with in the same hour - with 5 minutes in between.

This scenerio will mean a lot of prep work for me, and a lot of work taking photos/setting up auctions/packaging and mailing... but I think it will be easier to keep track of this way, and I can get it all done in one fell swoop.

The other issue I have is when to do it? I am thinking I will just replace my June auction with this BIG auction? So, it would happen the 3rd Thursday in June... I think this would be good - because it keeps with what people expect. At one time, I was toying with doing it the week earlier, mainly because the MSB launch was happening the Tues before (their auctions would end on Wed, then my auctions would start on Thursday and end Saturday) - at first I thought this might take away from my auctions, but the more I think about it, even if it does - it's better to keep my schedule, than it is to mess with it. And I certainly don't want to mess with their auction by doing mine earlier... and because of my 4th of July schedule - I can't do it the following week. So, I think I will just keep it the same? Are you confused yet?

I am very excited about this BIG auction... Even Josh is excited - as he has seen the start of the bags, and he really likes them a lot. Which says something. LOL

**********************************************************

Hmmm... Not much else is going on... I am getting ready to head upstairs shortly... I broke the news last night that there will be lots of overtime in the sewing room over the next few weeks. Not only do I have my BIG auction bags to do, but I have my May auction bag set to make yet, and I have my custom orders to continue with (which the next 3 are all very complicated) and I have an amazing MoA trip in there too... So, it will be very crazy!

**********************************************************

Oh and I have trip custom update for you.... I broke the news to BFF the other day... I've enlisted her help in completing our bags for our trip. So, the entire week before we leave, she will be at my house quilting our bags, in the hopes that we can get them done before we leave. Gotta love her!!!

I am still messing with our ADRs a bit... I have them all booked, but I am still checking a few times per day to see if I can get them at a little better times. If not, I am OK with what I have - but I am hoping that once the official announcement for FD is released, all those Aug people will RUN for September and cancel the ADRs they are holding.

OK - better go - I have lots of work to do today, and a trip to Target to squeeze in, as well. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend!

D~

 

[Luvchefmic]

OK not sure how much my opinion will be worth only auction site I ever dealt with (seller AND buyer) is eBay Is the site you do this on really BIG like eBay ?
I think its a great idea doing a big auction. I like the auctions ending on Sat, I HATE the auctions ending five minutes apart personally BUT if its anything like eBay then it could be a GREAT advantage for you to do it this way as you could possibly have a win fall with last minute bidding wars

Sorry about that "lead" person at Target that kind can be found in ANY work place, shame on her... real people person huh ? Hope you get it resolved w/o too much hassle today

Things are good here today, all parties still limping through the day but not as bad


I love the magic broom on the back of the bag the most I always get a kick out of them in the movie too

Have a blessed day all RuthIE

 

[Deesknee]

Opinions.....hmmmm. Wellllllll...... I think you should close the auction to everyone but...ME.

Actually, I don't understand the auction stuff enough to voice an opinion. So, I will just keep track of it, and bid on what & when.

Sorry your Target cashier was such a witch. I was under the understanding that the coupon rule was 4 at Target. My friend is at the point she has a copy of the coupon regulations for the store she is shopping at in her purse. She has only had to use it 4x in all the years she has been couponing. Twice at Walmart, once was Target, once at CVS. 3 out of 4 times she was right. Walmart she was wrong once.

I love that bag! DH loves Fantasia. I'm not a fan of the movie, BUT love sorcerer Mickey.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[Terkina]

How rude the cashier was. I hope you tell the manager at the store how rude she was. People in those kind of jobs need to learn that you can't be rude to a costumer even if the costumer is wrong.

About the auction I understand that you don't want to have one auction and then another because it will end up taking too much time. To start the auctions with in 5 minutes of eachother is a good option even if it will mean a lot of work.

But you don't have to take all the pictures at once You can take pictures of one bag one day and prepare the pictures for uploading. Then the next day take pictures of the next bag and prepare the pictures for uploading. So after a few days you will be ready to upload all the pictures on the auction day.

The only website I have used that has auctions is ebay. But with ebay you will have to pay a fee to be allowed to have items there. So if you can manage to have the auctions on facebook it will be cheaper for you or your customers depending on who is going to pay the fee on ebay.

 

[sewmess]

Terkina is right: you need to let the cashier's supervisor know about her attitude. From where I sit (front line manager here) that is completely unacceptable. Internal customer service is most important because if you aren't pleasent to coworkers, people who see you regularly, who knows what kind of service you are giving to people who see you once.

I'm enjoying the new machine; I've played around with a couple of appliques, one included with the machine and one I downloaded. And I just got in a selection of thread so I'm ready to play some more. The problem I have is, I want to have an end product...and I don't really have anything in mind right now.

About the auction - if you think you can swing the pre-sale prep, ultimately it might be easier to do it all at once. Well, in the same hour. And the relief when it is over would be immense.

 

[Iamthequeen]

I agree about notifying the cashier's supervisor about her rudeness. Also she was wrong about the coupon policy. You can use up to 4 coupons at one time. Maybe SHE needs to have a refresher course in customer relations and a remedial reading course so she can actually read the coupon policy.

 

[lovingeire]

First and foremost that team member really chaps my hide! Mostly, because she is the uneducated one! The Target coupon policy is on their website and clearly states:

Target stores coupon policy
Manufacturer and Target Coupons:
•Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless prohibited by either coupon).
•We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon.
•Limit of 4 identical coupons per household, per day (unless otherwise noted on coupon).
•All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.
•Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).
•Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.
•We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
•All applicable sales taxes are paid by the guest at the full value of the item.
•These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet Coupons, •Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).

I think she was being high and mighty and just refusing the coupons and being a pain. I would honestly complain because that isn't the way you treat customers or co-workers. No matter how high and mighty you may feel! Her carelessness in dealing with the items she made you return demonstrates her poor attitude and work ethic.

As for the big auction, I think a shorter period than 12 days maybe since you saw people drop off last time, but having them all together would probably be good. I think the more pressing question is whether or not there will be a redhead in the bunch!

 

[ladylyons]

Thanks Sandra! Yah - we'll see if I get my paper this week? Now that I know my delivery cut off is 7:30 am, I won't wait so long to bug them about the non-delivery.

And thank you for the bag compliments. They mean a lot to me.

That's when I'd be calling at 7:45 am every day it's not there by then. Give them a 15 minute leeway or so. Maybe it's time they have a talk with you're deliver person.

You do awesome work!! When I made the decision for my bag I was really torn between Lady and the Tramp and Sorcerer Mickey. He's always been my favorite Mickey (next to Steamboat Willie). But had to go with one I don't see very often.

So... My shopping trip... Yah - it was such an awful experience, I am not ever sure I want to talk about it, because I will just get all mad again.

My list was very small yesterday, since I've managed to stock up on most of our used items over the last few months - I really didn't have much to get, except for perishable items.

I did have a few remaining stacker coupons that expired soon, I wanted to use them up. But, for the most part, I was not purchasing multiple items - or TONS of items that weren't excessive... If ya know what I mean.

So, I get up to the check out - and I end up with the "Coupon Hater Cashier" - yah... So fun! <--- Sarcasm

As I beginning to check out - I always tell the cashier that I have coupons for almost everything - so then maybe they will take a mental note of what I've purchased, so we don't have to dig back through the bags to find the item later.

The first snag, was that I had a coupon for -$3 off of 10 Weight Watcher meals... Now I don't normally purchase these, but my schedule is really hectic over the next few weeks, and I won't have the time to prepare meals ahead of time for my lunches - so I splurged. I counted 10. So, when I was checking out, the cashier told me I only had 9, so I needed to go back and grab another one to use my coupon. Grrr... I could have sworn that I counted correctly... It wasn't until I got home, I counted them again - and I had 11. So, I ran all the way to the back of the store for nothing. But I didn't know that then. Sigh.

So, I handed the cashier my coupons. And she went nutso on me... She would only let me use ONE (yes 1) identical Target coupon. So, anything where I had purchased 2 items to use 2 of the same Target coupons... I had to put one back. Now, I did not do a TON of stuff like this, but I had a few items that I did want to purchase multiples of - and not excessive multiples... But, like - Sour Cream... I purchased 2 - I had 2 -50 cent coupons. We easily go through two containers of sour cream in any given 2 week period. But nope... She wouldn't let me use that second coupon, so I had to put one back. Same with the cheese... We use a TON of shredded cheese - so I had 6 in my cart - and 3 Target coupons (something like save $1 on 2)... Nope, I had to put 4 of those back.

In the end - there were several items in my cart, that I genuinely NEEDED - that had to be put back. I was very upset. And she was very rude to me... Once she found out I was a Team Memeber, she told me to go and relearn Target's coupon policy, because I'd likely be fired for not following it. She was a Team Lead - so it isn't as if she was a cashier on a power trip - well, she sort of was, IMO. But... I work electronics... Sorry, but I have not physically taken a coupon in YEARS. And - up until this shopping trip, the policy was 4 identical coupons could be used.

Oh - and not only that... but while I was putting items back... There were several times I had to remind her to take them off of my order... She was so "put back happy" that she just threw the items back into the bin, with out subtracting them from my order. When I got home, I discovered 2 more items that were on my receipt, which she put back but never took off. So, I paid for them, and didn't get them.

Since I will be in that area today, I am going back to that store, and I am getting refunded for those items, and I also plan to purchase all of the items she made me put back... because I needed those things.

I told BFF yesterday, I was soooo mad, that we need to start shopping at a different store, because they are so rude to us there now.

So, I can't even give you my totals for yesterday, because my beginning balance I wrote down is all skewed because I had to put so many items back and there are so many things on my receipt that I paid for, but I didn't get. It's a huge mess, and I am not a happy girl.

This doesn't really hurt my coupon shopping all that much - it does make it a little more difficult, as I will have to have several different transactions. But, I am at a Target store a few times during the week, so instead of having one large order built up for a week, I will just have to break it up into smaller trips. Kind of a pain...

The part that irritates me that most, is that I wasn't purchasing excessive amounts - you know? I could totally understand if I was clearing shelves... But 6 shredded cheeses, 2 sour creams, 2 chap sticks, 2 half gallons of icecream, 1 shampoo and 1 conditioner... OUt of all of that, I had to put back, 4 cheeses, 1 sour cream, 1 chap stick, 1 half gallon of icecream (this is all I can remember off the top of my head - there was soooo much more) These are all items that realistically a family of 4 goes through in a 2 week time period, and that's what frustrates me the most, is that I couldn't even purchase the items on my list.

Grrr... Now I am all upset about it again. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad, had she not been so rude on top of it all. I hope she is there when I go back today to purchase most of the items that I couldn't get yesterday.

**********************************************************

As you all saw - I finished my latest bag yesterday... I am just so happy to have it done. I don't like half finished projects hanging over my head - but sometimes it just can't be helped. And I am super happy that it turned out to be a well liked bag set.

BIG auction ramblings:

So, I am trying to figure out how I am going to make this all work. In the plans, for now, is 5 complete bag sets... I am also hoping I will have the time to add a few misc. accessories at the end.

As I sit right now, I have 2 complete sets (almost) finished. I have my 3rd set all cut out and ready to go.

Logistically, I am trying to figure out how I want to go about auctioning these off... I would really like some opinions here.

The last time I did a big auction... I listed one item per day, and it lasted for about 12 days... Towards the end, people just seemed to fall off.

Here is what I am thinking for this time around. Rather than list one item per day, I will list everything on the same day... Hopefully with in 5 minutes of eachother, then they will all end with in the same hour - with 5 minutes in between.

This scenerio will mean a lot of prep work for me, and a lot of work taking photos/setting up auctions/packaging and mailing... but I think it will be easier to keep track of this way, and I can get it all done in one fell swoop.

The other issue I have is when to do it? I am thinking I will just replace my June auction with this BIG auction? So, it would happen the 3rd Thursday in June... I think this would be good - because it keeps with what people expect. At one time, I was toying with doing it the week earlier, mainly because the MSB launch was happening the Tues before (their auctions would end on Wed, then my auctions would start on Thursday and end Saturday) - at first I thought this might take away from my auctions, but the more I think about it, even if it does - it's better to keep my schedule, than it is to mess with it. And I certainly don't want to mess with their auction by doing mine earlier... and because of my 4th of July schedule - I can't do it the following week. So, I think I will just keep it the same? Are you confused yet?

I am very excited about this BIG auction... Even Josh is excited - as he has seen the start of the bags, and he really likes them a lot. Which says something. LOL

**********************************************************

Hmmm... Not much else is going on... I am getting ready to head upstairs shortly... I broke the news last night that there will be lots of overtime in the sewing room over the next few weeks. Not only do I have my BIG auction bags to do, but I have my May auction bag set to make yet, and I have my custom orders to continue with (which the next 3 are all very complicated) and I have an amazing MoA trip in there too... So, it will be very crazy!

**********************************************************

Oh and I have trip custom update for you.... I broke the news to BFF the other day... I've enlisted her help in completing our bags for our trip. So, the entire week before we leave, she will be at my house quilting our bags, in the hopes that we can get them done before we leave. Gotta love her!!!

I am still messing with our ADRs a bit... I have them all booked, but I am still checking a few times per day to see if I can get them at a little better times. If not, I am OK with what I have - but I am hoping that once the official announcement for FD is released, all those Aug people will RUN for September and cancel the ADRs they are holding.

OK - better go - I have lots of work to do today, and a trip to Target to squeeze in, as well. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL weekend!

D~

WOW!! How rude of that cashier!! Especially once she found out you are also a Team Member!! I'd probably pick her line next time just to be that annoying person. Plus I'd bring the rules with me and then if she didn't do it that's when I'd be like can you please bring over a supervisor to help with this transaction since you don't seem to know what the rules are. Sounds like she needs some retraining.

In regards to the auction I say to still spread them out but not over 12 days. Maybe do a couple items a day? Or do them all in one day but spread it out over the whole day. Then that way you don't have to do as much work in a short amount of time. Sorry I'm probably not much help!!

You have the best BFF!!! That's great she's able and willing to help you out!

We're enjoying our hot weather (again!) this weekend. Went to Great America today and the kids once again enjoyed it!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK not sure how much my opinion will be worth only auction site I ever dealt with (seller AND buyer) is eBay Is the site you do this on really BIG like eBay ?
I think its a great idea doing a big auction. I like the auctions ending on Sat, I HATE the auctions ending five minutes apart personally BUT if its anything like eBay then it could be a GREAT advantage for you to do it this way as you could possibly have a win fall with last minute bidding wars

I was planning to have the auction on my fan page. That seems to work out well for me, and people are used to having it there - then I don't have to pay Ebay's fees.

I was thinking that the 5 minutes apart would be a good thing, I know it is a lot of work for me, but no more work - really - than listing them further apart. It just means I would be taking a big pile to the PO. LOL Also, the 5 mintues apart, I was thinking would be a good amount of time between auctions - that way, someone wanting to bid on 2 items wouldn't have to wait around all day, but if they were ending one after the other, they would still have time to get from the first one to the other one and plenty of time to put in a bid.

Sorry about that "lead" person at Target that kind can be found in ANY work place, shame on her... real people person huh ? Hope you get it resolved w/o too much hassle today

I did get it resolved, sort of. I will chat about that below.

Things are good here today, all parties still limping through the day but not as bad

Glad things are seeming to get better... I hope and pray the progress continues.

I love the magic broom on the back of the bag the most I always get a kick out of them in the movie too

Have a blessed day all RuthIE

Thanks that's my favorite part too! I hope you had a great day!

Opinions.....hmmmm. Wellllllll...... I think you should close the auction to everyone but...ME.

LOL - you all don't even know the theme yet. What if it's something you don't want? LOL

Actually, I don't understand the auction stuff enough to voice an opinion. So, I will just keep track of it, and bid on what & when.

Understood.

Sorry your Target cashier was such a witch. I was under the understanding that the coupon rule was 4 at Target. My friend is at the point she has a copy of the coupon regulations for the store she is shopping at in her purse. She has only had to use it 4x in all the years she has been couponing. Twice at Walmart, once was Target, once at CVS. 3 out of 4 times she was right. Walmart she was wrong once.

That is the rule... But I will explain below.

I love that bag! DH loves Fantasia. I'm not a fan of the movie, BUT love sorcerer Mickey.

Me too... I don't really love the movie, but I love all the art with in it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

You too!

How rude the cashier was. I hope you tell the manager at the store how rude she was. People in those kind of jobs need to learn that you can't be rude to a costumer even if the costumer is wrong.

I did not report her in any way... I will explain below.

About the auction I understand that you don't want to have one auction and then another because it will end up taking too much time. To start the auctions with in 5 minutes of eachother is a good option even if it will mean a lot of work.

I was thinking that too... It's not necessarily more work... It's just the same amount of work in a shorter time period. LOL I should have clarified... So it SEEMS like more work.

But you don't have to take all the pictures at once You can take pictures of one bag one day and prepare the pictures for uploading. Then the next day take pictures of the next bag and prepare the pictures for uploading. So after a few days you will be ready to upload all the pictures on the auction day.

This is true... I can take photos as I go.

The only website I have used that has auctions is ebay. But with ebay you will have to pay a fee to be allowed to have items there. So if you can manage to have the auctions on facebook it will be cheaper for you or your customers depending on who is going to pay the fee on ebay.

This is one of the many reasons I love having my auctions on FB... I honestly hadn't even considered having them listed on Ebay - since I always do them on FB, I just figured I'd do them there. It seems to work well for me...

Terkina is right: you need to let the cashier's supervisor know about her attitude. From where I sit (front line manager here) that is completely unacceptable. Internal customer service is most important because if you aren't pleasent to coworkers, people who see you regularly, who knows what kind of service you are giving to people who see you once.

I agree, I could have sworn I put it in my long paragraph yesterday - but she IS the front line manager (or GSTL, in Target speak)... That's the problem. I will explain the problem further below though - because there is more to it now.

I'm enjoying the new machine; I've played around with a couple of appliques, one included with the machine and one I downloaded. And I just got in a selection of thread so I'm ready to play some more. The problem I have is, I want to have an end product...and I don't really have anything in mind right now.

Yay!!! I am glad you are having fun with your machine! I know how you feel, I love having an end product... but with me, it seems when I end one - I have another to start. LOL

About the auction - if you think you can swing the pre-sale prep, ultimately it might be easier to do it all at once. Well, in the same hour. And the relief when it is over would be immense.

I was thinking this as well. Like I said above, it's not more work - per say - it's the same amount of work in a shorter time frame, so it just seems like more work. Hopefully I can have all my ducks in a row in time...

I agree about notifying the cashier's supervisor about her rudeness. Also she was wrong about the coupon policy. You can use up to 4 coupons at one time. Maybe SHE needs to have a refresher course in customer relations and a remedial reading course so she can actually read the coupon policy.

Technically - the policy is vague... I will explain below. And part of the problem is that she is the GSTL - or in other words - the cashier team lead. I have not done anything yet - but I will tell you all below what happened yesterday when I went back...

First and foremost that team member really chaps my hide! Mostly, because she is the uneducated one! The Target coupon policy is on their website and clearly states:

Target stores coupon policy
Manufacturer and Target Coupons:
•Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless prohibited by either coupon).
•We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon.
•Limit of 4 identical coupons per household, per day (unless otherwise noted on coupon).
•All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.
•Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).
•Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.
•We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
•All applicable sales taxes are paid by the guest at the full value of the item.
•These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet Coupons, •Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).

I think she was being high and mighty and just refusing the coupons and being a pain. I would honestly complain because that isn't the way you treat customers or co-workers. No matter how high and mighty you may feel! Her carelessness in dealing with the items she made you return demonstrates her poor attitude and work ethic.

You are very right... But there is more to this, and I will explain below. This is Target's coupon policy - however - there is another part to it. Just so I am clear - I agree with you totally though. LOL

As for the big auction, I think a shorter period than 12 days maybe since you saw people drop off last time, but having them all together would probably be good. I think the more pressing question is whether or not there will be a redhead in the bunch!

You know I love ya... but there are no red heads in it - yet. What are you going to do when I finally do give you a red head? LOL

That's when I'd be calling at 7:45 am every day it's not there by then. Give them a 15 minute leeway or so. Maybe it's time they have a talk with you're deliver person.

LOL - now that I know the delivery cut off - I will be calling much sooner. I just wasn't sure what that time was before.

You do awesome work!! When I made the decision for my bag I was really torn between Lady and the Tramp and Sorcerer Mickey. He's always been my favorite Mickey (next to Steamboat Willie). But had to go with one I don't see very often.

Thanks Sandra! I am quite shocked at how many Sorcerer Mickey bags I've made... It's right up there with regular Mickey. But I agree - if a person is to do a custom bag, they must do what speaks to them, IMO. Most people only buy one, so I think they might as well do what they love.

WOW!! How rude of that cashier!! Especially once she found out you are also a Team Member!! I'd probably pick her line next time just to be that annoying person. Plus I'd bring the rules with me and then if she didn't do it that's when I'd be like can you please bring over a supervisor to help with this transaction since you don't seem to know what the rules are. Sounds like she needs some retraining.

I agree - I am still very upset with her. However, there is more to the rules than what they say... I will explain in just a minute below.

In regards to the auction I say to still spread them out but not over 12 days. Maybe do a couple items a day? Or do them all in one day but spread it out over the whole day. Then that way you don't have to do as much work in a short amount of time. Sorry I'm probably not much help!!

Well, my thinking with the auctions, if I do them all 5 minutes apart, they will all start and finish approximately with in an hour. It's not more work for me, but the same amount of work no matter what, with in a shorter time period. So, as long as I have everything together, I think it might work out well. That way - people don't have to wait around all day for "their" auction to end. And if they want to bid on two, even if they end one right after the other, they still have time to get to the next one. Does that make sense?

have the best BFF!!! That's great she's able and willing to help you out!

I know - I am so lucky - I tell her that all the time. Besides, she doesn't sew much at all... But I am quite certain, if I get the quilting all set up for her, she will do just fine.

We're enjoying our hot weather (again!) this weekend. Went to Great America today and the kids once again enjoyed it!

It's been very hot here too the last few days... so much so, I just realized that I need to have the air conditioner in my Edge recharged.

**********************************************************

OK - let's start today off with my escipades at Target yesterday. First of all, I went straight in to Guest Services, I gave her my receipt with the double charged items on it. And I told her, I wasn't sure if the system would allow her to refund my $$, because the double charged items also had an identical item with it, that I paid full price for. In my head - I was certain that they system would only allow her to refund the cheaper one. I was pleasantly surprised when it allowed the refund of the one I didn't use coupons on. Success!

So, then I took all of my coupons from the day before, and I walked around the store, picking up the exact same items I had to leave behind previously. BFF and I are almost certain we are tagged with in this particular store... Things have happend recently - not only the cashier incident - where we think they are watching us. Which, makes no sense, because we are not stealing - which is the common perception that Team Members have with couponers - they don't understand that the store is reimbursed from the manufacturer for the coupons used.

But, yesterday - we did not have our "binders" - so I don't think they noticed us going around the store. Aside from that, it took us less than 10 minutes to get what I needed - so even if they were watching us and waiting for us to go through the registers - I don't think they expected us that quickly.

So, as we were checking out, the lady in front of me was having problems with her Gift Card... So, the cashier had to call the GSTL over (which was NOT the same GSTL that checked me out on Friday, this one checked out BFF) - then the GSTL noticed that BFF and I were the next in line. Conveniently - he hung out and literally bent right over the cashier's shoulder as she scanned my coupons. I was smiling broadly, because I know how Team Members talk after guests leave the store - so I knew that he knew I was purchasing every thing I was forced to leave behind the day before. It was a very victorious feeling.

Anyways... On to the coupon policy...

Bridget, above, is totally correct - she copied and pasted Target's exact coupon policy from their web page.

But the problem with that policy - is that it is either: Not up to date, or it is incorrect, or something else is incorrect and needs to be clarified. Here's the deal:

On the bottom of each and every Target coupon in my binder - it states: Valid in store only. This coupon for use by original recipient only. Limit one coupon or offer per guest. Void if altered, transferred, purchased, sold or prohibited by law. Item(s) may not be available in all stores. Not valid in Canada. Quantities limited; no rain checks. Coupon value may not exceed value of item purchased. No cash value.

So, Target's official coupon policy is a limit of 4 identical coupons. But the bottom of the coupon states that only one coupon offer per guest (note, it says "per guest" NOT "per transaction" - so does that mean if I have my girls with me, I can use 3 coupons?). So, were both of us right? And their policy needs to be clarified?

But then, the second bullet in Bridget's above post states: •We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon. So, in the end - officially - I am wrong.

I am not sure what to do here? I am more than happy to write corporate. Because if they are now saying only one coupon per guest - as it states on the coupons themselves - then, why does my computer allow me to print 2? And secondly, why does their policy state 4? They need to fix something.

So... It was very gratifying for me to go back to the store - get a refund for the items she failed to take off of my order. It was also even more gratifying to go through the store and pick up almost everything I had to leave behind... - minus 2 of my 4 cheeses, because I had two more of those coupons - as you can see - I was not purchasing excessive of anything. When I walked out of the store yesterday, I had purchased:

1 Nivea lip butter
1 Up & Up nail polish remover
1 Garnier Fruictis shampoo
1 Campbells sauce
1 Market Pantry half gallon ice cream
2 Market Pantry shredded cheeses
1 Daisy sour cream

My total before coupons was $21.98 and after all of my coupons and discounts it was $9.08.

So, now that you all know it was a GSTL (cashier team lead) that initially checked me out (I could have sworn I put that in my post yesterday) - would you still complain? Especially knowing that their coupon policy is disjointed?

**********************************************************

So, yesterday morning - before my trip to town. I was able to quilt my next auction bag. That was my goal yesterday - I told myself I couldn't leave for town until I was finished with that part.

Then, when I came home, I cut out the applique for this bag. I also cut out the wallet applique for my previous bag (that I forgot to do)... I hope to be able to work on these appliques as time allows over the next few weeks. I like doing applique work like this on the side, because I can work on it for 15 minutes blocks of time pretty easily.

My paper isn't here yet - but they still have an hour. I probably won't spend much time on couponing today, since I don't have a trip scheduled until next week.

I do plan to go up to my sewing room, and get started on those appliques though.

Then, this afternoon, Josh and I are going for our first Jeep ride of the season - it's supposed to be a nice day today. And tonight, we are going to grill out (brats) and have dinner on the deck. Which means - after lunch - I am going to work on some outdoor spring cleaning... Even though the inside needs it worse.

I hope you all have a fantastic day today.

D~

 

[Terkina]

I wouldn't complain on not getting to use all the coupons. But I would complain about how rude the cashier was to you. The cashier could have told you their policy in a nice way.

I hope you have a great trip with Josh on the Jeep

 

[babynala]

How is Alli's foot?

You really used your sewing magic on that Mickey bag. The appliques are fabulous but I can't believe you did the zipper pull while it was attached to the bag. I am beyond impressed. I would have been sweating. LOL.

Having the auctions together is a good idea so people can do all their bidding at one time. I can understand why bidding might fall off since people forget or get busy. Just be sure not to have the last one end too late.

Hmmmm, the Target coupon policy is a bit vague but I thimk it states you can use 4 coupons. You just can't use 4 of the Target printable coupons since the one per guest restriction is printed on that coupon. So you could use one Target coupon and 3 manufacturer coupons. ????? But then they put in the whole "we reserve the right to refuse any coupon" and then it makes it so you don't have way to enforce their policy as a customer. Although I think that as a corporation they put that on there to limit abuse and to prevent people from using copies, fakes and buying a ton of multiples that clear the shelves. It seems like the manager could just say "sorry we refuse" but as a customer I think they should at least have a good reason and not just use that policy because they don't like couponers or because they want to feel empowered. So frustrating because you never know if they will refuse you or not. Sounds like they are on the hunt for couponers in that store. I would think that stores in the backyard of their HQ would be a showcase for customer service. Blahhhh, sorry for the term paper.

Hope you enjoy your jeep ride! That sounds like fun.

Curtis and I washed all the pollen off our front porch the other day so we got to eat our dinner there the other night. It was perfect. Those brats will taste like summer! Enjoy your day.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I was asking if the auction site is as big as eBay meaning exposure to a gazillion people then you said the auctions are held on your fan page ...on FB you mean right ? So only people that can participate in bidding are FB members and specifically people that know you...I think I understand this now and long story short I was trying to rationalize the bidding process ie- as practically all of us know, on eBay you can look at an auction for ending a week from now but put in your maximum bid & the system will do it for you without waiting around babysitting the site Does the auction on fan pages work that way ? Presuming that it does NOT is why I gave the opinion of auctions ending 5 minutes apart wasn't the best...maybe I should bow out of this with my opinion


You DID say the hassle at Target was a cashier that was a lead in your original posting ..considering that, you are a Target employee and I'm afraid there will be some kind of retaliation (a Target on your back NO pun intended, seriously) if you complain

Stinks and she SHOULD be reported BUT realistically this control freak personality exists in every walk of life in every work place I've seen it with govt employees and civilian employees I've seen it everywhere (been working for 42 years) and its never going to change

You can react emotionally ( and I get that she treated you like something she discovered on the bottom of her shoe) or you can take some time to think about this, is she going to change ? Will HR fire her or re-train her ? How do you re-train someone to be NICE ?? Thats all I have to say about that Forrest Gump

 

[Terkina]

Spring is definitely here

The first picture you have seen before. I just want to refresh your memory and show you how much snow it was on 7.April

And here is a picture taken today on 28.April

 

[Deesknee]

I agree Target has to clarify their coupon policy. And as someone else mentioned, I think they need to use the word manufacturer vs. store coupon. That said, Yes, I would complain. I try to live by, say what you mean, mean what you say, BUT don't be mean when you say it. My first sentence would consist of telling them that you work in retail and although you understand coupons can get confusing, they as a responsible retailer need to clarify their coupon policy to keep the customer & employee from becoming frustrated. Then I would go on to say how you understand how the employee must get frustrated with the confusion the coupon policy must create, but she should be able to contain that frustration to a customer, ESPECIALLY if she is a store lead.
That is my 2 cents.
I've worked in customer service for over 25 years. Everything from cashier, to security office personal, to phone customer service. I have been yelled at, swore at, even spit at, and I can honestly say, I have never been reported to have treated a customer poorly. Actually, that is not true once a customer complained because I didn't sell liquor to him. (he was providing it to minors), he tried to say I was rude, The boss examined the video and said I was nothing but pleasant, and did the right thing. After they leave I might take a little private rant, but not in front of the customer and never AT the customer.

Good for you going back and getting the items you were forced to put back. I agree why allow 2 to be printed, but only 1 to be used. That's crazy.

Have a fun day Jeeping.

Dee

 

[sewmess]

I agree Target has to clarify their coupon policy. And as someone else mentioned, I think they need to use the word manufacturer vs. store coupon. That said, Yes, I would complain. I try to live by, say what you mean, mean what you say, BUT don't be mean when you say it. My first sentence would consist of telling them that you work in retail and although you understand coupons can get confusing, they as a responsible retailer need to clarify their coupon policy to keep the customer & employee from becoming frustrated. Then I would go on to say how you understand how the employee must get frustrated with the confusion the coupon policy must create, but she should be able to contain that frustration to a customer, ESPECIALLY if she is a store lead.
That is my 2 cents.
I've worked in customer service for over 25 years. Everything from cashier, to security office personal, to phone customer service. I have been yelled at, swore at, even spit at, and I can honestly say, I have never been reported to have treated a customer poorly. Actually, that is not true once a customer complained because I didn't sell liquor to him. (he was providing it to minors), he tried to say I was rude, The boss examined the video and said I was nothing but pleasant, and did the right thing. After they leave I might take a little private rant, but not in front of the customer and never AT the customer.

Good for you going back and getting the items you were forced to put back. I agree why allow 2 to be printed, but only 1 to be used. That's crazy.

Have a fun day Jeeping.

Dee

Absolutely -She should not be in a lead position if she cannot explain policies to the satisfaction of the customer - especally internally. And even if she's a lead/supervisor, there's going to be someone superior to her. And I would hope that Target empowers their employees enough to let them be flexible with their policies when service requires it.

I'd also like to agree with RuthIE about how you can't train somenone to be nice. And once a person is promoted to a position of incompetence it's tough to get them where they are competant again. (She may have been an ace cashier, but the little bit of power given to her has gone straight to her head and she likes to prove points - remember power corrupts.)

Ultimately, you probably should bring it to corporate's attention that their couponing polocy is contradictory and difficult for their own employees to follow/enforce.

Glad you were abl to get things done before fixing issues at the store. And hope your day was great and not damp. It's raining here.

 

[aksunshine]

Oh!!! I just adore your new bag set!!

 

[disneychic2]

I'm baaaack! What a crazy 10 days. I got home from a week in Virginia, (which was so fun and so much work!) was home less than 24 hours and left for our son's home which is 2 1/2 hours west of us. We wanted to support our DDIL while she ran her very first 1/2 marathon. So we stood out in the rain for hours to glimpse her twice. We got home tonight around 4pm.

Let me just say, I LOVE that latest bag! Back in 1999 we stayed at All Star Movies and we loved that Sorcerer Mickey at the pool and our balcony had the mops and buckets on them. You did a fantastic job as always! It took a while to catch up on everything, but you sure have been getting a lot done. And I'll add my 2 cents about the auctions and say putting them up 5 minutes apart makes total sense to me. Seems like a very efficient way to do it.

I saw your question about whether you could get the lunch menu with a 4:00 adr, and I would say probably not. But I have no experience along those lines, so it's just a guess. Dan and I make arrival day ADRs almost every trip. We haven't had trouble getting to them on time. Well, we were 5 minutes late to Le Cellier when the airlines changed the time of our flight once, but it wasn't a problem. I love that you're trying the Rose & Crown. I had the steak and it was delish! They made a huge deal for my birthday and gave me a crown that the wait staff signed. It was pretty neat.

I read all the pages I missed, but there's just too much to comment on. Loved the cupcakes V made for her big sis! I made those when I was young too. Glad Allie is getting better and had a fun shopping trip. Tangled is one of my favorite movies too! Don't you just love when true grilling season starts??

Dan, unfortunately, is still having quite a bit of pain in his jaw. He went back to the doctor on Friday and they said keep rinsing with salt water. He wants to check him again this Friday. Thank goodness for pain pills to get him through.

I have 6 days at home and then I'll be traveling with my DD and her family to Colorado. It will take 4 days to get there and I'll stay a week to help her get her house in order (somewhat). Then I'll fly home via Dallas and visit with my sister there for 4 days before flying home. Dan will meet me in Dallas. Then the following weekend, we're going back to Virginia so Dan can help our DSIL who is finishing their basement. I'll be the crazy lady running around in circles mumbling, where did May go?

I'm glad Maxine is doing okay and that RuthIE is mending from her latest adventure...

So glad to see so much of the snow has melted for you, Terkina. What a difference in those pictures!

I'm sorry that person was so rude to you at Target. She must be a very unhappy individual. I'd say just move on, and don't waste one more minute thinking about her. In fact, I'd say a little prayer for her and then go back to my own fabulous life chock full of great friends and wonderful family.

Have a great week in the sewing room! (sorry this is so long!!)