Yet another CMC question

[RadioNate]

You ladies helped the other poster so much I thought I'd pick your brains too.

Just a small intro, I'm AJ. I usually lurk on your board. I generally post on the cast member board but sometimes rumor and news and DCL. I've been scrapping for years but just started in the "new" archival methods.

I'm in the process of transferring a lot of my old albums into "safe" albums. Oh course my fav thing to scrap is Disney vacations!

On to my questions for CMC's if you become a CMC do you HAVE to be exclusive to their products? For example I prefer CM albums and use many CM elements but I use a lot of things from WDW and the LSS.

I'm toying with the CMC idea because I spend at least $150 a month on my own supplies and I have at least 1 friend willing to order from me. In the last 6 weeks I've placed $250 worth of orders for myself and I could easily buy another $350. My problem is that I have a lot of non CM tools and paper that I would like to continue using as well as stickers and other Disney elements. I also prefer some non-CM adhesives, etc.

In all honesty, I'd probablly just buy everything I want for 6months - year and then stop. I'm really not looking for a business. I don't really want to talk to my CMC about it because she's pretty strict when it comes to herself using all CM items and I don't want to make her feel like I'm just looking for a discount (when in reality that is pretty much it). I feel like I spend so much I should get something out of it, yes...no??

 

[nursetink]

I have been a CMC for a year and a half. I explained to my upline when I joined what I was planning to do. I order only the minimum order every quarter and I did join only for the discount.

My upline had no problem with this, in fact I am the only consultant who is still active, from when I originally came on board.

There are plenty of CMC who don't have a problem with other embellishments etc., me being one of them. I say go for it and save yourself some money. It is working out great for me.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[BoardwalkBabe]

You are free to use whatever products you would like to!

I am a hobbyist CMC in that I order primarily for myself because I want the discount. I place my minimum order ($500 retail = $350 my cost) every three months and that's all there is to it. Been doing this for two years, so I will most like stop after I place my December order later this year because I will have whatever I need to finish up my remaining projects. Will look for a local CMC after that.

If you are spending that kind of money, it's worth it to be a consultant and get that discount!

 

[cobbler]

I say go for it. I told my upline that I am just really wanting to get my items at cost and make a little extra money on the side to support my habit.

"They" obviously like you to use all CM products because you are selling them, but if you are not going to be doing the shows and whatnot, then go ahead.

Me personally I have some items that are not CM that I still use that I have had, pretty much because I am to thrifty to just throw them out and not use them, money wasted ya know.

I also do it to get all the neat exclusive items without having to hold a class or purchase so much and whatever.

Just do what you want, its your business, your money and your albums.

 

[Alice28]

Go for it! if you are doing it strictly for your own hobby, who cares! No one checks on what you are doing; if you were to sell it, I can see why CM wants you to use exclusive CM (but even when I was a consultant, I used other stuff and just told my customers, just be sure your stuff is acid free lignin free..) Have fun with it! I was a CMC for about 8 months and had fun getting tons of stuff at 30% off....too much stuff! LOL

 

[wtpclc]

I just signed on as a CMC. Was originally just going to be a hobbiest, but I want to do a few shows to stay active without buying only for myself ($350 every 3 months is a little much, even for a spender like me!).

Anyway, the only time you need to worry about using non-CM stuff (besides watching for acid, lignen, etc) is if you want to do a show/class/workshop. Any personal albums you take to these must be all CM. That's my current dillema! I need to make one or two of those pretty quick.

Anyway, just re-affirming that no one will look at what you do for yourself along with a warning that if you ever want to do shows, you'll want an album(s) with all CM products.

Have fun & happy scrapping!

 

[wtpclc]

Part 2 - I just re-read what you are spending. If you are spending that much on CM supplies, you should have become a CMC earlier! Your CMC should have told you that already. The only drawback is that your consultants kit will likely have a lot of stuff you already have. With the amount you spend, though, your 30% discount from retail on the other stuff you order should offset the consultants kit pretty quickly.

Also, don't worry about your CMC thinking you just want the discount, your becoming a CMC will still be very helpful to her.

Last word, if you sign up now and get your $500 retail order in this month, you can get a really cool special edition album free. It's a way cool 7x7 water/summer theme. Not trying for a sales pitch, but I'm pretty excited to get mine.

Again, good luck!