Deceptive Business Practices

I don't know why I'm so surprised and disheartened but I know I like to think that people should be genuine and honest. I had an enlightening experience with Artgems.com today. I have ordered from them a number of times, the last time being last week. I have always been satisfied with the quality of the crystal beads that I order.

For the past few months, Artgems has been running a "closeout"sale. The sale up until recently was "40% off the regular price." Those prices were great. I was satisfied and happy. Recently the sale has been increased to "50% off the regular price." Last week when I ordered, I ordered what I need and giving way to time shortages, I failed to pay attention to the prices. It wasn''t until last night when I was cataloging my new beads that I came to the conclusion that I had been deceived. Some of the beads that I bought were the same beads that I bought a few months ago at a lower price under the 40% off sale.

My problem with Artgems is the deception. I definitely should have paid more attention the price. However, when you say that your price is 50% off the "regular price." I think the regular price is static and stays the same. So if I was satisfied at 40% off, I would only have greater satisfaction with 50% off.

Today, I called Artgems. The "manager" that I talked to said (loosely), "We are just like everybody else and we had to raise our prices to make a profit." I told her that I thought it was highly deceptive to use the same ad but say you're giving 50% off a regular price that you know you have jacked up. I told her that I felt it necessary to blog this information.

Not ten minutes after I got a call from the president of the company, Mr. Moon Shaikh. He initially told me there has been no change in the price. I told him that there had been, based on the fact that I had both invoices in front of me. His response was "It's a free country! You can shop where you are comfortable."

Mr. Shaikh is right. This is a free country. I chose to exhibit my free speech in writing this because I think disclosure is everything. I wouldn't fault anyone who continued to shop at ,but based on the response I received I WILL choose to shop elsewhere.

Disheartened and Deceived

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Embriyah Handmade Jewelry is having a sale---20% off the already low prices of all items through Cyber Monday. Check it out at http://www.embriyah.etsy.com

Getting Started

I've been trying to figure out this e-business thingy for a while. I make jewelry so a traditional site just didn't seem to fit. I mentioned it to my cousin who lives in Texas and he suggested Etsy as he had used it before. So I checked it out. I think Etsy is a great fit for my jewelry. We'll see...
So a few weeks ago, I set up my account and began to add the jewelry I already had to the site. About a week afterwards, I had my first sale. I've had three sales so far. I have no expectations for this resulting in me being able to quit my day job BUT it will be a vehicle to reach alot more people.

I suppose I should introduce my jewelry line: EMBRIYAH. You ask how I came up with the name. Well, my divas--my daughter and my nieces, EMarea, BRIana and maliYAH. That's my inspiration. The website is www.embriyah.etsy.com. I'm trying to promote it all over the web, hence this blog.

I've never been a blogger so this will be a slight challenge for me but...I'll give it a try.

If you get a chance, check out my website and give me some feedback. Creative criticism is always welcome.

Thanks....until the next blog.