Simplicity Pattern Company--Cheap, cheap, cheap!

That really sucks. I would ask to exchange it for books or patterns or something. I wouldn't donate it either. I can't believe only 2 people entered that contest.

Michelle Giordano (Don't live in the states so don't have a hancocks to enter at, thanks goodness because I don't want to win a craptastic machine!)

I'd write them a letter and include a copy of the letter you posted here, including the number of people who read these newsgroups. I would then send them the copies of any and all negative (I've looked, there aren't any good reviews) reviews I got off the net about that machine and I would then let them know that you will pass along this experience in detail to anyone you see entering a Hancock's store or anyone of your acquaintance who happen to shop there as well as any and all sources having to do with sewing blogs and/or newsgroups. Obviously there is a very good and obvious reason only two people entered. I'd then send the machine back to them, C.O.D. and I wouldn't ask for any fabric, books or merchandise of any kind. I'd just flat out let them know I thought they were a trashy, unethical company and I wouldn't want to ever do business with them again.

Just after Christmas in 1995 I was in the Hancock's Fabric store in Tacoma, Washington just off 38th Street. One of the ladies who worked there was talking to a man who was the owner, manager, buyer or something of that sort and with a very bad, greasy comb-over. He had a large pile of fabric bolts that he was showing this woman. She made a less than complimentary comment about the quality of this fabric and the man said, "These damned women wouldn't know crap from quality if it hit them in the a**." I stepped over and said........"I beg your pardon but I DO know quality and in this store there is none, the fabric isn't that great either." I haven't shopped at a Hancock's since. Their business practices obviously haven't changed much in the past ten years.

Val

What I might be tempted to do is to list it on eBay with the very same description you have above. Bids won't be very high, but the bad PR?

Priceless! It will cost you a whole .25 if you start the bidding at .99 .

If you do post it, let me know so I can be sure that the eBay groups I frequent all get to see it.

Probably *not* what Miss Manners would deem correct, however.

...

Now that could be a hoot. You could become the next wedding dress guy or cutting table guy.

--Karen D.

Hi all,

I wanted to give you an update on this, and Simplicity is making it right. It turns out the woman I spoke to did not intend or know that a used machine was sent(the machine was sent from a distribution center.) She is likely more upset about it than I was, because it makes her company look bad. I know we are all more inclined to only speak up when we have complaints. I wanted to make sure Simplicity gets credit for fixing it.

Juliette in Texa

Hi all,

I wanted to give you an update on this, and Simplicity is making it right. It turns out the woman I spoke to did not intend or know that a used machine was sent(the machine was sent from a distribution center.) She is likely more upset about it than I was, because it makes her company look bad. I know we are all more inclined to only speak up when we have complaints. I wanted to make sure Simplicity gets credit for fixing it.

Juliette in Texas

Glad it's working out Juno

Me too. I'm not always a fan of their patterns, but when I've had to deal with them direct about a problem, I've always been pleased with their response and attempts to put things right.

Thank you for taking the time to post what happened here. I, for one, am glad you did, and to hear that Simplicity is doing the right thing.

Karen Maslowski > Hi all,

Maybe that's why only 3 people entered! : p