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Sweet Berry Designs is closing the doors of it's party plan division. I feel so sorry for everyone who invested in this newly launched company (separate division from its pre-existing wholesale line). Just rec'd an email so I know that they're doing this after just launching!

That's terrible! Didn't they *just* launch recently?


Do the consultants even know?


Rebecca

smileys/smiley19.gifWow, that is awful for the Sweet Berry distributors. So sorry to read/hear that... yikes!

Yes, they did just launch!!smileys/smiley7.gifBoth www.sweetberryfields.netand www.sweetberrydesigns.netare no longer accessible on the internet!! We just received an email, Rebecca. smileys/smiley7.gifsmileys/smiley7.gifsmileys/smiley7.gif This is totally unacceptable............talk about not thinking things through before you promote a company!!Edited by: SweetBerrySue

The email was from the owner of the company, so it's for (sad to say) real.........smileys/smiley19.gif

How awful! And it sounds like there was no notice or anything. I feel terrible for all of you!


If anyone would like info on White Lily as an alternate candle/bath & body products company, please feel free to let me know.





((big hugs)) to all the SBD ladies!


Rebecca

I haven't received an email yet. That is unbelievable they didn't
even last a full month! What a waste of money that was. OK,
so an email said they shipped our products-was that a lie or did they
really ship and what are we supposed to do with the products once we
get them, frankly mine are probably going in the garbage. Call it a
business loss. I will be contacting my credit card company.



I went against my better judgement signing on with a new company. I
have never done that before and will never do it again! I am just
glad I didn't invest money in a web site (mine was free) I feel so
sorry for those who did and for those who signed on and never even
received their kits.



Man, this is the second time I've ordered things from people on this
site and have not received the products and then I'm told they
are out of business. Totally unacceptable!

Hi Cheryl,


I agree with you wholeheartedly!! I was uneasy to sign with a new company at first myself, but I thought I would give it a chance.....then when I received my starter kit, I was extremely impressed with the candle, especially!! And, I felt better about things until it has now been over a month since I placed my last order, and I am STILL waiting for it!! Supposedly it was shipped today.....how unprofessional for them to ship out my order of scent samples/supplies when they had to have know full well what was going to take place this afternoon!!! I am very angry, and I'm so sorry to all the reps that I personally sponsored into SBD.....I just feel awful. smileys/smiley19.gif


DEFINITELY no more new companies for this gal.smileys/smiley11.gif


Edited by: SweetBerrySue

I am sorry but I disagree with both of you. You know you take a risk any time you invest money with starting a company. That is just how it is. I think what they did was the right thing for them and I support them. Family should always come first whether you have a business or not. I am not trying to be mean, cause that just isnt me, but you know that you have some risk put in when you invest.


Heather

Heather,


I can understand what you are saying, and I have spoken with LeighAnna, and I DO understand why she is doing what she is, HOWEVER, this company was less than one month old, and like I mentioned above.....why the heck would they ship out business supplies to me today??? Why not just refund my money??? That would have been the "right" thing to do, in my opinion.

I'm SO glad everyone is so comfortable slammingus after knowing I worked long and hard trying to clean up my moms messes - SHE is the company owner not me I just tried to keep it all in order, I'm one person and a mom and I worked 20 hours a day many days and i've been on the REPS side hasseling my mom to give refunds and to clean it up - so thanks to everyone who appreciates someone trying their best to do something for them, excuse me for wanting a regular life!

My order was supposedly shipped last Friday, did they know then the
company was folding on Tuesday? What are we supposed to do with
products that we can no longer get? What do the girls do that have
parties scheduled? How do you think that will affect their ability to
book future shows with a new company should they continue to be in
direct sales? What ever the reason Leigh anna and Thersea closed
is not the issue. The issue is they KNEW they were going to fold
and they didn't refund our money. THAT is totally unethical
family or no family.

Thank you Heather - and Thank you Sue for acknowledging atleast that it wasn't me directly.


As for refunds Mom posted about sending them and I also told you that I was asking for her to refund you too! I am on your side, mom did this ALL WRONG! But please don't blame me!

I resigned today around noon - mom posted a closing at what 6? I wasn't here. So it was all decided today. Mom sent several orders this morning before any of this - to my knowledge.


Keep the orders, enjoy the products - they aren't bad products - and enjoy the refunds she posted she was sending.


I don't know what more to say - I decided to choose my husband, children and sanity over a company and on a MOM board I'd think I'd have more support.


I've lost something I've worked in for 3 years - how do you think I feel? I DO know how you all feel!

Ok, so let's move forward here ...smileys/smiley2.gif


I still want to have a candle business. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have been looking at PartyLite, Bittersweet and White Lily. Anyone want to share why they chose the company they chose? And help me decide what my next step will be?smileys/smiley9.gif


I am a mom of 2, and LeighAnna, I am sorry I can only imagine the stress you are going through. smileys/smiley19.gif

Jen, I am happy to share some White Lily info with you.


Sincerely,
Rebecca

Hi Jen:


I sent you a pm regarding Mia Bella Candles.


Best of luck in your search.


Barb


www.BurnForSuccess.com (http://www.BurnForSuccess.com)


Enter contest daily to win a free candle and soy soap

HI!
I want to say that I am very sorryto the SBDreps for theloss oftheir company. I was with Affordable Luxuries, and luckily resigned a week before they closed.....the feelings you are feeling now will pass, but for some may take some time.


I wish you all the best in moving on from this sad situation.
: )
DAWN GROSS

I never even received the email - except from someone on the forum
telling me about another candle company. That is how I found
out. Really shocked and disappointed. But life goes on - I
will find another solution elsewhere.

The sad thing is that it wasn't a brand new company. That's why I signed up with them. I knew they'd been around for a few years.


I'm sorry you're taking a lot of the heat, LeighAnna. I hope things will be okay between you and your mom.


Onward......

My condolances to all of you. I had the same thing happen to me with Excel- they closed doors just a week after I paid my renewal fee. smileys/smiley19.gif


I remember being angry and feeling betrayed- and most of all embarrassed. I had told everyone under the sun about my biz, and had a slew of customers left hanging to boot!


Anyways- I feel for you!! I hope that you all find something that suits you in the future!!


Terry

Thanks Missy ...


When I resigned, I gave my resignation to my "boss" whom is my mother - I didn't post it b/c it wasn't a public issue, I set her up with a production team to take my place, so her closing and the way she did is just well ... plain Ugly!


As for mom and me ... I've emailed her, but ... We aren't exactly speaking at the moment, in time I suppose ....


It's a big loss as I've worked with Sweet Berry (Mom owns it not me) for 3 years, it kinda became 'my baby' - I guess I've learned as well as others -smileys/smiley19.gif





LeighAnna

poor leighann.. obviously things were not managed well if decisions were made rashly this pm.. good luck to all... and move forward cautiously with your decisions

Wow I am shocked. I almost signed on with this company when they had founding Consulant spots open, but went with Bittersweet since I was more familiar with their products. If anyone wants more info on them I and other ladies can provide it for you. I love making a 40% profit, having a free website, and being able to have the company ship the products where I want them to go.

LeighAnn, I totally support the decision you have made for your family. I believe family comes first. Without our families, many of us would not be doing what we are doing today. I also understand what some of the consultants are saying, however, when it comes down to it, you have to do what is right for your family.You have my support! I know I would choose my family over anything else! Good luck to you and I wish you all the best in your future! smileys/smiley32.gif


~Mara~

Hi I am new here. I just finished reading the posts. So sorry to hear. If anyone is interested in earning 30% commission, affiliate website, etc. just let me know and I will send you more info about the soy candle company I signed up with in Jan 2005.Companyhasbeen in business eight years. Enchanting Scents Designs.


Best wishes in all you do.

Sorry to hear about Sweet Berry Designs. I just posted my remarks on the SBD board here at wahm so I won't double post it here.


If anyone wants information on The Bittersweet Candle Company, let me know. (auggies@verizon.net (auggies@verizon.net))


Bittersweet offers you soy blended candles that are hand poured. We also have a line of bath and body products and Coffee!

You also get:
-40% commission
-Free website and email address
-Drop shipping to your customers door
-Online Ordering for your customer
-No minimum order amount (no purchasing a whole case at a time)
-No monthly, quarterly or yearly minimum (no candle of the month club to join)
-Bittersweet collects the sales tax for you and submits it to your state
-We've been around for over 5 years and have 700+ consultants
-Quality business materials



Tamra Augostino

Well I joined SBD because I liked what was presented. LeighAnna sorry that things ended as they did, I hope you are able to work things out with your mom, after all she will always be your mom. There is no getting around that, don't let this come between what you have. good luck smileys/smiley1.gif

Michelle

Hi Jen,

I'm so sorry about Sweet Berry Designs. I looked into them as well.



I just wanted to let you know about Candle Wealth. I've been really impressed with them.



With Candle Wealth you make your own soy candles at a fraction of the
cost of buying them premade. Check out my website for more info
and email or pm me if you have any questions.



Good luck!

Traci

Ladies, I just wanted to say, I'm so sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to you.


Sarah

Tamra,



Bittersweet has coffee? Is there a big sign up cost?

Hi Ladies, let me start by saying that i am really sorry your existing business has abandoned you. I know how much work it is to start up a home business and the money you invest and then to be left with nothing is really not acceptable.smileys/smiley7.gif


I am with Mia Bella. We are a newer company, but we are also 90% DEBT FREE so you can be sure that we have our stuff together and we arent going anywhere!! If you still want to pursue a candle business i would be happy to send you:


A business Cd which explains in detail our company, products, and compensations and some of our candle samples at no charge!!


If Mia Bella is not for you, I wish you every success in your stay at home journey. Pleasedon't let this get you down!!!


Have a wonderful afternoon!!smileys/smiley2.gif


Jennifer Sanchez *Diamond*


http://soyscentiments.com (http://www.soyscentiments.com/)


Edited by: iluvsoycandles

I am so sorry to hear about this and for all the reps. It is a risk to sign up with a new company, I am just sorry it didn't work out.


I do have to say, please do not take this as an opportunity to "push" your candle company. I find it very unprofessional and a way to advertise. These people are upset and shocked at this moment, so let them decide if they wish to pursue another candle company. Let's just be here to support them, not recruit them. smileys/smiley2.gif

I agree, it wasnt my intention to "push" my candle biz on anyone. Just letting them know that they have other alternatives if they choose to stay with a candle company. I am sure alot of them have customers and hopefully if they can find something soon, they can re-coup some of their lost money and keep existing customers.


Believe me, my business sells itself. I just wanted to offer my help! Sorry it was taken as pushy!smileys/smiley5.gif





Jennifer S.

These people are upset and shocked at this moment, so let them decide if they wish to pursue another candle company. Let's just be here to support them, not recruit them. smileys/smiley2.gif





Very good point Shannon.


smileys/smiley31.gifTo the SBC Reps!!


Terry

My post wasn't to anyone in particular, but I did see some people offering info on their candle biz. I just feel that they need support, to be able to vent, not have other candle businesses thrown at them right now. If a SBD rep wants to join another candle business, I am sure they will ask for info. smileys/smiley2.gif It is just sad and shocking. I can't imagine investing time & money into a business you believed in, only to have them close the doors. I personally would need time to adjust before jumping into another business.


smileys/smiley31.gifHugs to all the SBD reps!

Thanks, Shannon!! I know that I've received several pm's and direct emails with offers to join other candle companies. While it's appreciated, my candle selling days are over, in my opinion. It is just extremely embarassing to promote a product, try to setup your calendar, only to have the business close up suddenly. It's very difficult for those who now have to go to their customers/hostesses and explain this mess.smileys/smiley11.gif


Time to move on to bigger and better things with ESTABLISHED companies. smileys/smiley1.gif

Shannon,


I replied with information about Bittersweet Candle Company because someone requested information.


I honestly feel very bad for anyone who was with Sweet Berry Designs/Fields.








Ok, so let's move forward here ...smileys/smiley2.gif


I still want to have a candle business. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have been looking at PartyLite, Bittersweet and White Lily. Anyone want to share why they chose the company they chose? And help me decide what my next step will be?smileys/smiley9.gif











Tamra

Yep, that was me that requested info...smileys/smiley1.gif


My thought was this: I can sit here and dwell on negativity, or I can move forward and find a new opportunity. I am thankful to the many who pm'd me info, as well as posting on the board, because I now have the info I need to make a decision.


I have an advantage over some SBD reps in that I never received my kit, nor did I recruit any customers or reps ( I wanted to receive my kit first ).So all that happened to me was a huge waste of my time.


Now, I don't want to waste any more time, because I need to do something so I don't have to get a JOB. I want to be home with my kids, but w/all this time wasted that I could have been earning money, well now I am anxious to start the next level.


To all of you who sent/posted info: Thank you!


To others who were offended by this: I am sorry, I wasn't trying to offend anyone by asking for info. I thought it would be easier to ask real people here on this board about their thoughts rather than try to research by myself.


No hard feelings?! smileys/smiley9.gif

I too as well was giving info about a soy candle company I rep for. A couple gals wererequesting infoabout other candle companies, so I was just trying to help them out.


smileys/smiley19.gifSorry, if others took it the wrong way. I was feeling extremely sorry for the people who had purchased candles, kit, etc.. and then the company closes down.


Best wishes to everyone in their businesses. Holiday season will soon be here. smileys/smiley4.gif

Sue! What a great attitude! Keep your chin up. You will find that one perfect business.


How aboutif someone requests info, PM the info to them? I know most everyone on the boards PM's the person asking for info. Then if they have further questions, they can PM you back. That way no one feels they are trying to be recruited. smileys/smiley17.gifIn theotherfolders if someone asks for info, we privately PM them and post that we have PM'd them, so no other reps trying to resend the same info.


Again, I am so sorry to all the SBD reps. I wish you all nothing but the best, whether it is with another candle company or a whole new business. smileys/smiley2.gif

I do have to say, please do not take this as an opportunity to "push" your candle company. I find it very unprofessional and a way to advertise. These people are upset and shocked at this moment, so let them decide if they wish to pursue another candle company. Let's just be here to support them, not recruit them. smileys/smiley2.gif





Thank You. I have got a number of PMs and email from other telling me how it's sad SBD closed and then push thier opp on me.I did not even know about the company closing until a Whitelily rep PMed me about her opp smileys/smiley7.gif


That's not right smileys/smiley5.gif

I can't imagine how you all are feeling. I'm not with SBD but it still is upsetting.Please let these ladies BREATHE! They know where to findcandle ladiesif they are going to pursue another candle company.


If someone asks about your company, do share.Some are ready to go forward. But don't send uninvited PM's. smileys/smiley11.gif Many people may need time to regroup. Give these ladies a break.


Always the best.


Hugs,


Sarah

That is good advice. I never PM someone about my business unless they specifically mention they are looking for a business and want ideas.


Jennifer&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;

Yes.. Mia Bella Candles are available to join... check out my website to view the company.


www.froggie109.scent-team.com (http://www.froggie109.scent-team.com)


There are plenty of us out here to answer any questions that anyone may have...

I've been staying out of this for the most part with the exception of
replying to Jen privately (Rebecca had the initial contact with Jen so
I wasn't sending a business op, I was adding my input as to why I
joined WLC since she had specifically asked the question as she stated
above).



As for everyone else, had I been in everyone else's shoes, I would have
wanted time to consider what I wanted to do, and if I wanted to jump
out and seek more info I would have done that on my own. So with that
in mind, I just stayed quiet and read the posts as they developed.



I do want to say I am deeply sorry this all has happened. smileys/smiley31.gif I wish you all the best of luck with your endeavors, and I sincerely hope this doesn't get you down!

Sorry if I offended anyone or made anyone upset. I didn't mean to. I feel horrible for all the SBD reps.


Apologies all around to those I offended. No hard feelings?

Y'all didn't make anyone upset. Someone asked for information, you didn't just jump in here.


Thanks for all the info you're sharing!
Missy

I was with SBD, and I feel really bad for all who had really put their all into marketing the business. I am not as upset because,

1. I never received my kit joined 6/17
2. Never received the product ordered 6/30
3. No website until 7/10

and this goes on and on, something did not seem correct to me when I would see a post of kits being mailed and a week later I am seeing my name come up again I started to think wait a minute someone posted it was mailed a week ago. As a result of this I was thinking of stepping down anyway. Thats when I received a PM with the news I had no idea. I was not really marketing the business because I had nothing to go on, no candles, samples or anything.

Had I started as the others I know I would be just as upset if not more. I am not please at how this was handled and the fact that I am stil waiting on my refund is not good business IMO but no need to get stressed over it.

I am ready to move on and have, I have already requested information on one company of interest. Just waiting on the refunds to move those monies elsewhere, smileys/smiley1.gif good luck all,

Hello everyone I am so sorry for what you are going through. I know exactly what you are feeling and my heart does go out to you.


A lot of people are trying to be helpful with information but I must agree please wait until the girls ask for it. It is very overwhelming with all the work to finish out the business and even though the company is done these girls will have their hands full for awhile fielding customers questions and making sure that they close up shop so to speak.


Keep your chin up girls it will get better


Heidi

Sorry to hear about SBD closing so suddenly. I know many of you were so excited about this new company. I have also been with a company that closed their doors after many years of sweat and tears. It can be devasting. BUT, things will work out. There are many other wonderful, stable companies to join that you will be very excited about again.


Keep your chin up like Heidi said ... it will work out.


Blessings,