Thankfully we get to choose the positive and genuine people that we want to craft with after things like this happen. You are not the only one who this has happened to but thank goodness you were strong and brave enough to walk away. Never ever let others take away your joy of crafting, whether that is as a demonstrator or not. It only takes a short moment in time for someone to speak without thinking of the harsh and devastating effects it can have on someone’s health, especially when stamping is their ‘therapy’ - and it instantly takes that away. A couple of good crafty friends who would do anything for you are worth so much! Hang on to those few people and cherish fun times together!
Thank you so much. You're absolutely right, I cried everyday for months but it's time to move on. This video serves as closure! Here's to many more crafty times to come.
I will be up front about this and am NOT sorry to say it...I DESPISE Stampin Up. I was a demo for almost 4 years (and this was before all the social media stuff!) and they almost broke me. I was an artist and paper crafter for many MANY years before SU and I was sold the line that this would be a natural for me, that I could save so much money on my personal supplies et. al. After 4 years I had enough...enough of the never ending lists of "retired" products that I could never use, enough of having to buy stamps that I didn't particularly like because people thought they were "trending"...enough of a discount that wasn't that great to begin with, and that I could never seem to sell enough to use. I was tired of feeling that I was letting my friends down because I knew that there were many good products that I could not mention because they weren't SU. I remember that I had FINALLY managed to collect all the ink pads, and only one month later they discontinued them and completely changed the design!! The same with the markers. I realized that honestly, there was NOTHING that was sold by SU that I couldn't really find somewhere else, and usually much cheaper. I wonder how many people who "love" SU products realize just how many of them are merely private labeled versions of things from well known companies! Their "paper snips" are made by EK Success, their markers by Zig. They had a private label Big Shot for years that was much MUCH more expensive that ones sold by Sizzix. The adhesives are way overpriced and the Stampin' dimensionals were never thick enough to ever notice any dimension. Those horrible "snails" don't contain enough adhesive for more than a few cards, and you can get a 6 pack of wonderful 1/2 inch dbl. sided tape (also 1 inch) online from Paper Mart for $6. I got tired of always feeling like I had to sell, sell, sell. I actually developed a rotator cuff shoulder injury from lugging those humongous catalogs to every demonstration. And then they started raising the amount you had to sell and lowering the demonstrator discount. ..... The rules started to multiply at a frightening rate....and the thought that anyone can buy a complete demo starter kit for $100 is completely laughable. The biggest thing, I think, other than the poverty SU can and does cause, is the fact that ANYONE can be a demonstrator, even if they have little artistic ability. There is no official training....and you end up lately with a gazillion websites of SU demonstrators with little to offer. (I'm not saying there aren't some very talented artistic people in SU,. it's just the ratio is kind of crap. Shipping is through the roof, AND last but not least is the fact that this stuff takes FOREVER to ship to you. So...again, I bid SU farewell....with no tears and only a sense that a huge stamp boulder had been removed from my back. People need to realize that all in all, SU is an MLM.....and nobody gets rich off of an MLM. With as many videos out there on the evils of MLM's SU seems to be the sacred cow that few will touch. So thank you for this well put together video. You now will be able to enjoy your crafting and your creativity will blossom. I know mine did. Thank you again, and God bless!!
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's definitely fun to have the option of crafting with any products you like. Some people do make a good living from SU but I hope that people go into with their eyes open. I still use some SU products but on my terms! Take care.
Robin Schaefer, It appears that you were very naive. You can never make a living selling products for a pyramid style company. You need to recruit, recruit, recruit. Only the top 2-5% of demonstrators are successful but that is the nature of the beast. Their business model is to get other people to sell their stuff. And how do you sell more stuff to a society with a 20 second attention span--offer more new stuff. Honestly, they don't need hobby demos. You can whine all you want but in the end business continues on at Stampin' Up. They have quality products and the company has stood the test of time.
@@sharifritz5406 Ummm... I'm guessing you must work for SU...thanks for just verifying everything I said. I WASN'T A "hobby demo".... I don't appreciate a company that will lie in order to get my business. SU hasn't seen a dime from me since I quit. Yes, some of their stuff is nice, but definitely NOT worth the price...and I'm not just talking about money. People need to spend their hard earned cash to support companies that actually CARE about customers (AND the people that have made them successful)
@@pamkenel7534 This has been only my personal observation, but watch other companies and products. When very similar items are sold by EK Success or Sizzix (and a couple other companies) a certain time period after they've been retired from Stampin' Up......you know who's who. The only SU product I'm really stuck on is the inks. I won't say nobody else makes *good quality* inks, because I'm sure they do. My personal preference is SU inks. That's my mystery to solve, who's the power behind those inks and can I get them more conveniently than ordering and waiting around? Otherwise? Shop around, watch carefully. Good luck!
I’m so sorry that you have gone through this. Someone said to me recently that people and situations come into your life as either a blessing or a lesson. No kidding!! We just have to figure out which is which. Bless you!
From my own experience the only people who really make a living from anything involving Network Marketing businesses are generally those right at the top and the company themselves. I like their products but would not join as a demonstrator after watching yours and Scrimpingmommy who had a similar issue as yourself. You have freedom now to demonstrate other products, good luck and I have subscribed!
Thanks for the sub! Yes, there definitely is money to be made but it doesn't happen for many sadly. I am having so much fun playing with new things! There's a weekend of creating ahead of me now. :)
I am a hobby demonstrator...spend waaaay too much...at silver level from my own purchases. Aye aye aye. Love their products...love making cards...but I was just thinking earlier today ...how much more could I possibly need???? And I never ever get rid of any of my older bundles by the way. I always thought that was an odd rule.. Sooo...I think it's time to call it quits. And then I stumbled upon this video and am soo disheartened to hear how you have been treated. I hope not all groups are that way. I hope you're moving forward..and you may actually find it was a blessing in disguise. You seem to be a lovely kind hearted person. Wishing you God's sweetest blessings!🙏💕
Thank you Sherree. I agree and having too much can stunt your creativity because you don't know where to start! I'm sure, like me, you have had good times with SU but sometimes we just enter a new season. Sometimes by choice and sometimes by circumstance. I've still kept some precious friends from my time there and I'm thankful for the new opportunities I've been given. Every blessing to you too. X
I completely understand, I am a hobby demonstrator and spending so much on my stamps and stuff but now feeling like why am I doing this because I am working full time and don’t always have time to stamp, but love the product and my up line is never around and I’m learning by RU-vid only
It’s definitely hard to find time when you’re working. Try to set aside a few minutes to craft, and work on a project in stages. For example you could stamp a bunch of images one day, colour them when you have a moment here and there. Cut them out another day etc etc. Maybe also try and find some demos that you can join over zoom.
I got out a few years ago after about 4 years in. I was my only customer. I realised there was no way to recoup any costs from sales because the market is small. I stayed in as long as I was happy to buy, but once I realised the business plan was just to keep retiring stock and colours to make you keep buying more even with no customers, I was out. Plus, seeing the reward plan and seeing the same people obtaining those rewards over and over again showed me you can’t get anywhere.
Well said 👏 I heard another on RU-vid talking about the nasty things going on 🥰 I am so sorry for both of your and anyone it happens to, be kind it cost nothing ❤ thanks for sharing and happy crafting Hugs xx stay safe and take care
So sorry friendships were broken. Sad but time to move forward, enjoy the supplies you have, and create with a joyous heart new creations you will mix new n old.
I’m a hobbyist, I have an amazing upline and team, however it’s all long distance, so I’ve never met any of them in person, but online. I have my sister and one friend that orders, I do it because I love to play with paper and stamps. Sorry you had a sad experience 🥰
I have been strictly a hobby demonstrator for all 6 years. Most people start out selling to their friends and family, but because Stampin' UP is so expensive and because I love my friends and family, I always just freely shared my stuff with anyone who wanted to craft with me. So I have never sold so much as a single SU dimensional LOL! If a person becomes a demonstrator to make money and friends, prepare to be disappointed for the most part. I think it takes a certain amount of determination, organization, and intestinal fortitude to succeed.
I am so very sorry you have had the unpleasant experience with some of the StampinUp demonstrators that you had. I am a demonstrator and have been almost since it began. I have only purchased products and held card classes. I never wanted to do it as a business or to make money. I went to one convention which was a lot of fun. So perhaps that's why I've never had issues with anyone. But, again, I am so saddened by what you went through and applaud you for bringing it to everyone's attention. I sincerely hope you will be blessed no matter what you choose to do.
You're so right about what you say in this video. I'm an American Stampin' Up! customer and I have enough DSP right now to last me probably over a decade. I realized recently that I don't have enough card blanks for it all. I made up my mind not to buy anything new from Stampin' Up! unless and until I manage to use most of the decorative paper/DSP. I intend to only buy glue, double sided tape, red liner tape, and card blanks from now on so I have something to put the cards together with in the first place. I also make 3D things, so I can use some of it with that as well, but 3D things take up so much more space, unfortunately. :)
I'm a demo who joined as a hobbyist 6 years ago. I've made several RU-vid videos and was totally shocked that a fellow demonstrator would completely copy one of my original 3D designs, and never once give me credit for coming up with the original design. She acted like it was her own design. That was so wrong. :-( I'm a graphic artist 1st and paper craft artist /SU Demonstrator second. So when I come up with an original design or method, I gladly share it. I love sharing. But, truth be told, I make more money with Google Adsense and Etsy (PDF originals) than SU. But I'll keep posting videos because I really do love sharing, and really do like so much of what SU offers.
You have helped me so much to decide to leave Stampin Up, there is a long retiring list again, it forces you to spend, spend, spend! I am really not keen on the new mini catalogue, I love the products, excellent quality, colour co ordination etc. But prices have gone up this time, and really not keen on the new catalogue this time! Thank you so much for being honest!
I came looking for videos because I've been looking at Anti MLM videos by Hannah Alonzo and she explains so well the trips and traps of them all. The constant retiring of products has always seemed to be scammy. I didn't realise Demonstrators weren't allowed to use them, that's even worse! Well done for getting out. I'm sorry it happened to you.
I too was a stampin up demonstrator. I can no longer support the company, the product is good, the company on the other hand is an MLM company and basically in my opinion a pyramid scheme. Also in my opinion I have seen over the last several years times when they have pulled some really underhanded dirty little tricks to promote their products all while claiming to be a Christian company. I can't in good conscience support a company like this. Anyone wanting to get involved with becoming a demonstrator with stampin up needs to take a good hard look at them and think very long about it before committing to something.
It's true, and you can't make money unless you build a big team. It can be done but for the majority it doesn't happen. I don't doubt their faith but more needs to be done to acknowledge the demo's that can't afford to keep buying new products with every catalogue launch and seeing so many of their stamp sets etc retire.
@@SueB6491 YOU need to investigate YOUR facts! It would s common knowledge that Mormons are NOT Christians. I am thinking you don’t know or understand what it means to be Christian. Have a nice day! Bye!
I'm a hobby demo too with no intention of selling but all the big craft companies come out with so much new stuff every month and things are retiring so quickly that no one can possibly keep up. So I'm quitting too because my craftroom is not big enough to keep buying.
I am sorry you had that sad experience with your Stampinup "family". I hate social media and it has ruined many relationships. I hope you keep crafting for the joy it can bring. Take care!!
Thank you Debbie, I really appreciate that. I’m truly thankful for the friends that I have met through SU and I’m healing from the hurt of the people that hurt me. Crafting is wonderful therapy ❤️❤️
I'm so sorry that you have gone through this. I am a fairly new hobby demonstrator. I joined as I had rather a long list of things I wanted and the discount was great. I'm wary of Stampin Up as it is an MLM, which is very near to pyramid selling. So I am just a hobby demonstrator.
Thanks Sarah. The starter kit is amazing value and makes total sense when you have a long wishlist. Enjoy your goodies, you don't have to do any more than that :)
I joined SU as a hobby demonstrator about 4 years ago. I have just dropped. I did, and still do a card class each month. Half my ladies joined SU as hobby demonstrators. I was then left to find $300 a quarter to keep my hobby going. You only get "Free product" if your order is over $150. It gets expensive.
I can’t even tell you how many stamp sets I have that have not been used. Just to make the quota for the month to be a demo. SU is not only a MLM company, but No. 1 making one feel guilty for not having the latest product. Thank you for your honesty. Take care
I'm so sorry you went through this, I have also heard other stories of mistreatment by other people within the local SU community's. I have never quite understood why people are so mean, I think they are mean to others in order to feel better about themselves. I'm a hobbyist so I just buy the sets etc. that I want so don't have to go through the torment you have. My friends help me also by purchasing the items that they need. Keep on crafting, you will have more fun creating now you don't have that headache. God Bless you
I think this is the second time I have watched your video. I am a hobby demonstrator and have been having 2nd thoughts - mostly when I took a look at how much I have spent since 2017 (ish). All that to say I have used very little of what I have even bought. I get caught up in the hype Of cards I see someone make and just have to have it. I think I have buyers regret and wish I had put much of the money on the principle of our mortgage! I am greatful for the chance to watch this again! God bless and keep you well!
Thank you Sharon. Don’t be hard on yourself, all crafters can be tempted too easily by shiny new stuff. The key is to really consider how much you’ll use it before making a purchase. Take care ❤️❤️
I was a stamping up demonstrator as well, I love the product but I felt often I was my own customer having to ensure I made a purchase every month. You are right about what you use and the retirement of stuff constantly is ridiculous and only done so that the company can make money.
I just subscribed to your channel. I always appreciate truthfulness. I hope you will use your stash of goodies and enjoy your crafting as a hobby now and not a business. Have fun!
I'm so sorry you went thru this. Hugs. I just subscribed to your channel. I'm a hobbyist with SU. Unless you promote you wont get to climb the ladder. I dont compete with anyone. I love the product and keep everything I buy. But I'm getting out soon. I cant afford this stuff. Thank you for the info..
I’ve just subscribed, I was bullied in the work place and forced to give up my career. People can be so nasty. You spoke an awful lot of sense, particularly about not having the time to use all the products we crafters buy and hoard. I don’t buy much from Stamping up, I’m not a huge fan of their style, of m more of a G45 and Tim Holtz gal myself. I’m quite fortunate at the moment that I wax one of the winners of card maker of the Year last year and am designing for some of the magazines, so I’m getting sent some free products, but I know there will be other people ready to step into my shoes at the stop of a hat. I’m off to see some more of your videos now and hope you are in a better place 🤗🤓😀🙏
Thanks for the sub! I’m sorry you had a bad experience too but crafting is great therapy isn’t it 😊How fun to be designing for magazines! I shall look out for you and look forward to connecting more with you. XX
Thanks for posting this. I feel the same. Sometimes I feel as if I’m “paying” to be part of a club. Some of the ladies “pull back” when I left for a year, but not all. Though I do, as you say, love some of the product but I’m not a “loyalist” and use “contraband” - how I hate that term. Again thanks. It’s nice to know you are not alone. I’m in the US.
Well said... my upline was forced to leave/pushed out and fellow demos have been so mean to her it breaks my heart 💔 She is doing well now but it’s all left a nasty taste in my mouth to be honest.
Any time you deal with a bunch of women, you’re going to get this. I’m on a public Facebook scrapbooking group. There are a group of them that live near each other. Whenever I comment on the live feed, I am always ignored, but the groupies are always acknowledged. It’s just women. Try not to be too hurt about it. It’s them, not you. You seem like a really nice person. Their loss!
I’m so sorry that you’ve been treated badly. Keep crafting, there are lots of kind people left in the world. Thank you for your lovely encouragement .❤️❤️
Something has changed in stampin up. Several years ago they had Christian stamps but I don’t see them now. After seeing your video and others like yours I know I did the right thing by saying no to demo. So it is like this just say no to cooperate, just say no to unkind people, just say no to being forced to meet a quota, just say no to companies that don’t care about workers. It is so sad that they will not last long if they allow people to be pushed... that’s not love. And that is punishable by the writer of the law of love. I would not want to be judged by Jesus for destroying someone’s heart. I hope those girls learn lovingkindness before judgement day. I really feel sad for your heartbreak. I hope you find loving friends to craft with soon. I am so sorry for your pain.
Thank you Kari. Gosh, you're right, there aren't any Christian stamp sets in the current catalogue. That's very sad. Those who hurt others are usually hurt themselves so we can pray for that. Thankfully I still have lovely crafty friends that have been there for me throughout.
@@ettietude I know I am thinking I should start my own business it’s so frustrating to find scripture stamps. However, the images and supplies are excellent with the exception of foam ink pads. I seriously hate them, the ink gets all over the block and it ruins my cards. They are such a disappointment from the classic ink pads.
I understand totally what you are going through! I have been a demo for 5 years and I tried to make a go at sales. I find that they retire product way too fast for the average person to keep up with. I am done also. I am keeping all my stamps and will enjoy using what I have. I do love SU product it is quality, and I will buy now through my up line if needed. I am sorry you had a bad experience with your SU family that’s too bad, you are no longer of service to them so they dump you? Shame on them!
It sure is hard isn’t it. I wonder if they’ll change the rate at which they retire things? I also still buy one or two things through my former Up line but it’s great to order from any company I want. Enjoy the next stage of your crafting journey. 💕
I’m so sorry for what you are going through, I was just recently leaving an encouraging message for Scrimping mommy, I hate that you both have gone through this! I can’t agree with you more about not being able to use things that I have ordered, because they are retiring! I can’t tell you how many packs of unopened DSP that we can’t use, I think that is ridiculous! I don’t see why we can’t just say to grab some DSP that you have and I’ll grab what I have, and let’s just make cards, let’s not try and trick people into buying the new stuff when I know they have perfectly good DSP that they just bought, and so do I. I go to the clearance rack to buy things, why? I can’t use them! I also don’t understand why we can’t use another companies products if Stampin up doesn’t even sell the items that the other company sells! I think it is ridiculous to think that people are only going to use SU products! There are to many items in the crafty world to only use one brand!! I don’t think I will ever make money, so I am trying not to compete with the big league of top sellers, I just might start doing things my way, I won’t use another company’s products if SU carries something close to it, idk, but it broke my heart to see Scrimping mommy’s video saying the same thing, and I never found out where Crafty Caroline went to, she was having the same problems a while ago, then she was gone. I wonder if you are all talking about the same people?? So sorry for what you went through, just know that it wasn’t you, and no one deserves to be treated this way! I’m sorry, but I will still be watching your videos!!💕
Thank you so much Karen. People like you are what mends the soul. I know, it's like throwing your business investment away when things retire. Towards the end I was buying a lot less stuff and used to have one stamp set that I'd focus on for the entire month. That was helpful and stretched my imagination! If I had my time again I would do it all very differently and really not worry about using retired stuff so much. Thanks again for your lovely words, it means a lot. Hugs.
you can be free to be your own crafter and show you wonderful abilities to others that will appreciate your talent.. just love yourself.. SU is a company and its about making money .. and you are just anumber in the kog, and replacable ...
Mormons like to think they are Christians but that is really not the case. Now SU is going woke with the whole diversity and equity crap. Last year they had to reopen competition for the Artisan Award to make sure "under-represented groups" had a chance to apply. Ironic, since pretty much the whole of Stampin' Up business is from middle-aged white women. But, shh-h-h, don't say that out loud.
