Please let me say from the get go... I apologize for this post being so long. I have no idea how old this video is but I can so relate to the whole Stampin Up thing. I was a Hobby Demonstrator for 6 years, meaning I only got into the business for the discount. I wanted to amass a lot of craft supplies so I could play for a long time without having to purchase much of anything. I did pay for the website so if anyone was looking online for a Demo to buy from my name might pop up. I had one customer who bought so much stuff from me I began to feel guilty and begged her to sign up to save herself some money. I felt guilty because I had no intention of doing classes online or off, and with the amount of money she spent she deserved more than some one like me. I would send her to links of videos who were doing some cute cards and such using the SU products. I really wanted to get into card making saw watching videos was how I learned. I wanted to be able to touch base with other crafters in my area so maybe we could get together maybe a couple of time a month for some fun crafting time no matter what your craft might have been. I tried and tried to get that going but to know avail. The lady who bought so much and I would go out for lunch at least once a month or when ever a new catalog came out so we could go through it together. I am the kind of person who gets bored doing the same thing. Before Stampin Up I was an avid follower of Kathy King from Paper Phenomenon. That woman is a master at making photo albums in all shapes and sizes. But after a while I needed a break from albums so I wanted to make cards because they were smaller projects. That is when SU came came into my life. I think I can honestly say I spent a few thousand dollars with the company before I got out out. But alas I got bored with cards. I probably have at least 200 hundred cards in a box if I need or want to send one. I think one of the reasons I got bored with the cards is SU really doesn't have many stamps for inside a card, so you end up making a bunch of blank note cards, not greeting cards. I am an old lady but occasionally I still have a light bulb moment. LOL I realized Mostly what I enjoy doing is making "things", or repurposing things, or decorating things. There is nothing I like better than finding something at Dollar tree and turning it into a really cute decorative piece for the home. I stumbled across a woman on RUclips called Posh Paper Lady. I have had more fun watching her videos and making some of the projects she makes. So I still have a way to use so much of my patterned paper from SU and the cardstock. Now when I cut out something from a die, or use my Scan_N_Cut I turn it into a sticker to embellish some project I have make. As I was watching your video today, I thought how fun would it be just to sit down across the table from you with our favorite drink (mine being a Diet Dr. Pepper) and talk crafting, our failures or our successes. Since we can't do that, that is how this post became so long. Ok, you mentioned rambling and that is just what I am doing. If you read this for, Thank You. Sincerely, Glenda Lowery
I love Stampin' Up! I was a demonstrator and joined as a hobbyist only. It gave me the opportunity to get basic supplies at a discount. My favorite thing about Stampin' Up! is their cardstock and inks which match. Also, their cardstock does not have a white core like so many cardstocks had in the past. Once I got my supplies built up, I stopped being a demonstrator and now order through another demonstrator. So, while this company may not work for everyone it does work for some. It is a great place for community of crafters. With all things look carefully at a company to see if it and its products are a fit for you. As time goes on reevaluate to see if it is still a good fit. If not move on. BTW, if you don't meet the quota in a quarter, you still have the following quarter to catch up. If you still didn't make the quota, then drop out and rejoin if/when the time is right for you. If not right, you can still enjoy their product by purchasing from a current demonstrator. If you're doing it for income, then again please look at it carefully. I know some demonstrators who are doing fine with their business that are not the top-level folks mentioned in the video. As mentioned, I still order Stampin' Up! but not exclusively. There are a lot of great companies out there for the hobbyist.
The problem in an MLM is you don't actually have a business you're their customer, they manipulate people to believe they have a business and that they can make it work when they're just customers and the top and actual owners of Stampin up make the millions.
I recently resigned from Stampin Up! for two reasons. I no longer wanted to support a multi level marketing company and I was so bored with the products SU! was putting out. They are really far behind the trends when you compare them to other companies and they were more expensive. Since I left, I feel so much happier and free of the stress that SU! brought into my life, I really hope you are finding peace since you quit SU! as well. We gals with health issues really need to limit the stress in our lives. It's great seeing you looking so well and happy (also, you are rocking that purple eye shadow). I hope you get back into making videos more often. Big Hugs!
Thank you for your honesty! I often find the volume of products in the cardmaking world to be quite overwhelming. And every month companies release more and more. Find what speaks to your creative soul and go with that :)
Thank you Misty for tell us about Stampin Up. There's a lot of demonstrators that quit and don't want to talk about what happened. Thank you, I glad to see you again.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thank you so much, your honesty has really helped me. Best wishes fellow crafter, and thank you thank you thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to hear how you started and how it worked out for you. I was not familiar with Stamping Up until I watched your video about how you had left them. Hope that headache goes away soon! It was nice to see you again!
You are so right when you say that it's near impossible to make money at this, but I joined almost two years ago just to be a discount shopper, not planning to sell to anyone because there are three other demonstrators in my small town of 15,000 people. I make and sell 250 Christmas cards to my son every year for his clients and that money covers the amount I have to spend for the year. I do have a few friends who buy my cards also. One thing I find difficult is that when things are discontinued, if you are demonstrating, you must get rid of them or at least not use them for your customers. I do love the products though. Here in Canada where I live there are no real good craft stores that would compare to the quality of Stamping Up. I just do it for the discount. I found your video quite interesting. Thanks. Good luck in your endeavors!
I’m so happy for you. I left 2 years ago and never looked back. There is so much crafty goodness out there, in stock-designed to work together, quick shipping AND a wonderful community to share ideas. SU lags behind with innovation, poor shipping and customer service. Honestly, they retired most of what I purchased and tired of the back-order. Lawn Fawn (since you mentioned) -items are received in less than 5 days - best service ever. Enjoy crafting in peace!❤
Agree! I also never made anything and now I have such a huge stash of SU that I haven’t used in ages. I need to find a good way to sell the stuff I have and don’t use. It was just money going out and nothing coming in. Towards the end I also realized that SU was just way behind the trends just as you said. Can you believe they’re only just getting on the gnome bandwagon and gnomes have been out with other companies for years literally! I also feel their products are not the quality they once were and they just don’t seem to care. It’s not worth being a demonstrator, even to get the discount. There is so much available from other companies and I like being able to get a variety of products from different companies. I don’t miss SU at all and I’m so happy to be able to shop wherever and whenever I like and also use whatever I like and if I don’t buy, that’s ok I won’t be in danger of losing anything as I would have if I’d stayed in SU. Thanks for sharing
It was interesting to hear about Stampin’ Up from a demonstrator perspective. Very honest commentary. I am a planner and a crafter and it is so easy to get caught up in the “I have to have all,of the latest “ mindset. You are so right in saying that it is impossible to keep up. I always needed to remind myself that many of these You Tubers get free product and don’t shell out their own money for the products they use. I too have had mega health problems and haven’t been able to craft much right now so haven’t been buying much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Take care of yourself.❤️
Enjoyed this chat or as you say rambling. LOL. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I too did SU for a few years. I quit because it was getting too expensive. I do like their ink and card stock. Always enjoy your videos. Have a great day!
I think you’ve cemented the reason why I won’t buy from SU. Or any other MLM. Any job that demands you to buy from them in order to work for them is a scam. I loved loved loved watching your videos, and I had no idea SU was an mlm. So watching this has totally helped me. Thank you 🙏
I enjoy watching you Misty! I also look forward to hearing life updates. I always feel that makes you human... and not just a constant sales pitch. I love watching other card makers for techniques and ideas, but I'm a equal opportunity craft supply user (and very frugal.. perhaps on the side of cheap), and use anything from any company. You keep doing you!
Hey girl, I loved this video. It made so much sense. I think u hit it right on the head. These companies are in it to make money and they use u and us to do just that. I hv so much I haven’t even used and it goes out and then as a demo u can’t use or show that anymore… bull crap. I agree..I bought a scan and cut to make up for not getting dies. I hv so many cards from swaps. Wow…. I’m gonna slow down and smell the roses. I do go to stamp camp couple times a year, but now my husband built me a beautiful room why should I go and spend money to sit elsewhere. Right. Lov u and your honesty. Looking forward to seeing u more. Be well stay safe. Just had hip replacement and had been thinking like you about things. Lov always, Lin
Agree and love your video. I did a different type of MLM, they are all the same basically. It’s sad because a top leader makes all the money and most can never get there. It’s almost a scam sadly. I completely understand your viewpoint and why you left and why many of us have left MLM. Take good care and will continue to watch. 🙏🏻🤗💚
When you started talking about uplines, mine didn’t do anything for me. Guess I didn’t rake in enough business for her. I was still her down line and didn’t even get invited to her private FB page for her team. Yup, cutthroat for sure.
You come over as a positive and happy person. I love listening to you tell the truth about the way things work behind the scenes. Which is letting people know what to expect. Love you doing you cards. Take care and look after yourself.
I love starting as a hobby demo, getting a lot of products at discounted prices. I’ve never blogged, don’t have a you tube channel or any of that stuff. I don’t do Paper Pumpkin. The $300 quarterly isn’t usually hard to meet. But you get a month or two grace period. Once I get most of the products I want I stop. You can join again as a new demo with a new upline and get the starter kit with free products again. $1200 a year in craft products is a little pricy, but I find that if I’m making a lot of cards, I can spend that. I haven’t run into all the other costs you mentioned.
MLM’s are difficult for those people that don’t want to impose on family and friends by pushing a product. I have friends that are mlm people and i am very clear with them that i don’t want their products. They also take advantage of those selling under them. Good for you for getting out. Selling your integrity isn’t worth it.want
Misty, It was so good to see you! Love love love your purple eye shadow💗 I have been a long time viewer of all your channels, way back to yours ”Plan With Me” days. I miss your card making videos! How I wish you would return to posting even just 1 video a week. Since you love Christmas so much, maybe you could do 1 Christmas card a week?? (more than one video a week would be amazing 🤩). Also, you mentioned doing live streams. What about Facebook live? It’s free 🙂. Just suggestions because I miss your crafting videos. One more thing, would you please film an in depth craft room tour? Including your filming set up. Please? I need ideas and inspiration. You are great in front of the camera! Seeing your smile, and hearing your laugh, brightens my day. Please come back to card making videos. You are loved and missed more than you know.
I appreciate your struggle , your physical and mental health is more important. Hope life gets better as time goes on. I did subscribe and look forward to seeing what crafty things and ideas you have for the future, stay well and be blessed!🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for sharing your experience. How did you destash? I have a ton of Stampin Up stuff, and the market is saturated with their stuff. I joined as a hobby demonstrator and have not been happy with them since Sara took over. I have so many stamps it's ridiculous. I would be grateful for any advice on how to get rid of my stamps. You are awesome!
The Brother Scan ‘n Cut can cut out almost anything you stamp and turn it into a die cut item. I don’t have one but I know people who have talked about using theirs in that way.
@@TheJollyFatElf yea I have heard the same thing. I have a silhouette and struggle using it and getting it to work so I won’t invest in the scan ‘n cut. Too expensive for me
Mary, I have the scan n cut and it’s paid for itself. I don’t buy dies like I used to and it’s saved me a bunch, plus I cut out dsp out with it. It’s easy to use. I know it’s a investment, but it helped me a bunch since having carpal tunnel and now arthritis in my thumb. 😁
Interesting to know how that all works. I've thought about joining just for the discount but I haven't cared for much of the past few catalogs. I made the mistake of trying to sell Mary Kay and that was a costly disaster. Oh , the word uyou were thinking is "contraband" LOL
How did you sell your Stampin Up stuff? I have a ton of SU sets and bundles. I was a SU demonstrator from late 2013/early to mid 2014. I joined basically for my own pleasure but had hopes of making some money. My dad (80’s) lived with me and my main focus was to take care of him and he was my biggest fan. He loved my cards and helped whenever he could. I attended meetings, participated in card shares, held a few demos, made cards to sell; all of which was a bust. I continued making cards 8-10 per day using products from several companies. In 2017, my dad past away and My health took a turn for the worse. A year later, I tried to get back into the game but it just didn’t happen. While I love watching videos and have ideas in my head, my physical mojo is all but gone. To end my rant, I would hate taking all my stuff to Goodwill as that is a lot of money down the drain. But, it sitting here in boxes is the same thing. Right?
Im so sorry you suffer from anxiety and depression. Welcome to my world!. I totally agree that SU is way too expensive!! I knew this in advance but I signed up anyway. I am just an hobby demonstrator and its extremely hard to get customers because of the prices. I've always been interested in selling on RUclips but I'm afraid it is too expensive and we just got too many expensive bills so I'm thinking about quitting this year. I wish I could sell it but at 20% is not enough to make any real money.
HI Misty, Good for you - I remember when you quit both times! I am at that point now and I am Silver but it is too much with other responsibilities in my life now. It is hard when you don't really like the stuff in the catalogue, it is hard when you stop enjoying crafting because you HAVE to do something to make your business work. And just so you know - the ban on contraband (non SU stuff) is back and you have to self audit now at a certain level.
Hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿. You are so right. Look online at the su cataloge for new Zealand and look at the prices. From $80 to $120 for a bundle that's with the 10% off. Way to expensive. I find buying from simin says stamp for ne vejng international is the cheapest and best way to go for me. Back stabingbin new Zealand between demo's is really bad over here. Being such a small company it really will not work over here. Selling also takes the fun out of cardmaking.
❤ Your honesty about no regrets is how most feel, including me. It’s nice to feel validated for the same reasons and not feel like a disgruntled demonstrator. Outdated, out of stock, out of original ideas…. Causes us to want out. No regrets. Ps… off topic, you have the most beautiful face! You are gorgeous. You should sell cosmetics! 🥰
I agree with you! Your eye makeup is flawless and gorgeous!! Do videos teaching makeup techniques. I have been a makeup queen since 1960, and I am now 77. You are gorgeous!!! I appreciate your honesty in your video. I will continue to follow you whatever you do!
I’m a hobby demo, I just do it for relaxation. I find the $300 a little ridiculous. I do get dropped at least once a year, definitely don’t stress about it. Really enjoy your videos!
I was a Stampin’ Up demonstrator in the early 2000’s for 5 years. I got into it after going to a party. I had never used rubber stamps but loved crafting. I loved even more the idea of a discount as well as being part of the stamping community and hoped to develop friendships. Things I miss about being a demonstrator- Convention. I loved convention. I even flew to Salt Lake City one year by myself and attended convention by myself. That was wayyyy out of my comfort zone. Things I didn’t like- I had two girls in my down line. I hated the pressure from my upline to pressure them. During this time the country went through a recession. I struggled with the feeling I was trying to convince people to buy when they really couldn’t afford to. Workshops I enjoyed doing, what I didn’t enjoy was having one person show up and only buy a wheel. I wouldn’t even want to know how many 1000s I spent on products myself to make goal. I also was not able to break into that coveted crafty girlfriends club. It was difficult for me to break free as with any habit but I don’t have the stress and my back account thanks me.
I hear ya sister! I think SU caters to those top sellers that’s why things are selling out so fast because they are buying all for their classes. I bet their orders are first out too! My feeling totally
I miss your creating cards with SU products. I loved your creations. I use SU products exclusively because of their great color coordination. I have bought from other companies in the past but the stores around me that carried these supplies have closed over the years. I was also overwhelmed by all the stuff thats out there. I appreciate your honesty and I continue to watch you because of your creativity.
I’ve been sitting on the fence about joining up. But your honest input, I realise I can’t do videos and house bound and I can’t afford to spend that much per quarter. Unless I can think of 6 ideas to use product I don’t buy. Only buy what I know I use . Plus so expensive. Other companies more reasonable I check it first, as they have similar stuff
yes I agree.i didn't join. I see people on videos and they say u need this stamp and then another and another.and they r expensive.people like me a senior on a fixed income cant afford ti buy all thier expensive items.so thank you for being so honest.and you r beatiful.
When I was demonstrator I was screaming the same thing to SU! It was so unfair that the top ones got special attention. My small business I worked so hard to find to find customers. Then as you said there was certain high ranking demos who stole potential down line from me! I had no down line! She had huge down line and stole one little local crafter from me! And I offered all the products plus she was.
I made a vow that I would not buy anything new for a year except I do receive a Brutus Monroe five dollar stamp per month. I had an overwhelming stash and am crafting happily without all the new stuff.
I left too. It just got to be to much!! I still have a ton of products and also most all the inks and markers!! I just recently moved and my roommates daughter loves to craft so I gave it all to her!!!
I know this about myself - I can't sell anything. However I am good at talking people out of stuff. 🤣 I used to work at a jewelry store, I was very good at talking people into CLEANING their jewelry rather than buying new stuff! 😬🤪. Thanks for explaining about how things work, it cements in my mind that this is not for me. Take care of yourself girl.
I always loved your holiday cards and cased them many times. I have a few customers who help me reach quota and I reward them for it. If I didn't have them I'm sure I'd quit cause its quite expensive and I have started to struggle with the designs.
in Canada it is 150 dolars a month and the items are much more expensive a stamp and die set is at least usually around 70.00 Can get as a customer from CTMH from i 20 and 30's Makes no sense to purchase from most expensive no matter who they are because always stamps out almost the same from someone The tree set at 22 is 20 here and the candy cane and die set sale is 70 here Too expensive
So, just a heads up as you know all SU stuff is made in China.... you can get the exact same stamp sets from Alibaba for a fraction of the price (I mean literally about 10% of the price of SU's prices). Haven't found the inks etc though. Thank you for this honest appraisal. I like their cardstock. And lol, I am EXACTLY like you - I just recently found SU and I have spent literally GBP2000 since last November - I am a little OCD and I "need" every colour that SU has ever done... that is how ridiculous I am.
I heard people ordering from Aliexpress. Some say product’s good others say it’s inferior such as flimsy plastic and metal. The stamp dies not align with die. Is that true for Alibaba? Also how secure is it to give credit card to China ?
They are basically marketplaces like Ebay or Etsy. I don't promote buying stamps that way. It's basically stolen art. However, I know how expensive this hobby can be.
@@TheJollyFatElf Then they should not have got China to make them at a fraction of the price and put a1000% margin on them. I have zero problems with this
Absolutely the same reasons why I quit after almost 5 years. I was my only customer during my affiliation with the company. Oh the money I spent and did not make! I have so much product that I want/need to get rid of. I have 3 years of PP boxes - UNOPENED! 🤦🏻♀️. I need to find a good platform to sell on. FB doesn’t work for me. Misty, wish we lived closer! Remember, you are awesome! 💕
Totally understand everything! I don't sell because I know where I live nobody will purchase. I just buy for myself and to help out my upline. There are times when I just don't want anything but I have to keep up the minimum requirement to stay a demonstrator. She has very few sales herself. Even though she holds classes. I think they have a good business going with all of these demonstrators out there working for them only to receive a discount. Demonstrators are no overhead cost to Stampin Up. We also have to remember it is a pyramid scale business.
Please let me say from the get go... I apologize for this post being so long. I have no idea how old this video is but I can so relate to the whole Stampin Up thing. I was a Hobby Demonstrator for 6 years, meaning I only got into the business for the discount. I wanted to amass a lot of craft supplies so I could play for a long time without having to purchase much of anything. I did pay for the website so if anyone was looking online for a Demo to buy from my name might pop up. I had one customer who bought so much stuff from me I began to feel guilty and begged her to sign up to save herself some money. I felt guilty because I had no intention of doing classes online or off, and with the amount of money she spent she deserved more than some one like me. I would send her to links of videos who were doing some cute cards and such using the SU products. I really wanted to get into card making saw watching videos was how I learned. I wanted to be able to touch base with other crafters in my area so maybe we could get together maybe a couple of time a month for some fun crafting time no matter what your craft might have been. I tried and tried to get that going but to know avail. The lady who bought so much and I would go out for lunch at least once a month or when ever a new catalog came out so we could go through it together.
I am the kind of person who gets bored doing the same thing. Before Stampin Up I was an avid follower of Kathy King from Paper Phenomenon. That woman is a master at making photo albums in all shapes and sizes. But after a while I needed a break from albums so I wanted to make cards because they were smaller projects. That is when SU came came into my life. I think I can honestly say I spent a few thousand dollars with the company before I got out out. But alas I got bored with cards. I probably have at least 200 hundred cards in a box if I need or want to send one. I think one of the reasons I got bored with the cards is SU really doesn't have many stamps for inside a card, so you end up making a bunch of blank note cards, not greeting cards.
I am an old lady but occasionally I still have a light bulb moment. LOL I realized Mostly what I enjoy doing is making "things", or repurposing things, or decorating things. There is nothing I like better than finding something at Dollar tree and turning it into a really cute decorative piece for the home. I stumbled across a woman on RUclips called Posh Paper Lady. I have had more fun watching her videos and making some of the projects she makes. So I still have a way to use so much of my patterned paper from SU and the cardstock. Now when I cut out something from a die, or use my Scan_N_Cut I turn it into a sticker to embellish some project I have make.
As I was watching your video today, I thought how fun would it be just to sit down across the table from you with our favorite drink (mine being a Diet Dr. Pepper) and talk crafting, our failures or our successes. Since we can't do that, that is how this post became so long.
Ok, you mentioned rambling and that is just what I am doing. If you read this for, Thank You.
Sincerely,
Glenda Lowery
I’m so glad you’ve discovered your passion! This was filmed on the same day I posted it!
I love Stampin' Up! I was a demonstrator and joined as a hobbyist only. It gave me the opportunity to get basic supplies at a discount. My favorite thing about Stampin' Up! is their cardstock and inks which match. Also, their cardstock does not have a white core like so many cardstocks had in the past. Once I got my supplies built up, I stopped being a demonstrator and now order through another demonstrator. So, while this company may not work for everyone it does work for some. It is a great place for community of crafters. With all things look carefully at a company to see if it and its products are a fit for you. As time goes on reevaluate to see if it is still a good fit. If not move on. BTW, if you don't meet the quota in a quarter, you still have the following quarter to catch up. If you still didn't make the quota, then drop out and rejoin if/when the time is right for you. If not right, you can still enjoy their product by purchasing from a current demonstrator. If you're doing it for income, then again please look at it carefully. I know some demonstrators who are doing fine with their business that are not the top-level folks mentioned in the video. As mentioned, I still order Stampin' Up! but not exclusively. There are a lot of great companies out there for the hobbyist.
The problem in an MLM is you don't actually have a business you're their customer, they manipulate people to believe they have a business and that they can make it work when they're just customers and the top and actual owners of Stampin up make the millions.
I recently resigned from Stampin Up! for two reasons. I no longer wanted to support a multi level marketing company and I was so bored with the products SU! was putting out. They are really far behind the trends when you compare them to other companies and they were more expensive. Since I left, I feel so much happier and free of the stress that SU! brought into my life, I really hope you are finding peace since you quit SU! as well. We gals with health issues really need to limit the stress in our lives. It's great seeing you looking so well and happy (also, you are rocking that purple eye shadow). I hope you get back into making videos more often. Big Hugs!
Your a blessing. Thank you for being honest. Praying for your health. Take care of yourself♥️🌹
Thank you for your honesty! I often find the volume of products in the cardmaking world to be quite overwhelming. And every month companies release more and more. Find what speaks to your creative soul and go with that :)
Yes! I wish they’d slow back down to once a quarter or something.
Thank you Misty for tell us about Stampin Up. There's a lot of demonstrators that quit and don't want to talk about what happened. Thank you, I glad to see you again.
Thank you!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thank you so much, your honesty has really helped me. Best wishes fellow crafter, and thank you thank you thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to hear how you started and how it worked out for you. I was not familiar with Stamping Up until I watched your video about how you had left them. Hope that headache goes away soon! It was nice to see you again!
Thank you!
You are so right when you say that it's near impossible to make money at this, but I joined almost two years ago just to be a discount shopper, not planning to sell to anyone because there are three other demonstrators in my small town of 15,000 people. I make and sell 250 Christmas cards to my son every year for his clients and that money covers the amount I have to spend for the year. I do have a few friends who buy my cards also. One thing I find difficult is that when things are discontinued, if you are demonstrating, you must get rid of them or at least not use them for your customers. I do love the products though. Here in Canada where I live there are no real good craft stores that would compare to the quality of Stamping Up. I just do it for the discount. I found your video quite interesting. Thanks. Good luck in your endeavors!
I’m so happy for you. I left 2 years ago and never looked back. There is so much crafty goodness out there, in stock-designed to work together, quick shipping AND a wonderful community to share ideas. SU lags behind with innovation, poor shipping and customer service. Honestly, they retired most of what I purchased and tired of the back-order. Lawn Fawn (since you mentioned) -items are received in less than 5 days - best service ever. Enjoy crafting in peace!❤
Agree! I also never made anything and now I have such a huge stash of SU that I haven’t used in ages. I need to find a good way to sell the stuff I have and don’t use. It was just money going out and nothing coming in. Towards the end I also realized that SU was just way behind the trends just as you said. Can you believe they’re only just getting on the gnome bandwagon and gnomes have been out with other companies for years literally! I also feel their products are not the quality they once were and they just don’t seem to care. It’s not worth being a demonstrator, even to get the discount. There is so much available from other companies and I like being able to get a variety of products from different companies. I don’t miss SU at all and I’m so happy to be able to shop wherever and whenever I like and also use whatever I like and if I don’t buy, that’s ok I won’t be in danger of losing anything as I would have if I’d stayed in SU. Thanks for sharing
It was interesting to hear about Stampin’ Up from a demonstrator perspective. Very honest commentary. I am a planner and a crafter and it is so easy to get caught up in the “I have to have all,of the latest “ mindset. You are so right in saying that it is impossible to keep up. I always needed to remind myself that many of these You Tubers get free product and don’t shell out their own money for the products they use. I too have had mega health problems and haven’t been able to craft much right now so haven’t been buying much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Take care of yourself.❤️
Thank you!
I don’t craft much because of health, too. 😰
Enjoyed this chat or as you say rambling. LOL. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I too did SU for a few years. I quit because it was getting too expensive. I do like their ink and card stock. Always enjoy your videos. Have a great day!
I think you’ve cemented the reason why I won’t buy from SU. Or any other MLM. Any job that demands you to buy from them in order to work for them is a scam. I loved loved loved watching your videos, and I had no idea SU was an mlm. So watching this has totally helped me. Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome. I tried not to be overly pushy!
What is crafty roulette?
Love your eye makeup!
Thank you for your honesty ❤
Thanks for the video. Your makeup is so pretty, also!
I enjoy watching you Misty! I also look forward to hearing life updates. I always feel that makes you human... and not just a constant sales pitch. I love watching other card makers for techniques and ideas, but I'm a equal opportunity craft supply user (and very frugal.. perhaps on the side of cheap), and use anything from any company. You keep doing you!
Nothing wrong with being frugal!
Hey girl, I loved this video. It made so much sense. I think u hit it right on the head. These companies are in it to make money and they use u and us to do just that. I hv so much I haven’t even used and it goes out and then as a demo u can’t use or show that anymore… bull crap. I agree..I bought a scan and cut to make up for not getting dies. I hv so many cards from swaps. Wow…. I’m gonna slow down and smell the roses. I do go to stamp camp couple times a year, but now my husband built me a beautiful room why should I go and spend money to sit elsewhere. Right. Lov u and your honesty. Looking forward to seeing u more. Be well stay safe. Just had hip replacement and had been thinking like you about things. Lov always, Lin
Agree and love your video. I did a different type of MLM, they are all the same basically. It’s sad because a top leader makes all the money and most can never get there. It’s almost a scam sadly. I completely understand your viewpoint and why you left and why many of us have left MLM. Take good care and will continue to watch. 🙏🏻🤗💚
Thank you for your honesty!
When you started talking about uplines, mine didn’t do anything for me. Guess I didn’t rake in enough business for her. I was still her down line and didn’t even get invited to her private FB page for her team. Yup, cutthroat for sure.
You come over as a positive and happy person. I love listening to you tell the truth about the way things work behind the scenes. Which is letting people know what to expect. Love you doing you cards. Take care and look after yourself.
Same, Chris, my upline a huge bich.
I love starting as a hobby demo, getting a lot of products at discounted prices. I’ve never blogged, don’t have a you tube channel or any of that stuff. I don’t do Paper Pumpkin. The $300 quarterly isn’t usually hard to meet. But you get a month or two grace period. Once I get most of the products I want I stop. You can join again as a new demo with a new upline and get the starter kit with free products again. $1200 a year in craft products is a little pricy, but I find that if I’m making a lot of cards, I can spend that. I haven’t run into all the other costs you mentioned.
This was such good info. It’s so interesting to learn about what is involved in becoming a demonstrator. Keep making your videos!
MLM’s are difficult for those people that don’t want to impose on family and friends by pushing a product. I have friends that are mlm people and i am very clear with them that i don’t want their products. They also take advantage of those selling under them. Good for you for getting out. Selling your integrity isn’t worth it.want
Misty, It was so good to see you! Love love love your purple eye shadow💗 I have been a long time viewer of all your channels, way back to yours ”Plan With Me” days. I miss your card making videos! How I wish you would return to posting even just 1 video a week. Since you love Christmas so much, maybe you could do 1 Christmas card a week?? (more than one video a week would be amazing 🤩). Also, you mentioned doing live streams. What about Facebook live? It’s free 🙂. Just suggestions because I miss your crafting videos. One more thing, would you please film an in depth craft room tour? Including your filming set up. Please? I need ideas and inspiration. You are great in front of the camera! Seeing your smile, and hearing your laugh, brightens my day. Please come back to card making videos. You are loved and missed more than you know.
I actually posted a video every Friday in June! I’m slowly making my way back.
What is your eyeshadow? Good for sensitive eyes?
I appreciate your struggle , your physical and mental health is more important. Hope life gets better as time goes on. I did subscribe and look forward to seeing what crafty things and ideas you have for the future, stay well and be blessed!🥰🥰🥰🥰
Lovely to see you. I miss your stampin' up channel and cards. I love that you love Christmas, the pyjama parties. You look so well. Blessings.
Thank you! You too!I need to do another pj party!
I was a hobby demonstrator but after 3 years I just couldn’t afford it. And I can’t find people to buy my older sets.
Good for you. You will be much happier. God bless you. "Keep on trucking"
Thank you for sharing your experience. How did you destash? I have a ton of Stampin Up stuff, and the market is saturated with their stuff. I joined as a hobby demonstrator and have not been happy with them since Sara took over. I have so many stamps it's ridiculous. I would be grateful for any advice on how to get rid of my stamps. You are awesome!
I do mine on this channel, but there are several Facebook groups that will allow you to sell retired stuff.
The Brother Scan ‘n Cut can cut out almost anything you stamp and turn it into a die cut item. I don’t have one but I know people who have talked about using theirs in that way.
I’ve heard the same thing, but it’s a pretty big investment and it seems that people either love it or hate it.
@@TheJollyFatElf yea I have heard the same thing. I have a silhouette and struggle using it and getting it to work so I won’t invest in the scan ‘n cut. Too
expensive for me
Mary, I have the scan n cut and it’s paid for itself. I don’t buy dies like I used to and it’s saved me a bunch, plus I cut out dsp out with it. It’s easy to use. I know it’s a investment, but it helped me a bunch since having carpal tunnel and now arthritis in my thumb. 😁
Interesting to know how that all works. I've thought about joining just for the discount but I haven't cared for much of the past few catalogs. I made the mistake of trying to sell Mary Kay and that was a costly disaster. Oh , the word uyou were thinking is "contraband" LOL
Yes!!! Thank you lol
I pray a blessing of good health over you and ask God to touch your body for strength.
How did you sell your Stampin Up stuff? I have a ton of SU sets and bundles. I was a SU demonstrator from late 2013/early to mid 2014. I joined basically for my own pleasure but had hopes of making some money. My dad (80’s) lived with me and my main focus was to take care of him and he was my biggest fan. He loved my cards and helped whenever he could. I attended meetings, participated in card shares, held a few demos, made cards to sell; all of which was a bust. I continued making cards 8-10 per day using products from several companies. In 2017, my dad past away and My health took a turn for the worse. A year later, I tried to get back into the game but it just didn’t happen. While I love watching videos and have ideas in my head, my physical mojo is all but gone. To end my rant, I would hate taking all my stuff to Goodwill as that is a lot of money down the drain. But, it sitting here in boxes is the same thing. Right?
Facebook and RUclips!
Im so sorry you suffer from anxiety and depression. Welcome to my world!. I totally agree that SU is way too expensive!! I knew this in advance but I signed up anyway. I am just an hobby demonstrator and its extremely hard to get customers because of the prices. I've always been interested in selling on RUclips but I'm afraid it is too expensive and we just got too many expensive bills so I'm thinking about quitting this year. I wish I could sell it but at 20% is not enough to make any real money.
HI Misty, Good for you - I remember when you quit both times! I am at that point now and I am Silver but it is too much with other responsibilities in my life now. It is hard when you don't really like the stuff in the catalogue, it is hard when you stop enjoying crafting because you HAVE to do something to make your business work. And just so you know - the ban on contraband (non SU stuff) is back and you have to self audit now at a certain level.
I cannot believe they have banned non SU stuff again. I'm glad I'm gone!
Hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿. You are so right. Look online at the su cataloge for new Zealand and look at the prices. From $80 to $120 for a bundle that's with the 10% off. Way to expensive. I find buying from simin says stamp for ne vejng international is the cheapest and best way to go for me. Back stabingbin new Zealand between demo's is really bad over here. Being such a small company it really will not work over here. Selling also takes the fun out of cardmaking.
Yes!!! You are so correct. Do what makes You happy. I'm in a very similar boat right now and am miserable. Thank You for sharing your story.
❤ Your honesty about no regrets is how most feel, including me. It’s nice to feel validated for the same reasons and not feel like a disgruntled demonstrator. Outdated, out of stock, out of original ideas…. Causes us to want out. No regrets. Ps… off topic, you have the most beautiful face! You are gorgeous. You should sell cosmetics! 🥰
I agree with you! Your eye makeup is flawless and gorgeous!! Do videos teaching makeup techniques. I have been a makeup queen since 1960, and I am now 77. You are gorgeous!!! I appreciate your honesty in your video. I will continue to follow you whatever you do!
Thank you so much 💜
I have a makeup channel!
Thanks for your honesty and information!
I’m a hobby demo, I just do it for relaxation. I find the $300 a little ridiculous. I do get dropped at least once a year, definitely don’t stress about it. Really enjoy your videos!
I was a Stampin’ Up demonstrator in the early 2000’s for 5 years. I got into it after going to a party. I had never used rubber stamps but loved crafting. I loved even more the idea of a discount as well as being part of the stamping community and hoped to develop friendships. Things I miss about being a demonstrator- Convention. I loved convention. I even flew to Salt Lake City one year by myself and attended convention by myself. That was wayyyy out of my comfort zone. Things I didn’t like- I had two girls in my down line. I hated the pressure from my upline to pressure them. During this time the country went through a recession. I struggled with the feeling I was trying to convince people to buy when they really couldn’t afford to. Workshops I enjoyed doing, what I didn’t enjoy was having one person show up and only buy a wheel. I wouldn’t even want to know how many 1000s I spent on products myself to make goal. I also was not able to break into that coveted crafty girlfriends club. It was difficult for me to break free as with any habit but I don’t have the stress and my back account thanks me.
This has given me a lot to think about. I'm the CTMH Maker lol. CTMH gave us the website for free. *sigh* I appreciate your video immensely.
I hear ya sister! I think SU caters to those top sellers that’s why things are selling out so fast because they are buying all for their classes. I bet their orders are first out too! My feeling totally
Idk if you will see this, have you ever heard of Catherine Pooler. She has the foam ink pads and reinkers.
I miss your creating cards with SU products. I loved your creations. I use SU products exclusively because of their great color coordination. I have bought from other companies in the past but the stores around me that carried these supplies have closed over the years. I was also overwhelmed by all the stuff thats out there. I appreciate your honesty and I continue to watch you because of your creativity.
I was a hobby demonstrator for one year but I like a variety of different companies stuff. This was interesting.
Just like any MLM. Only the top make money, everyone else just spends money. It’a awful
I’ve been sitting on the fence about joining up. But your honest input, I realise I can’t do videos and house bound and I can’t afford to spend that much per quarter. Unless I can think of 6 ideas to use product I don’t buy. Only buy what I know I use . Plus so expensive. Other companies more reasonable I check it first, as they have similar stuff
It's definitely a personal choice. Good luck!
Alibaba literally sell the exact same stamp sets! Haven't found the inks or cardstock though
The reason MFT dies are expensive is because they are manufactured in U.S.
I live in California but I wish we were neighbors. I think we would be bffs. You are so brave and beautiful. 🌴🥰🌴
yes I agree.i didn't join. I see people on videos and they say u need this stamp and then another and another.and they r expensive.people like me a senior on a fixed income cant afford ti buy all thier expensive items.so thank you for being so honest.and you r beatiful.
Hi there! thanks so much for this video. I go by Jacqueline :)
When I was demonstrator I was screaming the same thing to SU! It was so unfair that the top ones got special attention. My small business I worked so hard to find to find customers. Then as you said there was certain high ranking demos who stole potential down line from me! I had no down line! She had huge down line and stole one little local crafter from me! And I offered all the products plus she was.
Thank you for this video!! You help me make up my mind on this tea business that l pay for each month!
I made a vow that I would not buy anything new for a year except I do receive a Brutus Monroe five dollar stamp per month. I had an overwhelming stash and am crafting happily without all the new stuff.
Loving your eye makeup!! Looking great!!
Thank you so much!!
My favorite su card you made was with Mr and Mrs Snowman looking at the trees and the swirl stars.🤗.
You are very talented.
Thank you!
I feel that all MLMs are that way. If you don’t get in on the ground floor you have to work super hard.
And spend a ton
With your beautiful skin and the wonderful job you did with your shade of purple… perhaps a cosmetic company😁
I left too. It just got to be to much!! I still have a ton of products and also most all the inks and markers!! I just recently moved and my roommates daughter loves to craft so I gave it all to her!!!
That’s so nice of you!
I know this about myself - I can't sell anything. However I am good at talking people out of stuff. 🤣 I used to work at a jewelry store, I was very good at talking people into CLEANING their jewelry rather than buying new stuff! 😬🤪. Thanks for explaining about how things work, it cements in my mind that this is not for me. Take care of yourself girl.
Hi, Misty. I'm just curious...at the peak of you being a demonstrator with SU, how many people did you have in your downline?
I honestly don't remember, but probably 15 on all 3 levels.
Curious... Since your independent now how do you make money?🌹
I don't. I'm not crafting to make an income.
I always loved your holiday cards and cased them many times. I have a few customers who help me reach quota and I reward them for it. If I didn't have them I'm sure I'd quit cause its quite expensive and I have started to struggle with the designs.
Thank you for your honesty. I signed up for SU as a hobbyist for the discount on the glue and embellishments. I only buy stamps I know I will keep.
I’ve started picking up adhesive from Amazon, but understand a lot of people love the ones from SU.
Beautiful eyes feel better
in Canada it is 150 dolars a month and the items are much more expensive a stamp and die set is at least usually around 70.00 Can get as a customer from CTMH from i 20 and 30's Makes no sense to purchase from most expensive no matter who they are because always stamps out almost the same from someone The tree set at 22 is 20 here and the candy cane and die set sale is 70 here Too expensive
You are so real! I love it!
Thank you!
So, just a heads up as you know all SU stuff is made in China.... you can get the exact same stamp sets from Alibaba for a fraction of the price (I mean literally about 10% of the price of SU's prices). Haven't found the inks etc though. Thank you for this honest appraisal. I like their cardstock. And lol, I am EXACTLY like you - I just recently found SU and I have spent literally GBP2000 since last November - I am a little OCD and I "need" every colour that SU has ever done... that is how ridiculous I am.
Have you personally bought SU through alibaba?
@@Dan-sb5sf Yes, products are exactly the same! Only found the stamps, cannot find the inkpads or markers etc
I heard people ordering from Aliexpress. Some say product’s good others say it’s inferior such as flimsy plastic and metal. The stamp dies not align with die. Is that true for Alibaba? Also how secure is it to give credit card to China ?
They are basically marketplaces like Ebay or Etsy. I don't promote buying stamps that way. It's basically stolen art. However, I know how expensive this hobby can be.
@@TheJollyFatElf Then they should not have got China to make them at a fraction of the price and put a1000% margin on them. I have zero problems with this
such a great honest video
Thank you!
I quit buying stampin up a long time ago....too pricey...
Yes, they are really expensive.
I have to say I Love 💕 your eye makeup! So beautiful 🤩
Thank you!
Your make up is always so nice
I LOVE your eye make-up xxx
Thank you!
Is SU card stock really a better value than hobby lobby 50% off card stock ?
Not to mention Shelly’s daughter’s murder scandal. #shady
What??? Lol, do spill!
@@phoenixrises5169 this greedy ass expensive ass company raised a spoiled rotten entitled murderer for a daughter.
Also SU is mormon and mormonism is heresy!
💜
Absolutely the same reasons why I quit after almost 5 years. I was my only customer during my affiliation with the company. Oh the money I spent and did not make! I have so much product that I want/need to get rid of. I have 3 years of PP boxes - UNOPENED! 🤦🏻♀️. I need to find a good platform to sell on. FB doesn’t work for me. Misty, wish we lived closer! Remember, you are awesome! 💕
Where are you?
Love your make up I’m this video!!!
Thank you!
Totally understand everything! I don't sell because I know where I live nobody will purchase. I just buy for myself and to help out my upline. There are times when I just don't want anything but I have to keep up the minimum requirement to stay a demonstrator. She has very few sales herself. Even though she holds classes. I think they have a good business going with all of these demonstrators out there working for them only to receive a discount. Demonstrators are no overhead cost to Stampin Up. We also have to remember it is a pyramid scale business.
Same situation here....ITS A MONEY GRAB from SU
Why do you go on about Stampin Up. Well I amjhappy but get off the cross someone eleo needs the wood
Did you watch/listen to the intro of this video? I literally mention that someone specifically asked me to share my thoughts.