The shall I or shan't I re-new my C&C Membership thread?

[Rentochops]

I've got until the 26 September, got it half price last year in a promotion, but I never look at the CD-ROM's - but the 10% is useful (especially on the Cute Companions last week)!:confused:

[nicecupoftea]

Do you spend £200+ each year with C&C each to justify the 10% discount? If no, don't bother with them as they don't deserve your money. Have you got your massive refund yet BTW?

If this seems harsh I am known as the voice of reason within my family!

[icebubble]

Hi ROC. :)

I think you have to weigh up what you actually get out of them versus the amount of grief you go through to get it. If you still feel you come out better off then I suppose it is worth it. They certainly don't make it easy for the customer to want to purchase from them!

I haven't bought anything from them since we both got the teddy bear card kits a long time ago. Most of the things I've been tempted by I can source somewhere else and if not I find other things to buy. Ultimately I don't think they deserve my DH's credit card. :D Every time I've placed an order it's a concern until it turns up and everythings in order and I don't feel it should be like that.

[LorraineJ]

Hi ROC. :)

I think you have to weigh up what you actually get out of them versus the amount of grief you go through to get it. If you still feel you come out better off then I suppose it is worth it. They certainly don't make it easy for the customer to want to purchase from them!

I haven't bought anything from them since we both got the teddy bear card kits a long time ago. Most of the things I've been tempted by I can source somewhere else and if not I find other things to buy. Ultimately I don't think they deserve my DH's credit card. :D Every time I've placed an order it's a concern until it turns up and everythings in order and I don't feel it should be like that.

I agree it shouldn't be like that, you buy something, pay for it and expect to receive it in perfect condition. Personally I'd give any firm that gave me shocking service a wide berth in the future, unless I'd heard they had radically altered their procedures.

[janny]

Hi
I hav'nt bought from them for about a year after a bad time trying to get a refund on faulty goods. I watch it to pick up tips and ideas, but thats all its good for. Like Ice bubble said you can get most of there stuff from other places and i found it's sometimes cheaper.

[Anne]

Only if it saves you money. :)

[Wellington]

I've been having this debate too - mine is due up in the next month or so. I didn't do the CD option. I'm tempted cos I haven't had any horrific probs with them - got my refund for the annoying cock up with the incorrect items being sent with no hassle.

So my reason for re-joining would mostly be for the discount. I have found that I'm learning to moderate my spending a bit more ATM - not as many irrational purchases LOL So my worry would be would I spend 200 quid? Um. Sadly, this is very possible :rolleyes:

I've been feeling the need to say this next bit for a while (& have almost registed with ST to voice this too, after lurking for a while)

Why, if so many people are unhappy with the service/products & even just the programming & the presenters do people still watch/buy from IW/C&C? I'm really not trying to upset anyone here, but I am curious as I see so many posts about how awful IW are - not just awful, that's not a strong enough word...diabolical & downright carp etc etc etc - & yet the people complaining still seem to watch IW/C&C...*ducks*



Ultimately I don't think they deserve my DH's credit card.

ROFLMAO IceB :D

[Anne]

I've been feeling the need to say this next bit for a while (& have almost registed with ST to voice this too, after lurking for a while)

Why, if so many people are unhappy with the service/products & even just the programming & the presenters do people still watch/buy from IW/C&C? I'm really not trying to upset anyone here, but I am curious as I see so many posts about how awful IW are - not just awful, that's not a strong enough word...diabolical & downright carp etc etc etc - & yet the people complaining still seem to watch IW/C&C...*ducks*

You know what "people" are like Welly - they like to have something to moan about. ;)

[gill71]

Yes, people do like a moan, but I think it's partly justified with C&C.
I've had my problems with them but will continue to shop with them in a small way (bought 2 stamps off them last week, the scene-it 'beach huts'). We repeatedly hear of problems with their website, incorrect items sent & incorrect amounts being charged to DC/CCs (please check your statements).
I think we still watch them/shop with them as they have so much craft-time on TV. A lot of it is stuff I wouldn't personally buy, but they are interesting to watch for tips. I love watching Joanna Sheen and Glenda Waterworth so I have to watch C&C to see them.

My membership is up for renewal too. I don't think I will renew it. I don't use the CDroms. The discount is handy, but they are having so many free p&p events that you can make your saving there. ROC I know this doesn't work in your favour as you don't get the free p&p.

[Spendsloads]

I didn't renew mine. I hardly ever looked at the magazines and I'm not buying from them at the moment in any case due to their shocking customer service (still waiting for them to send me a refund form from weeks ago).

[Phree]

I saved more than the cost of the membership, I also got last year's half price membership so I only needed to save a total of £20 to recover the cost. My main saving was on the Glimmer Mists Mega Deal, that alone was a £15 saving. So I guess I will probably rejoin this year. I think I am due to rejoin early in October.

[Rentochops]

They have stumped up quickly on their cock up with the refund. I got my memberships half price too and have well saved the cost. I am in two minds still, ok so I never get free P&P, but with VAT deducted and the 10% I save 27 and a half percent on stuff - it makes things like the Crafter Companion deal and stamps much cheaper. The P&P at £9.90 still irks me though.

Many craft shops online are too small to be registered for VAT or won't deduct it and soem won't even post stuff to Jersey. I suppose my case is different to everyone else.

Welly I will continue to moan about their Customer Services and some of their rubbish products and presenters; but some for their products are excellent and so are some of their shows, but sadly these are getting fewer as quanity isn't equal to quantity in C&C/IW's case.

[Wellington]

some for their products are excellent and so are some of their shows, but sadly these are getting fewer as quanity isn't equal to quantity in C&C/IW's case.

Very true :(

[maisie*daisy]

I'm torn too I joined at 1/2 price .I only put the cds in a draw,but have spent quite a bit with them...................mmm i'll decide when the reminder arrives

[Phree]

..........The discount is handy, but they are having so many free p&p events that you can make your saving there. ROC I know this doesn't work in your favour as you don't get the free p&p.

The free post and packing deals are neither here nor there when it comes to assessing whether or not you can make savings with the craft club membership as you still get your discount when p&p is free. The bottom line is: do you expect to spend more than the £20 per year an online membership will cost, or more than the £30 per year for the CD membership? Any of us can answer that with a straight yes or no, if it's a yes then it makes sense to rejoin. If it's a no.... then likewise you say no to rejoining.

Obviously one cannot factor in the unforseen such a change in cirucumstances which affects one's spending power on crafty stash. There are other variables also which could impact, but to predict those one would need a crystal ball! I am thinking of for example someone like Glenda curtailing her relationship with IW - in my case that would make rejoining a waste because the majority of savings I have had this year are due to some very good deals on Glenda's new products. If she continues to launch her products with the same kind of deals this year then I can reasonably expect to make similar savings.

[nicecupoftea]

The total amount I have spent with C&C comes to £28.99 so obviously I'm never going to join the Club. One of the reasons I don't buy from them is that I do feel it's a game of chance if you are going to get the products you ordered and get correctly charged for them. Quite often I have been tempted by things but decided against it simply because of their reputation. I do record all the shows on Ideal World but nowdays I find I can go through an entire hour (if it does last that long!) without stopping. Unless it's a techniques show, say stamping, I don't find them very interesting or inspirational. I recorded all the POTD shows the other day and after zooming through two I deleted the others without watching because I knew it would just be the same thing over and over again.

[Rentochops]

I've just joined the C&C Club for £2 for a month - to see what it is like:D

[Wellington]

We haven't got the D'oh! smilie back LOL

[Rentochops]

I think I then get 13 months for the price of 12 if I decide to join in full!

[Wellington]

I'm wondering if I'll actually get an email reminder for Renewal - considering what they're usually like for sending the marketing emails out :rolleyes:

[Magic]

Why, if so many people are unhappy with the service/products & even just the programming & the presenters do people still watch/buy from IW/C&C? I'm really not trying to upset anyone here, but I am curious as I see so many posts about how awful IW are - not just awful, that's not a strong enough word...diabolical & downright carp etc etc etc - & yet the people complaining still seem to watch IW/C&C...*ducks*



ROFLMAO IceB :D

I watch them so get ideas and see what's available, then, if there's something like I go and buy it elsewhere, if it's not available elsewhere I go without.

I like watching some of the demonstrators like Jayne N, and Christine Coleman among others. I have had lousy service from C&C and Ideal in the past, so they don't get any of my money. I just make use of them!:)

[turquoise]

I am not sure if I will renew, I joined at the half price deal last year. I have saved what I spent on membership and to be honest I havent had a great deal of problems, everything arrived correct money taken, delivery time slow and p&P expensive. only order when postage is free which seems to be every other week just now. I like a lot of their products though which makes it very tempting

[Spendsloads]

As I have posted before, I've been waiting for a refund for almost two months now. I finally got a refund claim form sent to me yesterday (dated 8 September!) after about the 4th time of asking. I have lodged a complaint with the ASA and there is a lovely lady trying to deal with them on my behalf, but even they don't seem to be getting any joy at the moment. Fortunately most of the things they sell are available elsewhere - often at the same price or less, so there's no need to put up with their terrible service - I'm voting with my feet (or rather my credit card!).

[Rentochops]

I'm wondering if I'll actually get an email reminder for Renewal - considering what they're usually like for sending the marketing emails out :rolleyes:

No you don't but look on your orders page, it is there.

[Wellington]

No you don't but look on your orders page, it is there.

How odd :confused: Unless I've actually placed an order, I wonder why they would assume I would check out my orders page? I would have no idea that it appears there :confused:

[Rentochops]

How odd :confused: Unless I've actually placed an order, I wonder why they would assume I would check out my orders page? I would have no idea that it appears there :confused:

I just spotted it recently I am sure it's somewhere else as well!

[Jeanette]

I think when you log in now it takes you to your 'My account' page not order history. There is also a quick look at your last orders on that page too

[maisie*daisy]

I got this reminder today still not convinced

We hope you’ve enjoyed your Create and Craft Club experience over the past year, and would like to thank you for choosing to be a member.

During the past 12 months, we have worked hard to bring you a variety of hints, inspirational ideas and demos, along with our continued presence at craft events up and down the country. What’s more, you have benefited from 10% discount on items from our exciting range of craft products!

We thought we’d remind you of the benefits of being a Club member so you’ll want to stick with us.

In addition, we’re also letting you know early about the fabulous events planned for October leading up to Christmas – starting with our next Craft Day on October 7th.

While you have been part of the Club, we have also been busy developing a brand-new website to enhance your crafting lives. With easier navigation, more products, and a members-only section, you can now buy direct from the site, and gain access to new club material, along with our popular step-by-step video projects, free papers and great articles.

So why re-subscribe? Well, it has never been a better time. Stay with us and, as a thank you, we’ll send you our fantastic new Welcome Pack (including coasters, a mouse mat to personalise, a pen/pencil holder, a silver Create and Craft badge). In addition, you could be one of the lucky members who receive our limited edition CD wallet with exclusive photographs of Stephanie and Nigel. But hurry – it’s only while stocks last!

Here’s a little reminder of your benefits:


Great variety of video projects with full instructions to help you improve your crafting
Free downloads and project templates
Exclusive craft content online (or a bi-monthly CD) packed with demonstrations
O and step-by-step expert tutorials
Keep up-to-date with shows and product offers
Exclusive prices on special offers throughout the year
Access to back issues and content
Dedicated members-only helpline
10% Discount on craft products bought on our site

So there you have it – lots of great reasons to stay with us!

[Phree]

I got the same reminder e-mail today and on the "my account" page on the web site there is a link to click on to renew. I have until the end of October to decide... not sure what I will do to be honest. But I can tell you this much, if do decide to renew my membership it won't be for more than 1 year at a time.