Buyer Beware: Garden Fairies Smocking Store

Yesterday I shared a reader request about "Ready to Smock" garments and in my naivete I recommended a store in CA that I found online, Garden Fairies. Well folks, you know I don't want to steer you wrong or recommend a company with a bad customer service reputation, and I have received a couple emails from people saying this company is bad news. So BUYER BEWARE: Don't shop at Garden Fairies.

However, reader Pam, was kind enough to share some other very reliable online smocking shops so if you are still looking for some ready to smock garments or custom smocked items, These are shops she does recommend and suggested I pass along...

http://www.sew-neat.com/

http://www.imaginations4smocking.com/

http://www.carolharrisco.com/

http://www.creativeneedlemag.com/

http://www.elegantstitches.com/homepage.htm

http://www.farmhousefabrics.com/

http://www.handmades.com

http://www.sews.com/

http://www.karenfaylor.com/index.html

http://www.peanutbutter-n-jellykids.com/

http://www.princessdesigns.com/

http://www.roxanesheirlooms.com/page.home

http://www.snugglebugsmocking.com/index.html

http://www.thestitchintree.com/index.htm

http://www.wamajamasmocking.com/frame.html

I'm Back but I'm Sick

Well Christmas was great at the Monogram household and if it wasn't official before, it certainly is now, that the mini monograms are probably the most spoiled children in all the land. More to come with pictures and details next week, I promise.

We headed to my parent's house in Atlanta on Christmas afternoon and I ended up staying a day longer than expected. Of course, with 6 kids (the mini's and their cousins) and no less than 12 adults in the house at all times, it should only be expected that those little monkeys who are breeding grounds for colds and virus' managed to get me sick. Mind you, no one else is sick, but my head could quite possibly explode any minute now from all the congestion and sinus pressure. Nice, huh?

Anyway, I'm hopping off here to get back in the bed as preppy puppy has me under strict house (and bed) arrest until the veil of sickness starts to lift and I am certainly not complaining. If you've emailed me about the ongoing fiasco of Inviting Smiles, then don't worry, I WILL get back to you. As the saying goes, It's not over until the fat lady sings and ya'll have NOT heard monogram momma singing yet! ;-)

Have a GREAT weekend!

Update: Inviting Smiles Disaster

Not to bring down the mood over here at monogram momma's, but I really needed to hop on and leave an update for all the people finding their way to me by Googling "Inviting Smiles + customer service" or something of the like. I think we all know by now that Inviting Smiles and customer service is an oxymoron. As Clark Howard says, it's more like "customer no-service".

At this point in time, this is what I am recommending...Call your credit card company and have the charges reversed due to non-delivery of goods ASAP. I have now heard from roughly 30 people, if you can believe that. I am so amazed at this whole sham they've created this Christmas, and can't BELIEVE they would do this to honest, paying customers during the holidays. NOBODY takes advantage of my readers and gets away with it, that's for sure! Truly, when they realized they were in over their heads, they should have stopped taking orders. But nope, they kept on taking them, and even letting people pay for expedited shipping even though they knew the cards wouldn't get out on time.

I've sent the owner 10 emails so far, as well as the consumerist. I know how disapointing and maddening this at the same time and i am SO SORRY for all the trouble this company has caused you. I am furious due to the fact that I recommended them and they have taken advantage of so many of my own readers. That is just NOT ok with me.

I'm sure by now many of you have come up with a back-up plan, although I know it's not what you've had in mind this year. Again, I'm so sorry for the trouble and please know I'm really trying to do everything I possibly can to get this company to take responsibility for this mess they created. In the mean time, I also urge you to file a claim (as others are doing) with the Better Business Bureau.

If you've sent me a personal email with your dilema the last 24 hours, know that it has been read by me and put into my "Inviting Smiles" folder. But due to the sheer volume of emails I'm receiving on this issue, I simply don't have time over the next day or two to email you all individually. I PROMISE, I will. But I hope in the meantime, this little bit of information will help you put an end to this mess once and for all, until we can hopefully get a response from these people after the holidays.

Good Luck!

Even The Scrooges of Stationery Can't Touch the Things I Love Today

Once again I’m popping on quickly this morning as I find myself, AGAIN, without much time. Mr. Monogram has left town this morning for the rest of the week and with no pre-school today Mini #1 is having a play date. Good thing I thought ahead because it’s rainy and gross outside so our plans are to go pick up his buddy Sam and head out to our local jumpity jump inflatable places so I can efficiently wear them out for an hour. After that I’ll probably bring them all home, throw some food in the trough for them, and let them play for a while until it’s time for Sam to go home and naptime in our house. Yes, I’ve got this all planned out very carefully and down to the minute, actually!

And since I know many of you are just dying to know, would you believe I still haven’t heard back from anyone at Inviting Smiles? Really people, just avoid doing business with them at all cost. Someone suggested I contact the consumerist and admittedly, this SAHM has no idea what that is, I’m going to be looking into that today. I did send them one final email, which I will share below.

From: Monogram Momma
To: kim@invitingsmiles.com ; invitingsmiles@aol.com ; customercomments@invitingsmiles.com ; cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

To Whom It May Concern at Inviting Smiles,

I'm going to assume that someone somewhere in your company is reading my emails and posts on my blog (yes, I can track who reads my blog, where they are and when they're reading), because it is just a little too ironic for me that exactly 16 minutes after my post about your poor customer service yesterday, EM received a UPS notification from you saying her order had been shipped. Either that or it's a Christmas miracle.

However, since you have no intention of contacting me yourself and trying to redeem your company's name and reputation, or at the very least showing you posses some sort of conscious and good graces, I feel the need to pass along additional names and emails of people who have contacted me that I highly suggest you take care of this morning.

Again, the lines of communication are wide open for you to contact me. Running and hiding is never a good tactic and really only makes you look less credible. I promise I won't bite.

Customers you need to take care of (this list is growing so I will continue to fwd names to you)

SB: sb@xyz.com

CP: cp@xyz.net

KT: kt@xyz.com

Waiting for info from my anonymous reader

+ EM who you already contacted yesterday afternoon

Sincerely,
CMM

P.S.You know what's going to happen in a few days when people Google "Inviting Smiles?" It's going to provide them a link to my blog where potential customers can read the truth about your customer service and how little you value your customers. As I said yesterday, word of mouth is a very powerful force, so I highly recommend you start returning phone calls and emails. It's called business etiquette. You might want to read up on it.

Okay, so that’s the last I’m going to mention the company I have now dubbed the Scrooges of Stationery. Although I suppose if you prefer the Grinch's of Greetings, you could call them that as well. But regardless, I’m not talking about it again unless they contact me or you guys are just itching to know. I will still, however, continue my correspondence with those of you who contacted me for help and continue to do what I can. Apparently though, they have no intention of stepping up to the plate. Bah humbug to them.

However, in much happier news today, I’m thrilled to share some new Things I Love Today and really recommend these as gifts. Speaking of, remember last week when I shared “A Brown Dog” t-shirt company with you? Well I spoke to the owner and she is just as nice as can be and what I really wanted to share with you as a follow-up is that a portion of each sale goes to her local animal shelter and the Labrador Retriever Rescue. And you know since I am all about the little details, these tees come all wrapped up with ribbon and a hand-written note. Now THAT is taking care of a customer and sharing good will to all!

Now, let’s get on with some great finds…

The Baby Bunch
Tell me what new or expectant mom wouldn’t love to get a bouquet of roses made out of onesies? The Baby Bunch is simply too fabulous and creative for words! Now seriously, Martha really needs to jump all over this little company because this is seriously a good thing. It’s too bad they don’t offer personalization or monogramming but really I think we could pull this one off ourselves too and SERIUOSLY, can you THINK of a baby gift that would make a better presentation? Okay, well aside from my basket of goodies.

Monogrammed Ice Cream Holder
Now you can have your ice cream AND eat it too. l I don’t know that this is exactly approved by Weight Watchers or not, but who the heck cares?! You show me a monogrammed ice cream holder that holds entire pint of ice cream and I’ll lead the way to Ben & Jerry’s!

Kappers
‘Tis the Season for buying and giving lots of bottles of wine to our ever gracious hostesses at all those fancy parties, and what better accessory to pair with that bottle of Bordeaux other than a Santa’s behind sticking out of a chimney? Well nothing, that’s what!

Monogrammed Golf Umbrella
Raindrops are falling on my head! Well, not MY head, because I am the lucky owner of this little beauty from A. Tierney. And I don’t have to tell you guys what I think of A. Tierney since I’ve mentioned them loads before and I’ve been a customer for 4 years. Really though, this umbrella is so well made with a nice wooden handle and wooden top, and with a preppy grosgrain ribbon button enclosure to top it all off you’ll never be caught all wet and soggy again!

Monogrammed Playing Cards & Bridge Set
Have a card or bridge player on your list? Then I’ve got the perfect thing for you! Head on over to my church of Horchow and pick these lovelies up for that special person on your list so they will be on top of their game at the next bridge tournament.

Suede Playing Card Set
Not a bridge Player? No worries, I’ve got you covered! I adore this little suede set for traveling especially! You know, Mr. Monogram and I play lots of cards at the beach so how convenient and cute would this be tucked inside my little monogrammed bag? It sure beats the old cardboard box set I usually tote along, that’s for sure.

Miniature Monogrammed Branding Iron
Being the carnivores that we are over here in the Monogram household, this is something we definitely need. Really, who DOESN’T need a branding iron with their initials? That is the more logical question here.

[No Picture available]

Design-Her Gals
I think by now we are all aware of this super creative company. I even saw the owner on Martha giving her cards made in her own likeness so you know if my girl Martha says it’s a good thing, then a good thing it is. Aside from creating your own girl on stationery and note cards, I love the idea of creating a gal and putting her on recipe cards for your friends or family (in their likeness of course). Pair it with a cute little apron, of course, MONOGRAMMED, and you’ve got yourself one great little gift. Personally, I like to put my gal in leg warmers paired with big hoop earrings and an off-the-shoulder number, but hop on over there and have some fun. PS. Current Promo code at check out is HOLIDAZE for 15% off!

Inviting Smiles: NOT so Inviting

The time is now 5 o’clock E.S.T. and that means, TIME’S UP. Now I realize most of you don’t have a clue as to what I’m talking about, but believe you me, there has been some behind the scenes drama and stress over here at monogram momma’s that each and every one of my valued readers deserves to know about (in fact I MAY just have to call Entertainment Tonight to broadcast it I think it’s so important). And since you all know I prefer to exist in a stress free zone (ha! Okay, so as least-stress-free zone as possible), I am NOT happy.

Go back with me to this past Saturday if you will. Saturday morning I checked my email to find an email from a reader we will call EM, telling me that to date, she not only hasn’t received her Holiday card order from Inviting Smiles, but hasn’t even received correspondence from them. Now, you will remember, I recommended this company in my initial Holiday Card post in November, and said I loved their cute monogrammed designs and styles. They were referred to me by a friend and I never personally used them myself. Now, forward to Sunday morning, when I awoke to an anonymous comment on this blog from a second reader, saying that the customer service at Inviting Smiles is terrible and that they do not recommend them. Sunday night, another email from a THIRD reader with a very similar story to the first email I received from EM. And THEN, this morning, a FOURTH email from a reader with the same issue. Something sounding a little fishy to anyone but me????? I swear it’s like the skies opened up and dumped a bucket of hail or something!

Of course I am mortified that I would recommend a company that apparently can’t get their act together and not only NOT fulfill their orders in a timely manner, but even communicate with their customers. Each reader told me they called numerous times and the voice mailbox at Inviting Smiles was constantly full, and none of their emails were ever returned either. It’s called RUNNING A BUSINESS and CUSTOMER SERVICE, Inviting Smiles. If you can’t handle it and treat your PAYING CUSTOMERS with the RESPECT they DESERVE then it’s time to CLOSE UP SHOP.

I have personally responded to each and every one of my readers who emailed me, as well as sent a lengthy email to five different email addresses at Inviting Smiles. My final email informed them that they had until 5Pm E.S.T. TODAY for someone of authority to get back in touch with me and let me know how they planned to rectify this mess that they have created and take care of all these people who they have let down and stressed out during this Holiday season, or unfortunately, I would be forced to write an honest update for my readers, detailing their lack of customer service and order fulfillment issues. Well folks, as I already said, TIME’S UP.

So I’m just going to lay it all out on the table here and be completely honest to all my readers, as you know how I feel about being honest. So included below, are all the emails that were sent to me, and all my emails that I in turn, have sent to Inviting Smiles, encouraging them to make good on their orders.

Reader Email #1
From: EM
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 3:57 PM
Subject: Christmas Cards

… I read your entry today and I also have not received my Christmas cards. Did you by chance order yours from inviting smiles? I ordered them one week before Thanksgiving and still do not have them! I have sent them three emails and called numerous times only to get a message"mailbox full". I was finally able to leave a message today, so hopefully I will finally get somewhere. I ordered mine before reading your recommendation, so I am not trying to make you feel badly for recommending them at all! Just wondering if someone else is having the same problem as me. Once again, I really enjoy your blog and don't know how you have the time to do so much! Merry Christmas! EM

Reader Blog Comment #2
From: Anonymous
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 9:00 AM
Subject: [Monogram Momma] New comment on Holiday Cards (Charge-It!).

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Holiday Cards (Charge-It!)": Hello gals - just wanted to let you know that although they are adorable, Inviting Smiles has HORRIBLE HORRIBLE customer service. And don't trust their delivery times. It's unfortunate but true. Good luck!

Reader Email #3
From: KT
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 1:41 PM
Subject: quick question... :o)

…I did want to ask about holiday cards I ordered from Inviting Smiles, I ordered these back on November 10th and was also charged that month as well on my credit card. I have never received any correspondence from them, no proof, etc... I also had my mom order from them due to how cute their cards, however, we both had to order from different companies this past week to ensure we would have cards before Christmas. Do you know any "direct" line of communication with them that I could attempt to have them credit my card? I know you receive lots of emails and thanks for taking the time to read mine... :o) Thanks again and Merry Christmas - KT

Reader Email #4
From: CP
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 11:17 AM
Subject: Delay with Inviting Smiles

… I thought I'd ask if you have heard of anyone having problems getting their holiday cards from Inviting Smiles this year. I found them through your blog and LOVED the cards. I placed the order on 11/24 and approved the proof, but haven't heard boo regarding whether/when they have shipped. I've sent two urgent e-mails in the last week to which I have received no response, their voice mail for the 888 number is continuously full, and when I called this morning, the phone company actually had to hang up on me with "The party you have dialed is not answering their phone."

Yikes! Any info you may have would be much appreciated. I'm hoping they miraculously appear on my doorstep today.

Thanks,
CP


MM Email to Inviting Smiles #1
----- Original Message -----
From: Monogram Momma
To: Cheryl@invitingsmiles.com; customercomments@invitingsmiles.com; invitingsmiles@aol.com;
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 4:29 PM
Subject: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Hi There,

I am the proprietor of a blog called Monogram Momma where I talk about lots of monogrammed products and services, decorating and project ideas, and very often, stationery. Currently I have over 500 readers (and growing) a day who log on to read my reviews, ideas and sites I recommend.

About a month ago I did a post on Holiday cards where I recommended Inviting Smiles. I loved your original and monogrammable styles and colors and layouts. However, I am quite disappointed that yesterday I received an email from a reader who said she ordered her Christmas cards from you all weeks ago and not only have they not arrived, but you have not given her the courtesy of a return phone call (she has left MANY messages and BTW your voice mailbox apparently needs to be emptied because it is registering as FULL) or return email. I must say, I am extremely disappointed by this.

I take great pride in only recommending companies and vendors to my readers who I feel or have experienced myself, offer excellent quality products, but who also offer great customer service. I feel it is a reflection back on me, and quite frankly I do not want to increase revenue or recommend a company that offers second-rate customer service when my readers respect my opinion. To run a successful business, those two things need to go hand in hand, and I do not want to recommend a company that takes such poor care of the people who are providing their bread and butter, when there are plenty of other similar companies who will take care of their customers and give them the courtesy they deserve.

In addition to the email I received from a disappointed reader yesterday, this morning I also awoke to an anonymous comment on my blog from a second person not recommending your company due to poor customer service. To say I am surprised at this is a gross understatement. As a result, I am doing you the courtesy of letting you know that I will be posting a follow-up post on my blog, alerting my readers to your poor customer service. I do understand this is a busy time of year, but if a customer orders something time sensitive such as a Christmas card and you say it's going to be delivered on time and then you not only fail to deliver it but don't even return phone calls or emails from these customers who have paid quite a bit of money for your cards, then I really feel like my readers have a right to know they type of quality service they are receiving from your company if they chose to order from you.

I sincerely hope you will make every effort to rectify the poor customer service you are apparently getting a reputation for having. I am always thrilled to sing the praises of small companies that offer phenomenal customer service, but I also feel like I need to share poor experiences as well in order to be fair and honest with my readers (something they not only expect from me, but that I also expect from myself). As I said, you are more than welcome to get in touch with me and let me know what you are doing to solve your customer service and order problems so I can pass your response onto my readers. I also suggest you contact my reader (who sent the initial email), EM at em@xyz.com.

Many Thanks,
CMM

Inviting Smiles Email Response to MM #1
From: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
To: Monogram Momma
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 10:41 PM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Dear Monogram Momma,
I am sending this on to the head of the company. I have only worked for the company for a short time, having been hired to try and catch them up from the unexpectedness of their holiday card orders.

I do know that within thirty-minutes of emptying out the answering service it is full again. We've got people putting in 20 hours a day to try and get these orders out. Unfortunately since many of the customers only see my email address when I send them their completed proof, they think that I am the company. I just do the proofs.

I will tell you that some of the delays stem from people who place their order, and then wait a week or two to send in the photos. The order cannot go into proof design until the photos have been received. So keep that in mind as well. Don't hold the company responsible for customer contributions to the delays.

MM Email to Inviting Smiles #2
From: Monogram Momma
To: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 8:09 AM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Cheryl,

I appreciate the return email and I can understand your frustration. Sort of the "Don't Shoot the Messenger" situation. As I mentioned, I completely understand that Inviting Smiles is busy this time of year, but it sounds like they bit off more than they could chew and can't handle all the business. Unfortunately, it's the customers who pay for this and ultimately, the companies reputation.

Since sending my email to Inviting Smiles yesterday (Sunday), I have also heard from yet another reader (this makes three people total in a 24 hours time span) who says they paid and sent in pictures Nov 10th, and while their card was charged, they have yet to see anything from the company.

Thank you very much for forwarding my email to the head of the company. I am anxiously awaiting a response and look forward to a resolution in the order and customer service issues that are currently plaguing Inviting Smiles.

Sincerely,
CMM

MM Email to Inviting Smiles #3
From: Monogram Momma
To: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 3:48 PM
Subject: Fw: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Cheryl,

Just to let you know, I have heard from two more irate readers and unfortunately, if I don't hear back from someone at Inviting Smiles with some sort of authority by 5pm EST today, I am afraid I will be forced to write a completely honest and somewhat damaging post about Inviting Smiles. I will also be encouraging all my friends in the blogging community who also have large followings to do the same.

I am sincerely sorry this has fallen on you, but as I said, the poor customer service is a reflection on me since I recommended this company and I take great pride in my recommendations and my good word. If you could please pass this additional information along to the right people within the company, I would be very grateful. I hope you understand that I feel like I have an obligation to set things right with all these people who have been misled and left in the dark by Inviting Smiles.

Many thanks for your assistance,

CMM

Well, Inviting Smiles, it looks like it’s your turn. Being the fair and just person that I am, the floor is all yours. I am handing you the virtual mic. You are more than welcome to email me at monogrammomma@charter.net and let me know how you plan to take care of all these people, which I will gladly post, or you can continue to ignore your customers and slowly watch your business fall off the face of the earth. You know, word of mouth is a very strong force. I realize that you never asked me to mention your company in my blog, but I did so off of a recommendation by a friend who’s opinion I trust and value, and because I am always happy to help out and recommend fun and creative sites and companies such as yours. The only problem is that your company really falls short. When you get down to it, Inviting Smiles really ISN’T so inviting after all, and I can assure you that no one is smiling right now about this holiday debacle you’ve created.

As for my readers, if anyone else out there has had any similar experiences with Inviting Smiles, please comment here and/or send me an email. In the event that I actually hear back from someone at Inviting Smiles, I would like to be able to pass along your names and email addresses for them to contact you directly. And hey, even if you’ve had a great experience with them and want to share that as well, then by all means, please let us know that too. As I said, I think this company bit off more than it could chew, but that really is no excuse for such poor customer service. Truly, I would love to see this company somehow redeem themselves, as they really do have some very creative and beautiful announcements, invitations, and cards. I certainly wouldn't have recommended them if I didn't like what they had to offer. But the proof will be in the pudding whether or not they're going to be able to pull that off.

P.S. 12/21/06 update: For those of you finding your way to my blog via Googling "Inviting Smiles," please click here to a new update.