Tuesday, May 10, 2011

E2 Launch...Tension In the Ranks

I can understand people getting upset if they feel like they were mislead by the HSN launch and there being tension in the ranks of Cricut users.

Here is some of my thoughts about it all....

Places like HSN build up the hype to make people want to buy buy buy! Shoot we were more excited about the E2 launch than little kids on Christmas morning and that is exactly what they wanted. We were putty in their hands. How could we resist when they said EXCLUSIVE and NEVER OFFERED AGAIN, or some other such stuff they always say to peak our interest and make us run for our credit cards and quickly figuring monthly budgets to see if we can squeeze in that wonderful flex-pay if we make our families eat peanut butter 5 more days a month. I think of it much like used car salesmen *okie shutters even thinking of those types you see in commercials with their comb over hair and plaid jackets* who are giving their fabulous pitch to make a person pay Cadillac Escalade prices for a Hyundai Santa Fe.

HSN did their job and they did it well. They hit the instant gratification crowd, not only with the E2 but with most anything they sell. After all isn't that why they are in business? To make money?

I know ProvoCraft is trying to "right" some of the "wrong" that people feel have happened and that is nice of them. But let's face it. We are adults. We make the choices of where our money goes. Of course eventually the prices will go down on any product. The original Cricut sold for like $249 when it first came out, I got mine at the bargain of $119 during a Black Friday sale and at the time it was a bargain to be sure! All products reduce in value after being on the market, it's a known fact.

So who should we really fault for making a purchase?
The manufacturer?
The company that markets the product?
The company that offers the product for sale?
Or the end user that enters their credit card number to make the purchase?

*okie sighs and shrugs her shoulders* I sure don't have the answers about any of it. All I know is that I avoid buying a new product as soon as it is released because I know the price will be reduced over time and what seems so great and exclusive, well......rarely is. And that's all I got to say about that.

23 comments:

  1. Well said as always Okie! I don't have an E2 and at this point I am happy with my E and my Create, enough for me can't use them all at the same time anyways.

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  2. I am happy with my purchase!!! I am loving it, can't wait until it works with Design Studio, is wi-fi capable, and works with cricut craft room!!! it is a great machine and the pre-loaded carts are fab. if someone else can get it, then I am happy for them. no use having sour grapes about something, just wish provocraft would speed up the techno stuff and work the bugs out of the cricut craft room program!!!!

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  3. You go girl! I agree no one put a gun to anyone's head. ; )

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  4. I ditto that Okie! Wonderfully said. They put out the bait.. but it's up to you to if you take it or not. You can't blame ANY company for trying to make a living.

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  5. Bought an Expression during Black Friday to replace my original Expression. I don't have the funds to purchase the E2 at this time. In a few years when my current Expression starts to slow down, I will start saving again and who knows what will be on the market. Until then, I will continue to blog hop and enjoy everyone's E2 and Imagine creations.

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  6. This is the first time I've ever bought a machine during the launch. I must say I was really excited to do it and I have no regrets. I am loving my new machine. I knew the price would go down, and made an informed decision to be a little less responsible in exchange for instant gratification. I feel bad for those who feel like they were cheated, but at the same time - they should have known better. Thanks, Dallas

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  7. I agree to a point with you, Okie. Unless the company makes a false statement, then the hype is what sells the item. I didn't watch the show so I don't know what was said and by whom so I won't comment on this particular case! I learned my lesson on the Imagine and won't buy at the release again. I did love my Yudu cardshop at it's release and love it and don't regret it a bit. LOL! But it was a much less expensive purchase.

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  8. Have to say I agree with you Okie!
    Caveat emptor. Let the buyer beware.

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  9. Once again your take is spot on! I know ProvoCraft is notoriously slow in working out the technical bugs in their new products. I like shiny & new just as much as the next gal, but I can wait until everyone else who jumped on the bandwagon helps PC get the kinks worked out. By then it will be more affordable... even if it isn't the "special" edition... which usually is only a color change - and we all see what happened with the E and colors :)

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  10. I did not watch HSN. I live on the east coast and had to get up early the next day so I went to bed before it aired on hsn. Everything I knew about the E2 was from blogs and pc. I was led to believe the anniv edition had 4 preloads- 2 exclusive to this particular machine, once these machines were gone then they were gone. They would sell more E2's of course, but not with the 2 exclusive carts (cricut decals and just a note). I ordered online from hsn before I went to bed and I am glad I did as hsn has the flex pay. So yes, I do believe pc was misleading with the exclusiveness of the anniversary edition but I would have bought anyway from hsn b.c of the flex pay.

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  11. Well said Okie! I have avoided the message boards lately because of this exact issue. Too much complaining going on. If you look at any product on HSN it's most likely more expensive then elsewhere, but you can buy it earlier, use flex play, or get some bonus you pay for that convenience. The consumer makes the choice! I bought my Gypsy for around $175 on sale, and thought that was a great deal, 3 months later you could get it for $100..

    Okie ... Thanks for voicing your feelings! It helps to have someone so respected in the crafting circles say what needs to be heard!

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  12. I agree I never try to get anything when it first comes out because a lot of times it needs an update. Will there be more E2 I haven't even read or watch a video because I just figured I would never have one if it was a limited amount. I just keep my fingers crossed that my expression doesn't kick the bucket. I use it so much and love it.
    I also love you gift bags. Great idea.

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  13. Hi Okie, I will probably get royally slammed for saying this so you don't have to put it up - but I just have been feeling that most of the folks who are upset seem to be upset because other people will get the 4 "exclusive" programmed in carts! Even the price doesn't seem to be as big an issue - just that more people will get to have what they thought only they would get. Seems kind of selfish to me, but then - what do I know anyway? Thanks for listening.

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  14. Completely agree with your last paragraph!

    I understand buyer beware, but companies shouldn't outright lie either. So if they did, they should make some sort of amends.

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  15. Well Said My Friend! This was the very first time I ever purchased anything at launch! I Mean I'm one who always waits and waits til it goes much cheaper! But I saved for the HSN deal and I would not change it for the world! I LOVE my New E2 and I'm a very Happy customer... I know others are not because of not getting them and issues... but mine works like a charm and couldn't be more happier... at least until I see it go down in price! LOL Maybe then I'll shake my head and say CRAP I should have waited! LOL But until then it's probably the one and only time I'll purchase something right away... I'm CHEAP! That's probably why I haven't gotten the Elegant Edges Cartridge yet either! I'm just CHEAP and I like it that way! LOL Have a great day! :o)
    Theresa

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  16. I'm with AShu93. I love my PC products and have 3 Cricuts and a Gypsy. But I feel uncomfortable trying to be loyal to a company that lies. Advertising and promoting is one thing. Lying is another. I hope they DO make it up to those of us who bought on HSN. I am NOT upset that other girls will be getting my so-called "exclusive" cartridges. The more the merrier. But I had done my homework on the E2 and there were some features that really appealed to me, and I was afraid, as was touted, "when they are gone, they are gone," and I might not get one. Maybe they should put a little asterisk by gone*. And tell the truth of it by saying that "only the models with 2 exclusive cartridges and the green accents will be gone. We're gonna make a bazillion more that are white and have 1 preloaded cartridge." I guess it depends on what your definition of GONE is.

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  17. ps - all this is easy for you to say, okie, being the proud owner of not one, but TWO FREE E2's, handed to you by PC. LOL! Just sayin'...

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  18. Okie, you are right on point. I've bought my gypsy, Imagine and the E2 on launch and I am not upset about any of these being offered soon after and at a better price. I wanted it so I bought it. I am an adult and nobody forced me to purchase. I knew the prices would drop but I didn't want to wait.I think some people need to grow up and stop playing the blame game and stop badmouthing PC and HSN.

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  19. well said okie. couldn't agree with you more. price will come down and the "bugs" will be worked out eventually.

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  20. My hubby needs to put a block on HSN for me!!! LOL Everytime something crafty is on, I end up buying it! I did order the E2 when it was on, but then after thinking about it, I cancelled my order. I just did it again this past Saturday with the Imagine was on for a great price. It arrived & when I unpacked everything, the carts looked like they had been used & it was just way too big for my craft room. After considering everything AND the most important thing that my hubby reminded me (we can't afford it), I shipped it back. I actually feel better, now that I did, just like when I cancelled the E2. I'm putting a ban on HSN for me!!!

    Puppy Hugs,
    Wendy, aka Roo

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