August 28, 2006

Tales of a Soon-to-be Former SU Demo

I've been a demo for exactly one little year! However, due primarily to family circumstances, I will be leaving SU soon (more on reasons to leave and reasons to stay later). I remember how much I debated whether to sign up and would have really appreciated "the inside scoop" from someone fairly objective prior to spending the money on the starter kit. So -- over the next week or so, I will be posting my experience as an SU demo. No one experience is typical and of course, these thoughts are entirely my own. Those of you who know me know I love SU, but don't see everything through rose colored glasses. While part of me thinks I'm entirely objective, I'm sure I'm not!! But, I'll try. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to add to the conversation. Note: I realize that some SU demos may feel some concern that I will be sharing inside information that could hurt their businesses. I don't believe that I will be doing anything of the sort, but hang on and see for yourself! THE DECISION TO JOIN STAMPIN UP! The big joke in our house during the spring and summer of 2005 was whether I should become an SU demo. My son was 14 at the time, doing fairly well, I was working only 20 hours a week at my lawyer job and things were humming along. I debated it endlessly, concerned about the $200 cost of the starter kit and the committment it represented. I changed my mind, oh, 20 times! Finally, my husband and son were begging me to join just to end the dinner time discussions!! Then in August, SU offered a pretty good deal -- an entire set of ink pads for joining in any color family I wanted. That pushed me over the edge and I was on my way. I wanted to become a demo to cut down on my overall craft spending and improve my cards and stamping work in general. Every time I left my house or sat down at the computer it seemed I was buying this or that ribbon, paper, adhesive, stamp, powder, tool, etc. I was drowning!! I had no idea how to use all this mountain of stuff and would buy things only to find that I already owned them [I feel some of you nodding in recognition!]. Most stampers contemplating representing a company probably have different goals than I did -- I'm sure most wanted to MAKE money, as in profit. I wasn't in it for that reason, but a profit would be awesome too. Would joining SU help me curb my spending habits, or did I end up spending MORE? Did I become a better stamper? Did I ever make a profit? Did I meet other stampers, earn the SU cruise, and attend the convention? Stay tuned! Next: Choosing An Upline

4 comments:

  1. Joan, I am so interested to hear your take on the SU subject. Not so much because I'm interested in becoming a demo, but because I don't understand what an upline is or really any of the basics. I've been curious about it all and am looking forward to your comments. Thanks
    Sharon

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  2. Hi Joan, I totally saw myself in your dinnertime discussion description! I'm guessing you spent more as a demo than you would have as Suzy Stamper Crafter Extrodinare! That's what I've done! I'm contemplating leaving myself. You've got me hooked, don't leave me hanging ;)

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  3. Can't wait to hear more insights into your experiences. I've read a bunch already from your posts on SCS, so this should continue to be an fun and interesting read. We signed up at the same time and are planning on dropping at about the same time!

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  4. This is like watching Gray's Anatomy - we are all excited to know what is coming next. Gosh, you sound so much like me with the dinner time discussions!! I added up the $$$ spent before I became a SU Demo and the $$$$$$$$ spent afterwards trying to keep up! I'm taking a buying break to catch up and use all the other stuff I have already!!

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