Speaking of inappropriate paraphernalia...

[ladygreek]

More justification of why we should only buy from certified vendors.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

More justification of why we should only buy from certified vendors.

Some of our certified vendors have got to be somebody's cousin in the national office. I do try to support the vendors at convention, but there were two in particular that either had shoddy workmanship (and I was SO disappointed in her -- we had bonded the previous year) OR had incorrect or questionable stuff on them. I recall a t-shirt that didn't have the correct number of founders on it.

ETA: APO doesn't seem to have a vendor/licensing policy. I am hoping to arrange something with 3 Sisters Embroidery as I really like their work.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

but there were two in particular that either had shoddy workmanship (and I was SO disappointed in her -- we had bonded the previous year) OR had incorrect or questionable stuff on them. I recall a t-shirt that didn't have the correct number of founders on it.

And see those vendors would not have had that merchandise displayed at our convention. Our HQ does inspections before and during conventions and conferences. Not to mention the sorors who would have raised a stink.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Some of our certified vendors have got to be somebody's cousin in the national office. I do try to support the vendors at convention, but there were two in particular that either had shoddy workmanship (and I was SO disappointed in her -- we had bonded the previous year) OR had incorrect or questionable stuff on them. I recall a t-shirt that didn't have the correct number of founders on it.

ETA: APO doesn't seem to have a vendor/licensing policy. I am hoping to arrange something with 3 Sisters Embroidery as I really like their work.

I may've told this story before:

I was at a leadership conference almost 10 years ago and this Soror had a table. She was selling items at about $10 more than the 'nalia store a block away was selling them. So I told a couple of the people at the table that there was a black owned spot like 5 minutes away. The Soror was understandably annoyed with me and said "I'm a certified vendor, Soror."

Certified vendors are a great idea but that doesn't mean they can overprice.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I may've told this story before:

I was at a leadership conference almost 10 years ago and this Soror had a table. She was selling items at about $10 more than the 'nalia store a block away was selling them. So I told a couple of the people at the table that there was a black owned spot like 5 minutes away. The Soror was understandably annoyed with me and said "I'm a certified vendor, Soror."

Certified vendors are a great idea but that doesn't mean they can overprice.

True, but in their defense they do pay out the nose to be certified. Basically I think HQ screws them. Not only do they have to pay a hefty annual licensing fee, then they have to pay fees for booths at conventions and conferences and any other approved Delta event. And they are only allowed to sell them to sorors and must verify such. Thus they forbidden to sell them online. You have to call them to place an order.

So if a non-Delta friend of yours wanted to by you a gift (s)he could not do so from a certified vendor.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

True, but in their defense they do pay out the nose to be certified. Basically I think HQ screws them. Not only do they have to pay a hefty annual licensing fee, then they have to pay fees for booths at conventions and conferences and any other approved Delta event. And they are only allowed to sell them to sorors and must verify such. Thus they forbidden to sell them online. You have to call them to place an order.

So if a non-Delta friend of yours wanted to by you a gift (s)he could not do so from a certified vendor.

Now it makes sense.

And I'm glad that the certified vendors have that type of control over their product so nonmembers can't purchase them.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Now it makes sense.

And I'm glad that the certified vendors have that type of control over their product so nonmembers can't purchase them.

I agree, but unfortunately the costs prevent a lot of vendors from becoming certified and thus selling out of their hotel rooms. And just as you weren't aware there are thousands of other sorors out there not aware who will go for the price. Which in return kind of defeats the purpose.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

I agree, but unfortunately the costs prevent a lot of vendors from becoming certified and thus selling out of their hotel rooms. And just as you weren't aware there are thousands of other sorors out there not aware who will go for the price. Which in return kind of defeats the purpose.

I felt bad when she said "I'm a certified vendor, Soror."

Can I get back into Heaven since I support overpriced black business, in general, though? I just thought the extra $ was crazy because the other black business was a few minutes away.

<---explaining LOL

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Some of our certified vendors have got to be somebody's cousin in the national office. I do try to support the vendors at convention, but there were two in particular that either had shoddy workmanship (and I was SO disappointed in her -- we had bonded the previous year) OR had incorrect or questionable stuff on them. I recall a t-shirt that didn't have the correct number of founders on it.

ETA: APO doesn't seem to have a vendor/licensing policy. I am hoping to arrange something with 3 Sisters Embroidery as I really like their work.

OPhiA has a vendor policy - with only one group! That hardly makes anything! And if anyone else other than that company or the collegiate chapters tries to sell a thing ... but anyway. This irritates me to no end, but I'm going to shut up now.

/hijack

[jitterbug13]

Originally Posted by DSTRen13

OPhiA has a vendor policy - with only one group! That hardly makes anything! And if anyone else other than that company or the collegiate chapters tries to sell a thing ... but anyway. This irritates me to no end, but I'm going to shut up now.

/hijack

E, I remember when finding OPA stuff was like finding a needle in a haystack (I know, it's been almost ten years since I joined).

/hijack

LG, thanks for the explanation.