Good & Bad online Greek stores

[TigerLilly]

Originally posted by astroAPhi
I just looked at designergreek and they are anything but cheap! I think I could buy cheaper from even Greek101.

Price-comparing for a hoodie and a longsleeve tshirt I found designergreek to be cheaper than Greek101. Plus, designergreek does neat embroidery on the sleeves, hood, etc, so I'm going to order from them. One of my PSP brothers just got a hoodie from there and it looks really nice.

[Measi]

While not a company per-se, avoid "greaks" on Ebay. While (s)he has good luck most of the time, if you have a complaint (as I did), you'll be harassed and blackmailed with bad feedback even if you do exactly what you're supposed to as a buyer. Both items and shipping are put at an unreasonable rate for the item being sent.

~ Mel.

[SOPi_Jawbreaker]

I had a bad experience with Greek Loft also. I ordered twice from www.stitchzone.com, and I was very happy. My order arrived when they said it would, and their stuff is pretty affordable (though they don't have that much stuff so you're kinda limited). And when they messed up on my second order, they made my t-shirt over again and shipped it out right away and I got it just a few days later.

[boz130]

Hi, I'm a Lambda Chi...I'm also one of those "Greek Licensed Products" guys you've seen online and in mailers sent to your chapter houses. In my case, my products are newsletters/event promotion and address list management services.

The reason you see some companies (e.g. Campus Classics) offer just a select few organizations is that we're only licensed to work with certain groups. We pay royalties to the specific organization for each t-shirt/chair/pool table felt/newsletter/etc. that we sell. For the record, other firms aren't licensed.

What's the difference between the two? Well, GLP members have to uphold a strict code of ethics re: what we produce. We can't put out materials that are deemed to be sexist, misogynistic, anti-gay, racist, etc. By the same token, we're not allowed to portray the "frat stereotype" (drunk guy hanging onto a keg).

If you're not licensed, you can pretty much do whatever you want...and they do. I've seen some...let's say "interesting" stuff @ various conferences. That sort of thing wouldn't pass the "mom test" (in other words, what would your mom think if you wore a particular shirt?).

The GLP designation isn't necessarily as good as something from the BBB, but it's a pretty good indicator that they're reputable. Good luck!

Interfraternally,
Bill F.

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by ariesrising
I've had great experiences with Joe Toga, Greekgear.com and GreekGiftsEtc. I haven't ordered from Sorority Specialties, but I've heard nothing but good things about them.

My only gripe is that because I live in Canada, I not only have to page a huge amount in shipping, but if it doesn't fit through the mail slot in my door, I have to pay customs charges as well, which are usually close to, or more than, the amount to ship. So ordering flip flops which cost $18.99 US came out to around $40 Canadian after all was said and done=(

Yep, that's me. I have a $50 CDN t-shirt from GreekGiftsEtc. It's a good shirt, and it arrived on time, but because of the exchange rate and the extra fees Canada Customs imposed on it. I haven't ordered anything in a long time. $50 for a t-shirt is ridiculous. I usually order through my chapter if they are getting clothing, because they'll make the design themselves and have a local printing company do it.

[preciousjeni]

I have been in the process of setting up a potential order with thegreekshop.com. Everyone I've asked has said they're really good and great business people. But, check this out.

This all happened within less than 24 hours, altogether. A number of emails were exchanged in which I made it very clear that I needed to clear some things up before proceeding with the order. No money has been exchanged and the price has not even been agreed upon. What's your opinion?

1) I receive one email with a lot of information regarding my specifications on the item and, as part of the reply, I read:

"Please note that your order will not begin until payment is received.

Once payment is received and your order is processed, an invoice will be mailed to you with production time/shipping information...

...Your quote will remain on file for 14 days or until payment is
received, whichever is earlier. To place your order, please submit
your request and remit a MONEY ORDER in US$ made payable to University Apparel, Inc."

*At this point, I'm assuming that nothing is being done yet.

2) In the same email message, I was quoted a price of $150 (above what the item was costing already) for doing a particular crest design for me.

3) In my reply to that email, I said I'd rather the design be left out.

*The price tag was a little steep for me.

4) In a reply from the company, I got the following message:

"Based on your request, we have already begun (putting in over 3 hours of work) and almost completed the crest given the artwork we have obtained.

We just have to check the wording -- to make certain the machine can embroider that small, so we need to run off a sample.

However, if you desire, we can stop where we are and we will discard the work we have started, but at least half the cost of the set-up would be required for the work done thus far."

*I was ! That's $75!!

5) I replied stating that they could go ahead with the crest design since they had already put forth so much effort (so as to not mess it up for future sorors who want to order from them), but I attached the following comment to that portion of my message:

"I need also to bring to your attention that the Terms of Service are somewhat misleading (I thought we were putting the specifics together and the order would be placed upon payment or at least submission of the deposit):

1. A minimum of 50% deposit is required on all orders; a PRICE QUOTE does NOT constitute an order. Price quotes will be kept on file for 14 days or until payment is received, whichever is earlier."

*The message I received previously clearly stated that it was a "price quote"

So, am I completely crazy or are they trying to rip me off?

[preciousjeni]

Well...I got a reply this morning and they were finally nice! The design ended up not working and they're not charging me for the work done. So, I guess a soft reply got a good response.

Very cool!

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
I have been in the process of setting up a potential order with thegreekshop.com. Everyone I've asked has said they're really good and great business people. But, check this out.

This all happened within less than 24 hours, altogether. A number of emails were exchanged in which I made it very clear that I needed to clear some things up before proceeding with the order. No money has been exchanged and the price has not even been agreed upon. What's your opinion?

1) I receive one email with a lot of information regarding my specifications on the item and, as part of the reply, I read:

"Please note that your order will not begin until payment is received.

Once payment is received and your order is processed, an invoice will be mailed to you with production time/shipping information...

...Your quote will remain on file for 14 days or until payment is
received, whichever is earlier. To place your order, please submit
your request and remit a MONEY ORDER in US$ made payable to University Apparel, Inc."

*At this point, I'm assuming that nothing is being done yet.

2) In the same email message, I was quoted a price of $150 (above what the item was costing already) for doing a particular crest design for me.

3) In my reply to that email, I said I'd rather the design be left out.

*The price tag was a little steep for me.

4) In a reply from the company, I got the following message:

"Based on your request, we have already begun (putting in over 3 hours of work) and almost completed the crest given the artwork we have obtained.

We just have to check the wording -- to make certain the machine can embroider that small, so we need to run off a sample.

However, if you desire, we can stop where we are and we will discard the work we have started, but at least half the cost of the set-up would be required for the work done thus far."

*I was ! That's $75!!

5) I replied stating that they could go ahead with the crest design since they had already put forth so much effort (so as to not mess it up for future sorors who want to order from them), but I attached the following comment to that portion of my message:

"I need also to bring to your attention that the Terms of Service are somewhat misleading (I thought we were putting the specifics together and the order would be placed upon payment or at least submission of the deposit):

1. A minimum of 50% deposit is required on all orders; a PRICE QUOTE does NOT constitute an order. Price quotes will be kept on file for 14 days or until payment is received, whichever is earlier."

*The message I received previously clearly stated that it was a "price quote"

So, am I completely crazy or are they trying to rip me off?

Wow, I'm glad I read your post!! I was looking at their site today wondering if I should order some items, then decided to check here to see if there was anything posted about them. What a hassle!

[preciousjeni]

Ok...I placed an order with a company four days ago and paid in full online (through paypal). I checked the paypal transaction and payment was received.

Here's the problem. I have not heard ANYTHING from the company. Nothing to say the order was received or that it would be delayed or anything. I've emailed the company, the individual (from the email addy I saw on paypal) and contacted them another way. Still nothing.

What should I do? (P.S. It's supposed to be a Christmas gift but it's definitely short notice. However, if I had known they'd be like that, I would have ordered elsewhere.)

[kddani]

May I ask what company it was? 4 days is certainly too long to go by without acknowledging.

The good thing about paying with paypal is that you're supposed to have some protection.

[preciousjeni]

Note to all: "The Greek Shop" that I talked about earlier. Well, I have a report. The truth is I know they do quality work ...but...

I ordered back whenever and FINALLY got my invoice saying that the order probably won't be completed until January. Ok? Hmmm...so I contacted them (they are ALWAYS rude by the way) and tried to figure out where exactly my order was in processing since it's a Christmas gift.

So, I called and they said I had to send an email. Then I emailed them only to have them reply, very obnoxiously I might add, that the orders were being delayed because of inquiries. Well folks, if you'd actually give us some reasonable shipping times, it might be better!

Then I was cordially berated - No one told me that in order for them to check on one order, they have to stop the ENTIRE production line - that's not how to treat customers. And, supposedly, each inquiry a person makes about his/her order sets production, for ALL orders, back a day. I find that very hard to believe.

Not only that but IF YOU INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR ORDER THEY WILL TAKE IT OUT OF PRODUCTION AND PUT IT BACK IN AT THE BACK OF THE LINE. Yes, that's the very back of the line...behind people who ordered yesterday even!

I will NEVER order from them again. I don't even want the thing they're making now, but it's all paid up and it's been months now.

[kddani]

Sorry to hear you're having such a poor experience!

I do think that you should post the name of the company in this thread so that people know your experience. When you're dealing in business you have to accept the criticisms, especially when you treat customers poorly.

What they said to you is entirely unacceptable. There's no production line, this isn't a "real" company and it's also not licensed, btw, by any group to make paraphenelia.

That's total, utter, BS, and you should file for a paypal refund.

[preciousjeni]

Oh wait, wait! I have two paraphernalia deals going on at once.

---------

The first is with "The Greek Shop" and I'm getting a jacket done. They're the ones who told me about a production line.

By the way, I have to say it again, I WILL NEVER AGAIN SHOP AT "THE GREEK SHOP."

SEE THEIR SITE: http://www.thegreekshop.com/contents.html

They are unprofessional and rude, but again I have to admit that their work is of high quality.

(They're the ones that told me about the production line. They said that when they take an item out of production to check on the status, they have to put it back at the end behind everyone else. Can someone please tell me if what they said is even possible?)

Once I finally get the jacket and complete the entire transaction, I'm reporting them to the BBB.

---------

The second is with "Letters 4 Life" for a sweatshirt. Ok, no one has gotten back to me in four days now. I paid in full already, but have not gotten a single email response about it. The payment has gone through so I know they received it and are just sitting on my money.

[PM_Mama00]

Isn't Letters for Life run by a fellow GCer?

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by PM_Mama00
Isn't Letters for Life run by a fellow GCer?

I'm afraid so. That's why I was trying to be sensitive and give the benefit of the doubt. But, I don't appreciate my money being taken with NO email whatsoever to let me know that the order had been received. I mean NO EMAIL. I emailed the company twice, the owner once and PMed the GCer...to no avail.

ETA: I think I've gone crazy from all the 'nalia issues. Forget what I said about the number of days...I can't count...it was actually December 13th when the payment was received by the seller and today it's the 18th. So, that's five days, right? Yeah.

Five days, no email. Something's wrong.