Guest Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Has anyone else been banned by a particular company from ever buying their materials because, over time (5 years), you bought and returned too many items? I can see their point, I suppose. It was the insinuation that I was 'stealing their intellectual property' that got me. Apparently, their lawyers say I am a risk?! Of what I would like to know...indecision? hard to fit kids?:confused: Now I would not even want to use anything from them again anyway. I am so embarrassed and feel like crying. It was so hard to figure out what level I needed and when so I kept buying the different guides to see them in hand. I am sadden because I really like their books and approach. Now I have to start over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlylocks Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 :grouphug: -- I have NEVER heard of such a thing. :confused: I'm PMing you now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Has anyone else been banned by a particular company from ever buying their materials because, over time (5 years), you bought and returned too many items? I can see their point, I suppose. It was the insinuation that I was 'stealing their intellectual property' that got me. Apparently, their lawyers say I am a risk?! Of what I would like to know...indecision? hard to fit kids?:confused: Now I would not even want to use anything from them again anyway. I am so embarrassed and feel like crying. It was so hard to figure out what level I needed and when so I kept buying the different guides to see them in hand. I am sadden because I really like their books and approach. Now I have to start over. Wow, I would SO respond to their attorneys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 No, but I've read that Amazon will do that if you have too many returns, especially of expensive items. That totally stinks, btw. :grouphug: Did they give you a chance to explain your circumstances? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Oh, wow... how awful!! I have returned quite a few things... great, another thing to worry about. Not sure what the materials are, but can you get them from a different source?? Sorry. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker25 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I kinda see where they are coming from, but I know where you are coming from. I hate buying something online and then it gets here and it's so totally not what I thought it was. Sounds disheartening. I'm so very sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Yikes. That seems a little crazy. Do you have a local homeschool list? Maybe somebody has materials for you to take a look at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items did you return? Was it within a short period of time? A few items over the course of 5 years would seem entirely reasonable, but if you seemed to be buying a new grade level every fall, and then returning it within a few weeks, maybe I could understand their point of view. (As an example, if I bought a first grade guide in August and then returned it in September, and the next August I bought the second grade guide and returned it soon afterward, and the third year, I did the same thing with the third grade guide... it might look like I was copying and returning the guides.) I'm trying to figure out why they would assume you were copying and returning their materials. Was there some sort of pattern to your purchasing and returning the items? I, for one, would like to know the name of the company, because if they are sending letters that say their attorneys consider you a risk, that's a company I may want to think twice about before I deal with them. I hope you can post more details. I'm sorry you got such a nasty letter. :grouphug: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 No, but I've read that Amazon will do that if you have too many returns, especially of expensive items. I didn't know Amazon did that, but I know QVC does, because people have complained about it on several forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Can you order it elsewhere? Dawn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items did you return? Was it within a short period of time? A few items over the course of 5 years would seem entirely reasonable, but if you seemed to be buying a new grade level every fall, and then returning it within a few weeks, maybe I could understand their point of view. (As an example, if I bought a first grade guide in August and then returned it in September, and the next August I bought the second grade guide and returned it soon afterward, and the third year, I did the same thing with the third grade guide... it might look like I was copying and returning the guides.) I'm trying to figure out why they would assume you were copying and returning their materials. Was there some sort of pattern to your purchasing and returning the items? I, for one, would like to know the name of the company, because if they are sending letters that say their attorneys consider you a risk, that's a company I may want to think twice about before I deal with them. I hope you can post more details. I'm sorry you got such a nasty letter. :grouphug: :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I know department stores will do this as well. If you purchase and return lots of items, especially expensive items, they will stop letting you return your purchases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 :grouphug: Can you find their items used? Do you have a friend who could buy the products for you, now that you know your kiddo's placement? (hoping I didn't kill a kitten) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Wow- I never heard of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I, for one, would like to know the name of the company, because if they are sending letters that say their attorneys consider you a risk, that's a company I may want to think twice about before I deal with them. I've got my bet placed already . . . just a wild guess, based on this company's past history . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items are we talking about? I can't think of any place that I've bought and returned several items. I kind of see their point, if this has been a pattern for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I've heard of this and I think I know which company you are referring to. I think it's sad, especially since this company that I'm thinking of, likes to make a big deal about the way they'll let you "Try out" their curriculum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I've got my bet placed already . . . just a wild guess, based on this company's past history . . . Me, too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items did you return? Was it within a short period of time? A few items over the course of 5 years would seem entirely reasonable, but if you seemed to be buying a new grade level every fall, and then returning it within a few weeks, maybe I could understand their point of view. (As an example, if I bought a first grade guide in August and then returned it in September, and the next August I bought the second grade guide and returned it soon afterward, and the third year, I did the same thing with the third grade guide... it might look like I was copying and returning the guides.) I'm trying to figure out why they would assume you were copying and returning their materials. Was there some sort of pattern to your purchasing and returning the items? I, for one, would like to know the name of the company, because if they are sending letters that say their attorneys consider you a risk, that's a company I may want to think twice about before I deal with them. I hope you can post more details. I'm sorry you got such a nasty letter. :grouphug: :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I would also like to know. I've never returned things online, I usually just sell them if I don't like them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tranquility7 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items are we talking about? I can't think of any place that I've bought and returned several items. I kind of see their point, if this has been a pattern for you. :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ok, I'm dying to know what company. I'm paranoid this'll happen to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Just how many things did you buy and return? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ok, I'm dying to know what company. I'm paranoid this'll happen to me! I also want to know just because I like to avoid crazy businesses. :tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 :bigear: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I've heard of this and I think I know which company you are referring to. I think it's sad, especially since this company that I'm thinking of, likes to make a big deal about the way they'll let you "Try out" their curriculum. Wow, that puts a particular company in my mind and I would be very interested to know if it's them or not. My opinion of the company I'm thinking of has been dropping for a while now, but this would pretty much be the nail in the coffin in my opinion (for me and my dealings with them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ok, I'm dying to know what company. I'm paranoid this'll happen to me! :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorrainejmc Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Oooooh I want to know who it is. I have a feeling I know but someone pm me.:D Please...:tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supertechmom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Yep, if it is who I'm thinking this is very much inline with their mo of everyone is out to get me. I stopped a few years ago with the one I am thinking because I was sick of hearing how they were so getting ripped off. I couldn't stand to read the letters any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I have an idea who it is too. Curious if I am right... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I have an idea who it is too. Curious if I am right... Same here... So, OP--is it Sonlight? :tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Same here... So, OP--is it Sonlight? :tongue_smilie: :lol: :bigear: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Trust Mamabegood to stop with all the pussyfooting around!:lol::lol::lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Same here... So, OP--is it Sonlight? :tongue_smilie: That would be my guess. I cut all ties with them years ago when they decided that their public message boards were giving away too much free advice and restricted access. Pegasus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I'd like to know,too. I homeschool 5 kids and they are all over the place in view of ability and prior learning...and ease of teaching for me. I just ordered 3 of the same level handwriting -which was below all of their official grade level- because I like to take handwriting slow and because it is easier to do all 3 kids at the same time...I did have a passing thought as to what if anything the curr. company would think about that... it is very hard to order online without being able to leaf through the material and imagine your kids using it. I'm so sorry. I think I would write back and let them know what you think of their super PR skills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supertechmom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Same here... So, OP--is it Sonlight? :tongue_smilie: :lol::lol: What does it say about them that people would actually think of them first in such a situation?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 So, OP--is it Sonlight? :tongue_smilie: :lurk5: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 :lol::lol: What does it say about them that people would actually think of them first in such a situation?? That's who I was thinking of. I've never even used their materials or ordered from them, but I've heard stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsh626 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I hope it's not Sonlight - I've never had a bad experience with them and love all the curriculum we've gotten! It is hard, though, to make decisions on what you like or don't like until you get your hands on it, though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AvasMom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ha! I thought of them too just from the "everyone is out to get me" comment. You can pick up that vibe just from the commentaries in the IGs. DD and I get a lot of eyerolls reading those. Lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I have heard of clothing stores doing that when people buy up a ton of merchandise when it was full-price, taking a lot of time deciding what to keep and then returning a lot of NWT items after the store has them marked down to clearance or does not have them at all. And that makes sense. But this sounds a little off to me. As publishers of homeschooling curriculum they likely know there is little way to see stuff without buying it and then deciding. Post their name so the rest of us know who to avoid. :001_smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 That's who I was thinking of. I've never even used their materials or ordered from them, but I've heard stories. I am a long term user and in the years since John left have bought less and less directly from them, until this year $0 of my curriculum dollars went to them. I am saddened, a little, but not in the least surprised (which is the part that saddens me, really) that everyone's mind went straight to them. My own mind included. OP, I do hope you'll either confirm or deny so we can stop speculating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Wow, that puts a particular company in my mind and I would be very interested to know if it's them or not. My opinion of the company I'm thinking of has been dropping for a while now, but this would pretty much be the nail in the coffin in my opinion (for me and my dealings with them). I'm a wondering too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Trust Mamabegood to stop with all the pussyfooting around!:lol::lol::lol: Well thankfully she did! Someone needed to!!! :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 That would be my guess. I cut all ties with them years ago when they decided that their public message boards were giving away too much free advice and restricted access. Pegasus That's when I left too. I was one of the ones providing the free advice, but a new, complete core has never been something within my budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 (edited) wow, crazy. ok, and feeling uber curious as well... :tongue_smilie: ETA: forgot to mention...I am just as curious to know how much returning is too much? Sounds like information I might need! :) Edited February 27, 2012 by ByGrace3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paisley Hedgehog Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 How many items did you return? Was it within a short period of time? A few items over the course of 5 years would seem entirely reasonable, but if you seemed to be buying a new grade level every fall, and then returning it within a few weeks, maybe I could understand their point of view. (As an example, if I bought a first grade guide in August and then returned it in September, and the next August I bought the second grade guide and returned it soon afterward, and the third year, I did the same thing with the third grade guide... it might look like I was copying and returning the guides.) If this is the case, then I can see their point of view. Frankly, though, I am surprised they keep such a close watch on the returns that they would notice things coming back from one buyer. My money is on Sonlight. I couldn't stand John anyway (too know-it-all preachy), but when they shut down access to their message boards, and did the whole "if you really love us you will buy complete levels not just our IG's! (regardless if you already own all the books)", it was like ok, whatever, so long. Then, I found out that the Holzman's sent their own kids to a B&M for high school, so it's like huh? :001_huh: why would I buy your product anyway? It's gotta be Sonlight. Nothing they did would surprise me. :bigear: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Sonlight is the only company I can think of off the top of my head that lets you return things. Actually, Winter Promise does as well as does Moving Beyond the Page. I am sure there are more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I could see where the company might get suspicious when someone has been buying curriculum and returning it for a while. I have never thought about returning curriculum. most places I know charge a reshelving cost if you return something. the re-shelving cost plus return postage adds up, making the thought of returning very fleeting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 add me to the list-never heard of such..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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