Beware of BeyondTheRack.com

If you don't know by now, I'm an avid fan of online shopping. I love the sometimes overwhelming amount of choices, the ease of browsing and the great prices. I've been championing online shopping FOREVER to those I know are still leary about it. That being said, I knew I was long overdue for a "bad online shopping experience".

Enter BeyondTheRack.com...

Beyond The Rack (BTR) is similar to all of the other sample sale sites (ie: ideeli, Gilt, Hautelook) that offer nice and sometimes unbelieveable discounts on designer brands. In most cases, you have to be ready with credit card in hand when the sale starts and also be prepared to make a decision and check out within 15 minutes or you will essentially miss out. With that type of pressure, it's impulse shopping at its finest!

I sign up for all of the sites and usually only visit when I see a designer I know and love. That being said, when I saw that a Dolce Vita sale was happening at BTR, I immediately went to the site in hopes to find the "Claire" shoe I'd been stalking on other sites a few days prior. When I saw that BTR had the shoe in my size AND in the color I wanted for more than 60% off retail, I ran to my purse and grabbed my credit card like a mad woman! Typing as fast as a stenographer, I had my order completed and paid for in under 10 minutes. I felt so accomplished! LOL!

Now, here I am over 3 weeks later...BTR has charged my account and my item has yet to ship. I experienced a similar situation with Gilt when it took over a month to receive my UES shoes BUT Gilt did not take out the money until the shoes shipped. Now, THAT I can live with. I hate the waiting but at LEAST I still have my money. As I began researching BTR, I stumbled upon some interesting reviews at storecrowd.com (click here to read them). There are several complaints of exteremly long shipping times as well as bad and unresponsive customer service.

I should've done this research prior to my purchase but being that BTR is associated with O Magazine, I thought it would be a reputable website. My mistake. Needless to say, I sent an email to BTR inquiring about my shipment and have yet to receive a response (big surprise). If and when I receive my order, I will be severing all ties with Beyond the Rack and its shenanigans.

As usual, I'll keep you abreast of any new developments within this soap opera. Until then, happy non-BTR shopping!



P.S. If you've had a good BTR shopping experience, by all means, please share your story. I would love to know how it feels to have BTR on my good side.


**UPDATE**
I finally received my shoes on February 26th which was 4 weeks after my order date. Although I love my shoes, the lack of communication on BTR's part still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It will be awhile (if ever) before I order from BTR again.

The One of a Kind Show: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

I've always heard about the One of a Kind Show but never had a chance to attend. So, when I received complimentary tickets this year, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to check it out.

Over 500 artists selling everything from paintings and sculptures to clothing and jewelry?! I honestly didn't know what to expect. I must say it was a fantastic event! I attended 2 days in a row for approximately 2 hours each day and STILL didn't have time to check out everything.

Here's a little glimpse into the Good, the Bad and the Ugly from my One of A Kind Show experience.

The GOOD:

The One of a Kind Show is the perfect place to find gifts for people that have EVERYTHING....while making a few purchases for yourself, of course. ;-) Almost all of the vendors were selling items I had never seen before. There even was an Etsy Pavilion (aka "Heaven on Earth", at least in my mind) showcasing Etsy artists. This is why it takes so long to see everything. Every booth draws you in and forces you to spend at least 15 minutes admiring everything and contemplating purchases.

Here are just a few of my favorite vendors from the One of a Kind Show:
*check out the pics below*


- Rebel Designs: Everything in this booth was tres chic! My favorites were the handbags and the embellished leather bracelets.

- Cerese D: Lovely handcrafted jewelry. I immediately fell in love with the bold necklaces.

- Dandy Craft: Unique ceramic jewelry with my favorites being the bracelets and rings.

- Lumiere Designs: Adjustable necklaces, dare I say neck cuffs, that look SO funky. I almost walked away with 2 of these.

- Poési: Delicate and feminine jewelry. Some of the most unique dangle/drop earrings I've ever seen!

- Gigi Bijou: Handmade paper jewelry. The earrings were my favorites and Gigi is one of THE coolest people I met at the show!

- Pencil Lady: An array of items constructed with pencils. The furniture creations are definite conversation pieces.

- Mary Pat Wallen: Amazing wall and 3D sculptures. I'm 100% sure that when hubby and I buy a house, her work will be one of the first in our home.

- Anastasia Mak: Beautiful artwork of monuments in Chicago and abroad. I fell head over heels for all of her European prints!
















(l-r)
1st row:
Rebel Designs Oval Crystal Cuff
Dandy Craft Poppy Yellow Cocktail Ring

2nd row:
Poési In The Shade Earrings
Pencil Lady Table

3rd row:
"Cloud Gate" by Anastasia Mak
"Colosseum After Rain " by Anastasia Mak



The BAD:

I'm not usually one to criticize or complain on my blog but the level of disappointment and disgust I experienced with one of my purchases has prompted me to do so.

While at the show, I purchased an absolutely gorgeous pair of earrings and a ring from a certain vendor. Since I was on a strict budget, I had to be sure that I was completely in love with whatever I was planning to buy. Needless to say, I was completely enamored with both the ring and earrings. Unfortunately, once I got home and begin researching the vendor online, I realized I had paid 30% more for my items than what was offered on the vendor's website. I never would've thought that a vendor at a show would charge MORE than normal. At these types of shopping events, I don't assume items are always on sale - although that would be nice - but at the most, I expect to be paying no more than the retail price. I was floored! And also determined to go back the following day to discuss this issue with said vendor...



The UGLY:

When I confronted the vendor, she initially said that the extra costs would've otherwise been paid for shipping costs if I ordered online. Huh? 30%? I've never even paid that much when purchasing items from overseas. Then she goes on further to say that she's from New York and that it costs to participate in the show. I simply told her that she could either refund me the difference or take all of the items back so that I could order online. Although, she eventually refunded me the difference, her reaction was very unpleasant, to say the least.

I will not say that this has tainted my view of the show or the other vendors. However, I WILL say that her unprofessionalism and disdain response was highly unacceptable. I can only imagine the number of consumers who unknowingly dished out their hard-earned money to purchase her items at a premium. Simply. Ridiculous.

So, who might this vendor be? *drum roll*

Sorry, but I won't say at this time. I still feel uncomfortable putting people on blast...I guess it's the God in me. :-) I will, however, contact the wonderful people behind this magnificent event to let them know.

*Fellow bloggers, let me know if revealing the name is appropriate.*


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the One of a Kind Show! I will not let this minor incident deter me from attending for years to come. As a matter of fact, I'm already contemplating starting a "One of a Kind Show fund". Who knew being unique could get SO expensive?! LOL