Replies

1. 
   spicegirl | Apr 11, 2007 07:23pm | #1

   I have never looked into this.  If they ask you for money, especially your credit card or bank account number, then I personally would not get involved.  These adds are in most, if not all magazines.

    If it sounds too good to be true, then it is most likely false.

   Stay tuned.....other members of this forum will probably sound off on this topic. 

2. 
   rubyminky | Apr 11, 2007 08:48pm | #2

   Hi,I think it's probably a good idea to be wary of these - I've heard of a few instances where either you have to pay for all the materials upfront, or their standards are so rigorous that everything is marked 'unsaleable' and you bear the cost of the pack yourself. If it soundds too good to be true...etc!

3. 
   gogojojo | Apr 11, 2007 08:51pm | #3

   No, these are not legitimate.  Just go to to the Better Business Bureau, bbb.com , and then click on "Check out a business".  Type in the name of the company i.e. Stuff-4-Kids; you don't need a city or state, and you will see that this company gets a rating of F.   You can check out any business or website this way.

    

    

1. 
   lesliec4000 | Apr 11, 2007 08:58pm | #4

   Ah....... great idea.  Thanks for the posts!

   Leslie

1. 
   blondie2sew | Apr 12, 2007 08:46am | #5

   I have a question then...
   So if these aren't what they say....then I just thought that the magazines who run those adds...would check into who is wanting to be in their magazine...that is the magazines rep too I would think.What are your thoughts?

1. 
   gogojojo | Apr 12, 2007 05:36pm | #6

   But Threads can't possibly run a background check on every business that advertises in their magazine....the advertisers are why the magazine gets printed.  That's like saying that the Post Office should screen my junk mail and only bring me the good stuff.

1. 
   blondie2sew | Apr 12, 2007 06:34pm | #7

   Yes that makes perfect sense...I too had always wondered about those ads...Lesson in all this.... just always always check it out!! Don't just assume

2. 
   spicegirl | Apr 12, 2007 06:40pm | #8

   Post office screening out the junk mail sounds like a good idea.  Let's add annoying phone calls too.....

3. 
   dressed2atee | Apr 13, 2007 09:59pm | #9

   When you see any kind of ad that offers to pay you big bucks for easy work just remember the old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually isn't."  I work for an agency that handles identity theft and fraud you'd be surprised how many people willingly give their personal information to strangers in exchange for what they think will be a windfall!  Do not give out personal info or bank or credit card info to strangers! 

   You can't get something from nothing!!!!

   Peace

   Tee

4. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 14, 2007 12:15am | #11

   You can get yourself free of most junk mail by following the instructions on the Direct Mail Marketing website to get your name off lists and by always checking the "do not release information to third parties" section on an order form or credit card.You can rid yourself of unsolicited phone calls by joining the National Do Not Call list.

5. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 15, 2007 03:49am | #15

   In Colorado we can get on a "no call list"  any solicitors that call can be fined.  It has resolved alot of stress for me!  No more "computer generated" calls either.  The people who request donations still call but I am letting most of them know to take us off their lists and not to call anymore. 

6. 
   rubyminky | Apr 15, 2007 01:12pm | #16

   In the UK the equivalent for removing yourself from junk mail and call lists are the mailing preference service and the telephone preference service:http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/
   http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

2. 
   Sew Biz | Apr 13, 2007 10:56pm | #10

   I got some info from Stuff-4-kids and initially, thinking that since the ad had been in every month for such a long time, that it was OK. But, they ask for a fee so that you can register to be one of their suppliers. This seemed a little suspect to me so I didn't go any further.  Like the BBB states, they are making their money from registration fees.

4. 
   solosmocker | Apr 14, 2007 04:24am | #12

   I have seen this come up on other boards with posts from those who responded to those ads. You will be asked to send a check to "cover expenses" and then you will be sent your "work" to do. While the concept is appealing to us creative people, any outfit that asks for money so you can make money is just one thing, a THIEF. I, too, have often wondered why Threads accepts these ads. They have been in the magazine consistently as long as I have read it. Anyone advertising for that long a time, seems to me, would be come known to the publisher. I consider these predatory ads and I am sure, at this point, Threads knows from whence they come.

1. 
   gogojojo | Apr 14, 2007 11:11pm | #13

   Yes, this advertiser has been with Threads for a long time and I am in no way endorsing or defending this business.  But they do have a right to buy advertising.  Their poor rating is a matter of public record and can easily be checked out.

   Say there's a nice color 1/2 page ad for a fabric store, and you go there and you have a bad experience.  Should Threads stop advertising with that store?  I don't think so.  Caveat emptor....when you do business with someone, it is YOUR responsibility to check out the other party.  The advertiser pays, Threads places the ad, the magazine gets printed.  If I get ripped off by a business that advertises in the magazine, I can't blame the magazine.  That's like killing the messenger.  I'll curse myself for not being more careful, learn from the experience and move on.

    

1. 
   solosmocker | Apr 15, 2007 12:41am | #14

   Point well taken. Thanks for piping in.

2. 
   lesliec4000 | Apr 16, 2007 04:44pm | #17

   Thanks for the post.  I figured it was a scam but when you see the ads in a legitimate magazine, you start to think there might be something to it.

   Leslie