How to dump crescent smoothly?

Mat switch over made easy?

Bob,

I made the switch from Crescent to (almost) entirely Bainbridge about 1 1/2 - 2 years ago. Since I didn't want to deal anymore with the/my inventory issues of more than one company, I asked my rep for, and received complete Bainbridge boards to replace my entire inventory of Crescent boards (including partial sheets). They removed the Crescent boards, and I presume, donated them. I use Crescent only when past customer's repeat orders and when a Bainbridge color won't work; no more inventory problems. And we use 2 sets of samples here - Bainbridge always "auto-ships" them to me.

While "actual results may vary" , talk to your Bainbridge rep and let them know that you want to go (almost) exclusively their way. Even without the replacement inventory, I'm glad I made the move.

Best wishes,

Mark
 
I talked to my supplier today. They said that like clockwork this happens every few years. Right now you have to fill out a formal request for the samples. He filled one out for me and if I don't get it in a few weeks to call.

If it's really that simple I don't see what all the fuss is about. If I don't get them then at some point I will have no choice but to find boards elswear. I can't seem to get all emotional about it.

wait.

ergh....

Nope it's no biggie.

Kerry On.
 
You know, just like pimpin' getting mat samples ain't easy.


Unless you have connections
 
Jay,

If it was that easy for you, then you and Bob Carter are the exception, not the rule.

IF it works for you fill out 2 forms and send me the second set.

BTW Bainbridge already sent me the set I requested.

Guess who I am going to buy from.

BOb
 
I'm not sure what you mean about being an exception. While some share your apparent frustration in this thread, very few have suggested they have the same problem. In fact of those that have sounded off, suggest you are the exception. Kathy has a new set on the way and somebody else has two new sets they offered to send. If memory serves me, they didn't order them all.

I'm just curious. You said that you were told "no way". Later you said that Crescent told your supplier "no way". So you have actually been told by Crescent "no" or were you told by somebody who was told "no"?

I just called Crescent to inquire and see if I was told no way. I got a voice mail and didn't leave a message because for now it seems that I will get my samples with no problem. I don't want to tempt fate. I would just be in complete shock if they said “I'm sorry but we won't send you any samples.”

Unless a named person at Crescent has told you that you can't get any samples, I don't understand the frustration toward them. If they have, then I do.

Bob, my supplier has taken complete control of getting the samples I requested. So some are doing their part for sure.
 
Dump Crescent? No way I'm keeping them forever, gonna stop using Bainbridge though. After I get the design easel of course.

:) Just checking to see if you are reading this Marcia!

I like the color depth of crescent, but they cut "rough" to me.
 
Maybe Crescent is having money troubles, maybe not. If they are , then, as John stated they need our support. They certainly don't need mass defections based on a couple people grumbling about corner samples being unavailable. I spoke to my rep and she stated there are probably extenuating circumstances for being denied samples, but wouldn't elaborate.

Think of it in different terms.

Lets speculate that your shop is having cash-flow troubles. You can't pay your supplier for the frames you ordered, thus your clients wait patiently for you to finish their jobs. Meanwhile other clients find themselves in the same situation. Soon customers start speculating about your business, spreading rumors about how hard it is to get something done at your shop on time, speculating on the delays and excuses. They decide to try out other shops in the vicinity, and never return to yours. A huge step backwards for your business, not to mention your reputation.

Business is tough for most suppliers. Don't make it harder on them by complaining and throwing the toys in the closet, because thats just adding to the problems.
 
Let's look at it this way, You are the CEO of Crescent (Sorry didn't mean to sound like Paul here) and you have to set a budget for samples. The budget has gone down each year because there are fewer frame shops and the use of mats is not as high as it was in the past.

You can either send out free corner samples to anyone who says they need them and run out of budget money before the year is up or, you can prequalify people and send out the the ones who meet your requirements and the others can either wait or pay for the samples if they really want them.

Why should they prequalify? If they want us to sell the product then they should give it to us right? Wrong. More than likely John Doe's frame shop who does 100K a year also sells Bainbridge and Artique as well. Maybe they sell 100 Crescent mats a year so, does that really justify sending out a entire set of samples to this customer every year or two?

When you compare the usage of mats of the average frame shop compared to the big boxes, franchises, large regional chains, and independants that do over, lets say 250K, who would you make sure would get samples when ever they wanted them and who would you say have to wait or maybe even pay for a sample set?
 
Jay, I don't have a new set on the way. I have a slightly used set I'd be happy to give to somebody. I hate to admit this but I won a complete set of Crescent mat corners last year at a PPFA event. Ben Edwards graciously donated them and the wire racks. In my mind I thought I could have probably ordered a set on my own but winning them was more convenient. Now I see I actually won a very rare valuable treasure coveted by framers from around the globe. I take back my offer to give them to somebody, I'm putting them on Ebay.
 
That's funny Kat. I hear Paul sells them to his students much cheaper than they can buy them from suppliers? He may the going rate.

So it's your fault nobody else can get them?

Hm!
 
I think I may have a set of TruVue/Miller mats somewhere, crescent bought them so this set may have collectors value as well.
 
We quit using Crescent back in August because we had problems with the local supplier. When we ventured out into a full time, full size business in January we discussed the issue with Crescent in Vegas. They sent us to Larson Juhl and sold us a rack for the Select line. I've been trying since January to get samples - no luck at all. My $50 rack sits empty. I've talked with no less than 5 people at Crescent numerous times - all of which promised a full set of samples. A couple even gave me dates for shipment. Not one of them said no samples or that I'd have to pay for them. The last person I talked to was the area rep. She had no record of our first conversation. This week she said no problem - samples will be forthcoming. I have my doubts. Which is unfortunate because I REALLY like their mats. Since we opened six weeks ago, we're selling only Bainbridge and Artique. Maybe soon . . . .
 
Jay and the others that for some reason think I am fabricating this read VERY closely...

I am expanding, that is why I needed another set. There would be no need to pre-qualify like some have said because up until recently I have been buying about 80% crescent for 5 years.

I asked for samples from EVERYONE THAT I CAN ASK AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR THEM and was told no sample sets are available.

That's it end of story.

Got my new Bainbridge set and will be selling from them.

CRESCENT LISTEN UP, NO SAMPLES TO SELL FROM MEANS NO MATS TO ORDER!!!

Jay maybe they just like your hat and thought, Hey lets send him some samples.
There are other people posting that have run into the same issue so I am not the exception.

Since I think I have gotten 2 or 3 useful responses to my intitial question I am now moving on from this frankenthread that did not start out bashing anyone, just pointing out facts.

Kathy I'll send a private message about the samples. (thanks)

Bob
 
Dump Crescent? No way I'm keeping them forever, gonna stop using Bainbridge though. After I get the design easel of course.

:) Just checking to see if you are reading this Marcia!

I like the color depth of crescent, but they cut "rough" to me.
I've been having the same problem lateley with a few of the Crescent 1500 numbers. I also noticed that the 1100 series has more surface texture than it used to. Anyone else having these problems?
 
I talked to my supplier today. They said that like clockwork this happens every few years. Right now you have to fill out a formal request for the samples. He filled one out for me and if I don't get it in a few weeks to call.

If it's really that simple I don't see what all the fuss is about.

The grumble clocks says that post was "one week ago".

They arrived minutes after I did this morning.

I guess I should play the lotto tonight.

mats.jpg


Who knows maybe they read the G and just wanted me to post this?
 
I talked to my supplier today. They said that like clockwork this happens every few years. Right now you have to fill out a formal request for the samples. He filled one out for me and if I don't get it in a few weeks to call.


That might indeed, be the problem.
Crescent and or the individual suppliers might have a policy in place, but not every rep or phone support person knows of the policy so nothing happens.

Seems like Bob has tried everything and has run up against a stone wall. Jay asks the right person ( a person in the know) and his samples show up.

Classic case of the "right hand, not knowing what the left hand is doing"

Bob have you forwarded this entire thread to Crescent and you Crescent supplier?
 
They know

They know and are watching. I don't know when the last time I saw a Crescent rep was, but any other reps lurking out there I'll take some Crescent samples too.
 
It took me months to get a new set of brite cores but I did eventually get them. We keep having problems with the color ragging, even with a new blade and slip sheet. Also have noticed we pick a cream mat that matchs the color of the paper and it comes in a totally diferent color, by 2-3 shades. We still have them but don't push them anymore. May have to take Bainbridge up their offer to ditch Cresent and get brownie points from Baindbridge for other things. Somthing is going on down there.
 
Gave up on Crescent

I needed Rag and Select samples but nobody could help.

I contacted my Bainbridge rep and the samples are being sent out. I asked if I should display them in my Crescent racks and he said absolutely not, I will be receiveing complimentary Bainbridge racks.

I understand the expense involved here but I don't understand the total disregard of informing framers with what's up with Crescent.

I've seen a lot of major manufacturers die off in this industry in 30 years and maybe this is another one gone.
 
Odd to hear that Crescent is not giving out samples. I received 2 sets earlier this year. The 'son' of the owners came here personally because of a cutting issue we were having with the 1602 and 1603 mats. They were thicker and wearing out blades to the tune of 3/4 of a window each. We were doing several hundred multi opening mats so this was a big deal for us. Anyway, lets hope they see the evil of their ways.
 
I got a full set of Selects about two months ago.Called Bainbridge about the same time, and I havent received those yet. I had to pull the Bainbridge samples because of fading from the flourescent lights. Only thing that is puzzling is that they are also faded at the bottom of the samples. I was going to toss my old Crescents, but I guess I better hoarde them.
 
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