So.... it seems I spoke a little too soon with my previous post, since I received the samples back from Chi Chi and they look amazing! They even look better than the samples that my sister made originally for them to copy!

There are a couple of corrections I still have to make with them, but that is all just simple things like pattern placement of the fabric or which way I want the fabric to go (vertical/horizontal). But with the over all results, I am very happy with it. :)

I have given them the "go" for them to start producing the first batch. The first batch is very small, and it is just going to be about 300 bags all together (including all five fabric styles).

Although I sort of had to give up trying to get some Christmas sales in this year, I am still happy at how things are moving forward. And I have enough bags lying around here to satisfy my friends that really wanted these bags for Christmas gifts, so it's all good!

If anyone is reading this and really want one for Christmas, let me know! I only have a very small stock!

Posted by Fumi Bull at 12:39 AM | Comments (0)

I just want to let everyone know that Chi Chi did eventually get back to me as if the three weeks of silence never even happened, and everything seemed to sort of get back on track. They got labels made for the bags and then went right ahead to make the samples. Meanwhile, I did make a slight change in my plan, and decided to downsize the number of sizes from five all the way to one! In order to simplify the process in regards to the kinds of labels that needed to be made, the sizes of shipping materials to order and things like that, I thought it was best to just start with just one type of bag, and then later add on the others.

Chi Chi made the five classic clutches, took some pictures of them, and shipped it right away by fedex. I haven't received the package yet, although it should've been here about two days ago, but I did see the photographs of them through emails from Chi Chi.

Last thing I want to do is jump to conclusions, but I was not all that excited about these pictures. Maybe the quality of photography was poor which made the bags not look that amazing, but as of right now, I have big doubts that the quality of the bags are where I want them to be.

I will post again once I actually have these bags in my hands, but as of right now, it looks like we have to get busy and make these bags ourselves for a while in order to get some out there for Christmas!

Posted by Fumi Bull at 1:01 AM | Comments (0)

Today is November 9th. Chi Chi manufacturer in Vietnam received my sample package on the October 23rd, 17 days ago. The last email I received from them was on October 26th, 14 days ago. I have since written 4 emails to two addresses and have tried calling a couple of times. The phone never connects and the emails sit still ....longing for a reply...........

After the sample package was sent, I have since sent two boxes of fabrics, one bye airmail and one by seamail. Three packages of frames have been sent from two suppliers, one in Japan and the other in Thailand. Pretty much everything that I have worked for and all the money that I have invested in this project is sitting here at this manufacturer.

Will I ever hear from Chi Chi again? Or am I going to see my purses sold on eBay Vietnam in 2 months? I guess there is nothing I can do at this end but to patiently sit and wait.

But I have to say, I am lying in the hole that I dug myself. Every decision that got me here was made by me, and maybe they weren't the best ones that I have made in my life, but what is done is done and I'll just have to see what happens!

Good thing is, if I keep trying, coming up with a new plan of attack, then I never fail! Maybe I will never succeed, but I still will never fail!

SO, here is my plan B. While I sit and wait to hear back from Chi Chi, I am going to look for a new manufacturer! And this time around, I am going way back into my roots and going Canadian all the way. I'm going to look for a Canadian manufacturer. Why not support my own country if I can?

I decided to make a profile on mfg.com. This a website designed to match designers with manufactures. I ran into this website by a fluke the other day and took it as a sign and went right ahead and signed up. Literally about 5 min after I signed up, this lady called me and she walked me through step by step on how to make an online profile! I couldn't believe it! Amazing customer service! I am so used to dealing with Rogers crappy service on the phone, being on hold and getting transferred to a different representative and repeating my story a million times that I was completely blown away by this service.

Keep tuned to see what kind of speed bump is waiting for me next!

Posted by Fumi Bull at 2:56 PM | Comments (0)