warning about suit designer

[thenewchamp]

Originally Posted by Sams_Figure

omggggggggggg im doooooomed!!! what am i going to do!! my show is saturday!! i have put in so much effort and i look the best i have ever looked and now wont be able to compete because of her lack of consideration and professionalism!!??!!! i cant believe this!

Did you get your suit yet? I saw on your other profile that you were still depressed because you don't have anything to wear. My fingers are still crossed for you.

[Jodi_Lane]

Originally Posted by Moxie

Same thing happened to me. I got my suit on the day of the show.

She does beautiful work but isn't so great at the business end.

Wow, I'm glad I read this thread... Its good to hear true life testimonials like this.

My opinion on a busy designer is...IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO FINISH THE SUIT IN A REASONABLE MANNER...DON'T ACCEPT THE WORK. LOL!

Seriously, if you're a suit designer and you already are swamped...don't accept new work if you can't keep up...common courtesy...right ladies?

[Jodi_Lane]

Originally Posted by Mommysbody

I doubt you will see your deposit back - because based on MY experience with her, if I had to speculate what happens - I would bet that she spends the money when she gets it and then has to scramble or wait for new orders and new people's money to come in to buy materials/stones for the older orders, and then has to scramble to get them done just under the wire....but that is just my guess. That's what I panicked about when she came requesting a 3rd payment from me with a note saying "or I won't be able to get your stones ordered in time". She also never gave me my invoice or receipt and I know that is because (I saw while I was there) she was using the 2006 version of Peachtree Accounting (and this is 2008). Therefor, it wouldn't let her print invoices or receipts. (She just didn't know that I know software - and Peachtree).
Oh - and the most ironic part of the whole thing is that she asked me how I was going to face God (demanding my suits in light of her personal crisis) and this was AFTER she called me a God D@mned Bitch (in an e-mail - so I have all those records).
I will say that the suit itself (both) were well made (sewn) but it was SOOO obvious that she was over it by the time the decorating happened and the one she did decorate was so ugly and plain and there was NO creativity or spark to it (plus the squished out glue was heinous) and the ONE boob she decorated on my 2nd suit, could have had potential to be a nice suit, but there is glue caked all over it and all over the stones that I would be too embarassed to try to finish it and wear it. She also told me she purposefully did not put her tag in the 2nd one, because there was no way I was going to be able to complete it and it look ok - so she wouldn't want anyone to know it was hers. No, it's more like she did such a crappy job on it and sent it to me 1/5 of the way completed and didn't want anyone to know it was hers!!
Either way - I will NEVER do business with her again and I am making it my mission to save other souls from dealing with that stress!! That was my 1st show - so I had NO OTHER suits to use as back ups. I know that panic when you start thinking how you have actually done the HARD work and it comes to show time and you may have to sit out because some slack ass suit maker didn't come to the table and deliver on the BUSINESS AGREEMENT the two of you made.
I wish I could post pictures here......only then could you all fully comprehend what I went through.....and how much money I am now out because of it. By the way, I am not doing the show overseas now, because I did not get the suit in time to fix it before I left.

Wow... that is terrible... You didn't get your money back or anything???

[Jodi_Lane]

Originally Posted by 3dfit

Also, have you ever checked out your stone work that is suppose to be Svworski Crystals?? Why did it seem like they looked like the same stones I picked up at Michael's just the other day to add more to my suit myself????? They were 4.99 a box!!! I'm starting to wonder.....

You DEFINITELY can tell a difference between stones when you compare them to swarovski rhinestones. Those are the ONLY kinds I will put on suits. That is all I will order...because you CAN tell a difference, and they are much more expensive but worth it in my opinion!!! So, ladies...WATCH OUT!

[Jodi_Lane]

Originally Posted by sensationalsuit

Thanks! Many, Many companies have been known to do this....it's one thing for this to happen, but when it happens and you get a ****ty suit out of it...it's even worse!

That's why I try and stress not to worry, regardless, it's gonna fit and it's gonna be more than you imagined!!

Thanks for the rebuttal on your part....ever need a suit, let me know and I'll definitly hook you up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know that it is very time consuming to custom decor suits, because I do that for myself, friends, and others...however, if you're having such issues in your life that you can't keep up with the demands of the clients you're trying to serve...don't take on the excess business...but instead, refer people to someone that can take your overflow of customers. That is how this economy works, and if you keep spreading this negativity with customers, you'll end up with zero business...So, I personally would advise that you delegate your excess business to a partner or another business that you know of.

I know that there are always two sides to every story, but when you have several ladies that have paid you in full, but are telling these horror stories...I'm personally going to tend to believe them as opposed to you considering the scenarios put forth. Perhaps you will take my advice, even though I doubt you will, but hopefully you life issues will calm down and you can once again take on more business. Because of these days... you may find yourself with no clients...I would personally think doing a couple suits per month would be better than biting off more than you can chew...

Good luck with all that, and honestly...offer your clients some type of reembursement if you cause them this much mental stress.


...And to all you ladies out there I highly suggest lidia-conti (heard they're great from friends) or ccfitwear.com (their suits are gorgeous). Both of these companies will offer to make you a blank suit also, which is sometimes handy.

Take care all...

[Mommysbody]

Hi Rachel -
Glad to see you have joined us. If you want to call the posts here "lies" and further lie that you don't resort to "name calling"I would be MOST THRILLED to post the actual text of our e-mails back and forth. It will become CRYSTAL CLEAR exactly who you are - "personal problems" aside. I never once called you a name, IO never cursed at you and I only begged you to be honest with me. I was willing to ACCEPT incomplete suits - without asking for any compensation back - JUST TO GET THEM IN TIME to FIX them!!! I was WAY more than understanding with you. What I did get though, when I tried to "communic?te" with you was lie after lie. Then YOU resorted to cursing and name calling....if you don't recall exactly - I can certainly post the e-mails. It was first bitch, then God D@mn bitch, then carb deprived robotic f&cking barbie. Remember Rachel......
Now, there is NO excuse for that!! I hope ALL of the clients you have screwed over join in to expose you.
Carlene (but I am sure you didn't need me to remind you).

Originally Posted by sensationalsuit

It's so baffling to me how the few people who aren't pleased over the 5 years of me doing this...would post such lies and mean things about someone......I am one person running a fast and upcoming business! I have a 13 month old....on top of alot of other issues at hand that is no one else's responsiblilty, yet still comes in between my work times.....somethings can't be helped! 1st off any issues should come directly to me....how do I know you are unhappy if you do not express that to me? Especially the one who wrote below....she had her suits WEEKS, almost 1 1/2 months before her show! So, where so is grabbing that from, IDK......

After 5 years and over 500+ clients, a divorce, moving twice & a baby....I think to have just this few complaining is pretty good!!

It's just funny to me, that when I am addressed from a client, being cussed and called every name in the book...the day their suit arrivies....more than 75% that was stressed, calls or emails in tears apologizing....

My work speaks for itself.....I make it a point to point out the flaws of certain fabrics...but when someone wants what they want....I have no choice but to give it to them!

I thrive to please ALL my customers and have a very long running history with some very wellknown competitors (which I will not call out)...and some not so well known...regardless, they all get treated the same and come back year after year!

Just remember, you can't always believe what you read....there's ALWAYS another side to the story!

For my clients who have stayed faithful & honest, you know who you all are, I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart....especially with all that I have went through the past 2 years....

And for those who just are never going to be pleased by anyone.....I'm sorry I gave you a bad experience.....I really am....if you would have just explained yourself to me, I would have completely understood....but the name calling and the lying, I don't live by. So, different strokes for different folks!

Lastly, if ANYONE has any ?'s regarding any of the issues on this page, please address me directly. I am not trying to get out of any thing, or explain myself to the depths of exposing my personal life. I do what I do the best I can, and that's all I CAN DO!!

Again, I just let my work speak for itself!

[thenewchamp]

I wonder what it is like to live in Rachel's world...she seems to be the type of person who is 'always the victim' but can' seem to do right by anyone.

You are only as good as your latest reputation. You can say that for the past 5 years you have sent out beautiful suits...and you still are (we're not saying that you aren't)...but in the last 2 years..service has not been great and you are getting a bunch of complaints and having issues...people won't want to work with you as much. I don't understand why people in this business like to rope you in by being nice and once they have your money and commitment, they think they can treat you anyway and not have a negative backlash

I could post the emails sent to me as well...she had a fit because I was posting in this forum. If your reputation is under attack...try and have/maintain a good repor with potential clients...don't have a tantrum because they hurt your feelings...you are a grown a@# women (at least by number)...be professional and be adult. Take responsibility for what you do/don't do...you'll keep more clients and you will get more respect.

We get that this business is tough and you have a lot on your plate. I tried to apologize for all that you say you've been through...but it is a business and if you are going through something and can't be 100%, get help...don't send nasty emails because your stretched too thin.

And by the way...people were calling you and waiting for their suits...you were ignoring them and not responding because you were too busy reading this thread and sending me ugly emails. very professional.

[goddessamazon]

Originally Posted by sensationalsuit

It's so baffling to me how the few people who aren't pleased over the 5 years of me doing this...would post such lies and mean things about someone......I am one person running a fast and upcoming business! I have a 13 month old....on top of alot of other issues at hand that is no one else's responsiblilty, yet still comes in between my work times.....somethings can't be helped! 1st off any issues should come directly to me....how do I know you are unhappy if you do not express that to me? Especially the one who wrote below....she had her suits WEEKS, almost 1 1/2 months before her show! So, where so is grabbing that from, IDK......

After 5 years and over 500+ clients, a divorce, moving twice & a baby....I think to have just this few complaining is pretty good!!

It's just funny to me, that when I am addressed from a client, being cussed and called every name in the book...the day their suit arrivies....more than 75% that was stressed, calls or emails in tears apologizing....

My work speaks for itself.....I make it a point to point out the flaws of certain fabrics...but when someone wants what they want....I have no choice but to give it to them!

I thrive to please ALL my customers and have a very long running history with some very wellknown competitors (which I will not call out)...and some not so well known...regardless, they all get treated the same and come back year after year!

Just remember, you can't always believe what you read....there's ALWAYS another side to the story!

For my clients who have stayed faithful & honest, you know who you all are, I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart....especially with all that I have went through the past 2 years....

And for those who just are never going to be pleased by anyone.....I'm sorry I gave you a bad experience.....I really am....if you would have just explained yourself to me, I would have completely understood....but the name calling and the lying, I don't live by. So, different strokes for different folks!

Lastly, if ANYONE has any ?'s regarding any of the issues on this page, please address me directly. I am not trying to get out of any thing, or explain myself to the depths of exposing my personal life. I do what I do the best I can, and that's all I CAN DO!!

Again, I just let my work speak for itself!

You are really clueless. Why would you put those ladies through so much stress by giving them their suits THE DAY OF THEIR SHOW or THE DAY BEFORE or AFTER THEIR SHOW?

I live in Jonesboro, GA and was intending on soliciting your service during the fall but after reading this thread I think I'll take my business to someone who has better work ethics than you.

I'll be sure to spread the word to other figure competitors as well. Karma will bite you in the ass until you do right by the women you have wrong.

Oh wait!


That's already happening.

[brad1102]

My suit arrived, is waaay too small and my competition is tommorow - now what am I supposed to do? This is it - this women needs to go down!!!

[URL=http://imageshack.us][/

[sixzebra]

...yeah, doesn't seem to fit to well....

[missworldfitnes]

if you really want the best suits, you'll pay premium for them but I've used tamara and she is the ultimate.

www.bikiniguru.com

Connie

[thenewchamp]

Anybody game? If she gets your money and cannot provide the services...file a complaint. Otherwise she will continue down this road. Due to the email correspondence that I have had with her lately, I am going to file. I work for a credit card processor...I know how to get my money back so I have 2 options; And neither of them include an email threatening me with a take it or lose attitude cuz I've inquired about her business.

https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx

[erica514]

Originally Posted by missworldfitnes

if you really want the best suits, you'll pay premium for them but I've used tamara and she is the ultimate.

www.bikiniguru.com

Connie

That's who I'm working with now for my next suit. Glad you like her. She's been great so far.

[Jodi_Lane]

If any of you ladies ever have issues like this with a designer again, please don't hesitate to contact me about suit stoning. I'm starting to get into doing that for others and reasonable prices and it makes me happy to help girls out also. Speak with me about your budget and what designs u like and I'm sure we can work something out. I'm very business-oriented, I would never do anything to my girls... I think some people just aren't cut out for any type of business, and it sounds like we've discovered one in this thread... sphew. I really hate that she put you girls through all that mess.

Take care,
Jodi

[risstang]

I want to thank you all for adding to this thread! I somehow knew that Rachel would find it and attempt to 'make up' for all the unprofessional things she has been doing... and she tried.

But, it's all a money making scheme... and Business needs to be separated from personal life... If you can't handle the orders, DON"T TAKE THEM!!

Returning calls and being PROFESSIONAL with your clients is most important, even more important than the quality of the suits... Making excuses is not professional...

Please, Pass the word and Advise your fellow competitors to order from more reliable sources, from designers that actually UNDERSTAND the world of competition, and have some type of EXPERIENCE...

PLEASE CONTINUE THE POST AND EDUCATE OTHERS!

Rachel, Explain how we are supposed to get the 'second fitting' that is "included" in the cost when you send us our suits the day before the show... yeah, maybe if we live 30 minutes from your home, but not all of us do. Also, please explain to these girls how you ran out of material and had to make my suit out of a color that i didn't even want? OR how you said you sent me swatches of material to go through several times and i never ever ever received them? Yeah, i could go on. Very disappointed.

[risstang]

Originally Posted by sensationalsuit

Thanks! Many, Many companies have been known to do this....it's one thing for this to happen, but when it happens and you get a ****ty suit out of it...it's even worse!

That's why I try and stress not to worry, regardless, it's gonna fit and it's gonna be more than you imagined!!

Thanks for the rebuttal on your part....ever need a suit, let me know and I'll definitly hook you up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's so funny that you think she was supporting you! How can you guarantee a fit Rachel when you only ask for three measurements?? (chest, waist, hips)... Yeah ok! This is the best thread ever! Feel the love! ahahahah

[Mommysbody]

Here is the incomplete suit I received the day before my flight.....i have had several folks ask to see it....

proof is right here.....

How stressed would you be to receive this the day before you leave for your show????

[risstang]

don't you love the superglue look that rachel goes for!? and the fake plastic beads? well worth $600...NOT!

That's horrible! But very believable. And I bet she didn't refund you anything.

We all need to go the Better Business Bureau. She needs to find a job somewhere else.

[TiffTiff]

I just read this whole thread. WTH? I feel for you ladies. Wow.

I know nothing about fitness competions, but I know a little about sewing. Shouldn't those stones be set w/ metal prongs? For that kind of money?

That glue job on those Aurora Borealis stones was atrocious! What a rip off.

[sixzebra]

wow, that is a horrible glue job on those stones. I've stoned some of my suits and i'm no "pro" but they look damn good compared to that. lol on the plastic stones.

Well at least you know the stones won't fall off unlike a suit I ordered from a designer. The stones popped off the suit while I'm just standing still. I had to reglue almost all the stones back onto the suit myself!

[Angela R]

Oh my goodness. Those stones looked horrible! How is the light supposed to reflect off all that glue.

I can't imagine having to go through that.

I completely agree with a previous poster that she plays the victim. You cannot use personal experiences and hardships as excuses. Crappy stuff happens to people all the time, when you are in business you have to roll with those punches. Using your child, divorces and illness' is just unethical.

Rachel if your situation was that bad then you should have had the decency to return these deposits and refund these women their money.

That is just unsatisfactory and then to call your clients names, the people who are paying your salary...can you say kick a horse in the mouth?

I hope that all the Fitness and Figure girls find this thread while hunting for a suit.

Good luck to you all.

[Mommysbody]

Please notice that the horrid glue job is only a small part of the issue. I got that suit the day before I left (almost 4 weeks late) and only part of one boob was done!!!! What do you do with a suit that only has part of one boob done???

The other issue that needs to be addressed is that fact that we place orders 3 months in advance - that should allow for personal issues. Her claims of these "uncontrollable things" happening is irrelevant in my opinion. Case in point - my suits were supposed to get to me by May 2 or 3 (latest). Her "issue" supposedly happened on April 25. According to her - she does her suits in enough time to allow for shipping, fitting and reworks if necessary. That means when her "issue" happened on April 25, my suits should have long been completed! The same goes for her "running out of material" excuse. There is NO excuse for that.

[sixzebra]

Originally Posted by Mommysbody

Her claims of these "uncontrollable things" happening is irrelevant in my opinion. .

I agree. Business is business. We all have traumas and such happen to us. In the business world, you just have to suck it up and do your job. If i'm unable to complete the tasks I'm assigned at my job due to personal problems then I would be expected to take time off from work to deal with it.

[amerigovespucci]

my gf had similar results from Dreamwear online by Gail, she had perfect customer service and great call backs until she received her deposit, then she didnt respond for 3 weeks, then got back in touch and planned to do the suit in less than a week and mail it out

needless to say we lost that deposit

[dvsness]

Wow, what a disaster. Those pics are just wrong.

Originally Posted by FitNFiesty

...And to all you ladies out there I highly suggest lidia-conti (heard they're great from friends)

Yes! I love Lidia! She is wonderful to deal with, humble, and I got my suits earlier than anticipated. I am ordering my new 2 piece from her this weekend after measurements and would recommend her to anyone!

http://www.lidiaconti-bodywear.com/

[sarahhanakim]

The first time I ordered from Rachel I was on a time crunch to order suits (about 4 wks). Most places won't do them in that little time, but Rachel was able to get me a one piece and a two piece 2-3 days before my show. However, I ordered a PURPLE one piece and a RED 2 Piece. She flipped the colors. I let it pass, b/c I needed the suits and assumed if I ordered from her in the future she'd make it up to me. So for my next show I ordered 4 months out and she agreed to give me a little discount. Then everything took a turn for the worse! It is now 11 PM the day before my show... I HAVE NO SUIT! I placed my order back in March to allow PLENTY of time for Rachel to get my order to me, hoping I'd have at least a month to practice in it and/or send it back for alterations. I have to be on stage at 8 AM tomorrow and by the grace of God, have found a suit that I am borrowing from a friend. Her last txt said everything would be here by noon. NOON?! What is so hard to understand that I compete on Jul 10 and have to be on stage at 8 AM?!! What sucks is that when I placed the order I sent her my other suit to be altered because the straps were too short. So now she has my $350, my new suit, and my other suit that I paid about the same for. I tried numerous times contacting her over the last month to check the status and received very few emails that said things like "i was so busy with my garage sale this week, i'll have them sent out this weekend", "some girl in California ripped me off for $3000 and now I have to call off my wedding", "i can't give you the tracking number right now b/c i'm at the hospital with my little girl who has pneumonia". Had she done the suits MONTHS ago like I ordered them, these crisis that have SUDDENLY happened over the course of a few weeks wouldn't be affecting her now would it? She still won't give me a tracking number. I don't think there is one b/c I think my suits are still sitting at her house, UNDONE or the suits are probably NON EXISTENT, never created. I have never bad mouthed Rachel and have been very courteous and have done my best to be understanding. BUT now that I have not received any return phone calls since that last txt, I realize that she is a liar and more than likely a thief. I think it's fishy that she had me send the rest of my payment to her mother's paypal. That $3000 that she supposedly had "ganked" from her was probably money she owed to customers just like all of us. I wish I had read this thread months ago. I already filed a claim with paypal but unfortunately I'm still going to lose my deposit. Oh yeah, I never got my swatches either and she even admitted to me that other girls weren't receiving them like the must have warped through some kind of black hole! Is it possible that she lies so much she's living those lies as if they actually happen? I think so! Well, I'd better get to bed so I can go compete tomorrow in someone else's suit. THANKS FOR RUINING MY BIGGEST SHOW OF THE YEAR, RACHEL.

[sarahhanakim]

this is rachel's response to the claim I filed against her in paypal:

"Origianlly told by the customer that the show was in August...then was told YESTERDAY it was at the end of THIS MONTH! I told her I would have it to her Friday and IT WILL BE THERE TODAY! She signed a contact, changed her competition date twice, yet, it's still going to be there on time! tracking # through UPS is 1Z1E071F1347662021"

I NEVER said Aug. That doesn't even make sense! that would mean I screwed myself over. WTF? This show is in July EVERY year. I could have told her the date a year ago just knowing that. My suit is at the airport and there is NOTHING I can do. Oh well, it's show time and the show must go on... I will definitely seek every route possible to take action against her next week, but I need to keep my head clear for my show this weekend!

[Prane]

dunno about you guys but i would find out where she lives and smash the f*** out of everything she owns. but thats just me :S

[tkokayde]

I have been reading this thread since it started, and the horror stories just keep coming. I really feel awful for you guys. I can't imagine the stress it would cause to deal with someone like her.

I told my husband about the "carb deprived, robotic barbie GD bitch" comment that she made, and it's kind of become a joke with us. (Not that any of your situations are something to joke about). It is what a competition diet and schedule does to some of us though. I think we should get shirts made that say "Carb Deprived Robotic Barbie Bitch" on them, and make sure to send one to Rachel...

[risstang]

Originally Posted by Prane

dunno about you guys but i would find out where she lives and smash the f*** out of everything she owns. but thats just me :S

That's awesome!!!