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1. The writer of this article has obviously never met Lia Keeping, the president of Weekenders Canada. She is an amazing woman, who started out at the bottom as a co-ordinator, and worked her way up. I had only been with the company for a year, yet Lia knew who I was, and would take the time out to talk to me, a “lowly” co-ordinator. Yes, she wants us to know that she’s ok - we all love Lia and are concerned about her feelings, just as she is about ours. She is not the one who is responsible for the downfall of the company. She is not the one responsible for paying us back. She is not the one responsible for pending back-orders. I find it shameful that someone would blatantly post an e-mail that was obviously personal, and them slam it on top of everything! Perhaps you should try doing something proactive instead of reactive. Yes, we’re all hurting and there are a lot of us who are out a lot of money, including myself, but remember that there is more than one person to blame here, and it is NOT Lia Keeping.

   Comment by KC — June 17, 2008 @ 12:55 pm

 

2. [...] For more on this story click here. [...]

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3. You should see the letter UK co-ordinators got-no expression of sympathy etc-just told that the company had ceased trading and not to send in orders or money. Crappy treatment indeed.

   Comment by Anne Devereux Hemmings — June 17, 2008 @ 2:13 pm

 

4. KC,
   The actions of the company are incomprehensible. The only notice that people were given was that email - if anything at all. The insinuation that this news came “faster than anyone predicted” makes no sense at all considering we understand that the company got called on a loan from an international bank - which they knew was coming due. We have been told that the company was well aware of its situation but kept selling products and enlisting new business. In fact even as of 8:40 am on Wednesday morning the SITE IS STILL UP!

   Comment by Steven — June 18, 2008 @ 4:41 am

 

5. Can’t believe it- I did not hear about this until last night and yesterday at noon I sent a parcel of returns to Weekenders that was worth about $250. I am one of those single parents making a few extra dollars to meet our needs. Guess I should have been reading every e-mail if one was sent.

   Comment by Jo Ann — June 18, 2008 @ 5:10 am

 

6. In my day job as an economic development director for a county, I find do not find the fact of a business closing to be shocking. I do, though, find Weekenders treatment of its loyal coordinators and customers to be nothing less than despicable. As I think back over problems I encountered with Weekenders for the past ten months, I find myself not being surprised by the bankruptcy and sudden company closure. Problems included large delays on shipments and generally poor customer service. Over and over, I keep asking myself, did Weekenders have a written business plan? If so, how well did they follow it? If not, why not? Most business failures can be directly linked to the matter of a written business plan.

   Comment by Gaila Gilliland — June 18, 2008 @ 5:22 am

 

7. It is amazing that we were never told anything about this at all but I had to find out about it on this site. I appreciate this site for giving us all the information. I’d like to know how KC can defend anyone in management related to this company for the clear negligence they have perpetuated. We werent told ANYTHING at all and cant find anyone to get real answers. Thanks OpTree and please let us know if we can contact someone.

   Comment by Christian Smith — June 18, 2008 @ 11:20 am

 

8. [...] there is a lot of chatter about Weekenders going out of business and shutting its doors with little to no notice given to any of its distributors. Well now it seems [...]

   Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » Weekender Out of Business But Clothing Starting to Flood eBay — June 18, 2008 @ 12:23 pm

 

9. Its a sad day when we see so many women who were excited and dedicated about what they did (my wife Darlene was a co-ordinator) just left out standing holding the bag and responsible for refunding any client that has paid by cheque or cash (as payments of this type are made to the co-ordiantor, then paid to Weekenders). What about all the $$ co-ordinators had sitting in thier own weekender accounts (held in trust by weekenders of coarse), technically that money did not even belong to the company..too many questions not enough awnsers unfortunately…reminds me of a song where the lyric’s go something like, “OOh, Ohh, take the money and run”. With the financial burden and hardship that has been dumped on co-ordinators and thier families, I have no empathy for Lia , Bob or George. I am sure this has been planned for quite some time and thier financial interests have been well guarded…

   Comment by Rich — June 19, 2008 @ 3:04 am

 

10. As an employee it was very shocking to go to work and then told as of today (June 9th) Weekenders is closing their doors. There will be no severance, no vacation pay, only the final paycheck. Everyone should have known this was the next thing step when the US president was given no choice but forced retirement. Just so all of you Coordinators know, the employees are also suffering because if the faulty business decisions of the owners.

    Comment by Shocked Employee — June 19, 2008 @ 5:56 am

 

11. Interesting mentioning Lia, Bob and George. Well, in my opinion Lia has nothing to do with this. Neither do Bob and George as they stepped asside several years ago and started their Symagi business. The guys that brought this business to the ground are Emilio Kreizel amd Mr. Bergovic. They tried all kind of experiments one more stupid then other.

    Comment by poeticJustice — June 19, 2008 @ 10:06 am

 

12. If anyone knows how we can get information about the bankruptcy proceedings or any avenue for advocacy on behalf of the employees, managers and coordinators, please post. How can we stick up for ourselves here? Maybe there’s no recourse, but it certainly seems that at least a public spectacle should be made of the scoundrels involved here. Man … we should have seen this coming!! Such a wonderful product/concept as Weekenders should not be in the hands of scoundrels of this sort!

    Comment by Shocked, Indignant Coordinator — June 19, 2008 @ 11:44 am

 

13. Responding to comment made by poeticJustic. Yes you are right about the changes in the major stakeholders, its a shame that people like Emilio and Bergovic were allowed to experiment with the livelyhood of thousands of women who were dedicated Weekender coordinators. But I do find it hard to believe that Lia did not see this coming and if George and Bob still had some avid financial interests in the company why was nothing said? Other than clothing delays and some shipping woes who but the people on the inside knew what was really going on…or did these scam artists just bleed the company dry and destroy it with stupid business plans that were destined to fail….more unawnsered questions….

    Comment by Rich — June 19, 2008 @ 5:18 pm

 

14. [...] was an unusually active week in the MLM world given the surprising news of Weekenders going out of business and filing for bankruptcy without any notice to its Distributors. Some of the more clever burned [...]

    Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » Week in Review: Herbalife Legal Problems Continue, Weekenders Files For Bankruptcy, Stevie Awards Handed Out — June 20, 2008 @ 6:00 am

 

15. Does anyone else find it interesting that NONE of the owners/officers/high level employees have stepped forward with information?

    Comment by hmmmm ....? — June 20, 2008 @ 8:25 am

 

16. I would also be interested in knowing whether any recourse can be had here. I submitted an order to Weekenders through a coordinator, and payment was received by Weekenders on June 5. The e-mail sent out by the president assures that orders prior to June 9 would be completed, but I have seen nothing. Furthermore, the coordinator can not get any information for me, and no notification has been sent to me.

    It’s one thing for a company to make a business decision to close its doors. However, they owed it to their employees, sales representatives and customers to, at a bare minimum, at least let people know what is going on with outstanding orders. Ceasing operations is different from refusing to allow your sales representatives access to the ordering system to see what is going on. The way they have handled things is extremely unprofessional.

    Comment by Dissatisfied Customer — June 20, 2008 @ 1:47 pm

 

17. A word of advice. If, as customary, Weekenders charged your credit card or a customer’s card, BEFORE shipping anything, file a challenge with the credit card bank. If funds have not be transferred you may rescue some money. Good luck!!!
    If the goods ever actually arrive (unlikely) you can contact Weekenders (good luck!! no forwarding address, dead web site, disconnected phones) and arrange for payment.
    If you are owed wages contact your state Department of Labor for legal advice.

    Comment by Don McFarland — June 21, 2008 @ 8:08 am

 

18. It is my understanding that Bob and George new of the bank loan that was due, so their noses are not clean in this matter. They let this happen just as much as the other Execs did. In one of Bob’s messages he stated in part that he was frankly growing tired of the business and ended it with, I did it once, I’ll do it again. How glib and flippant. Now, does that get the old gander madder than *****!!!

    I’ve been a customer for more than 17 yrs and a Coordinator for only 4 yrs. I loved being both. We in the US have not rec’d any form of notice and are getting our information from places like this. Many, many women are still grieving over this and will do so for a long time. If we only had some recourse to recoup our losses.

    Some of us placed orders the Company accepted our orders, our money and then closed the doors that very day. What kind of persons do this to hard working people, people who make this their livelihood? They certainly cared about us when we were making them millionaires. They are still millionaires. I’m sure this was planned. Thee, protesteth too much……

    Comment by Aghast, Appalled & Hurt — June 21, 2008 @ 8:58 am

 

19. I’ve found nothing to disagree with in that already made comments, but no one has asked the questions that are on my mind. Will orders that I placed the week before bankruptcy was filed be honored? Will I be notified one way or the other? Will the money paid for those orders be refunded? Who do I write to for answers to these questions? And how about existing back orders? Will they be honored? Or must I use my hard earned savings to remain honorable? Maryanne

    Comment by Maryanne — June 21, 2008 @ 10:05 am

 

20. I too am a coordinator who has taken a loss and am at a loss for words and thoughts. I cannot imagine how we could not have been notified and how the company could continue to take orders, take our money and employ loyal staff - then shut the doors without notice. Now they are selling merchandise that belongs to customers of ours - it is stealing from us. Where does it end & how do we make it end? I had a small loss relative to some but people are with out jobs and have families to feed - how are they going to live?

    Comment by a coordinator — June 21, 2008 @ 2:53 pm

 

21. The company has not filed for bankruptcy yet, that is why the website is still up. They are selling the inventory in N.C and then they will file.
    Just for the record Bob, George and Lia had nothing to do with the day to day operations. Lia
    is a amazing women and Jan Berkovic and Emilio did not share the finanacial debt of the Global Countries with anyone. Don’t forget they have their own company Gentry where the fabric was produced which was also in debt. Two business run into the ground and they will walk away clean.

    Someone made a comment of no plan and you are absolutely correct, there has been no plan, they knew nothing about the business and cared less about the direct selling women. The employees working on the day to day operations had 15 minutes to pack and leave, imagine how we all felt.
    We also will receive no monie unless the Depart. of Labour steps in. I am on a single income and will be struggling just like all of you.

    Comment by Employee (Manager) — June 21, 2008 @ 3:17 pm

 

22. I guess we just move on, you know what they say, what goes around comes around

    Comment by Employee — June 21, 2008 @ 3:35 pm

 

23. Weekenders gone but a new company starting in 2 weeks Before this happened then was a designer hired . She was going to launch a new oganic bamboo line . Guess what the new company is going to launch ‘that same new line
    2weeks after they claimed Bankrupcy they do this.
    Did no one see this coming They have lost me as a sales coordinator. And also my customers

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 22, 2008 @ 4:44 pm

 

24. Weekenders closing so abrutely is a surprise however when one looks at all the changes over the past 5 or so years — the handwriting was on the wall. My first 5-7 years as a coordinator were fun and I was very successful in my sales — then WE changed the line, added nutritional items and a cosmetic line. This change made me nervous and I wondered why they were trying to compete with all the other MLM’s that sell nutritional supplemenmts and cosmetics. Needless to say my customers and sales decreased drastically, unfortunately so did my interest in the company. Rosemary’s leaving was another sign that something was wrong with the company. She was a great inspiration to all of us.

    As of today I have received absolutely nothing from my manager or WE about the closing, I heard about it from a friend who was a coordinator in another unit just yesterday (June 22). There are too many questions and not enough answers, my prayers go out to all coordinators and employees who put their heart and soul into the business. I hope that coordinators don’t run out and sign up under another MLM too quickly, give yourself time to greive then do what is best for you and your family. The pressures of an MLM can be all consuming. Life is too short to always be chasing the MLM pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

    Comment by part time coordinator — June 23, 2008 @ 6:08 am

 

25. As a coordinator I did not know that weekenders had been struggling financially for the past few years and if I had known any of this before hand I and certainly many other coordinators would have jumped ship. I lost a shipment and money on account as well as null and void gift certificates just to keep my status. It is strange that a new company is already in the works. I wish I had also known David Kingsnorth, the director of finance for Weekenders Europe left the company and is now working for Transdermal Cosmetics Plc as of May 21, 2008. He stated on his CV and I quote “WE Realisations Limited in administration since 18 January 2007; (formerly Weekenders UK Limited)
    Weekenders Europe Limited in creditors voluntary liquidation since 14 January 2008.” How could this not have been known by upper Management?
    We have been told that we should write a registered letter to ask for our money that is on account with Weekenders. I seriously don’t believe that it will be accepted, but I will try anything. I will also be asking for the monies for my recent order that is in transit and for the gift certificates. I would recommend other coordinators to do the same.

    Comment by Uninformed Coordinator — June 23, 2008 @ 9:28 am

 

26. Dear Mary anne
    It is my understanding from our president here in canada that all orders are in limbo as no one was paid. We are probably not getting our credit on account or our orders .
    I have to reemburse all my customers. Some dont want me too as it is only a small amout like 63 dollars others who have more money that I do want their money back.
    Where are they selling weekenders I would love to know .
    At our last meeting we were told by our Manager that Weekenders had hired a new disigner and it was Linda Lumstrom. She was looking into doing a eco bamboo fabric.
    i found out that weekenders canada is starting a new company in two weeks nad you know what they are looking at. An eco bamboo fabric. Ladies please dont get into this new company Weekenders has left all of us high and dry . The managers are getting the benifets from this new company not us poor coordinators low on the totom pole.
    wE SHOULD ALL GETTOGETHER AND SUE WEEKENDERS FOR EVERYTHING

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 23, 2008 @ 5:02 pm

 

27. June 20 2008

    “Someone once said “What does not kill us will make us stronger.”

    Dear Managers,

    Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, I appreciate and value your time.
    The purpose of our call today is to help you understand what happened at Weekenders and to tell you what I am up to, because as I have always said when I tell my story “When God closes a door closes, she opens a window.” And I am here today to tell you about what could be a huge window of opportunity for you. Before I get into the details, I want to tell you once again, what an honour and privilege it has been for me for the past 15 years to allow me to be your leader. You are an amazing group of women who I respect, admire and believe in.

    So let’s start with what happened at Weekenders. As you know Weekenders has been struggling for some time and was on the brink of bankruptcy when Jan and Emilio took it over. Jan and Emilio invested millions of personal money and the money of investors to keep it going. Unfortunately, the sales just weren’t there and we fell further and further behind in paying our suppliers, everyone from the manufacturers, to the button people, to Canada post and our customs brokers. The load was so huge that on Monday June 9th they decided to cease operations as they prepare to declare bankruptcy in the next few weeks.

    All of us have lost money all staff world wide, including myself, and the other heads of countries, our suppliers, the owners, the investors and of course you, our Coordinators and our Customers.

    Due to the way I was told about the closure and since I was not in the office at the time the decision was made, the communication of the closure was done extremely poorly.

    For example, I first understood we were bankrupt and then they changed the term to “cease operations”. I was under the understanding that all orders up to and including June 9 were picked and shipped, and in actual fact, this is true….what I was not told was that the boxes are in limbo with shipping companies they had not paid and with customs brokers they had not paid, the goods were stopped in transit.

    I gave you the most accurate information I had at the time. I wanted to communicate to you quickly before my Weekenders e-mail was shut down, which it has been since Weekenders ceased operations.

    All of us were treated poorly; I like to think not maliciously or with intent, but by lack of experience and lack of true understanding of our business. I am trying very hard and I encourage you also not to take what happened personally and to try to put this behind you.
    treated
    That is what I am doing, I am forever grateful for what Bob, George, Jan and Emilio have done for us as an organization and as individuals, we had some great times, made lots of money, spent lots of money and now it is time for new beginnings.

    From June the 9 to June 13 I had my own little personal breakdown. (Yes I am human) Heartbroken does adequately describe how I felt, yes I was out of commission for 5 days and my darling husband whisked me away for a romantic de-stress weekend in PEI…lobster cures everything.

    When I got back from PEI on Monday I had not one but two amazing world class companies wanting me to create a brand new direct sales company in fashion for them.

    There is one opportunity that I am very excited about and I have been in negotiations with this company all week. We are well past the initial phase and the investors in this company want to proceed and a preliminary plan has been submitted to the board of Directors for approval.

    The founding of this new company is very close to being final and here are some of the highlights of what this company will offer you. This company will have no association with any of the former Weekenders owners or founders; the opportunity is with totally different people who currently have a multi billion dollar high fashion manufacturing operation.

    This is a multi billion dollar fashion manufacturer with the financial stability to make this new venture successful, with over 30 years in business. This company currently exports to the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia for major retailers.

    They own 10 factories producing garments, for leading companies such as Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Polo, Anne Taylor and Talbot’s, just to name a few. They also produce jewelry, handbags and accessories. They now want to get into the direct sales business and have chosen us to do that.

    While our marketing plan is in the approval process here is what I can tell you now and I look forward to presenting our final marketing plan in the next two weeks.

    Highlights:

    Here are just some of the highlights of what we will be offering our Fashion Consultants, subject to finalization and approval by the Board of Directors.:

    The Fall/Winter collection is small only 15 garments in four colours, this is just the start up collection to get us up and running. The basic concept of mix and match wardrobing stays intact.

    The sizes will range from extra small to extra large; easy to invest, easy to carry and easy to show.

    The collection includes:

    8 basic garments that mix and match in four colours of VS knit
    4 high fashion garments that mix with the basics
    3 “active wear” garments Jacket, top and pant

    This offers a seamless transition of your existing customer base to the new company.

    The fall shows that are already booked would hold.

    Weekenders Sales Manager genealogy stays intact offering a seamless transition with your unit.

    The marketing plan is still being approved however, I want to assure you we are very aware of what other companies are offering and we will be just as competitive.

    We are also aware of the issues that de-motivated our former sales force and we want to address those issues as follows:

    Company pays hostess credits.

    No Visa/Master card merchant fees.

    All orders will be direct ship to the customer via Canada Post (customer pays shipping fee) from our warehouse in Toronto.

    No deliveries or exchanges handled by the Fashion Consultant

    Fast Start includes free product for sales and sponsoring

    Kits go on sale in July with a deep discount for former Weekenders Sales Managers. (upon sign up)

    Our desire is to have Managers kits in your hands mid August.

    Mini fashion previews in August in the major cities.

    We understand how difficult it has been these past weeks not being able to honour your client’s orders. Our new company will offer any former Weekenders customer who did not get her order a 75% discount on her first item purchased from our new Fall/Winter collection.

    I know you have lots of questions and I will be happy to call you directly over the next few days. Please e-mail me at liakeeping@live.com I will be returning your calls starting on Monday June 23.

    I would love the opportunity to start something fresh and new and totally ground floor with you. I know the potential this company has and the opportunity we have ahead of us and I encourage you to wait a few weeks for us to get you the final details. This our opportunity to be pioneers all over again, because Canada is their first country of operation.

    I am so excited!! This is just the beginning! We are already investigating the eco-basic kit concept with the organic cotton and bamboo knit fabric, which I know you love.

    This company approached me directly because, ladies, they have watched our track record as a team and we are the best there is. The investors want our team to stay together as much as possible, and I know some will and some won’t and that’s ok too. I wish each and every one of you nothing but health, happiness and prosperity, no matter what it is you decide to do in the future.

    I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your kindness, your love and support over the past 10 days and the past 15 years as your President.

    I appreciate what you have gone through and are going through, we went through it together as always. I want to sincerely thank you for being on our call today and I will be forever grateful and appreciative of each and every one of you. I admire you, for your strength, your courage, your empathy and your belief in not only me but also the belief you have in yourselves and each other.
    “Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.”

    I always wanted to give you a future to live into and I believe this is it.
    With love and respect,

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 23, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

 

28. The above message is wha t was sent to my email . Now do you see what I mean.

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 23, 2008 @ 6:43 pm

 

29. You can not tell me after reading the long winded post from Lia Keeping that this crap was not planned.VERY convient that she is coming up with a new line of clothing. I’m sure if we look a little closer at this new company the other big DOGs are involve in some way.a honest descent citizen who as well as a hundreds of other women where lied to and cheated out of our money.

    SHAME ON ALL OF YOU JAN,EMILIO,AND ANY OTHER CO-OWNERS

    Comment by mad as hell!!! — June 23, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

 

30. I would like to know was I the only one that saw this coming .Now Im waiting for Linda Lumstroms name to be mentioned they dont know yet THATI am npt going into the new company and I am praying that my sister coordinators dont get suckered in . They will though as loyalty to our President and our manager . Is there any one on here from Canada
    Just interested.

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 24, 2008 @ 4:48 am

 

31. [...] Amway Corp. was originally named in the suit, however, the four defendants were not employees of the company, but independent business owners, and Amway was dismissed as a defendant. This is certainly a lucky break for Amway, although not so lucky for the four defendants who now have to come up with a way to cough up $19 million to pay P&G. Lets just hope these guys weren’t distributors for Weekenders. [...]

    Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » Judge Will Not Order a New Trial in Amway/Proctor and Gamble Satanic Suit — June 24, 2008 @ 5:32 am

 

32. The Canadian corrinators are left with no hope as the website is gone for Canada and the phones are disconnected. May I make the suggestion that you all call and send letters to the US office as they still have a voice mail system in place.
    LOL jokes on the Canadians

    Mads as Hell

    Comment by I am Canadian — June 24, 2008 @ 6:37 am

 

33. Fortunately I have a screenshot of the “no longer exists” web post — before advice (probably legal) changed it to “temperarily unavailable.”
    If Weekenders USA has not declared bankruptcy, then commissions are certainly due sellers and the purported “fire sale” in NC will generate funds owed to consultants and managers. If it is bankrupt just who is selling these clothes in NC?
    A web search has not yet revealed what bankruptcy court is involved, if any, nor the name of the bank calling the note. Any answers, Lia?

    Comment by U.S. Manager — June 24, 2008 @ 7:32 am

 

34. Since there is no “Official” notice of bankruptcy listed anywhere…could this be considered as “fraud” and “theft” as no refunds or product has been delivered..also what about monies that were kept on behalf of weekender coordiantors on their “account” so to speak. If there is no official record for filing of bankruptcy, then should the authorities not be involved as we are looking at hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue that the company continued to take in right up to the day they basically kicked everyone out! Something ain’t right here, what can the ex weekender coordinators and employees do legally ?? Is there someone who can offer “actual proof” that they have filed for bankruptcy ??

    Comment by Rich — June 24, 2008 @ 12:01 pm

 

35. One more thing…while Lia eats Lobster in PEI, coordinators around the globe stare at thier empty cupboards wondering how they are going to support thier families and pay back all those customers who paid them by cheque or cash, and managers who rely on thier commission cheques to make ends meet…I hope she choked on every bite of that lobster…&^*&^&^%*&^^%$#&&&*

    Comment by Rich — June 24, 2008 @ 12:05 pm

 

36. I cjust emailed weekenders usa to askl for info on what is happening . The site is up but you cant order anything .
    Hopefully I will get a responce.
    I am so angry that we are all been treated this way. I live in the greater Toronto area and woeked there too.

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 24, 2008 @ 12:07 pm

 

37. FOR EVERYONE WITH VISA OR MASTERCARD CUSTOMERS: Have your customers dispute the transaction with their credit or debit card company. Most will need to wait until July 9th before they can dispute the transaction because you have to wait 30 days to give a merchant time to ship an item or process a refund. The cardholder will need to submit to their bank’s dispute department a letter stating they need to dispute the transaction for “non receipt of merchandise”. To support the dispute they also need to include details of their “attempts to resolve”. An attempt to resolve would be calling the company & leaving a message & the call not being returned or asking the co-ordinator & the co-ordinator stating - sorry we filed bankruptcy & can’t send the orders. What ever “attempt to resolve” the cardholder chooses, they just need to put it in writing & explain when the attempt was done & the resolution they received if any. Right now I have not seen anything from Weekenders stating they will not be sending out orders, so that is why the customers have to wait until 07/09/08. If a such email comes out, then the dispute may be done sooner. However, to play it safe & not worry about the bank having to hold on to it & losing it, just wait until 07/09 & submit it. If you provide all the info I mentioned, their should be no delay in your dispute. HOWEVER, IF YOU PAID WITH CASH OR CHECK: I am sorry to tell you, you may be out of the money or at least if you had a great co-ordinator, she should be paying you back. JUST REMEMBER: VISA & MASTERCARD HAVE 100% GUARANTEE, SO DON’T LET YOUR INSTITUTION TELL YOU THEY CAN’T HELP BECAUSE YOU GAVE THE NUMBER OUT: you are not claiming “fraud” you are claiming “non receipt of merchandise” and this does not require you to close your card. I hope this helps the co-ordinators out their and the cardholders. I just hope the credit cards were set up to come directly from Weekenders & not the co-ordinators accounts. Good luck to all of you. I don’t have a clue about this company, but came across this blog due to a Visa dispute being given to me from a customer. Good Luck!!

    Comment by Tria — June 24, 2008 @ 12:40 pm

 

38. Let’s see:
    1. Bankrupt — not bankrupt?
    2. Sales in N.C. with Emilio behind the curtain.
    3. Who gets the money from N.C.?
    4. How did the shrink-wrapped items get to NC if shippers are not being paid and purchased goods are undeliverable?
    5. All this conjecture is deliberately created. It will take legal action to sort it out.
    6. Weekenders is DEAD!! Anyone want to join the remains???

    Comment by U.S. Manager — June 24, 2008 @ 12:51 pm

 

39. Response to Tria: Right on!!
    It’s unlikely WE will challenge your dispute since no one can contact them!!! Not their bank, not VISA or MC, so you can be fairly certain your challenge for nondelivery will hold.
    Besides, how can a nonexistent company receive funds or challenge charges????
    WE managers should long ago have formed a “union” and hired attorneys. Too late now.

    Comment by U.S. Manager — June 24, 2008 @ 12:59 pm

 

40. Being in direct-sales myself… not Weekenders, and not a “recruiting vulture” circling the spoils of this organizational catastrophe… I have been looking for information on this unfortunate event and came across this blog.

    The name Linda Lumstrom was mentioned. That would be a miss-spelling of Linda Lundstrom, the well-known Canadian Fashion Designer. Interesting to note - and perhaps the Weekenders Consultants were not aware of this - that Ms. Lundstrom’s own business filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2008. Was that prior to or subsequent to her becoming involved with Weekenders??

    All businesses operating under a debt-load become risky ventures during an economic down-turn. I feel very fortunate that the company I work with is completely debt-free!

    To all the Weekenders Consultants out there who are reeling from this experience: do not jump into the next venture that comes along (and many will be offered, I can guarantee!!) until you have personally researched everything you can about the company. Do your own due-diligence. Look at the company’s historical data (i.e. how long has it been in business; how was it managed through economic depressions/recessions; what is the level of financial stability), listen only to factual company information and not to the pie-in-the-sky promises that are often made by well-meaning but misinformed reps.

    I wish you all well. Take time to lick your wounds and please - understand that this situation is not unique to the direct-selling industry so do not let it turn you away from the fabulous opportunities that ARE out there. There are bad business-managers and greedy owners/shareholders in every industry, and there always will be.

    Comment by Jan in BC — June 24, 2008 @ 1:46 pm

 

41. I for one would prefer not go with companies that are suggested by Lia (she might be a very nice person, I don’t know her) or Peggy Davenport (did you get that email?) They are too new, untried etc. There is no saying they won’t go under too, even if they are backed up by other reputable companies. My customers opinion at this point is really more important than mine since I have to “face” many of them. Being treated like this, by a company we loyal to and a product we really enjoyed I think is one of the ultimate betrayals.

    Comment by Casey — June 24, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

 

42. Oh and thank you Tria for your excellent information! I shall pass it along to my customers.

    Comment by Casey — June 24, 2008 @ 1:53 pm

 

43. Class action suit?

    What do you mean it’s too late to get a lawyer?

    Comment by very angry — June 24, 2008 @ 6:24 pm

 

44. I don’t know what a class action lawsuit would do, since the company can’t be contacted & Bankruptcy protects them. I guess an attorney would know though their boundries though.

    I will check back from time to time because I think this is interesting. It kind of hits me in more than one way. Although I wasn’t aware of Weekenders, I am also a Independant Sales Consultant part time for a DSA Company instead of MLM. And of course for those of you that read my other post, I’m interested now because I work with Visa & MasterCard and I have already received a dispute regarding Weekenders charging them & now she is concerned she will not get her merchandise.

    My question to the co-ordinators is: how did you pay Weekenders? With my company, I put my customers money in my checking account & then the business deducts it from my MasterCard Debit card; therefore, if there is an issue I will be able to solve it thru MasterCard if the company is not willing to help me. If this is the same case for you, you guys may not be out of as much money as you think.

    Another piece of info for the people who will be able to dispute thru MasterCard & Visa: since the transaction was not “fraud” on your account and you will be disputing it was “non receipt of merchandise” your financial institution may not give you “provisional credit” as soon as your dispute is submitted since it’s not fraud. However, as long as Weekenders does not rebuttal, the dispute will be closed out in 45 days from the date it is submitted to Visa or MasterCard. The only reason Weekenders can rebuttal is if the have “proof” that your items were sent & proof that you received it; otherwise the file will definetly be closed in 45 days and you should double check with your bank to see that you have credit. I AM VERY EXPERIENCED IN THIS TYPE OF DISPUTE BUSINESS & HEAR IT ALL THE TIME THAT SOME BANKS SAY YOU CAN NOT DISPUTE SOMETHING FOR WHATEVER REASON. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. I HAVE GIVEN YOU GUYS ALL THE INFO YOU NEED & IF YOUR BANK REFUSES TO HELP YOU, KEEP GOING UP THE BANKS LADDE UNTIL YOU GET TO THE TOP & HAVE VISA OR MASTERCARD CALL THEM IF YOU HAVE TOO.

    Comment by Tria — June 24, 2008 @ 6:45 pm

 

45. [...] here is what we have been able to find out thus far since we first broke the news of Weekenders allegedly going out of business. Weekenders does NOT seem to have filed for bankruptcy protection, yet - at least not in the US [...]

    Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » UPDATE: Weekenders Out of Business But No Bankruptcy Filing Yet? — June 24, 2008 @ 6:45 pm

 

46. Thanks Tria.

    I haven’t spoken to an attorney - I’m just so furious to think that the individuals behind these corporations could a)legally get away with what appears to be out and out theft from innocent loyal representatives and b)there seems to be no forum/platform on which to expose and publicly humiliate them and c)they had such a fabulous product and even if it resurfaces under another name I will ethically never be able to use it again and d) all my clothes are Weekenders - I hate even getting dressed in them!!

    Comment by very angry — June 25, 2008 @ 1:09 am

 

47. Response to Tria

    Just to awnser your question about, how did coordinators pay weekenders for customers orders..
    It was one of three ways I believe.
    (1) The customer pays by Visa or MC (this is made payable directly to Weekenders, as each coordinator has a portable imprinting device that they can run the slips through, then they fill in the online info when they place the order on behalf of the customer).

    (2) Customer pays a coordinator by cash or cheque made patable to the coordinator. The coordinator deposits this into her account, then places the order online through Weekenders and Weekenders withdraws the monies from the coordinators account.

    (3) Same as number (2) but the coordinator uses her credit card to pay for the customers clothing and uses the customers money to pay back the credit card.

    Thanks
    And a Big thank you to all who add inspiration, hope and meaningfull advice to all the ladies that got burned on this one. Its sad, because Weekenders used to be a top notch company, since its sale to greedy,sleezy,idiots who could not care less ( which still boggles my mind as to why if Bob and Goerge sold to these idiots in the first place) sunk this great company who was represented by some great ladies into the depths of dispair.

    Comment by Rich — June 25, 2008 @ 2:28 am

 

48. In response to Rich.

    For everyone who did #1 & 3, they should be safe & not out of any money for orders; just commission. You just need to file it with your financial institution on 07/09/08. If the coordinator paid by Visa or MC & they owe their customers a refund, I would send all of the customers a letter explaining they will receive a refund after 07/09/08; explaining the situation with Weekenders & why the 07/09 date. That way, incase the orders do get shipped the coordinators don’t get stuck with clothes & a refund for the customer.

    #2 coordinators, well I’m sorry I don’t have much advise for you. If Weekenders already debited your account by ACH or Auto-debit without a Visa or MC, I’m affraid you are probably out of luck. However, check with your financial institution. Since the funds are being with drawn as an ACH, it can be recalled in some situations; this has to be done ASAP. ACH is not as lenient as credit cards. Visa & MasterCard give you about 120 days for most situations; ACH gives 24hours - 30 days depending on the reason & I can’t confirm this would be a valid reason.

    In any situtaion, always try to use your Visa or MC because you will almost always have a fix if something goes wrong or fraud. If you use cash there is no recovery what so ever; especially if it’s stolen.

    Comment by Tria — June 25, 2008 @ 4:42 am

 

49. Important into:
    When paying by check at NC sales, E. asked that check be made out to him personally, then changed it to “Eleta”. What is Eleta? Why is it received money for Weekenders goods?
    If the owners had been ethical none of this nonesense would be on the net.
    Anyone want to start a legal defense fund for us?

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 25, 2008 @ 7:35 am

 

50. What did I miss? Who knows about this fire sale in NC? When did that happen?

    Comment by hmmmm ....? — June 25, 2008 @ 10:12 am

 

51. SEE THE BELOW LETTER FROM LIA K
    TO THE CANADIAN SALES MANAGERS…
    what I don’t understand is why NONE of this has hit the newspapers…with this number of women affected…

    Infusion of Enthusiasm Friday June 20 2008

    “Someone once said “What does not kill us will make us stronger.”

    Dear Managers,

    Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, I appreciate and value your time.
    The purpose of our call today is to help you understand what happened at Weekenders and to tell you what I am up to, because as I have always said when I tell my story “When God closes a door closes, she opens a window.” And I am here today to tell you about what could be a huge window of opportunity for you. Before I get into the details, I want to tell you once again, what an honour and privilege it has been for me for the past 15 years to allow me to be your leader. You are an amazing group of women who I respect, admire and believe in.

    So let’s start with what happened at Weekenders. As you know Weekenders has been struggling for some time and was on the brink of bankruptcy when Jan and Emilio took it over. Jan and Emilio invested millions of personal money and the money of investors to keep it going. Unfortunately, the sales just weren’t there and we fell further and further behind in paying our suppliers, everyone from the manufacturers, to the button people, to Canada post and our customs brokers. The load was so huge that on Monday June 9th they decided to cease operations as they prepare to declare bankruptcy in the next few weeks.

    All of us have lost money all staff world wide, including myself, and the other heads of countries, our suppliers, the owners, the investors and of course you, our Coordinators and our Customers.

    Due to the way I was told about the closure and since I was not in the office at the time the decision was made, the communication of the closure was done extremely poorly.

    For example, I first understood we were bankrupt and then they changed the term to “cease operations”. I was under the understanding that all orders up to and including June 9 were picked and shipped, and in actual fact, this is true….what I was not told was that the boxes are in limbo with shipping companies they had not paid and with customs brokers they had not paid, the goods were stopped in transit.

    I gave you the most accurate information I had at the time. I wanted to communicate to you quickly before my Weekenders e-mail was shut down, which it has been since Weekenders ceased operations.

    All of us were treated poorly; I like to think not maliciously or with intent, but by lack of experience and lack of true understanding of our business. I am trying very hard and I encourage you also not to take what happened personally and to try to put this behind you.

    That is what I am doing, I am forever grateful for what Bob, George, Jan and Emilio have done for us as an organization and as individuals, we had some great times, made lots of money, spent lots of money and now it is time for new beginnings.

    From June the 9 to June 13 I had my own little personal breakdown. (Yes I am human) Heartbroken does adequately describe how I felt, yes I was out of commission for 5 days and my darling husband whisked me away for a romantic de-stress weekend in PEI…lobster cures everything.

    When I got back from PEI on Monday I had not one but two amazing world class companies wanting me to create a brand new direct sales company in fashion for them.

    There is one opportunity that I am very excited about and I have been in negotiations with this company all week. We are well past the initial phase and the investors in this company want to proceed and a preliminary plan has been submitted to the board of Directors for approval.

    The founding of this new company is very close to being final and here are some of the highlights of what this company will offer you. This company will have no association with any of the former Weekenders owners or founders; the opportunity is with totally different people who currently have a multi billion dollar high fashion manufacturing operation.

    This is a multi billion dollar fashion manufacturer with the financial stability to make this new venture successful, with over 30 years in business. This company currently exports to the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia for major retailers.

    They own 10 factories producing garments, for leading companies such as Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Polo, Anne Taylor and Talbot’s, just to name a few. They also produce jewelry, handbags and accessories. They now want to get into the direct sales business and have chosen us to do that.

    While our marketing plan is in the approval process here is what I can tell you now and I look forward to presenting our final marketing plan in the next two weeks.

    Highlights:

    Here are just some of the highlights of what we will be offering our Fashion Consultants, subject to finalization and approval by the Board of Directors.:

    The Fall/Winter collection is small only 15 garments in four colours, this is just the start up collection to get us up and running. The basic concept of mix and match wardrobing stays intact.

    The sizes will range from extra small to extra large; easy to invest, easy to carry and easy to show.

    The collection includes:

    • 8 basic garments that mix and match in four colours of VS knit
    • 4 high fashion garments that mix with the basics
    • 3 “active wear” garments Jacket, top and pant

    • This offers a seamless transition of your existing customer base to the new company.

    • The fall shows that are already booked would hold.

    • Weekenders Sales Manager genealogy stays intact offering a seamless transition with your unit.

    • The marketing plan is still being approved however, I want to assure you we are very aware of what other companies are offering and we will be just as competitive.

    We are also aware of the issues that de-motivated our former sales force and we want to address those issues as follows:

    • Company pays hostess credits.

    • No Visa/Master card merchant fees.

    • All orders will be direct ship to the customer via Canada Post (customer pays shipping fee) from our warehouse in Toronto.

    • No deliveries or exchanges handled by the Fashion Consultant

    • Fast Start includes free product for sales and sponsoring

    • Kits go on sale in July with a deep discount for former Weekenders Sales Managers. (upon sign up)

    • Our desire is to have Managers kits in your hands mid August.

    • Mini fashion previews in August in the major cities.

    We understand how difficult it has been these past weeks not being able to honour your client’s orders. Our new company will offer any former Weekenders customer who did not get her order a 75% discount on her first item purchased from our new Fall/Winter collection.

    I know you have lots of questions and I will be happy to call you directly over the next few days. Please e-mail me at liakeeping@live.com I will be returning your calls starting on Monday June 23.

    I would love the opportunity to start something fresh and new and totally ground floor with you. I know the potential this company has and the opportunity we have ahead of us and I encourage you to wait a few weeks for us to get you the final details. This our opportunity to be pioneers all over again, because Canada is their first country of operation.

    I am so excited!! This is just the beginning! We are already investigating the eco-basic kit concept with the organic cotton and bamboo knit fabric, which I know you love.

    This company approached me directly because, ladies, they have watched our track record as a team and we are the best there is. The investors want our team to stay together as much as possible, and I know some will and some won’t and that’s ok too. I wish each and every one of you nothing but health, happiness and prosperity, no matter what it is you decide to do in the future.

    I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your kindness, your love and support over the past 10 days and the past 15 years as your President.

    I appreciate what you have gone through and are going through, we went through it together as always. I want to sincerely thank you for being on our call today and I will be forever grateful and appreciative of each and every one of you. I admire you, for your strength, your courage, your empathy and your belief in not only me but also the belief you have in yourselves and each other.
    “Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.”

    I always wanted to give you a future to live into and I believe this is it.
    With love and respect,
    Lia

    Comment by just ticked — June 25, 2008 @ 10:56 am

 

52. Lia,

    I am glad you were able to reply however I think it is not only incredibly unprofessional but outright disturbing that in this time you are trying to solicit people for another opportunity.

    I urge ANYONE considering exploring a new opportunity to carefully understand the business model, compensation plan and finances of the company you may want to attach yourself to. These types of situations should NOT happen and it is incomprehensible to believe that people at high levels of an organization dont truly know what is going on.

    I also find it hard to understand how you remain supportive of people who ran a company that NEVER notified its distributors of what was going on yet still took in money and to this date has not put a single notice up on their website to explain to people the situation. In fact, those people you are so “grateful to” have been completely unreachable to the people who generated the income for them which I personally find disgraceful.

    Comment by Steven — June 25, 2008 @ 11:54 am

 

53. I went to the first two days of the four-day Weekenders Clearance Sale last week in Charlotte, NC. I spoke with Emilio, because I wanted to write a check and he had to approve it. When I asked who to make the check to, at first he told me to write the check to Weekenders, but then he said to make it to Etela, Inc. (someone misspelled it in an earlier post).

    Some facts about the sale:
    -It was for Fall/Winter 2007 garments, NOT Spring/Summer 2008. The vast majority of the garments laid out for sale were F/W 2007 clothing.
    -It was advertised locally as a Past Season Clearance Sale (not a fire sale).
    -There were a few (VERY few) S/S 2008 garments that got in the mix - Emilio said those were a mistake. There were so FEW that I believe it truly was a mistake.
    -The sale was advertised as UP to 80% off retail, and upon comparison to actual retail prices I found that the sale prices ranged from 69% off to 84% off retail.
    -It was hard to find certain sizes and particular garments, because most of the tables were full of duplicate stacks of the same style, color, and size.
    -We saw lots of unopened boxes behind a curtain that spanned the back of the huge space used for the sale. My husband asked the event coordinator if all the boxes would be opened by the last day of the sale, and she pointed to a large group of boxes still shrink wrapped on a pallet and said that ‘we already know those are going back unopened’. She also told him that a lot of the loose boxes would never be opened. They wanted to sell what was out on the tables before opening any more boxes.
    -There were some Weekenders employees working the sale, but I don’t know how many. There were several women working there, and all were dressed in Weekenders clothing. Most that I talked with had not heard of Weekenders but loved the clothes.
    -Since I did not attend the last two days of the sale (Saturday and Sunday), I do not know if anything changed. But, during Thursday and Friday when I was there, there were hardly any customers shopping. It appeared impossible that most of the clothing laid out for sale would be purchased.
    -I was told by the Event Programs manager for the Merchandise Mart (where the sale was held) that he ‘heard’ there were 90,000 pieces of clothing to be sold. It’s unimaginable that there could be that many garments left over six months after the Fall/Winter 2007 season ended, but from the quantity we saw out on the tables, and knowing there were lots of boxes still unopened by Friday, I can believe there could have been 90,000 garments.

    I am/was a US coordinator. I received an email yesterday from Peggy Davenport, the new US Vice President hired only a month ago. I found her email to be totally devoid of compassion for the situation that Weekenders left us in, yet it was defending her own ignorance of the closing, and it was also a bid for us to follow her into a new direct sales venture, selling SKIN CARE products! I was appalled - I didn’t like it when Weekenders tried to include Skin Care products with their clothing line, and I have no interest in selling skin care products! I went in to the fashion business for the FASHIONS. So far, none of the direct sales fashion opportunities I’ve seen have anything that compares to the quality and variety that Weekenders offered.

    Comment by Cyndi — June 25, 2008 @ 12:16 pm

 

54. Former top dogs keep asserting that everyone knew of Weekenders’ trouble. Many did not — especially after the managing partner/owner stated mere weeks earlier that a new line of green, bamboo-based goods was on the way. This is commonly termed bait and switch.
    When this mess gets to bankruptcy court, you are urged to speak up. Enron, Bear-Stearns and others come to mind. The baddies don’t always get away with it. I just hope everyone is made enough to vigorously pursue justice.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 25, 2008 @ 12:36 pm

 

55. Oh yeah, I think lots of us will be speaking up. Do you know how the bankruptcy proceedings can be tracked?

    I am/was also a Weekenders Coordinator and I am not interested in being a victim.

    Comment by hmmmm ....? — June 25, 2008 @ 1:59 pm

 

56. I am just curious. Where was the president of Weekendeers USA in all this?

    Curious

    Comment by Jan — June 25, 2008 @ 2:48 pm

 

57. http://www.co.anson.nc.us/minutes/approved/Sept500RegMIN.doc - has an interesting bond floating by Eteta, parent to Gentry Mills, parent to Weekenders.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 25, 2008 @ 3:18 pm

 

58. The President of Weekenders USA, Rosemary Redmond, retired on May 1. I have not heard anything from her, and my Manager has been forwarding any emails she receives from anyone at Weekenders (there has been only one or two).

    Comment by Cyndi — June 25, 2008 @ 3:46 pm

 

59. Just in case you need a little torture to go with the bankruptcy, the WeekendersUSA site is “up” with a signin page for consultants which does not work. You get to wait and wait and wait Nothing happens == just like Weekenders. Nice work, guys! What’s next, checks with all zeroes, invisible clothes, ….
    Could anyone seriously consider working with this bunch under any circumstances?
    I guess in the US they don’t know how to turn the servers off when leaving.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 25, 2008 @ 4:43 pm

 

60. Interesting i just looked up gentry mills and got the ph no. 41629952 in dynamic drive in missuaga toronto
    in nc it is 704983555

    Comment by shocked angry cordinator — June 25, 2008 @ 6:42 pm

 

61. General Request..

    Obviously all the coordinators and thier loved ones are left hanging high and dry here..the crooks took the money and ran and if they filed for bankruptcy ( yet to be proven ) would not the trustee have ordered a siezure of all stock in order to conduct an inventory to determine a value, then publicly put all this up for sale in order to re-coup as many dollars as possible…can coordinators not file for compensation as one of the debtors for monies lost and clothing not recieved ? Does the bankruptcy not have to be posted as public record? It does for individuals, not sure about privately owned companies..anyone have any insight on this ??
    Thanks

    PS

    Can coordinators in all thier respective countries not launch one class action suit against the owners, there should be someone who can help to fight this great injustice !

    Comment by Rich — June 26, 2008 @ 8:26 am

 

62. Rich - that class action thing makes sense to me but I don;t really know about lawyer things. Guess I better learn!

    Comment by hmmmm ....? — June 26, 2008 @ 8:52 am

 

63. fyi…
    Weekenders Canada is still listed on the DSA (Direct Seller’s Association) website…
    This organization is supposed to uphold the ethics of Direct Sales organizations like Weekenders…

    Perhaps if we all contact them (or the US counterpart…) they may have some answers…

    or at the very least take down the information about Weekenders

    While it’s rare that consumers find complaint with DSA members, we stand ready to assist you if the need arises. If ever you feel a DSA firm is engaging in a business practice you believe to be unethical, illegal, or violating our Code of Ethics (to which every DSA member must adhere), we recommend these steps:

    First, try to resolve the matter directly with the company. Your complaint should be in writing and include the following basic points:

    date and details of the incident
    parties involved
    if possible, identify the specific Code you feel was violated
    efforts you’ve made to resolve the matter
    cost and amount of product, if relevant, and include invoices or other supporting documents
    any responses the other parties made to resolve the matter
    current status of the complaint
    how you’d like to see the issue resolved or remedied.
    If you still are not satisfied, contact the DSA’s Code Administrator, providing a written description of your complaint. The Code Administer acts independently, and all member companies have agreed to honour his decisions. The Code Administrator is not connected with any member company nor Association staff, and you can correspond directly with him (marked “CONFIDENTIAL”) via:

    DSA Code Administrator,
    c/o Direct Sellers Association of Canada,
    180 Attwell Drive, Suite #250,
    Toronto, Ontario M9W 6A9

    Comment by just ticked — June 26, 2008 @ 11:48 am

 

64. Is there any one out there from the winners circle unit. I would like to know how you are all taking this and what you all think of this.
    We had the best manager going. I hope she is ok

    Comment by Wondering — June 26, 2008 @ 12:04 pm

 

65. I was told recently that Jan Berkovic and Emilio absorbed all money from Weekenders to their own company Gentry Knitting Mills and then evaporated. Bankruptcy was planned ahead of time over a year. They could be a rich man now and booking cruise to travel. Can anyone audit their finanical statements, money transaction….
    One of the Victim hurt seriously.

    Comment by Irene Rosa — June 26, 2008 @ 1:00 pm

 

66. Reply tp Just Ticked

    I e-mailed the DSA ( US Site ) I am in Canada. I included as many relevent links as proof that there is a problem. I have recieved an initial reply that my concerns have been forwarded to their legal department for review. So I will do the same for the Canadian site and encourage all ex-weekender coordinators to contact the DSA either in the US or Canada via e-mail. Remember this is NOT your oppertunity to unload your anger on the DSA, but to provide them with as much proof as possible ( include e-mails, web site links) whatever it takes to prove to them that there is a serious problem here. Then maybe they will investigate and post something for all to read as a news bulletin on thier web site.

    US
    http://www.dsa.org/

    Canada
    http://www.dsa.ca

    If we don’t raise our voices to bring these crooks to justice NO one will…

    Comment by Rich — June 26, 2008 @ 2:01 pm

 

67. HELLO COORDINATORS !!

    We (yes even the husbands/significant others/family ) of these hardworking Weekender Ladies have been taken advantage of! Come on people! There is NO proof of Bankruptcy and all indications show that the money was diverted to other areas over the past few years…so what about all the clothing that has been ordered and not recieved? The commission cheques that were due but never paid? The $$ that co-ordinators had on thier Weekender accounts….all of this gone!

    If someone broke into your home and stole all that you had would you not contact the auhthorities? Would there not be an investigation? Why is it then that there is no legal counsel willing to take on the credibility of over 1,0000’s of Weekender co-ordinators who have been CHEATED of thier hard earned money and left to hang dry in the face of the customers?

    Enough is Enough we need to ask for some representation , we need this investigated and questions awnsered! I am appealling to anyone out there who has any connections with legal councel both in Canada and the US that is willing through the backing of I am sure 1,000’s of co-ordinators start a legal trust fund that those who wish to fight can contribute to a registered online fund that would investigate this act of “fraud” taken out on hardworking women and thier families !!

    I fear the longer this is left the more difficult it will be to set straight..or is everyone willing to allow these “crooks” to just walk away grinning knowing they have won !!

    There is strength in Numbers !!

    Comment by Rich — June 26, 2008 @ 5:24 pm

 

68. JAN BERKOVIC is the President of Weekenders, a pirate who designs the bankruptcy plan, stealing the life and bread from us. He has to be invested and face the justice.
    Who can help us…Please, please

    Comment by Pain — June 26, 2008 @ 6:12 pm

 

69. TOdo list:
    1. Send a registered letter to whatever Weekenders company you belonged with listing amounts, dates, etc. and requesting payment.
    2. File a formal complaint with DSA listing all the above.
    3. File a complaint with your state/provincial labor department. Most take a dim view of companies not paying workers.
    4. Keep good records for tax purposes. Bad debts may well be deductible. Refunds to customers, ditto.
    5. You might file for unemployment — not sure how independent contractors fit in.
    6. Write your national and state legislators with details. Some of the miscreants may want govt monies now or later.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 26, 2008 @ 6:17 pm

 

70. This is a commercial fraud. Can I request a formal investigation from RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
    Can anyone tell me the procedures, I am serious.

    Comment by Pain — June 26, 2008 @ 6:57 pm

 

71. Does anyone know what the procedure is when you buy off the rack. I bought items off the rack, used master card and now my coordinator wants me to claim on master card that the order was not received so that she can get her money. I have refused to do that as to me thats credit card fraud as I have the clothes. Anone know the answer?

    Comment by Margaret — June 26, 2008 @ 7:01 pm

 

72. Reply to Rich
    You are absolutely right, money was diverted to other areas, don’t just let the “crooks” to walk away.

    Comment by one victim — June 26, 2008 @ 8:22 pm

 

73. If you buy off the rack. You dont have to claim the credit card. Usually when my customers bought off the rack I would insist on cash or cheque. Then they take the items from my stock and I would hhen buy more stock . Thats probably what you Coordinator did. You dont have to claim the card . I hope she is not a member of my old unit the winners circle. I thought we were all professional women

    Comment by excoordinator — June 26, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

 

74. I really dont believe all this is happening I am beginning to think I am in a dream or a saop opera and cant get out of it .
    What do you all think . As a matter of interest has any one been contacted by their manager . And who got that email from Lea Keeping re the new company .

    Comment by excoordinator — June 26, 2008 @ 8:37 pm

 

75. Margaret - If you have the clothes you paid for with the credit card, then do not make the claim. Your poor coordinator probably had her profit from your credit card purchase held in trust by Weekenders. Although this is unfortunate for her, you should not be involved since you did receive what you paid for. Your coordinator need to take this up with legal authorities, not you. Please don’t blame her, though. She is most likely desparate for her funds that Weekenders has held up. Thanks for your kindness and understanding; I was a coordinator and understand how desparate all the coordinators are right now.

    Comment by Cyndi — June 26, 2008 @ 8:39 pm

 

76. A downline reports: 1. Ordered clothes 6/8/2008. 2. Bank account debited 6/10/2008. 3. Clothes not delivered. 4. Bank officer says federal regulations (U.S.) allow 60 days from date of activity to file a dispute with the bank for ACH activity. 5. The form must be processed within 10 days and a letter of notification sent to the person filing the complaint. 6. CA law may be different — check with your bank.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 27, 2008 @ 5:54 am

 

77. [...] it was another crazy week with more unanswered questions related to Weekenders going out of business. While more and more distributors have begun selling their wares on eBay and Craigslist to recoup [...]

    Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » Week in Review: Weekenders Bankrupt or Just out of Biz?; Nutrilite Hits $3B in Sales; USANA Not Helping Efforts to Go Private — June 27, 2008 @ 7:41 am

 

78. Margaret

    I agree with Cyndi. Its not that the co-ordiantor is asking you to fraudualntly make a claim.What happens usually when a buyer uses a credit card to purchase clothing from a co-ordiantors stock or rack ( these are better handeled by cash or cheque) is that the payment always gets made directly to Weekenders, then the coordinator gets a credit from weekenders in her Weekender account. But since Weekenders has abruptly closed thier doors on customers as well as coordinators ..everyone is left shortchanged in some manner.
    Best to contact the coordinator and just say that the credit card company can not refund based on the fact that you already have your product reguardless of how the arrangement was made. Its unfortunate , basically Weekenders gets paid for clothing that the coordinator who sold them to you has already paid for. So Weekenders got paid twice, as the coordiantor ends up with nothing…
    Hope this helps.

    Comment by Rich — June 27, 2008 @ 9:12 am

 

79. Dear “excoordinator”
    I would not be so harsh on fellow coordinators. I do not believe in this instance the coordinator is intentionally asking a buyer to fraudlantly make a claim. Righ now there is a lot of confusion and the best we can do is to inform and encourage one another.I think its a bit smug of you to single out your unit..don’t you?
    Lets anwser the questions as best we can without adding any hurtful comments towards coordinators, who I believe have all worked from the best ethical principals…direct your personal comments towards the keyholders that made this tradgedy happen.
    Thank You

    Comment by Rich — June 27, 2008 @ 9:22 am

 

80. I wonder have anyone heard from our canadian Managers. I have heard nothing since the new companys email that came from Lia Keeping??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Comment by anyry coordinator — June 27, 2008 @ 9:11 pm

 

81. I am a customer in canada. My coordinator told me that we was refunding all our money. But it would take her some time as she is still selling off her stock.
    I feel so bad for her as she is a single mum with 2 kids and she don’t have that kind of money. My order was very small. But my presentation sales was over 1000.00.
    I think we need to all pray for all the people involved in this right down from Managment to coordinators. I hust found his site I feel bad for you all

    Comment by Marina — June 28, 2008 @ 9:49 am

 

82. correction my coordinator said that she would refund all our money sorry typo

    Comment by Marina — June 28, 2008 @ 9:52 am

 

83. MARINA

    I know all co-ordinators are doing thier best in light of what the upper management did to them. Its understanding customers like you who we need to support us in this time of struggle. As of today I have still yet to hear any official posting of bankruptcy and I am going to be filling a formal complaint with a concern about fraud to the RCMP. I will be posting a web site up for all ex coordinators and managers who feel that they have been defrauded of thier livelyhood and product or commissions as well as a section for customers.It will be designed to collect a petition that we can forward to the BBB as well as a common site that the RCMP, Gov’t Agencies and or legal council can use as an information gathering tool to validate all of our legitimate claims and concerns about potentially fraudulant practices that have been carried out against coordiantors, customers and managers. I will advise when this is available as I am seeking legal advice in this matter and looking into a legal trust fund that people can contribute to further the investigation. Unless of coarse we hear of an official legitimate claim of bankruptcy, then right now as it stands its just plain fraud.

    Comment by Rich — June 28, 2008 @ 4:52 pm

 

84. On behalf of all coordinators out there I would like to thank you for what you are doing.
    I personally did not really lose much as I was not working that hard at my business. But I knew quite a few coordinators in my unit who are suffering now. Another thing I dont know if a lot of them know you are there to help and have been helping all this time.
    I have not heard from anyone at all not even our manager I find that very disturbing

    Comment by Shocked angry coordinator — June 28, 2008 @ 7:08 pm

 

85. Reply Rich
    I will be the next to file a formal complaint with a concern about fraud to RCMP.
    Victims can contact 613-993-7267 for local RCMP.

    Comment by one victim — June 28, 2008 @ 7:17 pm

 

86. US Victims: If you send a registered letter requesting payment of anything, commissions, cash balances, refunds, it will be REFUSED by someone at Weekenders. This tells us:
    1. Someone is working in the U.S. with instructions to refuse registered letters.
    2. No legitimate business refuses registered letters.
    3. KEEP RECEIPTS showing delivery refused. Bankruptcy court may require these.
    4. Any competent business lawyer can research filings in all U.S. course, but IT WILL COST YOU.
    5. The phony website is still up — apparently to create the illusion for creditors that the company exists.
    6. be sure to dispute all charges for undelivered merchandise — banks are reluctant to do this, but they must comply within the law with your wishes.
    7. If you had direct deposit of commissions, etc., or if you ever authorized withdrawals from your bank accounts by WE, you may want to freeze these accounts. Don’t let the bank tell you they can’t do it.
    8. This is the end of it, as far as I am concerned. Next scene: the courtroom. I wish our CA compatriots good luck with the RCMP.

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 30, 2008 @ 7:10 am

 

87. What should we do in canada. the same thing. I dont know if my sister coordinators even know this is going on. I have heard nothing from any one not even my sponser.
    I dont know what to do .

    Comment by Shocked angry coordinator — June 30, 2008 @ 8:15 am

 

88. have weekenders actually filed for bankrupsy if not can they just stop all operations and leave us with no orders and no money from our accounts. And supposedly start a new company in canada . Im flabbergasted

    Comment by Shocked angry coordinator — June 30, 2008 @ 8:20 am

 

89. Reply to Shocked angry coordinator,

    Yes, In Canada the RCMP has a line that people can call to complain about business practices that may not be ethical. Call any co-ordiantors you can reach and if they have e-mail/internet send them the link to this web site forum.

    The more respond the better.

    Comment by Rich — June 30, 2008 @ 9:30 am

 

90. Just in case you thought DSA would help, see below. Apparently if you wish to break DSA rules, all you do is withdraw and THEN break the rules.
    Dear xxxxx,
    Thank you for recently submitting your Code of Ethics complaint. Unfortunately, the complaint you filed is against a company that is not an active member of DSA and is no longer in business, so there is nothing our association or Code of Ethics administrator can do to intervene on the situation. We would advise you seek counsel to resolve your complaint.

    Please let us know if we may be of any further assistance.
    Regards,
    Karen

    Karen E. T. Garrett
    Manager, Marketing & Publication Services
    Direct Selling Association
    1667 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
    Washington, DC 20006-1660

    Comment by Dis Gruntled — June 30, 2008 @ 10:12 am

 

91. I have to admit - I really dont know much about bankruptcys & closing the doors to a company. - I do know - that I am very upset about this. I have worn Weekenders clothes for 7-8 years. And I do know I am going to miss them.
    I dont understand how someone closes their doors & takes other people’s money - & also takes peoples clothes - without thinking twice. - How do these people sleep at nite. It amazes me. - We might see or hear it - but whoever was to blame for this - their day will come. - That I am sure of.

    Comment by upset — June 30, 2008 @ 1:13 pm

 

92. Shift our money
    Did anyone know Weekenders Clearance Sales in Charlotte NC. Is Emilio still shifting our money from the sales. Who can check the company registration of Etela Inc. in US.

    Comment by Poor little — June 30, 2008 @ 5:57 pm

 

93. I am (was) a coordinator that placed an order June 8th, money was pulled from my account the 9th, no clothes received.
    I have filed a report with the BBB in Chicago. I filed mine as goods not received & requested a refund of the order and my $43 in credit.
    BBB in Chicago should be inundated with complaints because the following is what BBB Chicago has to say about Weekenders!

    “Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the BBB. To have a Satisfactory Record with the BBB, a company must be in business for at least 12 months, properly and promptly address matters referred to it by the BBB, and be free from an unusual volume or pattern of complaints and law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct. In addition, the BBB must have a clear understanding of the company’s business and no concerns about its industry

    The BBB processed a total of 0 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.”

    Comment by really pissed — June 30, 2008 @ 6:37 pm

 

94. Dear “really pissed”,

    I Agree, All co-ordinators and customers who have read these posts and have experienced a financial loss because of the actions of certian Weekender top brass, SPREAD THE WORD! Talk to your customers and fellow co-ordinators. Have them call the local BBB in thier area, flood the local newspapers and get the word out! If people have e-mail and internet access have them post what has happened to them here! The Web site will be up very shortly. Together voices are heard, separated they are but a whisper! Hey all ex-Weekender managers out there…where are you ? Have you not been shorted of your commissions and livelyhood? We need to hear your voices too!
    SPREAD THE WORD !!
    Thank You

    Comment by Rich — July 1, 2008 @ 5:21 am

 

95. Personally, I don’t think the BBB will do any good. Basically all the BBB does is keeps a database of their “paid members” & keeps reports of consumers making complaints. And if your merchant is one of their paid memberships they will forward your complaint to the merchant for the merchant to comment on. If the merchant comments & you are now satisfied, it keeps them from getting a “bad mark” it shows they were able to come upon an agreement with the consumer. If Weekenders has went out of business or whatever the case, they could care less what BBB has on their reports. BBB can not make them pay anyone back, BBB doesn’t hold their bank accounts or anything else.

    Unfortunately, if you did not use your credit cards to easily recover your money incase of a loss like this one; you may be out of luck. It will probably cost you more in legal fees & time than it is to just count your loss goodbye or wait for a class action suit. If they truly filed Bankruptcy, I would think each person involved with the company would receive a letter from the Bankruptcy Atty stating do not call them for collections, ect but to contact the Atty if you have a loss; since that hasn’t happened yet, again, I think you may have to take it as a learning experience.

    Comment by Tria — July 1, 2008 @ 5:44 am

 

96. Reply to Tria

    Fundamentally I agree with the BBB response. However just because the BBB does not have the authority to do anything a complaint should be filed, as this would be one of the areas that any investigation would look into.
    I do not agree entirely about your comment”I think you may have to take it as a learning experience”. Yes, this is a learning experience, so is everything else we do in life. So what are you truly saying? Should all corodiantors just roll over on this one and let the people that took thier money just walk away, with no accountability whatsoever? I find that unnacceptable and I am sure many ex-Weekender ladies who counted on this as thier lively-hood or to make ends meet, or even as a ability to become self-employed may not agree with you.
    I do value your opinion, however I do not believe that this should be treated so lightly as this may very well be constituted as fraud as NO file for bankruptcy has yet been made public knowledge.

    If Weekenders has truly gone bankrupt, then there is closure, but as this stands I see this in my opinion equivalet to rape but fromm a financial point of view. I would find it most difficult to just stand by or turn away and say this does not bother me.If you had to face someone who just put thier savings into a pack of clothes only to find out that shortly afterwards the company has basically given all the “finger” and said thanks for you money, there will be no compensation, we will be basking in the sun, eating lobster and enjoying all the money we collected knowing well in advance of plans to close the business…hmmm I am sorry but this is NOT over. On behalf of all those ladies and thier families who put thier heart and soul and financial committment into Weekenders deserve closure of some sort. An awnser thats official and not formed by sheer speculation. They deserve to know.
    Respectfully
    Rich

    Comment by Rich — July 1, 2008 @ 6:55 am

 

97. Question to Rich
    What should we do next ?

    Comment by co-ordinators — July 1, 2008 @ 7:32 am

 

98. Reply to “co-ordinators ”
    Call local BBB,go to the DSA web site. File a complaint. File a complaint with the RCMP, they have a web site. I think I provided the link in a previous post to this site. Write your local newspaper ( can do this online ) letter to the editor…I will be posting the web site soon where people can write in. But don’t wait, spread the word, the more the local agencies get in calls, letters and e-mails the better…
    And you may ask yourself..is it worth it…it sure is. Untill there is a formal anouncement of bankruptcy then its just all speculation, no fact. The fact is that 1,000 of customers and coordiantors are now left with no $$ or product…thats the only true fact so far.
    Thank You
    Rich

    Comment by Rich — July 1, 2008 @ 3:27 pm

 

99. Has anyone considered that when we pay for an order (either by credit card, Direct Deposit, or using a credit) we are not only paying for the product (clothing) less commission, but for shipping and state taxes. How about contacting our state representatives, senators and secretary of state? Don’t you all think that they would be interested? Don’t you think that they are not only equipt to fight for our rights, but that it is actually their jobs?

    Comment by Maryanne — July 1, 2008 @ 5:11 pm

 

100. will it take 100 comments

     Comment by donna — July 3, 2008 @ 10:43 am

 

101. So quiet in 2 days, is the web still working.

     Comment by co-ordinators — July 3, 2008 @ 1:38 pm

 

102. [...] amongst friends and family - and even meet new people. For those that are still dealing with the Weekenders mess and the lack of information, please know that we are continuing to follow this story and get to the [...]

     Pingback by MLM News - OpTree » Happy 4th of July To Everyone! — July 3, 2008 @ 3:55 pm

 

103. More Interesting info..here is an e-mail correspondence from the US sister managers..
     “Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 6:17 PM
     Subject: news from the weekender US managers

     I’m pretty connected to our US sister managers, and I feel that you should have all the info that I get…

     Just heard……………… this will rot your socks…what happened to our wonderful company…..I’m so sad…………..

     Our orders and all remaining stock were sold off at 80% off last weekend at the warehouse in the US.

     So we will absolutely NOT be getting any items.

     Secondly, the existing mill that made our v/s knit fabric was sold to the son of one of the owners who will be providing any necessary fabrics for the Debbie/Lia company that is being proposed… and the new company will go ahead with that program and that ownership.”

     Again, you judge it for yourself..all we can do is put the puzzle pieces together as the info trickles in….

     Comment by Rich — July 3, 2008 @ 5:35 pm

 

104. Rich - please re-read my post #53. I don’t believe the Spring/Summer 2008 orders were sold at the Clearance sale, since I was THERE. I saw what was for sale, and the vast majority of it was the Fall/Winter 2007 garments.

     There were a very few Spring/Summer garments there, but not enough to look like any orders - no matching pieces and what was there mostly was all the same item - very doubtful that any orders were in there. Wouldn’t they be all different colors and styles instead of the same thing?

     Just be careful with hearsay. A lot of rumors are circulating about. Since I was there, I know different.

     Comment by Cyndi — July 3, 2008 @ 7:07 pm

 

105. Has anyone followed the instructions of some of the Canadian managers, and sent a registered letter to Weekenders at 29 East Wilmot Street requesting their money from Credit on Account? If so, was the letter returned to you, or have you just not heard back at all?

     Comment by Patricia — July 4, 2008 @ 5:50 am

 

106. Cindy ~ I agree with you, this was an e-mail that was sent to my wifes manager from a very reliable source that wishes to remain anonymous at this time. However, at this stage I agree, it seems unusual that this whole situation has been so well kept out from the radar…unusual that no formal file for banlruptcy has been made public, especially when creditors are involved…
     Also why have we seen no response from managers…only coordiantors…hmmm oh well, time will tell.
     Thanks

     Comment by Rich — July 4, 2008 @ 10:21 am

 

107. I filed an ACH dispute claim with my bank, BB&T
     (Virginia) and my claim was honored and my direct debit amount refunded.

     I sent the following email to the Illinois State Attorney General to the address I found on the internet. I sent it June 24, 2008 and haven’t heard. I will next send it to the Attorney General of the State of Virginia.
     Feel free to copy it and send it to the Attorney General of Your State. I don’t know the equivant office if you are in Canada.

     http://www.ag.state.il.us/consumers/ is the website for the Attorney General of Illinois

     I hope you can help me and other managers & coordinators. WeekendersUSA, based in Vernon Hills, IL, with affiliates in Canada, England, Netherlands etc “ceased operations on June 9, 12pm EST” with no warning and no word since.

     No one seems to be able to find any evidence they have filed for bankruptcy.

     The wording in quotes appeared on some of the websites and none of us have had any official word as to what happened or what to expect.

     This clothing company has been in the US since 1988, and has always treated us fairly.

     Now, orders have been placed, money has been taken with no merchandise sent and no reason to believe it will be sent; we are out monies in credit on account and commissions for May and the first 8 days of June. I will need to refund my customer the money out of my personal savings.

     She would rather have the clothes she ordered.

     We have absolutely no official word and the websites now say “Site temporarily unavailable due to technical issues.

     We apologize for any inconvenience” while the customer website is up and operating like nothing is wrong http://www.weekendersusa.com

     I am hoping you can investigate and maybe give me/us something official

     Thank you so much for your time

     Comment by Angela Herring — July 5, 2008 @ 9:38 am

 

108. Good Info Angela

     Here is a link ( Canada ) to the Ontario, to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

     http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/Contact/STEL01_045739.html

     Comment by Rich — July 5, 2008 @ 7:25 pm

 

109. Also for all Canadian folks…Better Business Bureau links..

     http://ccbbb.ca/search_ontario.cfm

     Comment by Rich — July 5, 2008 @ 7:31 pm

 

110. Will some one please tell me who is Dabbie ?
     aS in Lia /Debbie

     Comment by ithoughtful — July 5, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

 

111. I am reading all of this for the first time even though I have known about the closing from the beginning. I also have seen alot of the information as it was passed on to me via various sources. I just want to know what steps to take to recoup my money. It just amazes me how fraudulent this all is. No Bankruptcy? I always thought that was for their protection to ward off creditors. Do you suppose there will be no bankruptcy because of trying to start new ventures? They are hoping that we just act like the sheep we tend to be and do nothing while they get away with defrauding thousands of women. It is time to fight back and get what is rightfully ours. There is no way I want MY money being used by THEM to start a new venture! Otherwise give me ownership too. It’s our money they are using. Charge them interest too! It all sounds too freakin weird that there is no bankruptcy filed yet.

     Comment by E.Marie K. — July 5, 2008 @ 9:19 pm

 

112. It gets worse!
     Apparently
     J Berkovic can’t work his email and hasn’t been able to get help with it for the last three weeks. Hire a high school kid, Jan. Too bad he missed out on the call that was dumped on Julie Mucha.
     communications are to consultants, managers are left out in the cold, unless hooked up with former officers. Shame on you George. US managers have yet to receive any written explanation for the confiscation of the commissions and funds on account or back ordered goods.
     they think we’re dumb enough to travel to NC to buy clothes we already paid for.
     they think we don’t have attorneys
     “they” include former and present owners and former and present officers of the company.
     Since Gentry Mills and its holding company are in NC, suggestion that we pursue litigation through the NC attorney general are probably most appropriate.

     Comment by Dis Gruntled — July 6, 2008 @ 10:09 am

 

113. Here is the website for “Gentry Mills” — http://www.gentryknit.com . This is the company from which Weekenders proportedly received the fabric to manufacture their garments. They appear to have locations in Toronto and in North Carolina. In Toronto, they are located at 299 Dynamic Drive in the east end of Toronto, not too far from the head office of Weekenders Canada. (about 15 km away). If Gentry was owned by the same holding company that owned Weekenders, it might be possible to go after them — or at least stop them from wreaking any further damage on innocent co-ordinators by starting up some new MLM business and attempting to suck in more victims. Has anyone affiliated with Weekenders in Toronto taken a ride over to this location to see what is actually happening in that building? BTW, so sorry to all those who were affected.

     Comment by End of Weekenders — July 6, 2008 @ 12:05 pm

 

114. One more piece of info — check out this Industry Canada website for registered Canadian Corporations: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?lang=eng&app=1&prtl=1&sbPrtl=&estblmntNo=123456142673&profile=cmpltPrfl

     It appears that Gentry’s location and mail address is actually that of Weekenders. So perhaps it is true that the “new” opportunity that is being hyped to former Weekenders sales reps is just a re-packaging of the old Weekenders. This is definitely something to be brought to the attention of government authorities.

     Comment by End of Weekenders — July 6, 2008 @ 2:27 pm

 

115. It is sad that we depend on this site as our source of news. My manager was out of the country when shit hit the fan & quickly jumped ship to another product w/ several Sr. Mngrs!
     I sent a letter to the Weekenders HQ outlining my credit on account, dedicated $, and unfilled order values. Same info went to Chicago BBB (which still showed them in good standing).
     Imagine my surprise to get the following email over the holiday from George Raynault:
     “Hello Coordinators
     We have received permission from our secured creditor to run a warehouse sale of all inventory at the Wadesboro location.
     It includes all remaining inventory for Spring/Summer 07, Fall/Winter 07 and
     Spring/Summer 08.

     Cash & Carry only as we are not set-up to process credit cards.

     Prices & Categories…
     (obscenely low so I didn’t copy)…

     COME AND GET IT !! Call your friends who live close and get them to buy for you!
     Sale runs from :
     Monday July 7 to Friday July 11th
     Hours 10am to 5pm
     AND
     Monday July 14 to Fr