Wow! Yesterday I received an email from Making Memories that really surprised me! Consumers can now shop the Making Memories website directly and receive the manufacturer’s wholesale discount.
Whoah! In addition, for a limited time, you can receive an additional 20% discount by entering the code SHOPMM at checkout. For example, a stamp set that retails at your favorite retailer for $4.99 can be purchased now via the Making Memories website for just $2.50. With the extra 20% discount, your cost is reduced to just $2.00. That’s incredible!
What do you think about this move by Making Memories?
I’m really torn on this one! As a consumer, I love it and will probably take advantage of it! But as a “cheerleader” for the industry, I worry about how this will impact the independent stores. Surely they won’t be able to carry Making Memories anymore, right? And what if other manufacturers go this route?
By the way, I know from comments received via the poll we’re running right now that some of you think I shouldn’t chime-in with my own two cents like this. Hmmm…. I’m torn on that one too 
Why shouldn’t you “chime in” with your comments? This is your creation, right? So folks just need to get over it!
MCF’s Mimi
comments? ummmmm…. your blog, comment away!!
I share your torn feelings. Great for the consumer but I’m curious also what it will do to the LSS. I’m sure MM is well aware of where their sales are coming from (LSS vs. their website) so perhaps there is some strategy behind this that will benefit the stores as well.
Hmmmm…this IS very peculiar! Wonder if they are looking to make a move? Wonder if it has to do with Michael’s not carrying much of their products anymore. Not that you can put all your eggs in one basket, but if more manufacturers follow suit this WILL be the end of the LSS!
Comment as much as you want – your blog your opinion. I like others opinions, even if we don’t share the same view point. It’s another perspective. I personally don’t think it’s a smart idea to sell wholesale to everyone. What’s the point? I’m not a store owner, but this just doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m a supporter of the LSS’s, and don’t want to see more go under if this becomes a trend.
It looks like MM is offering a limited selection of items from a Warehouse Sale; it’s not their entire inventory, just merchandise that they need to move out. The s/h, esp to Hawaii LSSs, would be more than the cost of the items. Great deals if you like what’s available.
I don’t see any recent MM products. I don’t think it will be an issue for most… looks like an online warehouse sale to me
Well, I went and looked at the site.. unless they get new items and carry along the prices for them, they wont make much money imho! Everything for sale is old product, I’ve seen the same prices elsewhere..
Don’t chime RING A BELL! The LSS is dying quickly and if they survive it is becuase it is a passion and hobby – there is NO WAY for them to SURVIVE all these daily bargain stores (who I think personally are the paper Manufacters stores to clear out excess) why would the LSS even consider buying some of these products anymore (My Minds Eye ) for example once is is 6 months old then reprinted and sold at hobby lobby?
AS sad as it is Graphic 45, Bo Bunny, My Minds Eye is now at Hobby lobby in pads of 12×12 or the same store kits- when will the shoppers buy it? Half off or 40% off coupon — look at Joanns DCWV on sale almost weekly at 50% or you have a coupon — As a previous store owner it was very hard to decide on what to buy – the ecomony stinks, but the shoppers are still buying just stand in line at at Michaels or Joanns, Hobby Lobby any day of the week – but the service stinks , the stores are a mess, and just ask them for help or how to do something, a donation for fuction? DING DONG – I think I hear a BELL NOW!
As a LSS owner, I’m not happy with companies that offer direct sales on their websites… Times are very tough for the LSS and I have a hard time supporting companies that do business this way. BUT I totally understand when they offer warehouse type sales to clear out old product. Especially when it’s old product that they probably already offered to the LSS owners at huge discounts previously. It looks to me like MM is offering clearance products at this point, let’s hope it stays that way!
You all make great points here! Yes, I suppose if it’s just the older product being sold directly and at deep discount, then there’s no harm. It’s easier for us than having to scour every Big Lots or TM within driving distance to find our favorite MM oldies
Who said they don’t like you to post your opinion? Are you kidding me? It’s your blog, you started it and you run it. We as readers of your blog can post in the comments our opinion and move on.
Now that that’s said, I agree it looks like MM is just trying to sell off older lines to make room in their warehouse for newer stuff. Now when they start selling their newer lines this way, if I had an LSS I would stop carrying anything from them to send a message.