Sunday, 30 January 2011

Are Drac in a Box scammers?

I've being thinking about buying a net skirt recently, after some Googling I found myself on Drac in a Box again. I have viewed this site before and I was put off by the very high VAT, I once tried ordering a few items from them but the final total was extremely high. Plus I found their shipping prices and the waiting time very unappealing, they charge you upon order but this doesn't necessarily mean the product is ready. However while I researching the company I discovered mass amounts of negative information.

Majority of the reviews are negative or positive, it's very hit and miss. Here is a list of things I've read about this company:
  • Customers didn't receive the order even though they paid for it, including shipping.
  • Products arriving weeks late.
  • Slow responses, unless you threaten them with legal action.
  • General bad customer service.
  • Bad quality products.
  • Product described wrongly.
  • Wrong size product sent.
  • Don't refund the customer, despite the products been returned to them.
  • The company tries to bribe the customer with a gift voucher or free product upon complaint.

Also, they claim their products are made to order but to be frank I've seen some of their products on other websites. For a cheaper price and ready to be shipped. Don't assume everything on their website is personally made by them because it's not.

Reviews:
  • Dooyoo.
  • Review centre.
  • Kaboodle.
  • You can also read the comments below for negative reviews and feel free to share your experience here.
I am bemused that I almost checked out an order once. I wouldn't recommend this company and I suggest you give it a miss, please pass this information on.


Update!
I have recently being contacted by the new owner of Drac in a Box in the comment section of this post..

"Nicole Adams.
I have just taken over as the new owner of Drac-in-a-Box two weeks ago. I am very aware that the company used to have a bit of a bad reputation for not getting orders to costumers on time. I promise you all now, as the new owner, all orders will be shipped to costumers as soon as the order is received (unless the item is made to order then it will be shipped as soon as it is made). I am also working on dropping the prices as I know that currently the prices are far to high for the average goth.

I would be so, so grateful if you could remove this post about Drac-in-a-Box from your blog because it is hugely damaging the image of my new business. I'm sure you would agree that any new business owner deserves a chance to prove themselves.

Love and Darkness
Nicole"

My response:
"Thank you for contacting me with this new information, however I won't be removing this post. I stand by the reviews and my own opinion. It shouldn't be taken down and brushed under the carpet because of a new owner, this is the consequence of taking over a company that has treated its customers badly.

I understand that you may resent the reputation as the new owner but it is a reputation the company itself deserves, I'm glad you're making some changes though. I appreciate you asking kindly so I'll be rewriting the post to make it better quality and include that you're the new owner."

I stand by my response and everything I originally wrote, I haven't being contacted since.

Friday, 28 January 2011

Grumbling about the vintage trend.

Found via oldytimecats on Tumblr, original source.
A few years ago I could barely afford any clothing, let alone clothing that could match my desire of a gothic wardrobe. Charity shopping had a typical stuck up attitude and vintage clothing was a fairly underground alternative to the high street, it was cheaper and more unique. However since the mainstream "discovered" vintage the actual definition has gone down the pan. 

Even a well known high street shop called one of their lines Vintage in one of their adverts. No it's not vintage and the actual definition itself is too general to describe a whole lineUpon my recent trip to a charity shop I found Primark in the vintage section. It was a similar style of the 1930s but it blatantly wasn't vintage. I came to the conclusion that it was accidentally put there because I'm pretty sure that even the old till lady could have seen the Primark label inside of it.

These days vintage is used to describe the high street's spin on their latest line, it's such a vast word it could mean anything. Yes it's possible to get high street vintage (Marks and Spencers goes way back) but I'm afraid a Primark dress from 6 months ago doesn't count. More and more clothes are being sold under the "vintage" label because it's the latest thing, I was hoping it would disappear as quickly but they're still cashing in on vintage and those gullible trend followers. OMG this top is so unique because it's vintage, doncha know what that is? Yes I do and that's why I know that top is from New Look.

But it's not just the definition that's making my eyes roll, it's the damn prices as well. Vintage is rarely dirt cheap and I accept that, but I'm not okay with over pricing. Ever since businesses have realised that vintage is profitable and the new thing they began over pricing. I once saw a 1980s dress marked as 1940s, this could be a legit mistake but I have my doubts. You can call me a grumpy sceptic but I doubt that was an isolated incident. If it was a mistake it would still bother me, you shouldn't sell vintage as a business if you can't date vintage clothing accurately.

If I hear more one bimbo claiming her Topshop is vintage my eyes may fall out their sockets and simply roll away. In the meanwhile I'll quietly grumble to myself about it....

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Basic nail care.

Found via fuckyeahnails on Tumblr.
Always make sure that your nails are completely clean by using nail polish remover before a manicure. But first consider your varnish and your nails, for example nail polishes with acetone are better suited for natural nails. Apply a base coat before anything else, this will prevent stains appearing on your nails and your nail varnish will last longer. If you're applying a bright colour it helps to apply a bright white underneath to help it pop. After you've finished applying your nail varnish always add a top coat to prevent chipping and add shine, reapply every few days.


A nail file is a safe and easy way to shape your nail and remove splits, as long as you use the right type. The lower the number of the grits the more coarse the file will be. Acrylic nails needs a very coarse file, light acrylic prefers medium and natural needs fine or a file for shining. Always file in one direction because buffing back and forth can cause your nails to tear. Old files can be used to soften the edges of a new files, nobody likes to cut themselves when they're buffing their lovely nails.


Protect your nails from the inside by leading a healthy lifestyle, you should also consider what your environment could possibly be doing to your nails. Always wear gloves when exposed to any chemicals, specially if you're an art student. Massaging the cuticles everyday and adding a oil makes your nails stronger by improving circulation.

Monday, 17 January 2011

How to be a nice customer

Here are some tips to make your shopping trip better for all, my jobs (and other people's experiences) have shown me that some customers seriously need to check their manners. Working in retail or any other job that involves the public can be very enjoyable but some customers can really ruin the day. Please take what I say into consideration next time you go shopping.

Use your common sense.
There seems to be lack of this in some customers, it's not the workers fault if the snow has prevented deliveries and it's rude to eat food around the clothing. Just basic things such as these seems to go amiss. Don't yap on your phone while someone is attempting to serve you, it's rude.

Never, ever act aggressively or swear.
Not only will security be called but you'll most likely be kicked out of the shop and have your shopping confiscated. It never pays to be rude and it creates a horrible situation for the workers, even if you was in fact completely and utterly correct it doesn't exactly look good when you behaviour this way. You will lose all moral high ground and dignity.

Always be polite and walk a mile in their shoes.
However it does indeed pay to be polite, it gives a great impression and I'm far more willing to be help a friendly customer. It really makes people's day when you finally get a customer who you can not only have a bit of a giggle with but feel more relaxed around. I've given vouchers out at previous jobs to thank them for being so patient or being a loyal customer. Sometimes you'll receive bad news but remember it's very unlikely to be the workers fault, don't shoot the messenger and pity the poor person who had to tell you.

Ask the correct person about the subject.
If you're interested in a top but can't find your size you wouldn't go ask the security would you? It's vaguely annoying when I'm asked questions I simply can't answer because it's not my department, I want to help any customers possible but it makes me feel guilty when I have to um and er. If you have in fact asked the completely wrong person just say sorry and if you're not directed elsewhere then ask who would know, you're the customer and you're important to business so don't feel bad lovelies.

Be respectful of displays.
My friend works at Topshop and informed me that actually the clothes are stacked or displayed in size order, now I always make sure to put back correctly. If it's got a bit jumbled up then put it back next to the same or similar size. Please don't climb onto displays or take items off them, they're there to advertise a possible outfit with their products so if you're curious just ask. I admit I made a right boob recently, I took the bottom top out of a folded pile and the whole thing collapsed. Doh. If this happens to you then refold and stack in the right order again, if you don't have the time at least go and inform someone and apologise for the inconvenience.

Treat the clothing as your own.
Never stomp all over clothing or do anything you wouldn't do to your own clothing, the products are there to be sold and someone else may want to buy that item. Also, if you've damaged it enough some shops may make you pay for the item because they can no longer sell it.

Be nice to trainees.
It's very nerve racking at a new job, particularly one that deals with the public because you know that any mistakes you make can effect them negatively. Behaviour patiently and accept their embarrassed apologies, don't sigh and shuffle around because you'll make them sweat more than a contestant on Deal or No Deal. Lets face it that's not going to speed them up and probably make more mistakes.

Check opening and closing times.
It is unbelievably annoying when your shift has ended but you can't escape home because of one rude customer, most of the time you won't be asked directly but if I'm checking out the till or the cleaners are sweeping the floors then gtfo with all due respect.

I may have enjoyed my job and the interaction with the general public buton behalf of everyone who works with the public I ask you to let them focus on their jobs and be respectful. We don't just work for a pay check at the end of it, we also work to help you.

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