The LBB changes are detailed on LBB's Tumblr page here: LBB TUMBLR, and they are so massive that they are still being ironed out (at least it appears that way since LBB has made some confusing statements more than once) but here are the basics as I understand them:
-The $29.99 and $49.99 bags are gone. From now on you click on an item you wish to open with and you'll be informed how much it will cost you to open with said item (items still get "stylist picks" as well). LBB says that bags will be starting as low as $11.99. The Little Black Bag cost will now vary more than it ever has. One example opener: The Elise Hope Croc Hobo ($90 retail) has a quoted opener of $49.95 (your purse plus two stylist picks.) If you pick a pricier purse, it can be much more. For example the 33rd & MAD by Koret Croc Flap Over Satchel($128 retail) has a quoted opener price of $74.95 (total package retail value of $174.) Prior to this change, we would see purses in the $100 to $128 range in the opening gallery all the time....for $49.95, and the bags would have total retail value of $175-$200. So yes, if you like the more expensive purses you'll be paying a lot more.
If you like jewelry, for example, the Jessica Simpson Leaf Cuff (retail value $42), you get an opener of $31.95 (item plus stylist pick or picks). It appears total bag values are not fantastic. The last example, the Jessica Simpson cuff, gives you the whole package valued at just $69. Most LBB-ers can remember opening $30 bags with retail values much closer to $100 before this change. Not certain if ALL bag values will be worth less retail, or whether it just seems that way right now.
-Now that bags are all different prices, everybody has a full 7 days of trading time.
-The new model LBB has a monthly charge: $9.95 per month. In exchange for that you will be given $10 merchandise credit in your account (yes, a nickel for free). You may use it or let it accumulate from month to month.
-If you want to skip a month, you have from the 1st to the 5th of the month to do so. If you do not skip by midnight on the 5th, you'll be charged $9.95 on the 6th of the month.
There are also some significant changes to returns and exchanges.
-Little Black Bag is calculating exchange credit as follows: The retail value of the item you are exchanging and the total retail value of your bag will be used to create an exchange percentage.
Retail of the total bag divided by the retail of the item. For example, if the retail value on your necklace is $40 and the entire retail value on your bag is $120: That gives you a total value of 1/3 of the bag being necklace value. That converts into a percentage, 33.3 percent.
That exchange percentage will then be multiplied by the total amount that you paid for the entire LBB. In this example, if you paid $49.95 for the total, your exchange credit will come out to be... $16.63. When being applied to gift bags, your exchange credit will be calculated based on the bag of the person it was gifted from. When being applied to any item you purchased via "Add to Bag" you'll get a credit for exactly what you paid for it.
-If you return an item you will be charged restocking fees for every item. $1.95 for each item you return. This applies to returns only.
-Once you have your exchange credit, you get to choose what you want to use it for. In the past system, LBB would automatically assign you items in that price range.
Shipping has the following alterations:
-Anytime you add an item to your bag will raise your shipping price from .49 up to .99. Keep this in mind for those times you're adding on a lot of small items because this will add up!
So, basically what is changing? Nearly everything. It will probably impact everything from opening to Little Black Bag trading to shipping. It's pretty confusing, but these are the basics as I understand them at this time. But if you love LBB for the fun of shopping online, trading, and getting nice bags and accessories for a discount, you can still enjoy all of that. Be sure to read over all the rules and regulations before you get started, and then have fun!
You can sign up for LBB here: Little Black Bag
There is a big backlash from customers about this VIP program--it is not well liked. Look up makeup alley's post about the changes or on FB check out the boycott group. I had great experiences with Little Black Bag before these changes hit. No complaints. In fact, I was ready to rave about how great they were. They did a lot to damage their credibility with this new 'program' and they changed way too much way too fast. Just wanted to spread the word. I'm not trying to tell anyone 'don't order from them,' but I do think it is only fair to inform everyone that they will probably want to investigate and read the small print before placing an order.
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