News News News!

Last week was Close to My Heart's annual convention, and many exciting new products and program updates were revealed! I wasn't able to attend, but had many friends there who made sure the rest of us got the scoop! I'm not revealing any new products right now, but there are a few exciting tidbits I can share!

Retiring Colors!

Colors retiring (all from the Summer palette):
Clover Meadow
Hydrangea
Orange
Star Spangled Blue
Bubblegum
Citrus Leaf
Ocean
Watermelon

New Colors:
Smoothie- a salmon-ish pink
Pear- a less-neon version of Citrus Leaf
Sky- a light blue
Sunset- orange with a hint of pink
Lagoon- a light teal
Pacifica- a teal-ish version of Star Spangled Blue
Cotton Candy- darker pink, but not super bright
Gypsy- a lighter version of Hydrangea
(disclaimer- I'm working from a picture, so my descriptions may be off:)

The retiring colors' products, available until supplies run out, are: cardstock, stamp pads, markers, and reinkers. In the combo packs and sets they'll be replaced with the new colors. :)

Online Parties!
Virtual gatherings thru EZInvite! Online anytime - meaning you can have online gathering in your home WITHOUT having an actual party! The hostess rewards will kick in after orders or more totaling $150 or more. Starting October 1st, 2010.

And speaking of hostessing . . .
Improved Hostess Rewards
NOW you can get 50% discount on ONE item when your gathering total hits $250 (used to be $350). Begins September 1, 2010.

Improved Shipping!
We're switching from UPS to Fed-Ex, who has longer shipping hours and Saturday delivery. Shipping prices are expected to drop. :)

New Payment Method
I can now apply your credit/debit card directly to your order, instead of having to use mine. That hopefully means I can collect all $ faster on parties and less wait for everyone.

Customized Consultant Kits!
All who sign up will receive a Business Essentials kit (order forms, catalogs, invitations, etc.). PLUS you get to pick 3 "Choose Me" bundles to include (6 to choose from), and can even purchase the remaining three bundles for just $40 each if you'd like. Price of the kit is $129 with retail value over $400. Shipping cost varies. Begins August 1, 2010.

Idea Book/Catalog Change
Catalogs will now be released twice (semi-annual) a year instead of 3 times(tri-annual). Release months will be February and August, starting in February 2011. Catalogs will also be 24 pages longer- no products will be left out. :)

Studio J Update
Coming Soon: Studio J will have Memberships to sell with GREAT Benefits:
1) Hostesses get credit for membership sales
2) Customers earn campaign rewards
Under the Membership Studio J Members will save 50% on layouts...That is $6.50 per 2-page layout. AWESOME!!!!! Members also get high resolution for printing and archiving and low resolution for E-mailing and online sharing. And Jpegs!!!

But wait there are more options!!! There is a discounted 5-Pack that is great for gifting and good as an ideal "Try Me". There is a page in our upcoming idea book that covers all of these features, clearly explaining the benefits to customers.

. . . and that's all for now! Can't give too much away! Later gator! :)