3. Delays in communicating problems to investors
In terms of communicating these issues – and others – there were obviously instances where she was open and others were she wasn’t.
Personally, I do not fault her for her communication because when involved in any form of litigation, or even just trying to keep things above water, you are bound to fall short in some areas and at least there was some communication at the end of the day, in her email she spoke to her work and road blocks:
We have invested countless hours, energy, and money into this project and hate to see it suddenly come to a screeching halt. We know that so many of you have stood by us and encouraged us throughout each phase of this creative process; thus, it is important for us to be honest and transparent with you as we move forward.
Sorting through a matter as complicated as this could take several months, and we do not believe that it is reasonable to expect our investors to wait in uncertainty as we navigate this step in the process. Because of this, we have decided to provide ALL of our backers with a 100% refund.
Other issues include her online store being open potentially selling products that customers would never receive, and poor PR with regards to addressing the concerns of investors and customers. Again we are iffy on that, this situation will depend on some serious patience from investors who are affected and her store was eventually closed.
While we might feel for her situation, people are simply going to want their money back and in her email, Kelechi tried to explain how refunds were going to work so this part is very important:
How will refunds work? Unfortunately, we cannot refund directly through Kickstarter. In addition, Amazon does not let you manually refund after 60 days. We will be required to go through each individual transaction and document the associated transaction identification number in order to initiate a request for refund. An organized transaction list will be sent to Amazon weekly until all of the invested funds are returned. A corresponding email will be sent to each investor notifying them that the refund process has been initiated for their specific investment. The process is tedious, so we ask that you remain patient.
Please note that we have invested over ten thousand dollars of the Kickstarter funds in the developmental stages of this project. While Kickstarter does not mandate that lost funds be refunded, we however believe in doing what is right. In our opinion, that means making certain that each and every investment is honored and returned. Providing a refund to each investor means that we will have to absorb a hit for the initial money invested in the development and production as well as an additional 3% credit card fee. This is an act of goodwill.
Was this one big ole scam?
Personally I don’t think so; it is simply a deal that went bad – and the risk you take – when you garner a ton of investors. You are now obligated to every investor, every personality, and every need that they bring to the table, for helping you. With that said, the issues that are expressed online will vary from person to person.
The point is: make your own informed decision with the whole thing; we don’t want to create any unnecessary bias towards the company because frankly, what they did was pretty cool.
Kelechi ended the email with the following:
Please do not think that this is the end of CWK Girls, LLC. Thousands of you believed in our vision and that alone is motivation for us to push through this hurdle and continue to develop innovative products. We are committed to our curly, wavy, kinky* haired girls! Before moving forward, it is important for us to look back to say thank you for your investment, understanding, and continued support. We are grateful.
Best Regards,
Kelechi Bradley and the CWK Girls Team
So if you invested, watch this situation closely – I know we will.
Kourtney Boston says
Such a shame. :-/
Uhm No says
Lmbo
Tonya M. Jones says
Stuff happens. It’s business.
Lovail Burton says
It looks like a crimper roller thing that was popular in salons back in the day to put crimps and waves in the hair. Not saying the two are the same BUT it looks very similar. Older hairstylists will know what I’m talking about.
Poppie Pippins says
I’m an investor in this product. I would have preferred to wait a few more months to see if she could work out her patent/legal issues. If she’s able to move forward with her project, she might have trouble finding new investors the second time around. I don’t know much about patents, but shouldn’t you check to make sure there’s no patent infringment before you get investors and start production? Really bummed about this becuase I was really looking forward to using the plates. I do remember the crimping plates from the 80s.
Jokoya McLean says
How are u an investor?
Free Brown says
She is probably an investor the same way that I am. I gave them money to get started through Kickstarter. I am awaiting my refund but I so badly wanted to try the plates.
Dee Dee Priscilla Martin says
This idea is pretty interesting.
Toi Winner says
It is not easy to start a business or run a business. Remember to always do your homework and research.
Sheila Barker Harris says
Ppl want to b self employed but never want to do the necessary research. Then wonder why it failed.
Umm Juice Jugo says
Intisar Umm Saalih
Patricia Grundy Vann says
Mayada Kandaka Mannan.
Valeshia Reaun says
Sidney Williams
Lakeisha Glasper says
I wish people would help instead of being rude
Adrienne Bridges says
You cannot believe in everything you see .Don’t be no natural fool .
Jokoya McLean says
Wtf
Yolanda Hill says
Lol!! WTH is this crap! =-O
Samantha Stewart says
Someone didn’t do their research.
Charles Mack says
At least she is aspiring to be something so start over its OK. And good luck .
Dora King says
That’s because it’s not for African American hair. Smh!!!!!
Sara Hunt says
This is so sad 🙁
I wanted to see this happen…
Joy says
Where can i buy the striaght plates?