Much like everyone else, I attended a local bridal expo (in California) and my name was sold to Global Lifestyles. I received a call from a representative stating that I "won" a free trip. Knowing that I didn't enter the raffle for any of the vacation packages (since we already had the honeymoon set), I was immediately skeptical and after I got off the phone, I looked up the company. Okay, so despite the numerous reviews for Chefworld, my fiance and I decided to attend the presentation. Mainly because most of the reviews were basically that people received the call.... There were very few reviews of people that attended the presentation and of what happened after the presentation. So anyway, we were curious and wanted to check it out.
The presenter, Rick, was very fast-talking... not in a "hard salesy" kind of way... but a "I know you just came for the free vacation so let's get the presentation over with" kind of way. He was fast, efficient, and very funny! He's from New York and throughout the presentation he threw in some random, dry humor. He has been with the company since 1981 and he's always hated hard sales so he didn't try to push anything. He presented and after that he said "here is the info packets for your free gift. Enjoy your life." Point-being, we weren't pressured into buying anything.
Now, even though we weren't pressured, my fiance and I did end up buying the knife set. The waterless cookware is great but since my fi and I have a different living situation and aren't getting a place of our own anytime soon, we don't have an immediate need for any cooking sets. But since we cook everyday, we know the value of a good quality knife-set. His parents own a CutCo set, I grew-up with using a cheap knife set (so I can feel/see the difference in the tools), and my sister+bro-in law were gifted a nice knife-set from Bed, Bath, and Beyond (I think they said the set was like $600). By the way, the Chefworld knife-set was $710 (with tax and shipping). Point to all this... good quality knives cost a pretty penny.
The presentation was yesterday. We received the gift packet but didn't use anything yet. Once we do, I'll report our experience. If you have questions, you can email me at 1294113
The presenter, Rick, was very fast-talking... not in a "hard salesy" kind of way... but a "I know you just came for the free vacation so let's get the presentation over with" kind of way. He was fast, efficient, and very funny! He's from New York and throughout the presentation he threw in some random, dry humor. He has been with the company since 1981 and he's always hated hard sales so he didn't try to push anything. He presented and after that he said "here is the info packets for your free gift. Enjoy your life." Point-being, we weren't pressured into buying anything.
Now, even though we weren't pressured, my fiance and I did end up buying the knife set. The waterless cookware is great but since my fi and I have a different living situation and aren't getting a place of our own anytime soon, we don't have an immediate need for any cooking sets. But since we cook everyday, we know the value of a good quality knife-set. His parents own a CutCo set, I grew-up with using a cheap knife set (so I can feel/see the difference in the tools), and my sister+bro-in law were gifted a nice knife-set from Bed, Bath, and Beyond (I think they said the set was like $600). By the way, the Chefworld knife-set was $710 (with tax and shipping). Point to all this... good quality knives cost a pretty penny.
The presentation was yesterday. We received the gift packet but didn't use anything yet. Once we do, I'll report our experience. If you have questions, you can email me at 1294113
 Comments (7) |
| 1. Written by Faith on May 1, 2012 from newark, delaware, US Took the trip, you got scammed. My Husband and I went to Mexico last year all inclusive 5 star resort for 1599. I would never ever pay $1700 for air fare for a free trip!! |
| 2. Written by Crystal81 on January 15, 2012 from mission viejo, california, US This is an update to my post from 8 months ago... My husband and I still enjoy our knives. As previously stated, if you don't cook often and/or don't mind using a "Home Goods" set of knives or what not, then it's not necessary to spend $700+ for knives. I'm sure there is a whole slew of other things that could be done with the money. But with that said, my husband and I cook often and we definately appreciate sturdy, well-made knives. As far as the deals go, to be honest, we haven't taken advantage of the vacation deal so I can't offer a full assessment of the vacation deal. If anyone can post their experience, I'm sure it will be very appreciated. However, this vacation package is very similar to the one that is offered from the timeshare lectures (you know the ones you see at the fair/concert/sport stadium that offer a wine tasting, or trip to Hawaii etc). My sister and her husband took advantage of that vacation package... it had the same restrictions... and it worked out fine. There is a $100 security deposit but the deposit is refundable. Basically, the deposit is to ensure that that people (say, you and your future spouse) actually go on the vacation and don't book the space and end up not going. Then the money (from the resort's perspective) is lost because someone else could have potentially booked the room. So yes, there is a deposit but assuming you go on the vacation, you get the $100 deposit back. Plus you have to pay the hotel taxes and depending where you go, room tax is 10-18%. So in the end, is the vacation "free"... no, not really. But it is discounted significantly. - Note that the vacation deal is good for a year so if not used for your honeymoon than you can use it for your anniversary (or any other vacation). Also note the restrictions that dictate when you can go... travel is booked from Sunday through Wednesday only (so no weekend getaways), and you can't book the vacation during a holiday. If you don't want the vacation deal, you can get two tungsten rings; you just need to pay for shipping. My husband and I gave that offer to our friends because we already had rings picked out. They are quality rings. And you also get a coupon book... or actually, you get the offer to buy a coupon book for $5.00. I figured this is similar to the coupon book that Boy Scouts sell for fund raising but it's not. The coupons are bunk. Some are manufacturing coupons that you can get for free by going on a grocery store website. Other coupons are for only good for random, out-of-the-way locations. I can't think of anything specific right now but it's not convenient for me to use. Overall, my suggestion to the next couple that goes into the sales spiel is to first make a list of the things you need to pay for (be it for the wedding, or car payments, rent, utility bills, etc). If you feel that you need to buy something, leave the room to get some fresh air or use the bathroom or something. While out, look at the list you made and decide if you can afford to make payments. Remember, if you purchase something, you have 3 days to cancel the purchase. (This is by law in California - I'm not sure about other states) Good luck to you all! |
| 3. Written by Crystal81 on January 15, 2012 from mission viejo, california, US This is an update to my post from 8 months ago... My husband and I still enjoy our knives. As previously stated, if you don't cook often and/or don't mind using a "Home Goods" set of knives or what not, then it's not necessary to spend $700+ for knives. I'm sure there is a whole slew of other things that could be done with the money. But with that said, my husband and I cook often and we definately appreciate sturdy, well made knives. As far as the deals go, to be honest, we haven't taken advantage of the vacation deal so I can't offer a full assessment of the vacation deal. If anyone can post their experience, I'm sure it will be very appreciated. However, this vacation package is very similar to the one that is offered from the timeshare lectures (you know the ones you see at the fair/concert/sport stadium that offer a wine tasting, or trip to Hawaii etc). My sister and her husband took advantage of that vacation package... it had the same restrictions... and it worked out fine. There is a $100 security deposit but the deposit is refundable. Basically, the deposit is to ensure that that people (say, you and your future spouse) actually go on the vacation and don't book the space and end up not going. Then the money (from the resort's perspective) is lost because someone else could have potentially booked the room. So yes, there is a deposit but assuming you go on the vacation, you get the $100 deposit back. Plus you have to pay the hotel taxes and depending where you go, room tax is 10-18%. So in the end, is the vacation "free"... no, not really. But it is discounted significantly. - Note that the vacation deal is good for a year so if not used for your honeymoon than you can use it for your anniversary (or any other vacation). Also note the restrictions that dictate when you can go... travel is booked from Sunday through Wednesday only (so no weekend getaways), and you can't book the vacation during a holiday. If you don't want the vacation deal, you can get two tungsten rings; you just need to pay for shipping. My husband and I gave that offer to our friends because we already had rings picked out. They are quality rings. And you also get a coupon book... or actually, you get the offer to buy a coupon book for $5.00. I figured this is similar to the coupon book that Boy Scouts sell for fund raising but it's not. The coupons are bunk. Some are manufacturing coupons that you can get for free by going on a grocery store website. Other coupons are for only good for random, out-of-the-way locations. I can't think of anything specific right now but it's not convenient for me to use. Overall, my suggestion to the next couple that goes into the sales spiel is to first make a list of the things you need to pay for (be it for the wedding, or car payments, rent, utility bills, etc). If you feel that you need to buy something, leave the room to get some fresh air or use the bathroom or something. While out, look at the list you made and decide if you can afford to make payments. Remember, if you purchase something, you have 3 days to cancel the purchase. (This is by law in California - I'm not sure about other states) Good luck to you all! |
| 4. Written by Took the trip on October 12, 2011 from cleveland, ohio, US The presentation was impressive and we bought a grill pan that we love. It was over $400 but I know we will get our $ out of it. We took a the trip to Mexico and it was amazing. Still ended up around $1700 out of pocket (flight and all) but it was all-inclusive so any other option would have cost us at least that much. No regrets! |
| 5. Written by Joan on July 16, 2011 from newburgh, new york, US My daughter and het husband took their trip to Mexico and had a wonderful time |
| 6. Written by Loni on May 31, 2011 from newburgh, new york, US I used their passport to value membership....gift is legit. Also, Viva resorts is a terrific destination. |
| 7. Written by curious on May 28, 2011 from los angeles, california, US Thanks for sharing your story. I also attended a presentation by Rick in CA. Has anyone tried to redeem the free trip? I am trying to find reviews of someone who has actually gone on the trip (unless it is a scam). Any details would be greatly appreciated. |
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