Scam or not?

linzg1150 · January 2012

I just recieved a call from bella bridal network telling me that I was "Chosen" out of the drawing from yesterdays bridal show to receive a gift package. All I had to do was attend a 90 min session for cookware. If I attended I would get a 3 day 2 night vacation to the Domincian republic and some other gift certificates for stationary, knive set etc... Has anyone gone to this... heard of this etc? I dont know if going tomorrow is worth my time even though I plan on not buying the cookware...I kind of just want to see if I really get a "free" vacation out of it.

Any comments??

smittojess88 · January 2012

I got calls similar to this when I attended bridal shows and was warned by others it's a scam.

GoBucksOH · January 2012

General rule of thumb - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

katiebean1 · January 2012

From what I have heard it is a very high pressure sales pitch.

gabriel0915 · January 2012

Definitely agree with PP, I got these too after attending a bridal show and they called all the time. I never responded and they would tell me I attended shows that I didn't go to (I only went to 1). Don't fall for it.

etalkie · January 2012

It's a scam... They won't let you leave till you buy some of their overpriced products. I had a friend who had to threaten to call the police because they wouldn't let her leave. She didn't get a trip.

GlamourGirl44 · January 2012

Its a sales pitch, I did go to one of these during my engagment period and you have to make a 1500 pots and pans purchase to get the 3 day vacation. At the vacation your required to go to a seminar where they sell time shares.
Hope that helps

EDGriggs · January 2012

The vacation package from Bella Bridal Network is absolutely legitimate and definitely not a scam. Unfortunately, anyone can post anything online, even people who have never attended a showcase. This is obviously the case here. I encourage anyone who has actually attended a Bella Bridal showcase to post a review. We do understand why there is some skeptism with the vacation giveaway. The reason we give the vacation away is simple, we want to advertise our business and showcase our products and bridal registry to you. We state that on the phone call as well. We hope some of the brides that attend, like what we have to offer. We know that some may not, and that is perfectfly fine. All selected brides that attend our showcase the travel 3 day 2 night travel package, a $25.00 Bella Gourmet gift card, and a certificate goof for 20% off Carlson Craft Invitations and more as seen on BellaBridalNetwork.com. I encourage anyone with questions to call 1-866-897-7676 and to always consider who you are getting information from and how much they actually know regarding the topic. I hope this help. Best wishes for a long and prosperous marriage to all!

EDGriggs · January 2012

The vacation package from Bella Bridal Network is absolutely legitimate and definitely not a scam. Unfortunately, anyone can post anything online, even people who have never attended a showcase. This is obviously the case here. I encourage anyone who has actually attended a Bella Bridal showcase to post a review. We do understand why there is some skeptism with the vacation giveaway. The reason we give the vacation away is simple, we want to advertise our business and showcase our products and bridal registry to you. We state that on the phone call as well. We hope some of the brides that attend, like what we have to offer. We know that some may not, and that is perfectfly fine. All selected brides that attend our showcase the travel 3 day 2 night travel package, a $25.00 Bella Gourmet gift card, and a certificate goof for 20% off Carlson Craft Invitations and more as seen on BellaBridalNetwork.com. I encourage anyone with questions to call 1-866-897-7676 and to always consider who you are getting information from and how much they actually know regarding the topic. I hope this help. Best wishes for a long and prosperous marriage to all!

EDGriggs · January 2012

The vacation package from Bella Bridal Network is absolutely legitimate and definitely not a scam. Unfortunately, anyone can post anything online, even people who have never attended a showcase. This is obviously the case here. I encourage anyone who has actually attended a Bella Bridal showcase to post a review. We do understand why there is some skeptism with the vacation giveaway. The reason we give the vacation away is simple, we want to advertise our business and showcase our products and bridal registry to you. We state that on the phone call as well. We hope some of the brides that attend, like what we have to offer. We know that some may not, and that is perfectly fine. All selected brides that attend our showcase the travel 3 day 2 night travel package, a $25.00 Bella Gourmet gift card, and a certificate goof for 20% off Carlson Craft Invitations and more as seen on BellaBridalNetwork.com. I encourage anyone with questions to call 1-866-897-7676 and to always consider who you are getting information from and how much they actually know regarding the topic. I hope this help. Best wishes for a long and prosperous marriage to all!

As a representative of Bella Bridal Network, I would also like to post the online defamation law. This is not to stop a legitimate customer or person who attended our showcase from posting, rather to encourage someone who really knows nothing about our business or its practices not to post until you have actually had an experience with us. We keep records of evry bride who attends one of our shows and there is not one who has submitted a post above, who has attended one of our shows.

I am sorry if I seem upset. I guess I am. One thing I can say about the Bella Bridal Netwrok is that we operate our business with integrity and professionalism. I realize some businesses may not, but that has nothing to do with us.

See The online Defamation Law below:

Online Defamation Law

The Bloggers' FAQ on Online Defamation Law provides an overview of defamation (libel) law, including a discussion of the constitutional and statutory privileges that may protect you.

What is defamation?

Generally, defamation is a false and unprivileged statement of fact that is harmful to someone's reputation, and published "with fault," meaning as a result of negligence or malice. State laws often define defamation in specific ways. Libel is a written defamation; slander is a spoken defamation.

What are the elements of a defamation claim?

The elements that must be proved to establish defamation are:

a publication to one other than the person defamed;
a false statement of fact;
that is understood as

a. being of and concerning the plaintiff; and
b. tending to harm the reputation of plaintiff.

If the plaintiff is a public figure, he or she must also prove actual malice.

Is truth a defense to defamation claims?

Yes. Truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim. But keep in mind that the truth may be difficult and expensive to prove.

Can my opinion be defamatory?

No—but merely labeling a statement as your "opinion" does not make it so. Courts look at whether a reasonable reader or listener could understand the statement as asserting a statement of verifiable fact.

BeautyBride32 · January 2012

I personally got selected and went to their demonstration tonight. It was by far NOT a scam!! They did not pressure you at all to buy anything and you still got the trip! My fiancé and I learned alot!! I also brought my mother which usually will not buy anything from things like this but she was so impressed by their TRUE facts about the cookware, she bought my fiancé and I (which are in college) a set and is going to buy her own set when she and my father finish building their new home!!!! They have an excellent payment program that is very affordable!! You really can not beat the deal they have, after marriage my fiance plan on buying the full set of all their cookware including knives, cookie sheets and bowls!!! Bella and her husband are super nice and very funny!! Great people!!! I am with out a doubt telling friends, family and anyone else all about this!!

whitney3312 · January 2012

This is absolutely not a scam.. I am on my way home from the show, didn't purchase anything, and have my vacation package laying in my lap. The couple was amazing and absolutely hilarious!! We were all laughing the whole time! The cookware is amazing, and VERY convincing but they are not pushy in any way to purchase. She actually specifically told my friend, " if purchasing this is going to stress you or put you in any kind of bind, DON'T. ". That doesn't sound like anything but an honest salesperson to me. I was extremely iffy on whether or not I needed to waste my time going, but I wouldn't have spent my night any other way. I will be purchasing from Bella Bridal Network, and I also signed up for a bridal registry while I was there. This is not too good to be true, my fiancé and I get to go On a honeymoon we weren't planning on going on.

)

whitney3312 · January 2012

I attended the seminar in little rock.

EDGriggs · January 2012

Mrs. Mel Freeman,
The Bella Bridal Network does showcases nationwide. They may have multiple showcases in different cities occuring at the same exact time. Melanie, you were selected for a gift package last year. We called and invited you to a preview, but you never attended. We have detailed records as such. We do not have any times shares. Frankly, I am wondering if you work with a competitor company. I am wondering why you would insinuate you have had an experience with us, that you clearly have not and are so willing to attempt to defame a company. Your HONEST feedback would be appreciated.

GlamourGirl44 · January 2012

Okay whether you get a vacation or not, you still have to purchase $1500. Tell everyone then!

GlamourGirl44 · January 2012

The girls from Ark. sound like vendors !

EDGriggs · January 2012

Are there any brides out there who have ACTUALLY attended a showcase, and not just received an invitation to attend, who feel it is a scam. In your responses, please post the city where you attended and approximately when your showcase was held. I am very interested to hear opinions from brides who have have actually attended. I also encourage people with questions to look them up on Facebook too.

gilll727 · January 2012

You do not have to purchase anything at all. A friend that went with me did not purchase anything and has already booke her free vacation

smittojess88 · January 2012

considering all your girls from arkansas are pushing this, I'm gonna have to agree that you're vendors which let me remind you is against knot policy.

gilll727 · January 2012

Well remind all you want cuz I'm not a vendor. Wouldn't vendors be promoting themselves and not just degrading others? Once again how many people who say its a scam went to the same meeting?

Erinelisewaterson · January 2012

I am attending the Bella Bridal showcase in the morning at 10am. I guess I will find out then if it is scam or not.

Erinelisewaterson · January 2012

Ill post after with my conclusion...my fiance is missing work in the morn so i really hope its not a scam...i cant find any other sites with reviews on it though???

kimh2012 · January 2012

Well Erin was it a scam!?!

Erinelisewaterson · January 2012

I'll know in the morning after I go...I'll post after to let you know

mrs.dilligaf · January 2012

Hmm.... how did you find this post, Arkansas ladies? Nothing about this said the name of a specific vendor until you mentioned it. Just checking out the Cincinnati knot? Interesting.

gilll727 · January 2012

You don't have to search a local area to look at anything on the knot...and by the way, the specific vendor was mentioned in the very first post...I actually just searched for the name to see if there were any reviews or something on it before I went. Found this and decided to voice my opinion that in my experience and for all the people with me, it was the opposite of what some people were saying.

kimh2012 · January 2012

^^ I did the same. I am from Kansas and received the call. The Bella Bridal network is based out of Tennessee but they have reps all over, not just in Cincinnati. My fiance and I are going to the meeting tomorrow with NO intentions of buying anything! We are strictly going for the trip. I will also let you know how it goes.

lovelybride614 · January 2012

Ladies, you can check with the BBB for something like this. I agree that it may be a scam but some of these out of staters are swearing by it. I don't advocate going or not, just check it all out first. Know what you are getting into and what all of the fine print says.

gilll727 · January 2012

I agree^^nothing wrong with being skeptical but you never know until you try

elephantshoe04 · January 2012

My friend and I got a similiar call, I'm not sure if it is the same person, but we won two wedding rings, coupons worth $1,500 or a three day two night trip. We only had to go to a hotel and rate products. They said both my fiance and I had to go, the only thing is my fiance works nights so we can't attend. My friend scheduled and didn't go... I'm not convinced on if this is worth the time,

mnoeker · January 2012

My name is Mark Noeker, and I am the owner of an independent business that is part of the Bella Bridal Network.

The gift package is real, and you can see details at our website: www.bellabridalnetwork.com

It is also explained in detail at the beginning of the presentation, and given to every couple before they leave. There is NOTHING to buy in order to get your gifts.

I can understand the gut feeling of "If it sounds to good to be true, it must be." Let me explain how and why we can offer a gift package.

As a business owner, you need to advertise to get the word out about your products and services. Traditional media (TV, radio, etc) is extremely expensive, and frankly less effective than ever, because we are bombarded with marketing messages everywhere we look.

We have found it more cost effective to offer a gift package in exchange for the opportunity to introduce our products and services in person. People can touch, feel, taste, and ask questions when we have their undivided attention. Information is king, and an educated consumer is important when you offer quality products and services.

The gift package is of value, and from respected companies that also understand the importance of face time with potential customers. Although we spend a significant amount for these gifts, it is less than what we would spend on traditional advertising.

The primary focus of the presentation is to promote a line of kitchen and entertaining items that you can either register for a or purchase. They range from gadgets that are $5-75, and quality cookware and cutlery that can be hundreds of dollars (just like any kitchen shop or department store).

We understand that not everyone is going to appreciate what we offer. Again, we respect their time, and would not tolerate anyone feeling threatened or pressured.

We take pride in the way we treat our guests and customers. Our home office has an exemplary rating with the BBB, and is quick to resolve a legitimate issue.

If you attend a presentation and find any of this to be inconsistent, I encourage you to contact our Customer Service at 877 897 7676. If you were invited to show, we appreciate you taking the time to learn more about us, and look forward to seeing you.

Scam or not?

Re: Scam or not?

Online Defamation Law

What is defamation?

What are the elements of a defamation claim?

Is truth a defense to defamation claims?

Can my opinion be defamatory?

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