These kid's art fundraisers are unique and popular. If exploring, call the various companies, review the sample packages, check pricing and ask for references. If not sure, ask for more references.
Customer service is a big part of your success. One of the most importnat pieces of the service puzzle is how a company reacts to mistakes -- because mistakes do happen. When asking for references, you may even want to ask for a reference from a school that had problems. While that school will likley not be an ecstatic supporter, you can ask how problems were handled. That's a great test of service.
I wouldn't use this forum -- remember: posts can be made by folks with an axe to grind, as much as we try to filter those out -- as your sole data point.
GLAD TO SEE SQUARE 1 REPLY TO THE POSTINGS REGARDING THE COMMENTS ON THIS SITE. I CAN SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE THAT I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE EXPERIENCES WITH THIS COMPANY. I WAS SAD TO SEE THAT SOME SCHOOLS HAD DIFFICULTY WITH RECEIVING THEIR PRODUCTS DUE TO THE UNFORTUNATE COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I WILL SAY THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN TO MY ORDER. I WILL SAY THAT I KNOW THAT MARTY AT SQUARE 1 HAS BEEN VERY GENEROUS IN THE PAST WITH PROVIDING FREEBIS TO THOSE OF US WHOSE BUDGETS ARE LESS THAN GENEROUS. SHE HAS ALSO SHARED CREATIVE ART IDEAS AND LESSONS IN THE PAST. I FEEL VERY SORRY FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE THEIR ART WORK ON TIME AND I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT SQUARE 1 HAS USED THIS SITE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DISAPPOINTMENT TO THOSE STUDENTS. AS FOR ME, I PLAN TO CONTINUE TO CONTINUE MY ASSOCIATION WITH THEM . THEIR MESSAGE ON THIS SITE REINFORCES MY BELIEF IN THEIR INTEGRITY.
Buz and Marty Reid find it necessary to respond to the postings on this forum about Square 1 Art. We are the owners. Square 1 Art has been a very active supporter of the visual arts for children and also PTO through advertising and show attendance. We want to disccus the past, present and future. We have been and continue to be the innovator in art-based fundraising. We capture and store each original artwork; we provide FREE magnets for each artist; we offer many creative products and also offer the highest profit to schools. This has brought us recognition across the country in our industry.
This past season however, FALL 2004, was very difficult for us and several schools customers. We suffered through tremedous computer problems as a result of a changeover in our system that was SUPPOSE to be easy, painless, and accurate. The new system was also to be totally functional in September. Unfortunately, this conversion to a web-based server and database did not happen as our I.T. person promised and it did everything but make it easy. Delays occurred as a result. We thought we could get back on track and catch up but we failed and several school program were affected. Our greatest regret is that we failed to inform our customers in a timely manner. We always thought we could catch up. For all of these problems, we are sorry. Our company does not use copiers as others. We are highly technical and we capture EVERY art original into our server where it is stored for a long time. Every child receives a free magnet. WHY?...because Marty was an art teacher that believes each artist should feel like a winner whether parents can purchase anything or not. Our new system allows us to store the art for years to come....and also provides every coordinator any type of information possible about their program history. Companies do experience unforeseen problems and this fall, I guess, it was our turn and it "HURT". Our server problems are fixed, our database is fully operational and we move into our spring season with confidence and a promise that the problems we faced this past season are "past". We know we may have lost customers as a result of what happened but we hope instead to win back your confidence and trust in our ability to provide you with the best art-based fundraiser in the country. Please feel free to call us at 888 332-3294 and ask to speak with Buz or Marty personally.
Hi! We did our first art fundraiser this year and were very happy with the company we chose -- Art to Remember.
I found them to be extremely helpful, reliable, flexible, and fast. Parents seem pleased with the quality of the products. The kids were very excited by the whole process. (And it made my holiday shopping easy and satisfying) This was a winner.
Our school has used Original Works for the last 7 years, and we have always been thrilled with our products and have them on time! Even this past fall with all the school closings here in Florida. I know of two schools that used Square 1 and neither of them got their products back before the holidays. Give Original Works a try - go to www.Originalworks.com
for info.
