Kringle haul 🍁 PART II 🍁 yes! I talked THAT LONG 🫢🫢🫢🫢 candle first impressions

[@fontario4]

I agree with you. I will only buy kringle with their big sales, so after Christmas clearance, and labor day. Is there a giant selection? No, but I get candles for less than $7, and that makes me happy lol.

[@lucieweaver3324]

Appreciate you discussing the "brand ambassador program" and being transparent - I think many of us share similar thoughts on this subject.

[@Angel-Dawn-13]

Very well stated! I wholeheartedly agree! How Kringle handled this last launch with the whole coupon thing was not good. It was extremely unfair that some people got to use coupons on everything offered by Kringle including sale items while other people couldn't use coupons later in the day. It came off as discriminating. I hope Kringle sees/hears all this feedback and makes some changes for the better in the future. I truly love the company but not some of the business decisions that have been made recently. Thank you for always being honest and openly discussing some of these issues with such consideration. 💜

[@teasandtreasures8692]

It was so refreshing to hear your feelings about Kringle and the way they handled the past sale. You really have integrity and that is very rare to see in anyone today. I wasn't aware of the way in which this whole thing worked however it has given me pause, once I think about it. It must have been a huge disappointment for the people that really wanted to use the 25% off coupons. Thank you for explaining exactly how the whole thing works it's much appreciated. I agree that their candle cost is over the top especially since there are many candles that are so light in fragrance, but paying that amount and then realizing that they are basically willing to give out their candles free in hopes that the "ambassadors" reign in lots of sales for the company, it does have an MLM edge to it when they only allow the ambassador codes to be accepted. I will stand with you on this and I can easily wait for a good candle sale.

[@ReillyWilde]

You are so right! 😐This video inspired me to email Kringle to cancel my order of 1 Fall Reserve candle. I couldn’t use one of my multiple 25% off coupons “on any large candle of your choice”. I felt compelled to use an ambassador code for the first time, even though I was quite uncomfortable with that. Most Kringle ambassadors get so many free candles, then commission on top of that. No thanks-I’ll wait for a decent sale. BTW: placed a Labor Day sale order 14 days ago-just got a tracking # today. 🙄 My 3 favorite scents have been retired. (No response received to a kind request to customer service to ask them to reconsider retiring my faves). I’m sorry for the “rant”. Thanks, Sarita, for your refreshing honesty & feedback. R🍁

[@coffeecandles3359]

@@ReillyWilde that’s real principle! Wow. Out of curiosity - what are your three favorites that are being retired?

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 Thank you. ☺️ 1) Pumpkin Peppercorn; 2) Anjou & Allspice; 3) Iced Citrus. I ordered them all the time. They just retired them with no requests for customer feedback. 🤷‍♀️

[@coffeecandles3359]

@@ReillyWildeI have an AA that I still haven’t burned after like two years. Maybe this fall?

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 Yes, it’s a good one. It’s a juicy pear. 🍐 Enjoy. 🍁

[@taylornation320]

Completely agree. I was so tempted by the Halloween candles because those are my favorite kinds of scents but i just refuse. Even if i won the lottery today. Im just not paying 34 for a candle. Especially given i dont find kringle to have quite the throw my other favorite brands have. The ambassadors are increasingly biased. They complain when bbw has a 14 dollar sale but they have no problem with homeworx price points.. but oh thats right.. they dont pay for them! Also everything seems to perform well but if theyre trying gc or bbw they will have plenty negative to say. Just never about the brands they are associated with. Its so obvious and obnoxious.

[@coffeecandles3359]

Yeah I’m always a bit perplexed when they drag BBW

[@Cascada200]

It’s really annoying forsure. I definitely noticed they continue to bash BBW, which imo, is still reasonably priced and I get wayyyu more consistency. BBW and Yankee are my repurchases

[@coffeecandles3359]

@@Cascada200 I’m agree with this. They really drag BBW, and I’m not sure why 😂

[@taylornation320]

@@Cascada200 but seriously though. I can't count how many times they've complained the candles cost over 12 dollars or something but they don't mention how expensive the brands are that they support.. and the funniest thing I find is if a bbw candle is a 6 or even a 7 for throw they will complain about it and say it's not good enough but then they will say Kringle or homeworx is a 5 or less for throw but they say that's perfectly acceptable.. they'll say, "if it were any stronger I don't think I would like it anyways.." Like WHAT?! The expensive brand performs way worse than the cheaper brand and your bashing the cheaper brand?? The bias is so obvious, it's absurd.

[@AllAbootCandles]

I’ve been completely out on Kringle for a while now, as you know. Not just because their actual candles offer little value to me (especially after S&H to Canada - it REALLY burns when I get something unscented lol), but also because I do not feel like being a customer of theirs *feels* fun or enjoyable. Everything you said at the end of this video really contributes to that. I like your solution.

[@stepneh]

Thank you, Sarita. This video was well done. I had already begun considering not buying Kringle at all when they launched the Spellbound collection. I think this information you provided just seals the deal. There is plenty of wax out in the world.

[@rameishhines5482]

Thank you very much for this last part of the video. I truly know the feeling and if we voice it other will say we be hating. I bought 4 candle before the past holiday sales and ask why my candles have not yet been shipped out and I see their ambassadors getting their free candle very fast. They ignore that and they just told me they working on the order. I was pissed .

[@coffeecandles3359]

Yeah we’ve got to be super careful about expressing our concerns kindly and with respect. Which admittedly is hard sometimes when we feel resentful or upset.

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 So true. Constructive feedback is best. 😬

[@cindye9996]

I too agree with you to blind buy candles that I have no idea how they smell, at full price and shipping is too expensive for me personally. I always wait for a good sale. I did pick up a few awesome deals during the Labor Day sale. Still didn’t go crazy. But I didn’t buy ANY Halloween candles at all this year or reserve. I will wait for a sale if I want something. If it sells out, I have plenty of other beautiful candles to burn. Also- I really love your channel, you are probably my favorite reviewer ❤

[@coffeecandles3359]

Awwwwwww 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ReillyWilde]

Good morning, Sarita. Having literally slept on it, I’m good with having requested cancellation of the Reserve candle that I couldn’t use the 25% off coupon for. I cringe when ambassadors claim “my opinions are still my own” when disclosing when they receive free candles. IMO, it’s not possible because there will be a positivity bias, consciously or not. Thanks again for sharing your haul & thoughts. R🍁

[@coffeecandles3359]

There would be a positivity bias for me if I were in their position 💯. That’s why I have not applied to be an ambassador. I’m worried that if I got them at a 50% discount it might be the same? Although less so. And if they could open it up neutrally, without favoritism, to all candle reviewers, that would cut down on the obligation-bias too. What do you think?

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 Agreed and well stated. 👍 I’ve also decided against being an ambassador for the same reason. I agree with you that when it’s no longer fun, time to make other choices. 🤷‍♀️

[@MissOhio93]

Great video as always! Appreciate your thoughts about Kringle and agree. I haven’t purchased from Kringle in over a year because the candles ordered had little to no throw and are far too expensive for a blind buy.

[@tracyhoward5256]

I could not agree with you more. I will wait for a sale. Sometimes reserves do go on sale. For example I was able to get radiant apple on sale. I love that candle!

[@coffeecandles3359]

Yes!!! I really want Radiant Maple - that was another one on my cart, and I’m hoping it will go on sale again, because it’s been around for a long time 🤞

[@EvanRo]

I think you do bring a valid topic to the conversation. I agree that these prices are getting high and I usually buy on a good sale.

[@lynnc.5104]

Omg, yes I agree with everything you just said about the ambassadors and Kringle removing the use of codes other than the ambassadors. I was over on the group also and I was prepared to order with this latest reserve launch, was going to use my 25% off code and when I found out it wouldn’t work now…emptied my cart and won’t buy them. I won’t use the ambassador codes anymore either…I get what you were saying about that whole program. That’s what made me mad about this whole thing. Kringle sends out thousands and thousands of dollars worth of candles to ambassadors for free, then they get a 10% payout on every order that uses their code….and then we the customer can’t even use a code for a discount of their very high priced candles that we’ve never even smelled…So ya, I’m disappointed and now will be less likely to buy going forward. Lots of other good candle companies out there.

[@coffeecandles3359]

I hear you - and I do not think you are alone! I really hope Kringle radically reforms their program

[@ReillyWilde]

Yeah, what the heck?! This is the first time I’ve not been able to use a 25% off coupon-tried several codes. They now only work on the regular large jars which is not my size preference. 😐

[@AnnMichael-ed5zl]

So many good points!

[@scottvanhille5688]

Nice haul. Cherry Chai was a nice fragrance. Fiji, Cherry Chai, and Morning Cartoons were all good. I have three medium Country Candles to burn and I believe this Christmastime it will be Midnight Snow, which is a cologne scent.

[@Hayesel83]

Thank you for sharing that insight about the kringle code. I am a kringle ambassador and didn't even know that happened. I am not one of the "bigger" influencer channels for them so I get pr maybe once a year and don't follow up with a lot of in depth reviews on the candles so I totally understand how my code doesn't get used that often but definitely agree that it wasn't very fair to pull that discount and push consumers to then use ambassador codes if they wanted a discount at all...😒

[@coffeecandles3359]

Yeah the ambassadors didn’t get advanced warning themselves, from what I could tell - and obviously had nothing to do with that decision. It’s not a great PR move, and if I was an ambassador, even I would feel some kind of way about it, like you! 😉

[@ReillyWilde]

🧊 I feel you, sister! 😅 Agreed that Grapefruit & Rosemary is an authentic scent. 🙌

[@lucieweaver3324]

I ordered many of the Kringle candles with the Labor Day sale - have not received yet. I so agree with you, Freesia is one of my favorite scents and seems underutilized by candle makers!

[@ReillyWilde]

Same here. 14 days and counting. Disappointing. 🙄

[@loriwright1808]

Same. 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m at 14 days as well. Emailed for an update and had to wait 3 business days for a response. Oddly received my tracking number 5 min later. 🤔

[@ReillyWilde]

@@loriwright1808No response to 2 emails - they know I’ve placed several orders this year. 😕

[@lucieweaver3324]

@@loriwright1808 They/Kringle really need to beef up their response and shipping times as heard this many times before from others on social media. Thanks for the heads up - don't want to wait that long...

[@Sarakate86]

Well said!

[@LowlyTaught]

I wish Kringle would stop being so weird about discount codes. Although, I somewhat understand seeing as they are a small company. But still. I got rid of my FB a few months ago and so was blissfully unaware of all the discount nonsense. With the ambassadors, I really just watch for the entertainment value these days. Scent preferences and how scents are perceived is so personal. Beyond basic generalities (this is a gourmand, this is a fresh scent, etc) I don't know how much value the previews of upcoming candles helps, personally. I think Kringle really just needs to find better, more innovative ways of allowing ppl to try their scents. Even wax melts or daylights can add up when you factor in shipping. And buying all the daylights when you know you're probably only going to like one or two is just....siiiiiigh. What's a candle lover to do? 😊

[@coffeecandles3359]

@@LowlyTaught agreeeee!!!

[@JoLamb.]

I make it my policy that I wait for a sale or out-of-season clearance for any company I purchase from. I’m not sure it’s ever happened that I’m desperate enough for any candle not to wait. I don’t feel that ‘some’ of the brand ambassadors(for any brand) give a necessarily fair description, or are very vague. I’ve realized that I can’t rely on their opinions to make a blind-buy choice. Even when their compensation is just candles, it just stands to reason that if they’re too harsh in judging, that perk may not continue. I decided not to buy again from Goose Creek after trying them because I realized that they moderate their comments in the reviews section on their website. The harshest critique they seem to accept is a “It’s not for me” -type review…no details permitted. I was relying on reviewers/influencers/ambassadors and the review section on their website to aid in my choices, at the time. Knowing that they moderate their comments section, do they also apply certain reviewing criteria to their ambassadors?🤨 I appreciate Bath & Body Works because: a) I can smell in-store and return/exchange a product if I don’t like the smell once home. b) They don’t moderate their reviews section, which is a big plus for me for any company. c) For the most part, I feel that they are comparable to most other candle companies in quality of scent and burn. d) Their price point, when on sale, is agreeable to me and they often give a coupon when in-store, for a future purchase. I still watch many candle reviewers and will most likely continue to do so. I consider most of it ‘window shopping’ and I enjoy it. I will not, however, be influenced into buying because someone says that it is sure to sell out or some such thing. I appreciate your reviews, and your thoughts on the consumers’ perspective rings so true.✌

[@coffeecandles3359]

Really sage advice! I want to be more like you 🤣

[@AnnMichael-ed5zl]

Kringle also seems to.monitor reviews on website, unfortunately

[@christeanap719]

I think you expressed your thoughts in a very classy way. Thank you for that. I may not feel as strongly as you when it comes to the brand ambassadors. But a huge turn-off for me is, you are right. They almost all have the same scent preferences. Sometimes, it feels like they are trying to change what I love about the company. Not everyone is all for 3 wick gourmands ( and whats wrong with parrafin?) I never thought about it, but you may be right. I live about 2 hours from the Flagship and visit 3 or 4 times a year. My feelings may be different, whereas I do have the option to smell the candles( at least a few times a year, it saved me from warm and toasty). Overall, I dont mind using a brand ambassador code here and there. I used to spread them out, but for quite some time, I've only used one, for a smaller channel, which is, in my view, different from a majority of the rest. But I'm not a fan of the push when it comes the reserve candles. ( a line Im not all that thrilled about to begin with between the black jars and the hunger style ordering system, and the price is a little off-putting.) I was one who was going to order 2 of the Autumn Reserve fragrances and maybe throw a couple of backups of the Halloween, but now Im not so sure. I think it may have been a little more palatable for people if the company issued a statement, saying, You have through the weekend to use the code, but the policy will be changing after. I may still use some rewards, but I definitely won't purchase as many as I was planning. I may not always agree with all your criticisms of Kringle, but you always give well thought out reasons for the way you feel and still remain classy. I respect that a lot. I also find your channel refeshing, because you are not all about gourmands all the time. So Thank you!

[@coffeecandles3359]

Thank you for this 🥰 I receive what you are saying. And I wish I lived as close to Kringle as you!! 😫😫😫

[@Ruffles2012]

PLEASE PLEASE KRINGLE listen to Serita!!!!

[@spectroman71]

This was a lot to unpack. As just a regular Kringle fan, I understand they're more expensive, less promotional, and we never get to smell them ahead of time (unless we live near Bernardston). But guess what? That seems to be good enough for them. They don't seem to be hurting, at least that I'm aware of. I appreciate the Ambassador program for what it is - 15% off - do I think it's a huge savings? Not at all. Do I think their full price is worth it? Not for the non-reserve candles, no. But that Yankee connection keeps me loyal. Now, as an added comment: It doesn't look like Wave I of Halloween sold out other than 1 fragrance. In years past, certain fragrances would be gone in a day. Did they make more this year? Are more people holding back at this price point? Are they oversaturating with SO many Halloween launches and then a week later moving into Fall? A lot of unanswered questions and we'll see what this all means for 2025.

[@coffeecandles3359]

I appreciate your caution!

[@ReillyWilde]

Kicking the beehive a bit-update on observed changes to Kringle coupon usage (err…lack of): I previously shared that I canceled an order for 1 Reserve PSL as the 25% off coupons from review writing are no longer applicable. BTW: these coupons no longer work on Halloween candles either. Disappointing as Kringle sent me 20+ coupons for large candles that are not my size preference. I used a few of them for scents only available in large jars. I messaged customer service with an inquiry on this; no response received. I’m feeling fairly salty about this issue. I don’t have FB & I’m not an ambassador. Not sure if Kringle reads KZbin posts, though comments here may be informative constructive feedback.🤷‍♀️

[@coffeecandles3359]

Yeah sometimes their CS is great, sometimes non-existent. I think there’s a bandwidth issue there - they probably just need more employees - but the unfortunate impression is that they care more about *certain* people’s feedback

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 Agreed again. If I still lived in MA, I’d offer seasonal help. I think I’m bugged because although I placed 12 Kringle orders during the first 8 mos. of this year and wrote multiple online candle reviews, it’s not enough for them to honor coupons they granted. I may be biased, but I think loyalty to the company is best measured in orders placed - not by who gets free candles to help sell more candles for a commission-even a small one. I’m expecting it’s unlikely that these observations will be considered & applied moving forward. As such, I share what you & several others have said: the new policy is to place orders during candle sales only. R🍁

[@coffeecandles3359]

@@ReillyWilde yes. The ambassador program has gotten a little out of control and the actual paying customers are being sidelined. Not a good business model.

[@ReillyWilde]

@@coffeecandles3359 True. I hope they watch your KZbin videos and hear the feedback from you and your commenters. Thank you for the support & feedback. 🍁R

[@mansky4499]

I'm happy at a comfortable 68 degrees 😅

[@coffeecandles3359]

Me toooooooo! My thermostat is literally set at 68 for bed 🤪

[@MeetMsMarie]

It seems like a lot of companies have been changing up either their rewards system or coupon policies or both. Bummer 😑

[@coffeecandles3359]

Agreeeeee. Not just Kringle. Homeworx has had some unfortunate incidents this year, that they mostly walked back once the backlash happened. Goosecreek has always been a bit sketchy. BBW has changed a lot of their policies, although they were mostly understandable changes directed at scammer-consumers.

[@summertofall]

I like Knit Sweaters too. I almost always buy wax melts first and then go in for a candle after trying them, because I’ve gotten blind buy full size candles that got great reviews and not liked them. I don’t buy Reserve candles basically because are all blind buys. I don’t think that BA are dishonest, but when you’re receiving hundreds of dollars in free candles I can’t see how they wouldn’t feel some obligation to give reviews in the most positive light and if they dislike something find ways of saying it that is very smoothed over way. Sometimes what they say about the candles doesn’t match their facial expressions. I saw the same in the beauty and perfume world with influencers and I stopped looking at anything at all that is beauty PR a long time ago and for a while l’ve been thinking that I may not want to watch any candle PR anymore. I understand though that candles are expensive and to continue reviewing so many candles it must be helpful to them to get them for free.

[@coffeecandles3359]

I appreciate this so much - yes there is backlash in the beauty world too for the same reason. And yes the BA are absolutely being honest (I assume), but there’s a certain sales-associate psychology that you adopt without even realizing it. It’s a glass-half-full mentality, which is appropriate in some circumstances, but perhaps not in this one?

[@summertofall]

@@coffeecandles3359 Well said and I totally agree!

[@AnnMichael-ed5zl]

I think any time reviewers are given "special privledges" it compromises the integrity of a review, intentional or not ...even if its just getting the opportunity to purchase a candle at a discount in advance. I love your channel, don't do it!

[@coffeecandles3359]

Ok good feedback!

[@coffeecandles3359]

That said, don’t you want advance reviews when a new collection is coming out?