Million Dollar Baby responds to our critique


May 25, 2005
 
Dear Baby Bargain’s Readers,
 
In April 2005, Alan & Denise Fields published the 6th edition of the Baby Bargain’s Book. Since it’s first publication, this book has done a tremendous job of informing customers of the quality, price, and value of almost every item in the marketplace related to babies.
 
In the recent editions of this book, we have received some unfair and very misinformed reviews by the authors and we feel it is important at this time to provide factual information to our customer base and their consumers regarding our products. We also feel that it is necessary to report that the reviews printed in 2005 were unchanged from 2004, thus proving that the information is stale and outdated.

In response, we have put together a list of the book’s claims & next to it provided the factual information.
 
We thank you for your time and consideration when reading this.
 
2004 and 2005 Claims
Million Dollar Baby Facts
1. Known for $99 Jenny Lind- sold in discount stores

It is true that our Jenny Lind, an American Classic, is sold in stores nationwide to all demographics discount or not. Our largest customers, most of which are high end boutiques, are stores such as Shabby Chic, Land of Nod, Art for Kids, and Plain Jane in NYC. It is through such relationships that we have seen a surge in Jenny Lind sales and have since launched it in colors galore.

2. Offerings and Features are all over the board

We provide the consumer with a variety of choices in style and functionality. We offer low price point starter cribs all the way up to mid/high end convertible cribs. We offer static side, drop side, and 3 in 1 convertible cribs. We leave the customer with every choice possible.

3. Notre Dame features foot bar rail releases & exposed hardware

The Notre Dame in white was discontinued in 1998, along with all colors following shortly thereafter. All foot bar rail releases were discontinued in lieu of knee push releases. We have not featured foot bar releases in a number of years.

4. In this past year, MDB has released several stationary side rail cribs that convert to full size bed

Our first convertible cribs were launched in 2002, with the Emily Crib. Shortly thereafter, the Anastasia and the Valerie were introduced.

5. More of a follower than a leader in terms of features

Features are defined by what the CSPCA determines as safe & reliable. Being safe means being a follower of the industry standards.

6. MDB's customer service "sucks" basically

We offer a variety of customer service options on our website such a robust FAQ's, an email response system providing customers with answers within 48 hours, and the ability to order replacement parts online 24 hours a day This is supported by our customer service team that has been with MDB for 10 years.

7. Lack of response to customer complaints
Customer Complaints are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, immediately. We have a dedicated consumer support team that handles each person's request individually and in a timely manner.
 
A little bit about Million Dollar Baby:
 
Family Run Business with employee support since the day the doors opened in 1989. 70% of Employees have been with the company 10 years or more.

2 Week Delivery time on in Stock Items- With 2 distribution centers in the US our retailers have hailed that we have the fastest delivery time of any manufacturer.

Excellent Value- A consumer can create a beautiful nursery complete with case pieces for right around $1000.00.  And the customer testimonials opinion websites such as www.epinions.com lend credence to the quality, durability, and value of the Million Dollar Baby products.
Variety of Colors: We are the only manufacturer to provide consumers with 7 color choices. Our famous Jenny Lind crib is offered in 7 soft colors and with new color/finish options launching throughout the year we pride ourselves on color, choice, and quality.

Personal relationships with our customers that have lasted 15 years. With sales reps such as Naoma Moreno serving our customers since 1989, we continue to foster the same personal & family type relationships with all of our customers. Thank you to each of you who has continued to support us throughout our history!

Our Nurseries are Famous: Our products have been featured on such primetime TV hits as Extreme Home Makeover and Sex in the City.
 
At Million Dollar Baby, we know you have a choice in manufacturers and wholesalers. We are confident that you will find value in knowing the updated and factual information regarding our products and their features.
 
Should you have any feedback or questions, we always love to hear from our customers.  You can reach our management team at any time at customerrelations@mdbmail.com.
 
 
Warmest Regards,
Million Dollar Baby
 
 
Our response:: We appreciated Million Dollar Baby's response; we did update MDB's review for our 6th edition, with additional comments on the company's customer service. And we note the Notre Dame crib is still sold online today online at sites like Baby Ant and other sites. We're not sure how these sites are selling a crib that was discontinued in 1998, but it is still out there and merits our mention as it still has the footbar release.

May 25, 2005
 
Dear Baby Bargain’s Readers,
 
In April 2005, Alan & Denise Fields published the 6th edition of the Baby Bargain’s Book. Since it’s first publication, this book has done a tremendous job of informing customers of the quality, price, and value of almost every item in the marketplace related to babies.
 
In the recent editions of this book, we have received some unfair and very misinformed reviews by the authors and we feel it is important at this time to provide factual information to our customer base and their consumers regarding our products. We also feel that it is necessary to report that the reviews printed in 2005 were unchanged from 2004, thus proving that the information is stale and outdated.

In response, we have put together a list of the book’s claims & next to it provided the factual information.
 
We thank you for your time and consideration when reading this.
 
2004 and 2005 Claims
Million Dollar Baby Facts
1. Known for $99 Jenny Lind- sold in discount stores

It is true that our Jenny Lind, an American Classic, is sold in stores nationwide to all demographics discount or not. Our largest customers, most of which are high end boutiques, are stores such as Shabby Chic, Land of Nod, Art for Kids, and Plain Jane in NYC. It is through such relationships that we have seen a surge in Jenny Lind sales and have since launched it in colors galore.

2. Offerings and Features are all over the board

We provide the consumer with a variety of choices in style and functionality. We offer low price point starter cribs all the way up to mid/high end convertible cribs. We offer static side, drop side, and 3 in 1 convertible cribs. We leave the customer with every choice possible.

3. Notre Dame features foot bar rail releases & exposed hardware

The Notre Dame in white was discontinued in 1998, along with all colors following shortly thereafter. All foot bar rail releases were discontinued in lieu of knee push releases. We have not featured foot bar releases in a number of years.

4. In this past year, MDB has released several stationary side rail cribs that convert to full size bed

Our first convertible cribs were launched in 2002, with the Emily Crib. Shortly thereafter, the Anastasia and the Valerie were introduced.

5. More of a follower than a leader in terms of features

Features are defined by what the CSPCA determines as safe & reliable. Being safe means being a follower of the industry standards.

6. MDB's customer service "sucks" basically

We offer a variety of customer service options on our website such a robust FAQ's, an email response system providing customers with answers within 48 hours, and the ability to order replacement parts online 24 hours a day This is supported by our customer service team that has been with MDB for 10 years.

7. Lack of response to customer complaints
Customer Complaints are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, immediately. We have a dedicated consumer support team that handles each person's request individually and in a timely manner.
 
A little bit about Million Dollar Baby:
 
Family Run Business with employee support since the day the doors opened in 1989. 70% of Employees have been with the company 10 years or more.

2 Week Delivery time on in Stock Items- With 2 distribution centers in the US our retailers have hailed that we have the fastest delivery time of any manufacturer.

Excellent Value- A consumer can create a beautiful nursery complete with case pieces for right around $1000.00.  And the customer testimonials opinion websites such as www.epinions.com lend credence to the quality, durability, and value of the Million Dollar Baby products.
Variety of Colors: We are the only manufacturer to provide consumers with 7 color choices. Our famous Jenny Lind crib is offered in 7 soft colors and with new color/finish options launching throughout the year we pride ourselves on color, choice, and quality.

Personal relationships with our customers that have lasted 15 years. With sales reps such as Naoma Moreno serving our customers since 1989, we continue to foster the same personal & family type relationships with all of our customers. Thank you to each of you who has continued to support us throughout our history!

Our Nurseries are Famous: Our products have been featured on such primetime TV hits as Extreme Home Makeover and Sex in the City.
 
At Million Dollar Baby, we know you have a choice in manufacturers and wholesalers. We are confident that you will find value in knowing the updated and factual information regarding our products and their features.
 
Should you have any feedback or questions, we always love to hear from our customers.  You can reach our management team at any time at customerrelations@mdbmail.com.
 
 
Warmest Regards,
Million Dollar Baby
 
 
Our response:: We appreciated Million Dollar Baby's response; we did update MDB's review for our 6th edition, with additional comments on the company's customer service. And we note the Notre Dame crib is still sold online today online at sites like Baby Ant and other sites. We're not sure how these sites are selling a crib that was discontinued in 1998, but it is still out there and merits our mention as it still has the footbar release.

Posted: Thu - May 26, 2005 at 10:57 AM          

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