Phone call from CS Manager today! Many questions answered.

Well, as some of you know I was really upset last week. I took your advice and wrote to AG quoting some things said in response to my post (rant). Sandy, a very polite woman called me back today. We easily spent over 45 minutes on the phone, here is the gist:

CS begins their day reading hostboard! it is true!
1. Although AG appeals to collectors, we are not their audience. Their goal is to encourage girls 8-12 to learn about History through the dolls, picking one time period as their favorite and adding to that collection.
2.Bitty was introduced because customers asked for a doll the 3-8 age range could play with, until they were ready for the 18" dolls. Also for safety reasons toys made for 8-12 are not necessarily suitable for 3-8.
3.AG is aware of the collector market, and is very appreciative that we exist. However, they do not consider themselves collectables, and are marketing to the kids.
4. Releasing 'Jess' in December, although no definative confirmation on that, is their busiest time of year, and marketing wise, makes sense. They are however taking into consideration that it may not be the right time so soon after the release of Elizabeth.
5. Will Jess be the new doll? Sounds to me like yes, but all I was told is that information is under lock and key, and management isn't privy to the information yet. We were the first to tell them about it!
6. Why is the guitar plastic? They received multiple repeat returns of the wooden guitar (something to that effect) and it was just too costly to keep replacing, but an integral part of Felicity's collection, so plastic was the compromise.
7. I suggested a "Collector's Collection" area where they still sold the higher end and retired items, appealing to us. She thought that was a good idea.
8. I emphasized scenes and settings re-release, doesn't sound like it's possible.
9. Felicity 'retirement': Based on sales, items are placed in the catalogue, and given exposure.

I hope that answered some questions for everyone. It was a very nice conversation, and I am no longer boycotting AG. I am however looking for a wooden guitar!

<font color="#051E50"><font size="1">[ September 21, 2005 03:48 PM: Message edited by: Luanne ]</font></font>

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 21, 2005 03:49 PM: Message edited by: Luanne ]</font>

Luanne thank you so much for theis information it has cleared up alot for me as well as others I hope.

That's some good info, thanks for sharing [img]smile.gif[/img]

I always knew AG didn't appeal to the collectors, and have always considered them to be playable dolls. That's what makes them so awesome. They are high quality, have great learning value, and you can play with them. The hospital is always there if something happens.

That's some very interesting information, thanks so much for sharing!

And good morning to all of the CS people who are reading this! [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/sun.gif[/img]

Thanks for the info! I can't wait until Jess comes out! YAY! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Thanks for all the great info!

Boy, I hope that Jess is not a doll that looks like Jessica Simpson. I have had just about enough of her. If it's going to be in her likeness (as Marisol, to me, is J Lo's likeness), I can't get too excited. I'm probably completely wrong but you never know. If they came out with a doll that had shorter dark hair and patterned after her sister, Ashlee, that could be fun (when she had dark hair). Short dark hair, side part, Caucasian with green eyes would be cool.

Did you two talk about the fact that Felicity's new gowns are too small in the arms? I'm not going to purchase any of her new dresses until they fix that problem.

Thanks for finding it all out, Luanne!! [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

I did mention the new gown problems, thanks for reminding me! She said they are well aware of it, and are trying each gown on the dolls right now to see which don't fit. Apparently during some of the clothing runs the measurements were wrong. It shouldn't be a continued problem, just in this instance.

I have to agree with Skittl, one thing that makes AG so much different from all the other dolls collectors collect is the play and handle aspect. I was really tentative at first with my girls, but the longer I have them, the more often I find myself walking being kept company by the girls...lol

Thank you for the information! That answered several of my questions. Now if only we could find out exactly when Jess will come out I'm sure some of us will be really happy! [img]tongue.gif[/img]