I’ve hesitated in going public with this, because I was so willing to resolve things and I’ve bent over backwards to accomodate someone. But my patience is gone now.
On November 30th, I contacted Cherry over at Web Divas after a referral from a friend. I needed a design for my 3 day website and I liked her work. We chatted a bit via email about the price ($200) and what would be included – and I was pretty excited about proceeding. At that time, she never mentioned there being a wait to start working on my site.
On Dec. 5th, I sent Cherry $200 via Paypal for her services. I didn’t hear from her, so I waited, and contacted her again. She said she had the flu when she did email me 2 days later, and also said that Steve (the guy who was doing my custom artwork) would not be around to start my artwork until after Dec. 17th. One Dec. 12, Cherry informed me of there being a queue of work ahead of me for her end of things also. I was not informed in advance that there was a queue and not told that there would be any delays in working on my site.
Once Steve returned, I began to work directly with him on my artwork. On January 10th we agreed on a design, and he said he would send it to Cherry. I have not heard from her, despite sending 2 emails and confirming with Steve that he sent her the artwork.
Cherry was very responsive and quick to reply to me before I paid, but since then, I’ve been disappointed with the turn around time and lack of communication.
My next step was to email all of the other divas….which I did, last week. No response. I tried to file a complaint with Paypal and I’m stuck there because it’s been more than 45 days. In my email to all the Web-Divas, I even offered them the choice to not pay me back if someone else would simply finish the design for me. Nothing.
You know, screwing me is one thing – but screwing me when it’s a site for CHARITY?? I’m so disappointed. It hurts to put your faith in someone to do something and end up with nothing to show for it. I’ve offered her plenty of time, and chances to work with me. I offered the rest of her team a chance to make up for her mistakes. Nothing.
So here I am – almost 2 months later, $200 poorer, and nothing to show for it.
[...] I’m so mad for my friend, Colleen. She paid for a design and blog implementation from the Web Divas almost two months ago and they have been IGNORING her and her requests for the work she paid for. That is so unprofessional and unfathomable to me. I’m only posting here to warn any of you who might be thinking about using them and to help spread the word about their lack of business ethics. You can read about Colleen’s ordeal right here. [...]
I feel like shit for recommending them now, Colleen! When they did my site, they were quick and courteous and I had zero problems. I’m not sure what’s happened in the months since then, but it would seem that they’ve really dropped the ball.
That’s just awful! Ugh, like you said, especially when it’s for charity!
It’s cool Laura – they dug their own grave!
Web Divas rips off charity?
There was a time when I enjoyed doing all my own web site design. But now that I’m a busy working mom, I don’t have time. I’ve thought about purchasing a ready-made design, or even paying someone to design a site for me. Now I know w…
Colleen, I hope they give you what you paid for. Or you get your money back somehow. That really sucks!
[...] So fast forward a few months, and my friend Colleen asks if I know anyone who can design a custom layout for her 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk site. I suggested she get in touch with the Web Divas, as they did such a great layout for me. Unfortunately, Colleen has not had the same good experience I had. Rather, she’s had a pretty sucktacular experience and she’s pretty pissed about it. You can read about what she’s gone through in detail right here, but – long story short, she paid them a lot more money than I did for my site, and hasn’t gotten anything in return, other than her artwork, which they contracted out. And, she’s emailed every one of the Divas, and no one can even be bothered to reply to her. I can’t even imagine what happened on their end – they were so professional and courteous to me a few months ago, and now they’re basically giving Colleen the finger. It bums me out and pisses me off, because I feel like I’m partly to blame for her getting screwed over, since she went with them on my recommendation. [...]
Wow, just wow. Personally i’m glad you went “public” with this. I had been cruising their portfolios and considering doing business with them but i think I’ll find someone else. Not only did they drop teh ball on a design but a $200 design for charity. That just smacks of unprofessionalism. I hope things can be resolved
I did the Breast Cancer 3 day back in September it was an awesome experience!
I am sorry you have had such a bad experience with them. That sucks!
I wont be using them.
I checked with the BB Online and they are not listed for you to file a complaint. That really sucks that happened to you!
Oh man, that sucks, they suck. I hope it gets resolved for you.
i am SO feeling your pain. 200 dollahs???? good lawd!
i got screwed over but not for as much money last year by ciao my bella designs. while we’re discussing people like that.
Good luck with them, im having problems as well. My domain name expired in Dec 05, and after several attempts to contact them my domain name is now a porn site. I dont have access to my files as none of them will contact me, so theres no way to get into their server and get my archives.
[...] If you want to read about the whole debaucle, go here, then here, and last but not least, here. Those 3 blogs pretty much sum things up. I was left totally stuck when this happened, and Laura saved us – and my sanity. And doesn’t this site design ROCK? She just reached into my brain and took out what I was dreaming of…smooches to you babe!! [...]
[...] After a hell of a time trying to get a paid design done, is finally open – thanks to Laura!! [...]
[...] I got an email this morning from Steve – he’s the guy who did the artwork for 3daymom. He was contracted by the Web-Divas for it, and he followed through on his end, even if the Web Divas completely dropped the ball and screwed me. (Yeah, I’m looking at you Cherry!) [...]
I went through the same ordeal with Web Divas. In particular, Rachel Doyle. Things started off great, then they took the money and ran. At least the scumbags are out of business now.
I have to say, though, Steve (the illustrator) did a great job.
I emailed Rachel when I saw they closed. She replied:
“You know I’m not sure what to say anymore. I myself was screwed over by Cherry ok? I haven’t heard from her in almost 5 months and that was a 5 minute IM conversation. Before that it was 3 months. *I* never screwed anyone out of their money. Thanks.”
BOO FREAKING HOO!! Hard to feel sorry for someone who never responded to email, never apologized, and now tries to pass the buck.
[...] Laura has a son who is going to be 3 next month, and he was diagnosed with autism. Laura and her hubby take him to therapy and do all sorts of fun things around the house just for him. That therapy is expensive shit man, but so, SO worth it. However, Laura does not have a money tree in her backyard, so here is where ypu can help. Perhaps your blog is tired and sad looking. It is boring. It does not POP. Enter Laura! She can design a kick-ass blog template for not-too-much money, and unlike how I got screwed by the Web Divas, Laura doesn’t screw anyone, except her husband. (That would explain all of those babies!) [...]