Pinch of Platinum?….How about a bucket of valium!
Photos are property of Mattel
I managed to get one in my cart and purchase her although…I don’t know how I feel about it. To be honest, after 30 minutes of the “Oooops, maintenance”screen each time I tried to add this BFC exclusive doll to my cart, I was ready to pack it in. I don’t even spend that much time trying to get good concert tickets. I almost walked away and felt good about it because I said “ If it is this difficult just to purchase a doll….soooooo not worth it.” I thought I would try one last time after walking away from my computer for ten minutes. I was literally out the door and just decided to try one last time. Wouldn’t you know it…it worked. But, as I said, I am not sure if I am happy about it now.
I understand that a heavy traffic incident can put a burden on servers. I get the tech part of this, believe me. I just don’t understand why this wasn’t anticipated and certain measures were not taken to ensure a smoother process. Maybe it is the former business analyst in me but it just floors me that they did not seem to be prepared for this. For a company of Mattel’s caliber to have a major sale event and not have the server capacity or at least a workaround in case of server failure absolutely stuns me….stuns me. I know I am not alone in my feelings. The rantings going on at many of the doll boards are a testament to that. I just wonder what Mattel really plans to do about it. This is not the first or even second server crash issue during a big sales event over at Mattel and yet….not much appears to be changing.
This may be my last platinum doll purchase through Mattel. I have a strong urge to vote with my feet on this one and simply not put up with the hassle any more.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
No fun, but her dress is really beautiful.
May 26, 2011 at 10:48 am
I just love this dress too…just wish there wasn’t the massive frustration to go through to get it. 😉
May 26, 2011 at 9:22 pm
I could think of a million angry things to say about that fiasco but will just say this:
That was absolutely unacceptable!!
I may be stubborn but I refuse to thank Mattel for a sale that was an absolute nightmare.
**Sorry I said more than a few things about it lol
May 26, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I totally agree! My son would say it was an “Epic Fail”. I am with you in that I don’t feel like I need to thank someone for a horrible experience. I think this one is going to sting for quite a while and I am curious to see what the final impact will be.
May 26, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Hi Think Pink,
I love all your beautiful pictures and enjoy getting your e-mails!! I noticed all your great work on the Doll Diva site. I also, agree with you about Mattel.I was worried about my last order with them, when the sale pricing never updated. The order finally came through O.K. but, what a hassle!!!!!
Keep up the great work,
Joanna
May 26, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Hi Joanna! Thank you for the lovely comment! I am glad you are enjoying the photos and the blog.
May 26, 2011 at 9:32 pm
I just saw the IRL pics, JMO but I am NOT impressed and angry I wasted my time getting her, ugh lol
P/S: I love looking at your blog, its like playing dolls without having to go to someones house lol
May 27, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Thank you for the encouragement on the blog Kelly! I am glad you are enjoying it. I will reserve judgement on Ms Pinch of Platinum until I actually see her. I am hoping she improves upon seeing her up close. 😉
May 29, 2011 at 9:05 pm
The BC shop crashes all the time on me or it keeps logging me off while I’m purchasing things (so I have to start over). I thought I was the only one…
July 20, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Sorry to hear you are also having problems with the site. In the world of business….you need to make it as easy as possible to purchase things ( hello! look at Disney). If they want to maximize their profit, they will need to fix their site.
July 21, 2011 at 6:01 am
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I wish I would have been “able” to purchase that doll – I just did not have the time to sit there and wait, and wait, and wait……….. My husband is a Hot Wheels collector, and the same thing happens to him. You’d think by this time Mattel would invest in servers that can handle the bandwidth. Their IT department needs help!!! I no longer invest my time for platinum editions unless it is a silkstone!!!
Great pictures – thanks for posting. At least I can look at her…
Barb
February 5, 2013 at 11:50 am
Do these editions inevitably sell out? What about the usual holiday crush when there’s not enough of whatever the latest doll, toy, game available? As long as these editions do sell out, what’s the financial incentive for Mattel to respond?
It’s like selling tickets to shows … you gotta know how to play the game, with both time and money to spend, and lots of patience.
I was APPALLED at their regular site. I merely wanted to find some new and older Barbies. Sometimes items sold on eBay and Amazon are new, yet inflated prices. I could NOT believe their site. I wanted to scream: Hey Mattel, ever hear of a search button? That’s easy to find and use? One that searches INSIDE your site? Nav bars which guide adults with limited time, not just little kids w/time to spare to get lost in yr site? Un-freakin’-believable.
But ya know, they rule the roost. They don’t care cos their products sell. Why should they make any of their sites more user friendly? At least their collectible site is clean, elegant, and easier to use. Of course I don’t have access to the high end sites you speak of, not being a member. But really? It’s indicative of what they really think of their collectors. Hmmm…
February 8, 2013 at 5:56 am