[net.consumers] Gem Collectors Int.

sullivan@harvard.ARPA (John Sullivan) (08/06/84)

A while ago I saw something in this group about Gem Collectors International
and related businesses.  A few months ago I also received sweepstakes mail
from them:  First a postcard telling me I was a winner and asking me to send
$1 postage for their mailing (which, they mentioned, was optional).  Then
a big mailing listing the five prizes I might have won.  I decided to send
in for my prize even though I obviously knew I would get the "Black Star
of India" (the Fifth prize), not money or a real gem.

Well, very recently I actually received my stone, which is "Guaranteed
genuine as per accompanying Certificate of Authenticity" and looks like
a small black pebble you might find on a beach that has been polished on
one side.  (Not that I know anything about gem stones.  Maybe it really
is worth more than the real gems they listed as sixth, etc. prizes. :-)

It came with a certificate as promised, complete with a seal (a funny looking
scalloped-edged red circle printed on the paper).  It suggests exhibiting
the stone "as part of your personal collection".

Also in the envelope were offers for $2 quartz watches (+$2 postage) and
$2 multi-wrenches from Abernathy & Closther.  Somebody was trying to keep
track of the addresses used by the firm, so:
	Sweepstacks Headquarters
	GCI, LTD.
	GCI Building--Box 1400
	Jericho, New York 11753

	Abernathy & Closther,
	Selection Division,
	P.O. Box 1737,
	Hicksville, N.Y. 11802

	Abernathy & Closther, Ltd.
	Multi-Wrench Offer
	P.O. Box 1202
	Westbury, N.Y. 11595

There was also a consumer Testing Division at Box 1082 in Hicksville,
which had enclosed a sealed envelope marked "Do You Read Advertising
Mail Such as This?"  This had a Test Response Form which was really
an order form for various cheap jewelry.

Many of the offers had funny things in the advertising pitches.  The
watch, for example is
	A true calendar watch, it displays the hour, minute and
	second--as well as the month and day--in full quartz
	digital mode.  Its built-in quartz computer is so powerful
	it nevers needs winding and is accurate to within seconds
	per month.
(I wish our Vax were as powerful.  I'm getting tired of winding it. :-)

Earlier it mentions "the prestigious New York jewelry firm of Abernathy
& Closther".

Also, many of the offers are supposedly good for only a limited number of
days.  For the jewelry you have to respond "within 16 days", and can
only order a second of an item if you order within 11 days.  If you
order within 7 days you can get a free gift too.  I wonder when they
think it will stop being "within 7 days" of some unspecified time.  I
wonder if these tactics stop any customers who think "Shucks, I waited
too long and can't get my free gift."

Anyway, I found the firm mostly harmless and somewhat amusing.

	John M. Sullivan
	sullivan@harvard.{uucp,arpa}