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}