My Heart Breaks…
Dear ReBeLs,
I have been truthfully dreading this day for some time, and am full of sorrow as I write this post. Unfortunately, this was inevitable and unavoidable. For the past two-and-a-half years, we’ve been going through some hardships that have arisen due to price increases from all corners of our business, especially involving the manufacturing of our nail polishes.
The nail polish industry is superlatively, gold-rush hot at the moment, ever since the acquisitions of two nail polish company giants that fetched jaw-dropping sums of money. Well, naturally, the labs took notice and so did everyone else. Everyone is jumping into making nail polishes and there are only a handful of labs that are able to produce them. Undeniably, this translates directly to the supply and demand chain and we’re the biggest loser at the end of the line—an artisanal small producer.
I am legendary at the labs for my texture tweaking and obsessive-compulsiveness with regards to colors and this added right into their equations. We fought like warriors, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter that I’ve had over a decade’s worth of a relationship with the labs; they want their money while they’re in demand and they want it now.
By closing the lounge and trimming expenses, we thought we could swing it at least until the end of this year. I’d even researched other labs that charged less, but they’ve failed miserably with my formula and gave me laughable color matches. Am I ready to jeopardize the quality of our formula and my colors? I think you know the answer to that.
A few weeks ago, I had received an email from our lab stating that all the prices of raw ingredients (pigments, micas, glitters: basically anything we need to make nail polishes—which, of course, are extremely costly and used very generously in my formulas) have increased—even tripled!
The labs told us that the only way we can retain our current cost is to “water it down” or “use less” of the ingredients. I’m a one-coater at heart and a firm believer in what you see in the bottle is what you get. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’m not going to lie; my fat, raindrop tears were covering my keyboard, ok, I was bawling shamelessly.
Truly, I’d rather close our business than water down and use less of the raw ingredients in our nail polishes. We refused the acquisitions inquiries because I didn’t want to lose creative controls that are ruled by matrix spreadsheets and the dictates of colors according to a trend forecast that’s two years ahead.
Where is the fun and creativity in that? Every morning, when I wake up, I jump out of the bed and I am sincerely excited to go to work (as I’ve never experienced before so consistently). My husband has to pry me out of the studio/office at night. I’ve even befriended and have become nearly triumphant at using Quickbooks.
For me, I must continue to use the colors I mix and retain the quality control that I do. This is just the plain insanity of what RBL stands for and I’m always, sincerely, still yours. I grieve that the price of all our nail polishes that will be launching from 2011 onwards will increase to $20 per bottle. This is the first price increase in almost a decade. I pledge that I will never jeopardize the integrity and virtues of what goes into the nail polishes at RBL and I will continue to do exactly what I’ve been doing—sparing no cost and still using the best materials.
Today, I purchased a lipstick for $35, and although I know that this post’s recipients will grieve when it comes to the new prices of our nail polishes— however—is a bottle of nail polish so much different than a small tube of a lipstick? Something to ponder…
As ever (please don’t hurt me),
Ji
Oh Ji, I think we all knew this would happen eventually =)
Another $2 isn’t that big of a deal. A cup of coffee, really. It won’t turn us true ReBeLs away.
All my love.
Oh man, for a second there I thought you were going to close shop. *phew* $2? Swingable. Especially for quality.
Ji,
As a long time blogger and RBL supporter as well as a teeny little Independent makeup company owner, I know just how you feel and I will gladyl pay an extra $2 to support small companies and artisan beauty. Not always but in some cases you really do get what you pay for and I have never seen anything but the highest quality come from RBL!
And remeber all of us crazy beauty artists do what we do out of love and no one can raise the value of loving your work!
Wishing you all the best with your business and cheers to your passion and thank you!
Like I said, I will gladly shell out $20 for RBL magic
Hugs, Ji.
Don’t worry Ji, we understand. 2$ doesn’t make a huge difference, it’s only 200 more pennies to save from somewhere
I was like Carissa thinking you were shutting down and was so worried (almost resorted to nail biting again – whew, passed that up, it’s in the past). We can definitely do another $2 for our cherished polishes! Loves!
Woaw for a minute there I thought you were gonna say you’d stop it all!!
Hugs from Denmark
I started to freak out as I read, thinking we were going to over $30 a bottle…$20 doesn’t bother me that much. Other brands have jumped $2 in the last few years, and RBL has not. If you want the good stuff, you have to pay for it. Just keep making them truly special!
Whew–I was in the group that thought, “Oh man, she’s closing down!”
$2 is not a big deal–consider the prices of other high-ends like Chanel and Dior! You’re still in under them with superior product and cult appeal. Deep breath; you’re okay.
I secretly have always thought of the polishes as being $20 each because that way I would save up enough always to meet my $100 free shipping! As everyone else has been saying, $2 is nothing. I’d rather pay the extra $2 for consistent quality than to ‘save’ the two dollars and get an inferior product. LOVE you, JI!!!!!!!!!
Please don’t sweat it, Ji. Definitely not a problem. I’ve loved every polish I’ve gotten from you. Worth every penny.
You just keep doing what you’re doing, Ji, and we’ll keep buying. Don’t worry about us. The quality and beauty of your work is worth it! I’m so glad we’re not losing you! I’m proud to continue to support RBL at any price.
Whew – I thought you were closing up shop for a second, too. No worries on the price increase. Totally understand, and totally willing to pay for quality and integrity.
Please don’t worry Ji. I love your polishes – (in fact I’m in the UK and usually have to pay custom tax on top) and another $2 is worth paying so I don’t get a compromise on quality.
Like other I thought for a moment you were closing and panicked! Keep creating those gorgeous new colours, with outstanding quality and you’ll always have happy customers.
I love how your shades are always different and not following everyone’s trends.
Oh, Ji, you are a truly good person. *Everyone* has been raising their prices lately, but you are the first I’ve seen who’s actually cared what her fans/customers would think. I know you can’t compare a small artisanal company to a huge corporation, but those corporations have been the ones who least care when hiking prices (and they do it more, too).
The most egregious example in the nail polish world, IMO, is MAC. They’ve incrementally raised the price of their lacquers multiple times over the last couple of years and it’s now at *$16* a bottle. Even die-hard MAC fanatics are pissed at this, because even die-hard MAC fanatics readily admit that MAC’s nail polishes are *not* good quality. They’ve released *cremes* that still show visible nail line after 3 coats!
I still remember the first RBLs I got as a gift (I should hope so, since it was just a year ago ;D). I texted multiple friends in all-caps excitement that Recherché and Iconoclast were ONE coaters and how amazing they flowed onto the nail.
I don’t discriminate; I have tons of polishes that retail for under a dollar or three and I still love them. But RBL polishes *instantly* proved there really can be a quality difference with pricey polishes (though MAC, Chanel et al prove that a high price tag doesn’t guarantee that).
You made the right decision and I think most everyone will stand by you and agree. $2 more for amazing quality is far better than compromising on the very qualities that make your creations what they are.
OMG I thought you were going to say you wee closing. $2 is doable. Thanks for taking the time to explain
People are willing to pay for quality and unique shades, and $2 more a bottle is miniscule in compared to the impact that would be felt if you stopped creating polish. I’m a recent convert to RBL, but with the first swipe of the brush, I became a fan for life.
Oh Panda Mum (((hugs))) The quality and formula of your polishes will keep us ReBeLs coming back for more and more even with the price increase. Thanks for giving us an explanation instead of just slapping a “price sticker” on it and calling it a day, as most companies do. Those sad tears will be tears of joy soon enough when you release the highly anticipated new colors that you’ve been pouring your heart and soul into.
P.S. That isn’t the cutest sad panda I’ve ever seen!
*that IS the cutest sad panda! LOL
Thank you for beautifying the world in so many ways, Ji!
Oh thank goodness you aren’t closing! The extra cost is a small price to pay for your awesome polishes. Keep doing the wonderful work you do and we’ll hang in there with you!
Oh, Ji! I’m sorry for the pain this decision has caused you. You, your company and your amazing polish are SO well worth an additional $2 per bottle! Thanks for caring so much.
An extra $2 is absolutely manageable, and given that it’s the only increase in the span of ten years, also much, much appreciated (I’m looking at you luxury houses that dole out price increases on a yearly basis).
Thank you for the context, as well. I love that you’re so passionate about not only making the product as high quality as possible, but also about making your customer happy. And we are! We heart you right back, Ji!
Sorry–I’m having technical difficulties posting replies…
I’m beyond humbled by your love, support and beautiful words–Thank you!
Virtual Hugs and Kisses for everyone….
I don’t think that an extra $2 will break anyone’s bank. Perhaps you could investigate some less expensive shipping options? It’s the not the price of the polish that keeps me from ordering, but somehow the super expensive shipping stops me from clicking the order button.
After the increase of USPS shipping and expensive packing material we use–shipping category is one of the huge increases in our business. There is no way I can lower it without increasing the prices more than $20 per bottle
My heart just resumed beating — I thought you were closing when I started reading. You won’t be losing me as a customer. Your nail polish is way good.
I’m sorry you are feeling the squeeze Ji, but quality always wins out and I love your products and customer service! I was sooo scared that the ending to your announcement was going to be much worse…..your colors ROCK and so do your formulas! I will gladly remain a customer ; ) Keep up the good work! xoxo
I have an ongoing RBL fund so this isn’t an issue for me! Like everyone else, I’m just grateful you’re still here! I know my average lipstick costs about 30.00 and 75.00 for my eye cream! 20.00 is ok with me! Thank you, Ji!
i’m really surprised at the labs. sure nailpolish is HUGE at the moment, but the market is saturated… way too many brands, options, colors, at many price points. while i love RBL, i’ve only ever purchased it on sale… i have a large collection and while i may spend more on a tube of lipstick – i’ll repeat wearing that a few times a week. nail polish on the other hand, i’ll wear the a color only a handful of times in a year. i think 8-10$ is usually the most i’ll spend on one bottle.
Ji,
I’ve stated many times in my blog, and in other blogs, that your polish is my absolute favorite that’s over the $10 price point. Aside from the other consumer friendly polishes (won’t name any names), your polishes are beginning to fill up my storage space! I will gladly not purchase other high end polishes (a double C brand comes to mind) to continue to afford to buy yours. Actually, I can’t remember the last time I have bought a Chanel, a Dior or any other high end brand polish! I will still be a fan and will still support you. I think all of us hardcore ReBeL fans will do what it takes that you will never leave us!!
I will gladly pay $20 over $23 or $26 any day!
Well, no one likes a price increase, but two dollars – and well explained – is small enough to keep the quality. Just keep the great colors coming! Thanks, Ms. Baek!
Oh dear, I seriously thought at first that you were closing the shop!
$2 is nothing! $2 would never keep me from buying RBl polishes!
So please continue making amazing polishes and we will still behere to buy them
I mean Chanel polishes are like $25, and honestly they suck. Your polishes are amazing in color and formula. No one can match the quality of RBL!
Ji, I think $20 is beyond reasonable for the high quality of your polish. Please don’t scare us like that! I was afraid you were thinking of…gasp…I can’t even say it. I have paid more than $20 for a Chanel polish that, with base and topcoat, llasted only 1/3 of the time that one coat of my RBLs last. You have a customer for life in so many of us, and $2 won’t change that! Thank you for sticking up for what you believe!!!
Do I hate the extra $$ ? Yes.
On the other hand, compared to the cost of some brands out there, things are still not so bad.
I do prefer to think that buying a bottle of polish basically saves me the cost of a professional manicure, FWIW.
Ji, your polishes are so worth it! You know I will be a ReBeL for as long as you are making RBLs! Your attention to quality and detail are what makes your polishes so special. I’m eagerly anticipating the new collections! <3
I though you were going to say you were closing! When I read that it was only a $2 price increase I must admit that I broke down into shaky, relieved laughter. RBL polish is completely worth it! Don’t feel bad. C’est la vie.
Honestly–shutting down our business never, ever, entered my mind. Many apologies for the nail biting moment. This announcement was a huge deal for me and you guys are just simply lovely and beautiful. All the thank you’s in the world do not justify how I feel…
I am actually surprised you have not done it til now. The price of your polishes had been the same for so long. With prices of everything going up,i was already half expecting it. All of the other things Ibuy, including chicken at the grocery store had already gone up. No worries. In the first place prople don’t buy your polishes because they are cheap. They buy it for the quality. Between Chanel and RBL, I will always choose RBL. They are made with love and care, not some corporate think tanks somewhere.
I think my heart nearly stopped when you said you’d rather close up shop than compromise the integrity of your polishes. Whew!!! I am a new ReBeL, but honestly, the quality of your products have given me an entirely new outlook and view of nail polish.! Two dollars more is a small price to pay for such artistic and beautifully crafted colors. I find myself reaching for your polishes more than any others in my collection nowadays!
oh gawd my heart jumped in my throat at reading the title! i took, like some commenters before me, thought you were announcing the unthinkable and closing. i already spend a lot on nail polish, haha two dollars is nothing when it comes right down to it. thanks so much for explaining and with your eloquence and passion i can’t imagine anyone being terribly upset. people pay for quality and RBL has that in spades
Raise the price if needed. Just bring back the ANI polish!
Thank you for taking the time to explain the price increase. I can only imagine how painful and frustrating it must be to have somebody suggest you compromise your standards on something so important to you. I will continue to purchase RBL, mainly because of your passion for the product and your genuine concern for your customers. Take care.
no big problem! thought, you will close your shop….. that would be so sad…. no more rbl nail polish – but i am so in love with it!
ok, 2 more dollars and keep up your good work! more and more rbl for the future, yeah! no big problem – like i said
I believe in the saying you get what you pay for. I can truly say that for RBL. I would much rather indulge in the fabulous nail polish that is a pleasure to apply and has staying power that I enjoy that buy some mass produced item bought by a comglomerate that is watery, poor brush and chips in an instant. We all know who that is. Two dollars more is nothing to pay for perfection. The cost of everything is crazy now. So educated consumers make better choices. Junk will always be junk and Perfection will always be that. Long live RBL!
Honestly, these encouraging words makes me want to make kick-ass colors more than ever! Thank you peeps! ReBels=Rock Stars!
wow I thought you were going to close shop! I was so scared to get to the bottom of your post! Whew! Another 2 bucks isnt even a latte. I own virtually every color you have made Im just happy you arent closing shop. Heck I have paid 30 bucks for certain Chanel polishes and i dont wear them half as much as I do RBL…
The quality of your polishes is what keeps me a faithful customer. If you didn’t provide the quality, I wouldn’t have been paying $18 per bottle anyway. Thanks for explaining things, but if I were you I wouldn’t feel guilty. Nail polish at this price point is a luxury, IMHO, and paying two more dollars a bottle isn’t a deal breaker for me.
I type this with nearly dry nails as a first time RBL user. I just put on ICONOCLAST. My stepdaughter is a die hard RBL fan, has your book, and is a polish devotee. I think she has 200 bottles. I borrow her polish all the time and now see why RBL is THE BEST. Only needing one coat is incredible. I love the precise tiny brush. I will gladly pay $20 for my newfound love. Ji, your letter is so genuine and heartfelt. Aside from having the best polish, I would rather spend more to support the small company who treats me with such dignity and grace than the big conglomerate who doesn’t know I exist. Kudos to you and best of luck.
Thank you Ji, for taking the time to explain the increase. I, like many others here, thought that this was the end and as I read on I let out a huge sigh of relief. Rescue Beauty Lounge polish is hands down, the best. My all time favorite polish. It is superior in so many ways. I will continue to be a loyal customer and look forward to the new collections!
You beings are just lovely–thank you!
WHEW! i’m with everybody else in saying i’m just glad you’re not closing up shop! no worries ji:) RBL’s @ $20 each will still make their way to my home and onto my nails <3. xoxo
As a small business owner myself, it breaks my heart to read this. Hang in there Ji! Your polishes are wonderful and $2 is not going to make much difference! I would rather pay $20 for a quality, unique shade polish!
As a kindered spirit and one who appreciates artists such as you for whom excellence never takes a back seat, I shall continue to be a loyal ReBeL! More power to you, Ji!
Whew…. By the tone of your msg I thought you were going to shut down….. I’ll take a price increase over you closing up shop any day:)
[...] the unfortunate but necessary price increase for her nail polishes. You can read the full story HERE. While we all hate paying more, this was something Ji has been wrestling with for a long time now. [...]
I am a new fangirl of your polish and I have to say I admire what you do and I will gladly pay more. In fact, I feel compelled to support you even more after reading. I appreciate what you do!
Keep living the dream and loving your work every day! I can only hope we continue to support you for years to come.
I would totally pay for your unique and high quality polishes. Just yesterday I was at work looking at a particular brand that is $26. Not worth it, poor quality and in no way shape or form original. I pray for you to get that deal that allows your brand to be in stores. Best of luck to you.
Thank you!
Your polishes are amazing… $20 is more than fair. I’m not going to tell you how much I would pay, lol. Let’s just say it’s much more!
(((hugs)))
Ji,
I haven’t had time to read the blog or catch up with the other ReBeLs in the Lounge in a long time. When I pre-ordered the fan collection I had noticed a $2 increase in the cost per bottle and thought…”huh”, clicked add to cart, entered my card info and went happily about my way. Honestly, I’d rather give you the extra $2 to have faith in your product and colors than to give $5 per bottle to some drugstore crap that is tested on animals and won’t be consistent in wear or formula.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your ReBeLs are still here!
A deep sigh…..Love ya ReBeLs!
[...] purchased from RescueBeauty.com. While all new polishes from RBL will cost $20/ea (details on that [HERE]), Scrangie will still retail at $18/ea for a 0.4 fl oz bottle of polish. Blogger Collection [...]
[...] purchased from RescueBeauty.com. While all new polishes from RBL will cost $20/ea (details on that [HERE]), Anne will still retail at $18/ea for a 0.4 fl oz bottle of polish. Fall 2009 green olive RBL [...]
Ji,
I’ve been a RBL lover (and pimp, as my BFF would say) for a couple of years, and am glad to pay an extra few bucks for the quality and consistency you’re putting out into the world.
Please keep doing what you’re doing, and we’ll keep buying!
-t