Weddingbee boards

Hey bees,

I too got this phone call and actually went down to the product display. It was quite informative. The products are really nice and the representative was hysterical. There were a few other couples with us so my fiance and I were comfortable. We ended up purchasing the cookware because we liked it so much. There were 4 other couples there and only one other couple bought. As they told me on the phone, there was really NO purchase necessary to receive our gifts. This actually made us want to purchase even more when the other couples didn't buy because we felt we weren't being pressured and we watched three of the copules just take their gifts and leave. I am sure they all had their reasons for not wanting to purchase but who am I to judge? I am happy with our decision! I am sure the other couple that did purchase along with my fiance and I are as happy with their products as we are! If anything, for those of you that are skeptical about going down, I can reassure you of two things. You WILL get your gifts whether or not you buy, and you will definitely enjoy yourselves and learn something while you are there! Good luck to all of you with your wedding plans!

Hey girls, bad news.

I'm about to sue this company... if I can ever figure out what their address is or who they are!  Their website, chefworldinc.com, is the most vague website I've ever seen.  I register to attend about half a dozen bridal shows in the Philadelphia area every year because I'm forever planning for "someday."  However, sometimes, I don't get to go to the show because something else comes up.  These retards STILL call me for DAYS after the show trying to get me to listen to their scam.  I've begged, pleaded, screamed at them to put me on a do not call list and they still call.  I've contacted the better business bureau and without more information there's no way for them to find them and stop them.  They purchase your information from the bridal show registry and telemarket the "prize" to EVERYONE.  It's sick.  I swear to god if I ever see them at another show, I'm going to take all their stuff and push it off the table and light their stupid tableskirt on fire and punch their ugly booth woman in the face and tell her to take THAT back to wherever she came from!!!!

I don't like being harassed.  It just ain't right.

IT'S NOT A SCAM!!!!....I received a phone call from a Chef World rep last week. My fiance and I were curious to see if it was a scam so we went to the presentation and we were pleasantly surprised. 

There is a presention for the Chef World Cookware. We thought the cookware was pretty cool and enjoyed the presentation. We were at a 6pm session with one other couple. When its over you do receive a voucher for a 3 day 2 night stay at a list of locations and $1000 worth of grocery coupons just for showing up. 

If you decide to purchase one of the cookware packges you also received a free 5 day cruise.

Overall it was a nice experience and you are not pressured into buying anything and you get a free trip just for sitting through the presentation. We opted to buy the cookware and I can't wait for it to get here!!!

Chef world is not a scam, how ever the could better there apperence not seem like such. My fiance and i were the same as much of you, got the call, blah blah blah, we liked what we seen, we got the free package before we were asked if we like anything. We decided to go for for simple reason. They offered if you buy a cruise. Well what we have done is put the free hotel stay and cruise jointly and wala there is our honeymoon. We paid 700 for the merchandise, for about 2000( i did the research) in hotel and cruises. so we paid very little for what seems to be a good honeymoon coming up. We'll let yah know as soon we take it.

So I won one from ChefWorld and I won another from Royal Prestige. It is a total SCAM. I get to royal prestige me and my fiance are thinking about purchasing the cookware. The guy was very nice. I give the man my info, he's like okay and they have to run a credit check. then he's like my credit score isn't high enough and I have to send them 2000 before they'll mail out any cookware. I was like hmm.... didn't do it but hated they had my social security number. Btw my credit isn't bad.

So then last week I get an invite from ChefWorldinc same story. We get there last night, SAME GUY. I didnt know until I went back on my cell record and find out that they called from the same number. It was months apart. WOW, they are definitely a scam. I'm in Chicago and they meetings are always in the west suburbs! Me and my fiance left.

And you don't get the money back from booking the trip, fyi.

If you see what you are cooking with. I mean almost every cookwear out there. It is killing you. There stuff is healthy for you and it is no way a scam.

I received this phone call and had to tell them I could not attend because my fiance is in the Marine Corps and is not here to go with me. They assured me that because of my special situation I could still attend and bring a friend instead. There were 2 nights I could go. When I showed up on the first night, he (Tom) told me to wait outside and then he never came back to let me in! I left and called the company back telling them what happened. She convinced me to come back the second night. When it was all said and done, I called my fiance (Luckily he currently is accessible by his cell phone) to go over everything with him. Even though the prizes and a payment plan sounded great, we were both still unsure and all of the sudden it clicked“If you don’t have the money to pay in full then YOU DON’T BUY IT”. Obviously, houses and the like are an exception, but not so much kitchenware. So I went up to Tom's wife, thanked her for everything but would pass on the opportunity. She quickly handed me the prize folder and said GoodBye….  As I was walking out, Tom said “I thought you were in sales, obviously you don’t do a good job if you couldn’t convince your fiancé” Insult #1. Then he said this is exactly why he prefers to have both fiances present, especially the guy. Insult #2. I told him I was present and was still skeptical. He replied that if I sat through that whole thing and was still skeptical then he knew I would never buy. I explained that that amount was too tough to swallow and I was not comfortable with being pressured to make a decision right then. He then began explaining how it’s my loss blah blah blah, not a new product, been around forever blah blah blah, presidents have this cookware blah blah blah, and they had a contract with the Navy to supply this cookware to them, but of course that’s not the Marines. BIG insult #3. I told him that all the Navy does is eat while the Marine Corps is out protecting them. He told me he was going to have that girl who told me it was okay for me to come without my fiance fired. I said she was so nice and didn’t deserve that, plus it was her supervisor who told her to let me in so he said he would have that guy fired instead. What a jerk!!  Actually, worse than a jerk, but I will refrain. I actually was going to buy from them in the future, but I certainly won't now!  You can register your honeymoon online so your guests can help you pay for it instead of buying tangible gifts and you can register for great cookware anyway. Totally not worth it!

I recieved a call saying that I won a 3 day honemoon vacation, and made it all sound exciting and that all I needed to do is to go to some presentation and fill out a survey about some house and kitchenware.  It sounded harmless enough and convinced my fiance to go with me.  After listeing to the guys speech about the product we were given the prices of the items which ranged from $600 (for 4 knifes) to $3500 ( for a set of knifes and pots and pans).  Being on a budget and having a wedding to save for we decided to leave and just take the prize we had "WON".. Yeah right....! After getting in the car I read the little made up brochure and hotel certificate, at which point it said we had to send in $100 as a deposit and they would send us further notification on the prize, and as far as the savings cerificate we had to again fill out all our information and send $4.95, and wait for more info.  Honeslty this is a BIG scam to get your inforatmion for more sales and telemarketing.  It was a waist of 2 hours ever...and it all started @ DAVID'S BRIDAL, that is the only place I had given my wedding info.... I can not believe that they would use peoples emotions from a special day for a scam like this.....

Ok I just registered here, officially registered at theknot.com to comment on this board.

Apparently Chefworldinc. got our contact information from theknot,, and information on the others from bridal shows and so fourth.

Searching on this company I found out that they are not the owners of the merchandise they sell. It is like Avon, someone wanted to be a vendor of Royal Prestige (a Hy-Cite corporation) products and created their own buisness. Chefworld mainly tries to sell to engaged couples, because no one would register for a $2,000 pot and pan set.

They do giveaway a 2night trip for showing up, this is through Odenza marketing, they do require a $100 deposit (refundable). I have no idea why. The Better Business Bureau gives Odenza an "A-" rating of a score "A+ -F". This is both for San Diego and Canada fronts. 

If you purchase a product you receive a "4 night 5 day vacation" with Wyndam. Wyndam also gets a rating of "A-" with the BBB.

The main product itself Chefworldinc. has no rating with the BBB, they are located in NY. However the company that they are a vendor of "Hy-Cite" is a BBB accredited company, meaning BBB believes if you shop, you should shop from Hy-Cite. They have a rating of "A+" the highest rating possible. The merchandise is expensive, but honored for the best warranty in the business.

The pots and pans are the main thing that seem to interest people so here is the warranty of the pots and pans.

Hy Cite Corporation (“Hy Cite”) provides the following warranties on its product line to the original consumer owner of the product, whether obtained by purchase or by gift:

Cooking Systems and Accessory Pieces:

Hy Cite warrants that your Royal Prestige® Cooking Systems and accessory pieces will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will not permanently stain, rust, chip, melt, break or crack for 50 years from the date of purchase.

That is it, no ands ifs and buts. 

The business started in 1/1/1959, and became incorporated in 1961. Became a BBB accredited business in 2006. 

Ok, I know there will be nay-sayers that still swear this is a scam. Most of the research I found of people saying it was a scam was from people who just felt that way without doing any research. I have worked very hard for this information, calling Monroe, NY 's county clerk to see when the business was registered, and back tracking through what I found. The products have been featured on the "Price is Right" every month since 1977, recently they were suppliers of Extreme Home Makeover. 

I have a lot more information available upon request. I am in no affiliated with Hy Cite, nor Chefworld. My fiance was contacted after we registered with Theknot.com

http://www.royalprestige.com/

http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/cooking-utensils/hy-cite-corporation-in-madison-wi-17000452/

My fiance and I

http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleId=6791228790382359

I would recommend people go to the sales pitch. I don't care about eating healthy, but it was interesting, and our guy was by himself. His speach was pretty much, this is what our product does. It is awesome. I recommend you buy it, if you don't no worries, heres your 2night voucher. However,  I have read where some have been pushy. 

@MightySapphire:

Great advice, Unfortunately my research showed Chefworldinc had no BBB rating, but their parent company does. It is a BBB accredited company with A+ rating. 

The problem with all these boards is pointed out very easily by you. People make the biggest uproar when they are upset at something, not when they are pleased with something. Makes us think twice if we should call the restaurant and tell the manager what a pleasant meal we had with them.

Well, I fall into the category as a "bee" leaving somewhat positive feedback about our meeting tonight in Maryland with Chef World.  Was it annoying that Charlie took FOREVER to spit out what he was trying to sell us?  Yes.  Did he go into WAY too much detail about off the wall things to the extent that we thought he was on drugs? Yes.  Does that mean it is a scam? No.

I really wouldn't classify this Chef World meeting as a scam.  I also wouldn't say that it was a "hard sell," at least for us.  We sat through the 95 minute speech and at times I was very irritated because I just wanted him to show us the damn cookware.  He had to talk about the history of pasturized milk, the ill effects of aluminum, glass, teflon, etc etc cookware.  But, at the end of the night, when we didn't want to buy the cookware they were offering, Charlie handed us our "free" 2 night certificate and let us walk. 

One thing that pissed me off more than anything about the meeting tonight was how Charlie made it sound like "they were different" from the other sales pitches you get about free vacations.  Yeaaaa, not so much.  He pointed out the great things about the "free" vacation, but never felt the need to share that it was only valid for a Sunday through Wednesday check-in.  I knew damn right well we wouldn't be able to check-in on a Friday or Saturday, but he should have just told us the negative upfront.  Another thing I was skeptical about was the fact that they contract with Hilton, Marriott, Ramada Inn, Holiday Inn but yet you don't have any say in where you get to stay.  I travel for work and spend about 80 nights per year in hotel rooms.  I can tell you that there is a HUGE difference between staying at a Marriott Courtyard or Hilton Garden Inn and then staying at a Holiday Inn or Ramada.  I bet you there is no chance in hell when I go to cash in my free trip that I get the Hilton or Marriott.  And if they have "such a tight" relationship with those hotels then why in the heck were we meeting at the sleeziest Quality Extended stay imaginable? 

Long story short, it is a stretch to call this a scam because it is not.  However, I would love if someone would actually comment on if they had success booking their free stay.

I went to this, we we're the only one's who showed up.  You really don't have to buy but it is a high pressure situation.  I bought, but had second thoughts.  There is no return policy.  No refunds or exchanges.  But you do have three business days to cancel so be prepaired to overnight a letter to the address on the reciept.  The guy was convincing but after I left i looked at some prices of other cookware (cookware he said would cost twice as much) and realized he had exagerated the price by a lot.  After the cancellation I was able to keep the gifts.

This is a HUGE scam. Brides BEWARE!! Bridal shows should ban this company- I went to one bridal show very shortly after getting engaged and being scammed by Chef World scarred me so bad that I am completely turned off from the bridal shows.

1. The pots are ridiculously expensive. You are then told that you can either get 2  three day all inclusive trips, 2 four day cruises or a cruise and a trip all with no experation date. In addition you also receive a 2 night stay at one of their hotels just for going to the presentation. I would normally spot this scam a mile away but there timing was impecable- I had JUST returned from an amazing cruise so the deal perked my ears.

2. The pots range from 900-1600. In addition to the trips they offer you $1000 worth of coupons. I just ordered coupons and had to pay $3.50 for shipping that got charged to my credit card. They in turn mail you $3.50 worth of additional coupons. To my surprise the coupons were clipping from the SUNDAY NEWSPAPER!! I could not believe it. Also my $3.50 shipping went towards a .44 cent stamp!

In order to redeem the hotel, you have to put $100 deposit and then you get to choose the hotel. Whats the secret??? Why can't you just choose a hotel?? Same with the cruises- you must register for them within 6 months and use it within 2 years. The cruises are not free- they cost over $200 each. You have to send in the money and then you later select the cruise. This makes no sense. My fiance and I took this as an expensive lesson learned. Wedding planning is expensive as it is and we refuse to get scammed for more money.

Ladies don't have the same thing happen to you. Its a really expensive mistake

I feel sorry for the bees who did not make it to this. We actually went last night, 1/26/11 -  we didnt have too much going on anyway so we decided to check it out...We smelled the possibility of some bait and switch but went anyway. Yes it is a sales thing, but its not a scam. They really do let you walk if you decide not buy anything! Our presenter was a low pressure sales guy. Everything he said made sense, and it was actually quite informative. Our sales guy was Rick - if you get him, then I would say go and give it a shot. It was a good laugh and good info about common cookware if nothing else. At the end, my fiance talked the guy into an additional $1000 coupon voucher, the 5 day trip, AND a 7 day trip that came out of nowhere. Pretty sure we came out on top. We just bought the smallest set availble which we needed anyway. Feel free to email me if you have any questions ladies! Sorry I cant comment on the other presenters, or if the other people are high pressure or not. 

Hello ladies.  I was doing research into the company when I found this website so I'm a first time poster.  I went to the presentation and loved it.  I'm a horrible cook and I've been trying to find easy and healthy ways to feed me and my fiance.  Cooking foods without oil and fat seems to be the answer.  I'm also a weight watchers member and have up until now resorted to their dinners to feed us (they taste good and I know the points value).

There are catches to the vacations.  They only let you go on certain days (week days) and not holidays.  They will let you extend the vacation though.  If I were you I would go to the presentation.  They cook for you and you do get the trip and groceries.  Someone on here pointed out that the only "pro chef" people are first time posters.  I'm no exception.  It's honestly really worth your time and there is no obligation to purchase anything.

If you do purchase and get the second vacation you might get Wyndham Fortuna Beach (that's where I plan to go).  It looks beauttiful and if you've never been to the Carribean  it's a sight to behold.  Please consider going and don't let the nay sayers determine how you spend your time. 

@nycshorty2:  I understand your conern.  I am well traveled and it's expensive to travel.  My deal included a few resorts that all checked out well on trip advisor.  One was Wyndham Fortuna Beach.  I'm really excited to use the two nights toward a honeymoon.  Yes there is "fine print"  Useable on weekdays $39/night hotel fee and $100 deposit.  I look at it as a discount rather than "free."  Most hotels are at least $200/night so $39/night is nothing in comparison.  You ddin't mention the pots...

@enoh102:

Do the pots you get from Macy's have a lifetime guarantee?  These pots do.  I used to sell Cutco knives and when I saw the presentation for the pots it reminded me of cutco.  It's a great product that will always be replaced if you need a replacement.  These pots are amazing.  PLus you should do some research on the pots you registered for.  Are they teflon?  Have you actually researched the negative health effeccts of teflon?  After the presentation I did.  The chemicals released when cooking with teflon can cause health problems.  If you don't buys these I would urge you to buy all copper pots.

@LouDogg:

Okay so you didn't go on the vacation?  How much do you think a nice hotel costs?  It cost us (with a deal) $800/person to go to Montego Bay for 5 days and we had a late flight that cuased us to miss a day.  With this deal we will be able to afford extra days nad have a 7 day vacation instead of just 5.  Don't be pessimestic, use it for what it is.  Think of it as a discount and not "free."  IMO $100 is really cheap for 2 nights.  Thats cheaper than Motel Six.