More than one week after the Webkinz servers started to melt down, Ganz has finally responded. A terse message on the front page of the Webkinz home page ("Important Message from Ganz. Read This.") directs people to this page, which describes the underlying technical problems. I've taken the liberty of adding a few of my own comments, in square brackets:
Recent Technical IssuesI am glad that they finally posted a message about this, but it's one week too late. The company handled this major service outage like amateurs, and that reflects very poorly on their prospects for actually solving the fundamental infrastructure and management problems. In other words, I am skeptical that they will be able to get the Webkinz service back to normal within a few days.
Over the past week, technical difficulties have reduced the level of service of Webkinz.com below acceptable levels [understatement of the year]. We would like to take this opportunity to apologize for these issues [one week after we should have apologized] and tell you what we will be doing for all of our great members [all six million +] who were inconvenienced [that wasn't one of the words coming out of my five year old's mouth after the third day] over the holidays.
Our main problem [you mean, the problem that caused the other problems, because to users the main problem was not being able to get online or to their rooms] was a technical issue that impacted the Adoption Centre leaving some of our newest members stuck in the adoption process [didn't know about that, but that must have been a terrible experience for a lot of new users]. If this problem has affected you, please know that we are currently in the process of fixing all stuck accounts [I would certainly hope so!]. This process is running day and night, and we expect all of the affected accounts to be fixed over the next few days [I'm glad to see a timeline, but am pessimistic that it will be achieved, considering the complete failure of the Ganz Corporation to even tell people what was going on for a full week]. When your account is fixed you will be able to complete your adoption and begin enjoying everything Webkinz World has to offer. If you have contacted Customer Service about a new account, you will receive an email when your account is ready (note: some of these emails were sent blank [wow. how low can you go?]). If you received a blank email, check your account, it has been fixed [so you say, but you told people things would be fixed before and they weren't]).
Additionally, further technical issues led to interruptions of service for many of our users [no kidding!]. We are confident that the fixes we have implemented have dealt with our key problems and that service will now be back at a level where everyone can fully enjoy our great site [if "now" means right now, this instant, I am afraid you are mistaken -- I just got a "500 - Internal Server Error" when I hit the Log In link on your home page].
As a token of our appreciation for your patience, we will be awarding an extra 500 KinzCash and a 1 month account extension to all accounts that were affected by these issues [unfortunately, some of your older and new customers won't be able to enjoy them. They've already given up. Also, what about health levels, and wasted virtual medicine used to keep our kids' pets health up while we couldn't get into their rooms?]. This award will be done automatically at some point in January [I hope you mean January 2008] when we are certain that all affected accounts have been properly fixed and the issues successfully dealt with. You do not need to request the reward in any way [that's right, we wouldn't want to inconvenience the few actual human beings on your staff who ever check the customer service email].
Thanks again for your patience and we hope you enjoy your stay in Webkinz World.
Happy New Year,
Ganz [doesn't anyone at Ganz HQ -- such as the CEO -- have the guts to sign his or her name?].
Feel free to weigh in below, and check back for updates ...
Gag me.
ReplyDeleteI still cannot get into my room, I must be one of the "ones still in process."
Let me sum up their "letter" if you will. (by the way, I loved your bracket inserts.)
Dear people who got screwed and continue to be,
We have no idea what is going on, but we have noticed that some people seemed to be ticked off. Therefore, we are sending out this blanket general bulletin in an attempt to "deal" with the issue. It gives us the pretense of caring without the responsibility.
We are throwing out some lame bonuses like 500 kinz. This will not even begin to cover the supplies needed to keep your pet from keeling over, but hey, who cares. You will never see it anyway.
For those of you who gave up and started a new account with a new pet, can we merge them with your old one? No.
Oh, and by the way, if you get a blank email that doesnt say anything and you dont know who it was from - er, it was us.
Sincerely,
Mr and Mrs. IAmTooScaredToPutMyName
Like you, I tried to log on to my NEW account after reading this bulletin that said nothing, and was logged off more tonight than I have been in days. I am assuming many read the bulletin and were trying to see if it was real, thus overloading their sadly inadequate server. What do they have? A hamster spinning its hamster wheel?
Thanks Ganz "for the shut up we are working on it - dont bother us anymore" love note.
Webkinz is a scam.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying since 12-26-07 to get into my Leopard's room without success. I've sent comment after comment...searched through their so called help pages and done everything suggested...but still nothing.
I smell a class action law suit.
I am in the same boat as everyone else. My daughters new webkinz (which is the pet of the month) cannot register. it says the "code has already been used" and they have yet to respond to my email. So my poor daughter is devistated that she is missing the daily prizes that the pet of the month gets. My son cannot get in his room. All the kinzcash and nothing to do with it. Again, webkinz doesn't repond. My daughters other webkinz had everything disappear from her room. All her hard work down the drain. Webkinz did respond 8 days later by saying some very wise words "someone has gotten your password and stolen your stuff". UM NO, no one had, as she still had her money and her clothes. Bizarre and beyond unprofessional. It took 5 days of me constantly trying to get my sons wekinz to register. As much as they charge for a stuffed animal I would think they would be more professional. It is totally frustrating and I am glad to see that we are not the only ones.
ReplyDeleteWe can't even access the Webkinz site! If you type in www.webkinz.com, you get some generic page, just like the webkinz domain name has never even existed. I've even tried accessing the site through search engines, and several other methods but they all send me to this generic site with a picture of a girl in a backpack. Is anyone out there having a similar problem, or can you shed light on this? It's very bizarre!
ReplyDeleteI am having the same problem with the woman with the backpack. Everything to do with Webkinz on my computer is advertisments now! Does anyone know how to fix this?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know of at least one other person having the same difficulties. I called a neighbor who was able to sign on normally, so I was scared that the problem was specific only to us. It's like when you go to the website, that webkinz doesn't (or never did) exist! My kids are having a fit!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know I'm not nut s. My daughters both rec'd webkinz at christmas and now can't even get to the site.
ReplyDeleteI managed to access this site: http://customerservice.webkinz.com/cs/csg.php
ReplyDeleteBUT, you can only use a few functions, as many of the links take you to that same "backpack lady" screen. This is VERY frustrating and weird at the same time! Especially when my neighbor's seems to be working just fine!
We were also getting the generic web page for days. I have been able to fix that problem by adding some public DNS servers to my network settings rather than using the ones that my ISP sets automatically. Now we can consistently get to the login screen, but not past it.
ReplyDeleteI am having the same problem, it is the 3rd of January and now they are completely unavailable 6:15 PM EST and I have sent 3 emails - 1. webkinz, 1 support@ganz.com and now in the contact us on the ganz website - absolutely no response. Have a child with no access and a missing room that will not load. UNBELIEVABLE and FRUSTRATING. When will they get a clue - will not buy another!
ReplyDeleteIt now looks like the whole site is down. This is a great post and we'll keep watching it. check out our experience at http://www.iboughtone.com/?cat=3
ReplyDeleteI have the same problems that you all are having as well. My 2 children received a webkinz each and luckily it worked great for both of them. My sister and I decided to go and buy ourselves one, and we weren't quite so lucky. I have spent hours looking through the customer support files on the site and I have to say that is the most pitiful excuse for customer support that I have ever seen. Any of the real problems that the people might have, Ganz has the balls to point all of these problems back at the users. Any server issues are directed at "your" isp and if anything is missing then someone else has stolen your username and password. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I have left numerous emails and all I have gotten were the generic auto response emails. I am completely fed up with the company, but my kids are loving it. I won't be buying anymore, and I am hoping that some other company takes this wonderful idea and does a great job with it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so agervating! Webkinz worl has never worked for me in my life. I hate that! Iv'e been trying ever since last year!
ReplyDeleteMy son spent his allowance today on a webkins bull frog and can't log on or even get past the pet adoption. My 5YO daughter can't log on and is crying that her bunny is going to starve. GANZ deserves a CLASS ACTION for ripping little kids off.
ReplyDeleteFor nearly a week I have been trying to logon to Webkinz and more than not get the generic Webkinz screen with the girl with backpack. Rarely after I have uninstalled Flash Player & reinstalled, uninstalled Norton 360 & reinstalled, contacted my internet service provider and got a faster DNS server address, has the true Webkinz login screen reappeared. I truly assumed it was my computer. I am comforted knowing others are having this problem, I just wish there was a resolution. As of now I can't login and realize it could be days before my children can play on their accounts again. SO FRUSTRATING!
ReplyDeleteI can't load my room. So I asked the company a question and it said that my answer will be delivered to my room. But I can't get to my room!
ReplyDeleteFor almost a week my child has been having the same problem many of you posted about... A generic Webkinz page, as if the domain name doesn't exist. For this I have not seen any response or explanation from Ganz. I am comforted to know that I am not the only one. I was beginning to think something was wrong with my computer.
ReplyDeleteIf you post a comment to www.ganz.com you will receive the following message:
ReplyDelete"Please note that there will be no responses to submissions using this form until July 9th. We apologize for the inconvenience."
An acknowledgement of the new problem would be appreciated.
Is there any hope of getting a missing room back? No response from my emails sent to Ganz. They can't deny that this is their problem - you can't sell rooms back or have them "stolen". Frustrated as this was our first webkinz.
ReplyDeleteI was able to get in to my room in December but after the 23 that ended. Since then my Kid got another pet that works fine but the other still doesn't load the room. One room load fine and the other sucks. Will they ever fix this?
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the backpack lady group!!!!!!! I can not figure out for the life of me what is going on! So far all of the people I have encountered that have the backpack lady are out of Canada and running Rogers as their internet provider. That's the only connection.
ReplyDeleteWhy is this happening? I have a work computer that I log on and the site works fine meanwhile my desktop (in the same house same internet connection)can't get past the backpack lady.
ReplyDeleteI too am getting this generic site with this lady on it. My daughter is so upset about this. Ganz needs to get on top of this. I know it is not my computer. It has been working fine up to this point and then just out of the blue this HUGH problems. Ganz - get this corrected immediately
ReplyDeleteI have just tried the site again and I'm no longer getting the generic site. The Webkinz site is up now...hopefully for all you as well :)
ReplyDelete"Shinning Stars" and "Yummi" are now my 5 year olds sites of choice. Any other sites out their that she can access? She (and me) has given-up. I particully don't enjoy not being able to talk to anybody.
ReplyDeleteDear readers,
ReplyDeletePlease note that we were able to get back on the site. Read the following post to see what we did, prior to our Webkinz account returning to normal:
Webkinz outage, part IX: They're baaa-aack!
Here's what I went through because I couldn't get into anything past the Home page, also I finally got a response to this on 1/20/2008.
ReplyDelete-----Original Message-----
From: Guestbook@ganz.com [mailto:Guestbook@ganz.com]
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 9:26 PM
To: Guestbook@ganz.com
Subject: Guestbook Entry
Comments: I need someone to please contact me regarding the webkinz product. My children are not able to get into the website and play with their Webkinz. They haven\'t been able to for at least two weeks or so. When we hit the Log In link we get nothing but a white screen. This still continued to happen even after I followed the troubleshooting suggestions that I found under the customer service button on the Webkinz site. There was actually a specific set of instructions that said \"if you are getting a white screen\", which makes me think that many people are having this same problem. I don\'t understand why I am able to get into the home page but no further. I did everything the topic suggested: I have downloaded the newest flashplayer, made sure my pop up blocker is off, made sure my internet security program allows the Webkinz website, and have checked to make sure my computer has all requirements to run the website. There is some kind of message stating if you are still having problems you can submit something to Webkinz customer service (but you have to be logged in to do this, which I can\'t do). I would have reported this problem to the Webkinz site directly but since I can\'t log in I have no way of doing that. I really need someone to contact me regarding this. It\'s really not fair to the kids because they are losing valuable time to play with their Webkinz. We love these little toys and they\'re a great idea but the Website definitely needs to be worked on.
Thank you.
Kathy Maxwell
[This is what they sent back to me]
Thank you for contacting Ganz regarding an issue you are experiencing with your Webkinz.
Webkinz Customer Service is available at http://customerservice.webkinz.com/cs/index.php. Many frequently asked questions can be found at http://www.webkinz.com/faq.html.[these two links were the ones I went into already and I had already described in great detail what happened when I went into them, so that was no help] For loading issues please go to http://customerservice.webkinz.com/cs/li.php.[when I went to this link all I got was a "webpage not found message"]
If you are unable to find your answer at the above links, please go to http://customerservice.webkinz.com/cs/csg.php fill in the form with the information requested. [when I went to this link here is what I got] Customer Support > Comments & SuggestionsComments & Suggestions
If you have a comment or suggestion to make about Webkinz World, please log into Webkinz World and visit the “Contact Us” section of the Newz. While we always like to hear your comments and suggestions, we cannot respond to them. [no kidding!]
Our question does not appear above
[This was the last option I had to try]
If you saw an error message not listed above, please fill out a form so we can investigate.
PLEASE ENTER AND VERIFY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
Username
Password
Email
Confirm Email
Secret code of pet
Select Today's Activities Adoption Center Clinic My Room W Shop Curio Shop KinzPost Employment Office Arcade Tournament Arena DiceKinz Quizzy's Webkinz Guide Newspaper My Pets
Location When Occured
Select Doing Hourly Events Doing Daily Events Adopting a new pet Seeing Dr. Quack Buying an item Sending a letter Sending a gift Completing a job Playing a game Reading something in Webkinz Guide Viewing your pets Viewing Plumpy's Place Viewing the Contests Viewing The W Tales Viewing the Scores & Achievements Viewing the Fun Stuff Viewing the KinzCash Tips In Contact Us
Activity When Occured
If the form will not work due to account adoption errors, please send a detailed e-mail to support@webkinz.com [So I tried going to this link and guess what it couldn't be found either, boy is that an understatement! Ganz's customer service is nonexistent!]including the following information:
User Name
Child's First Name
Child's Birth Date
State/Province
Country
Pet Code
Pet Type
Pet Name
Detailed description of your problem
Regards,
Ganz U.S.A., LLC
At this point, I am going to file a complaint with the Better Business burea, I will be complaining to Hallmark and Walmart, which both carry this toy. If I can find out about any other companies that carry it, I will be complaining to them as well. I don't know what else I can do but at least have the satisfaction of knowing maybe these companies will stop selling this very poorly managed product if enough complaints are lodged and Ganz gets hit in the pocket, they will decide to hire IT people that can handle the internet requirements and best of all they will actually hire a customer service department that knows how to deliver customer service!] If none of that works I think there needs to be a class action suit filed! Sorry this was so long but I'm ticked! and it takes a lot to get me that way but Ganz has managed to do it!
I am under the impression that the people in charge of Webkinz don't give a damn about anyhing except the amount of dollars they can rake in. The website has been plagued with problems related to logging on, accessing certain parts of the website, logging people off at any time for no apparent reason, gamescreen freezing and requiring logging out....and the list goes on.
ReplyDeleteThis has been occurring on a regular basis since we "adopted" (translation- got suckered in) our first pet over a year ago. Instead of resolving the problems so people can get more enjoyment out of the service they paid $15 for a cheap stuffed toy to use, they only introduce new ways to coerce children into spending more money on Webkinz merchandise like charms, stastues, new pets, trading cards, etc.
I suspect that once the fad has worn off (or people just get sick of the problems and stop buying this Ganz product), Webkinz will disappear like the pet rock, hula hoop, and tickle me Elmo doll did.
GANZ- GET WITH IT.
okay, so has anyone found a resolution, self preformable to everyones problems? if so please let us know (white stupid screen after log in page)
ReplyDeleteIt seems the webkinz website has been hijacked. I didn't believe my kids this morning! Nothing remotely resembling the official website comes up, just a whole bunch of links to nothing!
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on?
My daughter came home from school yesterday and was very upset because some of the kids were telling her that there was a box on Webkinz that when you opened it would violently kill your pets. I told her not to login until I checked it out. I didn't want her to see this if it was true or just a rumor. Now that I see from comments, the site it not coming up? Maybe it true. Anybody else heard the same.
ReplyDeleteDear Webkinz,
ReplyDeleteI can't get to the login page. Every time I try a lady with a backpack shows up no matter what I try. It is not my computer because I even tried an internet cafe. I'm a ten year old, that wants to acces and play on my webkinz acount. I have 5 webkinz, 3 charms, to mousepads and 2 trading card packs! I WANT TO GO ON MY ACCOUNT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIX IT!!! Bye.
Your webkinz friend,
blueangel
HELP ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't get to the webkinz site. I love webkinz cause I;m still a kid. Every time a try I see a backpack lady. Anyone with information please send it at: cocosunbaya@yahoo.ca
I want to go on my account!!!!!!!!!
Send back,
blueangel
I have had that annoying backpack girl for 2 DAYS and NO virus/spyware/malware/adware removal program can break through.
ReplyDeleteMy daugther and I are VERY unhappy with this
new to this... first day trying to register daughters frog, sounds pretty ghastly. Can't get past intro to registering. has anyone had any success?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how this happens...I have 2 computers in my house. One computer we get in no problem the other we can't get past the backpack lady. How can 1 work and the other not? In one house. It must be a certain 'server' at GANZ that keeps crashing, possibly my computers are connected to 2 different servers?
ReplyDeleteWe are in ontario canada, and have had the backpack lady for 3 days now!! I have tried everything, and I have 3 very upset kids. Ganz shouldn't be allowed to get away with this, it's breach of contract.
ReplyDeleteThe backpack lady started to appear in my house this morning on my desktop computer. I tried my laptop and it worked without any issues.
ReplyDeleteI ran my virus checker and it reported an adware program that I checked out in detail. Norton anti-virus reports as adware.savenow. When you look at the details it shows that there should be a folder called "WhenU" I looked all over my computer and this folder didn't exist.
I told Norton to "Fix" the problem. I still saw the backpack girl. However, after re-booting I was able to get into Webkinz.
There were several things I noticed on a technical level that led me to conclusion that it was my computer that was the problem. COnsidering all the issues I had over Christmas/New Years I didn't have much hair left to pull out.
I have had this for a few days on 2 computers, other 2 are ok. It is definetly a virus or spyware. When you look at tools-internet options-browsing history-view files you see something about nuseek. I think NUSEEK is the problem but as of yet cannot remove it. Have tried Norton, Ad-Ad-aware, Pctools.
ReplyDeleteDear people who have the same problem as me. M problem is ..I CAN'T EVEN GET PAST THE REGISTRATION! When iot comes upto the part when you have to name your pet. I type in a name and when i click next it just says:I'm sorry,your secret code is not correct.please try again. anyone have the same problem? Help
ReplyDelete2/17/08
ReplyDeleteWhen we log into webkinz a blank white screen shows up only - is this happening to anyone???
3/4/08 My login page is all white I tried everything for my kids even called my internet provider and they could not login also. They said it was the WEBSITE!!! webkinz is trying to pass the buck to other internet providers. Now!!WHAT THE HELL ARE WE ALL SUPPOSED TO DO WITH ALL THESE STUFFED ANIMALS THAT CANT BE USED? I HAVE A FEELING WEBKINZ WILL BE SUED AND BE OUT OF BUSINESS BY SUMMER.
ReplyDeletelucypolmann@comcast.net
I had the nuseek problem. I browsed the source of the page and found that it was doing something with my Linksys router. I reset my router and all is currently well (for now).
ReplyDeleteI can get to the page to play the games but it is not full size, I can't access the tabs at the bottom, the resolution is set correct and still no luck, how do I stretch the page or what do I reset ?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to respond to all of the people who are still having trouble with their Webkinz.
ReplyDeleteFirst, my apologies for not responding sooner. I just changed jobs to a high-pressure position, and only recently has my personal life returned to some semblance of normality.
Second, I would like to say that after listening to all of your complaints and pleas for help, and watching my own daughter become more and more attached to this game, I can't wonder if our desperation to get the game back in working order isn't somewhat misplaced.
So, here's my advice: If you have tried the various tips offered by me and the many commenters on these pages, and your Webkinz is still not working, my advice is to forget about it. It's tough for the kids who have put so much into it, and for you, after spending money on the toys and gifts, but it's just not worth getting angrier and angrier at a company which is clearly unable and/or unwilling to help. The lawsuit will benefit no one, except for a bunch of class-action lawyers.
There are other toys and creative options for your children. And I know this seems like a radical suggestion, but maybe it might be fun to take some time away from glowing screens and instead spend a few hours playing with them in the real world. Get out the board games, soccer ball, and drawing pads, and have some fun with them. Talk with them while you play, and listen to what they have to say. They may not like to be pulled away from the computer at first, but your attention means a lot to them, and the more you interact with them, the higher all of your "heart" settings will become.
There will be plenty of video games to play with later on, but the time you can spend with son and daughter at this age can't ever be replaced.
Sincerely,
Ian (author of this blog)
I've been trying to log on all week and all I get is a blank white screen...
ReplyDeletemy daughter is having a fit. I am NOT happy.
We had been getting the blank screen all week and I found this solution on another site so give it a try.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.webkinz.com/us_en/
You know, this is still totally a rip! After spending many dollars buying webkinz the past several months and getting my two nieces really hooked on these animals, now they can't access the site and have fun. It's really hard to try and explain WHAT is going on to them when WE really don't know. I think it is a crock and whoever is responsible for this should be ashamed. If you can't handle all the attention and interest, all I have to say is someone did some badk planning or NO planning to keep this site up and running.
ReplyDeleteSigned,
Disgruntled Aunt of two very disappointed nieces!
as with everyone else there are four people in my house hold who go on the webkinz site and are having problems... and have tried every angle possible to contact someone to help us but there is no way to do that... we are very disappointed in the ganz co. they have made a fortune on this and continue too.... and should respond to any complaints!!! small or large...
ReplyDeleteI am completely disgusted with this circus they call Ganz... They take the money of young children and can't keep their WEB site going smoothly. The problem that we are having is when we log in to the web site all we get is a white screen. My 10 year old daughter is very upset about this. She thinks her pets are going to die. I believe the powers that be at Ganz should have a taste of their won medicine. I have sent 10 different e-mails, with no response from Gnaz. I also, have called 5 different times to the Ganz Help center, and that too has had no response. Perhaps my daughter will continue playing with her Kookies -- another viritual pet --and a very good and smooth running web site. Let Ganz fall off the face of this earth. I have found out that Ganz Corp. is ownedand ran by 7 Ganz family members. Each Ganz member is worth an estimated 23.5 million dollars. To hell with the little people who have put them in the position that they are in today. Do I feel better now that I have shared that with you----------you better believe it. I won't spend another penny if it is afiliated with the Ganz Corporation.
ReplyDeleteDisappointed and disgustd in Michigan
Have been getting the blank white page...spent over an hour on the phone with my ISP because that's what webkins support told me to do...they tried everything, but couldn't help....found someone who suggested using this address to get there:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.webkinz.com/us_en/
It works!!!!!!! Try it if your getting the blank white page!
I clicked on your link that you said would work and it did....SORT OF!!!! When my daughter put in her user name and password and clicked on "log in" it did and does nothing!!!! My mom just brought both my son and daughter new webkinz back from the States and I am afraid to let them adopt them because they can't even log in!!! Is anyone else having the same problem we are???
ReplyDeleteI am so frustrated!!!! :(
Here is a problem that I have not seen posted....yet.
ReplyDeleteWe can log in and we can get into the pets rooms. We CAN NOT get the TOURNAMENT ARENA TO WORK. I have done everything Ganz support said to do ( pop-up blocker off, firewall ports opened, etc. ) and we still can not get the tournamnet arena to work. When we open the tournament arena, the "find an opponant" tab is grayed out. When the find "opponant" tab does work, the game never starts.
Any ideas ????
I'm having the same problem with tournament area. My phone always is grayed out, so I click on the phone, it starts, then I click on misc games, then back on atomiolicious, then it "waits" for opponent, then times out because no one is there!
ReplyDeleteIt's so frustrating. Any OTHER ideas?????
i dont have any comments but a complaint whenever i go to log in my screen shows x's where it's supposed to say begin username password change password forot password and all the other words i cant understand a thing on that page now i cant even get on my webkinz account im so frustrated by the way im a nine year old i want to play on my webkinz i hane fifteen webkinz two trading card packs and please help my webkinz to work your webkinz friend angelpumpkin
ReplyDeletewe have been trying to get in for 2 months. My daughter can get in at the library. and some of her friends can get in but we can't.
ReplyDeleteShe has 15 webkinz and charms and cards. All bought with allowence. She too thinks her animals are going to die or her account closed. Nice thing for a comapany to do to a 10 year old. I can't find a way to contact Ganz except for email and we all know how that works.
YOU ALL SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND YOURSELVES FOR NOT UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND NOT BLAME A COMPANY. IT IS NOT THE COMPANY'S FAULT YOU CANNOT READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO USE WEBKINZ LIKE ALL THE OTHER MILLIONS OF USERS. WEBKINZ DO NOT DIE. YOUR MISUNDERSTANDING OF THIS IS NOT THE COMPANY'S FAULT. I DON'T LOG ON FOR MONTHS AND MINE IS ALWAYS FINE. TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ AND PROBLEM SOLVE.
ReplyDeleteI have a brand new webkin and when I register it is only X's. It will however take the answers if anyone can tell me where to put what answers...help. Pepto needs a home ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am having the same issue Webkins is having issues with Vista it works fine on XP. They need to get the Vista issue fixed
ReplyDeleteI too, am getting only X's when I try to register. Has anyone found a resolution to this problem?
ReplyDeleteI have been getting Xs for quite a while and
ReplyDeletenow I cannot get my secret code for Webkinz
Cares registered because it keeps saying that the code I have does not exist!!!! Does anyone have any solutions?
I was having a problem with the X's but it seems to be resolved.
ReplyDeleteGo to tools - internet options - program tab -manage add ons. A list will appear of add ons. Enable all of the Java and windows messenger add ons. Reload internet exployer and it should work. At least, it worked for us.
My PC at home says Webkinz is down for maintenance and has for a week. However, it is active at the office. I'm not a computer guru and any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that for over two weeks the items I place on (acceptable) tables and counter tops "fall through" and I end up not being able remove either. Sometimes it straightens up for me to remove the counter or table, but whatever was on the table is not recognized as (in the edit mode) my pet can go and stand on the object! My sandwich maker has been "floating" in mid-air since I first bought it. I haven't even been able to use it. I am sooooo frustrated. I've been sending them a "suggestion" every day to fix it since I've long given up hope on getting customer service.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when I registered my pet, I wanted to name her Fiona - a lovely Irish name. They considered that name unacceptable, so I e-mailed them and asked permission to name my poodle Fiona. Their reply? Log in to my account and use the contact us button. Well, if I couldn't name my pet (my first) then I certainly couldn't log in to my account. Idiots!
When I try and log my daughter onto her account, all I get is the "user aggreement" page.The user name and password are correct but my only option is "back" button.Has anyone else had this problem? Any sollutions or advice?
ReplyDeleteWe had to flee our home due to domestic violence. Now my 8-year-old daughter is trying to recreate a sense of home on a flawed web site. Now she can't even access her virtual world and has fallen into an emotional tailspin.
ReplyDeleteTaking advantage of innocent children is without question child explotation. What's wrong with global corporations? Don't you have kids?
Class action??? Tell me where to sign. I guess these people have no idea how to develope or maintain a website. I have experienced all of the above problems and even as an aduly it is so frustrating to say the least, I can only imagine how a child must feel when they can use the site because of poor construction. It's time for them to be held accountable.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's back! The problems continue with the site where my Daughter is getting kicked out constantly! In the middle of an activity or game. They introduced a new game, Pizza Parlor, which is a lot of fun for her and she can't get through the first level without it booting her out. Now she's just frustrated with it! Listen, I understand web site issues, everyone goes through them, but when they go IGNORED for two weeks or more, it's wrong!! We've paid decent money for their toys & pets so that the kids can play on this normally cool site. For the technical issues to continue this long is deplorable.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey listen! If my computer is set up incorectly, which I doubt since it's happening on the three machines I have in my house, then at least tell me! I'm hapy to correct whatever the issue is ... at least interact with the users!!!
I just bought a chocolate lab from meijer grocery store for my grandson.I cannot register. there is not a question that covers my problem.It says the lab is retired. I just bought it yesterday!!!! Thanksgiving Day. Now I am out the money,and he is to be dissapointed.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI hAVE MANY ISSUES WITH WWW.WEBKINZ.THEY POST THESE SITES AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE THEY TELL YOU OLD ACCOUBT OR WHATEVERgUT THIS IS NOT NY MAIN PROBLEM. MY MAIM PROBLEM ARE THWE SCREEN WATCHERS.THEY MAKE UNAUTHORIZED FRADES SUCH AS AN$8000.00 EGYPTIAN COLUMN FOR A KIDS COUCH,A $1000.OO COIN TRADED WITH HO AREENENT.nOT BEING ABLE TO FINISH THE FINAL SECTIONS OF MATH AND HEALTH T. you THE OWNER OF gANZ AND WEBKINZ MADE THESE RULOKENS NOT GIVEN ON PETS BIRTHDAY "CHIP AND GWENDOLYN" yOUR SCREEN WATCHERS HAVE A "GOD' COMPLEX WHERE NO ONE CAN DISAGREE AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF,. GOD FORBID THEY SHOULD ANGER HIM . iT IS YOUR FAULT FOR RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS CORRUPTLY. MY NIECES SCREEN NAME IS janeloisflynn TH E-MAIL IS janemissjones33@aol.com 'I WILL BE SURPRIZED IF I HEAR FROM YOU. YOURS TRULY GRACE JANE DOSTOU
ReplyDeleteI am the author of the previous comment.What I attempted to say is that they decided not to give Gwendolyn and Ghip their birthday token per the advice of Webkins guide.These are children upon who you sat you want to teach them virtues and values.This certainly not the method of doing it G.J.D.
ReplyDeleteYES I AM THE OWNER OF THE TWO PREVIOUS COMMENTS. SORRY FOR THE TYPING.THINGS HAVE NOT CHANCED MUCH IN WEBKINZ LAND .THE"GODS" BEHIND THE SCREEN LIKE THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ ARE STILL MANIPULATING THE CHILDREN AND OBVIOUSLY MR GANZ. THEY BELATEDLY GAVE MY NIECE A TOKEN FOR A PETS BIRTHDAY BUT THEY DIDN'T GIVE HER ONE FOR HER NEXT PETS BIRTHDAY.THEY STILL WON'T LET HER FINISH THE LAST SECTIONS OF HEALTH AND MATH WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO HER TO GRADUATE AT THE TOP OF HER "CLASS". SHE IS AN ILL CHILD AND CANNOT ATTEND SCHOOL.SO I INDULGE HER AND I GUESS THAT DOESN'T GO WELL WITH THE SCREEN WATCHERS.SO THEY HAVE PILED ON MORE MENTAL ABUSE. SHE CANNOT TALK ON THE PHONE OR GO TO THE CLUBHOUSE.THIS IS SUPPOSED TO ENRICH A CHILDS LIFE. I THINK MOST OF THEM NEED A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS CHIDREN. IF I COILD ASCERTAIN MR GANZ E-MAIL I WOULD NOT BE BOTHERING YOU, THANKS FOR LISTENING GRACE JANE DOSTOU
ReplyDeleteWell, it's January 15, 2009 and the furniture loading problem still exists. I'm a Webkinz dealer and I am writing all the way to the top of the Ganz organization. This is inexcusable for a business to function this way in 2009. I'll keep you advised and what their response is. You may contact me via email at cherry@cherrysdelight.com
ReplyDeleteI filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in Canada and received several calls from Ganz assuring me the problems with the website would be solved by Christmas 2008. I received the following email from the BBB:
ReplyDeleteComplaint ID#: 1185367
Business Name: Ganz
We have received your most recent correspondence in the above-mentioned complaint case.
You have indicated that you are NOT satisfied with the business' response in the matter.
The business has not made any further concessions to their original response.
Unfortunately, your BBB can not pursue the matter further. This complaint case is now considered closed as UNRESOLVED.
Your BBB develops and maintains Reliability Reports on companies in our service area. This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. The company's level of cooperation in resolving to this complaint becomes a part of their file with your BBB.
May we suggest contacting The Ministry of Government Services at 1-800-889-9768 or www.mgs.gov.on.ca if you wish to pursue this matter further.
Sincerely,
Fiona Dunbar
Complaint Administrator
BBB
Complaint Department
fiona@bbbmwo.ca
It is now a few days away from February 2009 and nothing has changed with the website!
I see that a class action suit has been filed against Ganz by retailers. Perhaps it is time for consumers to do the same.
Many people have left Ganz due to poor management, I don't understand why your guys still expect more from this company?
ReplyDeleteI konw what you mean.For the last 5 days my daughters 'littles' account has not alowed her to play the wheel of wow,the gem hunt or get the free daily items.I've sent comment after comment and a stuck item email but sofar nothing and this all started after they redid their system.I hate that!Also when I put her bulldog on she never recieved her pet of the month tiems.They need a better way of communication not a comment page!
ReplyDeleteWe have the same problem- no wheel of wow, no gem hunt, and few daily activities (we can do Quickdraw and Wishingwell). Also when we go to do DailyKinzcare it shows all of the windows for the whole week open- but when you click on an open window for that day you can still get the goody. I cleared the cache, and it's been this way for a week.
ReplyDeleteEverything in our rooms has disappeared, the store has no items popping up and my pet is getting hungry!! I can't find any phone number to actually communicate with anyone at Ganz regarding the errors and their prefabricated questions and answers do nothing for me. I'm getting really upset!
ReplyDeleteWE'RE HAVING SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY THREE GRANDCHILDREN HAVE JUST GIVEN UP. WE PLAN TO GATHER UP ALL THE WEBKINZ ANIMALS AND RETURN THEM TO THE RETAILER AS DEFECTED AND ASK FOR OUR MONEY BACK. WE ALSO INTEND TO DEMAND THAT THEY STOP SELLING THE PRODUCTS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS GANZ HAS THE PROBLEMS FIT. TO CONTINUE TO KNOWINGLY SELL A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND SUSPECT TO LEGAL ACTION. YOU ARE RIGHT THAT ONLY THE LAWYERS WILL GAIN IN THIS RESPECT BUT GANZ NEEDS TO FACE THE MUSIC.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNTY TO VENT.
GLEN FREEMAN
I HAVE WRITTEN TO THIS COLUMN BEFORE, fOR A WHILE THINGS WERE TOLERABLE, BUT NOW THE SCREEN WATCHERS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE BUSINESS. iF THEY LIKE YOU, ALL IS WELL. i HAVE SUCH A LONG LIST OF COMPLAINTS THAT i AM GOING TO LIST THEM AS NO ONE AT gANZ tECH SUPPORT HAS ANY EFFECT ON THEIR EMPLOYEES. iT APPEARS THEY RUN THE SHOW.fOUR TIMES MY NIECE HAS LOGGED IN WEBKINZ CLOTHING ONLY TO GET NOTHING BUT THE ORIGINAL PRIZE NOT THE EXTRA OUTFIT SHE PICKED OUT AND PAID FOR.tHEY ARE BLOCKING HER FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE bEAUTY PAGEANT BY SUDDENLY SHUTTING HER OFF UNTIL AFTER REGISTRATION TIME. tHEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO HER GAME PLAYING. sHE SCORED VERY HIGH IN THE GAMES NOW FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON CAN'T GET ABOVE 400 MOST OF THE TIME, ALL MANIPULATED BY "THE WATCHERS". sHE HAS OVER 100 PETS(I KNOW ,FOOLISH ME) BUT SHE IS AVERY SICK CHILD WHO I WILL DO ANYTHING FOR.tHEY LEAVE BLANK SPACES AT THE cURIO SHOP SO SHE CAN'T BUY THE ITEM ON SALE. THEY WON'T LOG HER OUT FROM THE GAME-CARDINAL WEBKINZ RULE. TELL HER SHE CAN'T TRADE WITH SAME PERSON TWICE BUT THEY CAN WITH HER-I9F THEY LET HER TRADE AT ALL!sHE HAS OVER 350 "FRIENDS" PREVIOUSLY SHE RECIEVED CONSTANT KINZ POST-MAIL-250 LETTERS AND PACKAGES. NOW CAN'T EVEN GET IN TOUCH WITH HER BFF'S-bEST FRIENDS FOREVER. AND IN CULMINATION TO THIS LONG AND WHINING ROAD,TODAY THEY TOLD HER THE SERVERS WERE DOWN,THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE HER, DON'T USE PUNCTUATIONS OR SYMBOLS IN YOUR NAME, YOUR PASSWORD IS WRONG, THEN SKIP BACK TO OUR SERVERS ARE DOWN WHEN ONE OF HER BFF'S ARE ON LINE! WHO IS RUNNING THIS COMPANY. I AM AT A LOSS! I PROPOSE WE PLAN A DAY AND HAVE A BIG WEBKINZ BONFIRE.PERSONALLY, I DON'T THINK RETAILERS WILL GIVE A DAMN ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS PARTICULARLY IN TODAYS ECONOMY. HAVE YOU ANY BRAINSTORMS? THEIR HELP LINE IS EVEN CLOSED ON WEEKENDS WHEN MOST CHILDREN PLAY, BY THE WAY, THE NUMBER IS 866=932-5469. OBVIOUSLY GANZ COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THIS ARM OF HIS ENTERPRISES. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME VENT AS THEIR IS NOBODY ELSE AS WELL RESPECTED AS YOU WHEN IT COMES TO THIS SORT OF THING. GRACE JANE DOSTOU.
ReplyDeleteAN ADDENDUM TO THE ABOVE. i HAD MY INTERNET PROVIDER GO THRU ALL THE CHANNELS TO FIND OUT IF THEIR SERVERS WERE DOWN OR MINE ,IN FACT. sHE CAME UP WITH NOTHING WRONG. nOTHING WRONG WITH COMMCAST,aDOBE FLASH PLAYER, SAFARI-JUST THEM BEING CHILDISH AND VINDICTIVE TO A CHILD. SUPOSSEDLY YOU CAN E-MAIL THEM AT SUPPORT WEBKINZ.COM WITH YOUR WOES. THANKS ONCE AGAIN. gG.J.D.
ReplyDeleteThese problems keep going on and on my grandson can't get in because of server issues but my granddaughter can imagine the comotion this is causing, and no support available. you would think they don,t care about their users.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I am not alone in this mess! I have been denied access to my account all day. My Grandson is here and he can get on without an issue! When I try I am told the server is having some unknown problem or that my password is wrong or what ever they feel like saying. He is here for a short visit and since he gave me my first Webkinz for Christmas we were anxious to play. I have two computers and we can both be on and have some fun! HA!HA! I even tried changing my password. They gave me two new ones. Neither worked and again I was told the servers were having problems or that my password was wrong. My grandson's father has a Master's dregree in Computer Science, from Purdue. Maybe they should hire him to get their servers fixed. He is employed by One America in IPLS. He would come with a price tag they likely are not willing to pay to get good help! Too bad. My account is now so messed up with all the changing of the passwords, that I have no idea how I will ever get it open again! I will try to call the support line next week, but it does not sound as if they are very helpful either! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
ReplyDeletehERE WE GO AGAIN. tHIS MORNING MY NIECE GOT UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN IN HOPES RHAT HER WEBKINZ WOULD ONCE MORE LET HER IN TO ATTEND TO HER ANIMALS AND HER GARDEN ONLY TO BE EVER LET DOWN-- AGAIN. TJIS IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS. hOW CAN A BUSINESS OF THIS MAGNITUDE GET AWAY WITH SUCH BLATANT DISREGARD FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. SHE'S SITTING IN FRONT OF THAT DAMN COMPUTER TRYING TO GET THEM OUT OF THEIR SELF INDUCED COMAS' TO LET HER IN. ALL SHE GETS IS SERVER DOWN, WE DON'T RECOGNIZE YOU, NO PUNCTUATIONS OR SYMBOLS ,YOU HAVE THE WRONG PASSWORD AND THEN THEY START THE LITANY ALL OVER-AGAIN! THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WE CAN DO IF MY ENTIRE COMPUTER IS WORKING, WHY IN GOD'S NAME CAN'T THEY MANAGE ONE PROGRAM? IF MY NIECES WAS NOT VESTED IN THIS, HEART AND SOUL, I WOULD TRASH IT.iT LOOKS LIKE A LONG DAY. G,J.D.
ReplyDeleteP.S. PARDON THE TYPING. THEY NEVER TOLD US WE'LD NEED IT IN COLLEGE. G.J.D
ReplyDeleteWELL, DOESNT'T THIS BEAT ALL. THEY HAVE NOW COME UP WITH A "DELUX ACCOUNT". FOOL ME ONCE BUT NOT AGAIN. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE THE NERVE TO TRY THIS. SO, I GUESS YOU GIVE THEM MORE MONEY AND THEY LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. THERE ARE GULLABLE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT THEY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF. ALL THE MORE REASON FOR THE LAWSUIT. THEY NEED TO BE STOPPED.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS, AGAIN FOR YOUR OUTLET.
GLEN FREEMAN
Puy in code for Kinz Klip before upgrade. Then tried later and said number already used.Have two accounts one works and one will not except the other code. Now what?
ReplyDeletewhy is a white page coming on when i log on to webkinz im so fustrated
ReplyDelete05/09/09
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I just recently started having MAJOR problems logging onto our account. We type in our username and password and then we are kicked over to the "loading" page. The problem is that it never does get loaded. I think that it is not necessarily a "technical" problem at all. I think that the problem lies in the fact that the GANZ company has just started their new Deluxe Membership service in which you are required to pay $50 to join. I think that by not making the "free" or standard service available to it's customers, they figure that most parents will pay the $50 and opt for the Deluxe Membership so that their children can continue to enjoy their pet online. I have informed my daughter that we will not be buying anymore webkinz or GANZ products in the future. I think that this "technical" problem is nothing more than corporate greed and a scam for lack of a better term. I advise that we all boycott this product, perhaps, then they will see fit to honor their end of the original bargain and offer a better service to those of us who cannot afford to pay the $50.
The problem with Webkinz world now is that they are complete scam artists. I joined the Deluxe membership for $45,00 and my niece received the original come on deal; the gold hat, the roller coaster( if you bought a years membership) the special activity schedulde AND the gold KInzchat line. But that's not all they promised; they promised a gift box every month with a piece of clothing no one else would have, among other things AND " your parents will be earning e-store points every month in your account". Does it sound like I've listened to that bold faces lie a million times? It's because I have!!! I contacted the people from the e-store as to when my niece would be receiving her gift box and points for the month. They not only told me once but TWICE that there was NO MONTHLY GIFT OR POINTS. THEY WOULD BE GIVEN ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF YOU REGISTRATION OF THE DELUXE ACCOUNT!!! I wrote to them that they were in breach of contract, false advertising and fraud and that I intended to persue the matter!! Now is the time for us to unite as one common pissed off group of parents and take them to the mat. I think the Better Business Bureau would be a good place to start. Come on Lamont, we are your readers as well as any other group. I know you have moved on since you were kicked out of Webkinz land, but we are your readers just as well as any other group. Help us fight!!!! My name is Grace Jane Dostou.
ReplyDeleteI am a Deluxe Member - they are adding benefits each month for us. The points each month are not on the first of the month in the separate points store - more like 10th or something. I have received clothing type items for the past two months. -- I have experienced things (especially the tea set) getting stuck in my room. I have a large house of over 100 rooms - and rarely have problems. -- Go to tips, clean out your history several times a day - cleaning out all cookies and temporary internet files. This makes a huge difference! So I am receiving a monthly gift of clothing and they are increasing Deluxe Member goodies all of the time. -- Miss Cindy 0~0`
ReplyDeleteIcant remember my Webkinz nickname and I have lsot the code * I made my account 27th December 2008* How am I supposed to log in?
ReplyDeleteI had the monster under the bed exclusive item but
ReplyDeletenow it's gone
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ReplyDeletesomeone has stolen both of my fairy princess ballgowns and my fairy mask. Also they have taken my 3 super beds and also 100000 kinzcash.
ReplyDeleteI am really tired of going on and NOW being told I am in line to login. It is bad enough they are down for maintenance every week for hours on end.... I am adult, I am a deluxe member, I was given a webkinz as a gift when my real cat passed away. I think with the amount of money people have invested in their pets and this site they could hire quality professional software engineers to maintain their site. I work in technology, and I would be embarrassed at the amount of problems.
ReplyDeleteIm getting a white again or a problem with your server they tell me.
DeleteI sent my friend shuts and she said that she couldn't go in the room but when she went in the room everyting was gone even her shuts!
ReplyDelete