Saturday 31 March 2012

A wild post appears!

Here ya go.

197 comments:

Rebel_Rose said...

FIRST!!

Muttation said...

2nd....

Anonymous said...

I thought you left Muttation

Anonymous said...

As of this week, 27th, someone still hasn't received their Feb order, and no replies to her emails.

Wonder how the anniv. set fiasco is going - some still haven't received theirs?????

That has to be one of the worst stuff-ups I have every seen from a company.

I get the feeling that forum entries are being pruned as everything at the moment is pretty cheery.

I guess anyone who complained was booted out of the forum.

Anonymous said...

For all who have walked away from ordering anything more from PTI - I wonder how many of us have been replaced with newbies.
Wonder if the $$$$ have been affected.

Chris Simon said...

The pruning works both ways - I'm feeling cheerier since I was forced to stop reading the forum!

Anonymous said...

For those ordering, by watching order numbers you can see how many orders are being placed. I heard that a couple of weeks ago they were down about 30% from normal.

Donna C. said...

I am with you Chris.

Anonymous said...

Wow - if that 30% reduction in sales is correct, that must be hurting the PTB.

Chris Simon said...

Not only that, but the 30% estimate based on order numbers is just that - 30% fewer orders. It says nothing about the amount of money that those represent. If a large number of those are just cashing out reward points or gift certificates, which I would guess is true, then the actual damage is far worse than 30%.

Muttation said...

I like it here..no reason to leave. hoping to someday actually be welcome around here...

Donna C. said...

I think Chris is correct. I ordered in Feb. only to cash out most of my reward points and have not ordered since. They have not gotten money from me since January and I usually make about 10 orders per year.

InkStink said...

I'll be ordering from WPlus 9 in a few days and playing with those stamps and dies while PTI screws up another release and people wait for their packages.

Dawn from WPlus9 has hinted at some new things happening, one that might necessitate a change in shipping policy. I'm hoping that means she'll intro matching ink and cardstock.

Anonymous said...

I still haven't got my February order either but as off 3 days ago, I got a tracking number that JUST shipped, even though it's been showing shipped for weeks.

I'm in contact with someone else that hasn't got a February order yet.

Anonymous said...

Muttation, I welcome you here. I like your level headed non-rabid way of expressing yourself. I don't agree with all of what you say but you do offer another point of view.

Anonymous said...

So nobody has asked on the forum why the gift certificates are disabled in the store?

Anonymous said...

One bad month you can overlook. Two bad months, you start to wonder. If March was 30% fewer orders and mainly people using up rewards points, PTI isn't bringing as much real money as before. And having errors in stamps sets after they've been produced means a smaller bottom line. LOL

Anonymous said...

I think that as long as Papertrey based cards are prevalent on blogs and in magazines, there will always be new customers filling the spots of those that leave.

Donna C. said...

For this reason, I am no longer listing PTI supplies when used on my blog.

Muttation said...

Interesting article about bad press and how a business can use it to become a better business....here is a snippet:

More than anything, the negative press just means the consumer really wants to like your business or service- and they will!- right after you change the things they discussed in your negative feedback.

Also, the bad publicity is a great way for you to respond in kind with either personal comments back or a press release about how you’re going to fix their complaint. This can build very powerful customer relations as they will know that you are hearing their thoughts and voice and that you really care about your relationship with your clientele.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how many orders were list due to people not being able to check out or just getting frustrated because the site is such a pain to navigate.

Anonymous said...

I think that 30% number is inflated. One person posted that but then someone else showed how it could likely be much less. I think it had to do with inconsistent timing of the orders, one much closer to actual release, and the other later in the day. So since that time right after release is the huge volume time, it could skew the numbers greatly. Can't remember the details. But I am sure you are right about many orders being ones cashing out reward points, so I am sure they are taking a hit because of that.

Anonymous said...

Mutt, it may work that way if problems are solved immediately and the customers are treated well and compensated in some way for their trouble. PTI has done just the opposite by implying customers are liars, trouble makers, and banning those who point out problems.

Anonymous said...

Also, Mutt, the customers are more impressed when the incompetent and rude owners/workers are publically reprimanded and fired if needed.

Anonymous said...

I'd love for someone to succeed in asking about the disabling of the gift certificates. Sounds like something they'd be quick to delete/ban.

Anonymous said...

Shouldn't it be Mutation and not Muttation? Or is it spelled differently in the book?

Anonymous said...

It is Muttation.

Muttation said...

12:51

I think the real problem has always been in CS and not the forum. If CS had been better able to manage all of the issues (emails), the forum never would have gotten out of hand. It was only when CS got so far behind that the forum got crazy and people started getting banned.

Although it might be a day late and a dollar short....you are going to see some big changes in CS and the way they handle issues and correspondence in the next few days I am certain.

Anonymous said...

Here is something Rick posted on the forum, when someone asked if he was involved with the website too:


I have only ever been involved in the forum...there is a company that PTI is working with to do the main site. I used to be on the forum a lot more but left to pursue other things several years ago. I traveled for a couple of years and didn't get a chance to get on the forum at all, but I have been working a regular 9-5 in Louisville so I have had the opportunity to spend more time working to get issues resolved with SPAM, forum performance, etc... I love it here and look forward to making this a better place..

Muttation said...

short....you

forum...there

hmmmmmmm....

Anonymous said...

So are Rick and Julie married?

Muttation said...

13:15

no...Rick and Julie are not married and have not been married for several years.

Anonymous said...

Mutt, I agree with the article. It's too bad that Papertrey did exactly the opposite of what they should have done when presented with issues.

Julie's "what do you want me to do about it?!" attitude in customer service and business issues has been going on for far too long and it's finally catching up with her.

They have even had customers explain exactly how the problems should be handled and they still chose to do nothing until it was too late.

Customers are not the bad guys.

Anonymous said...

So Mutt, what I would love to really know, if you can tell us, is whether or not the 3 owners (or maybe you could subtly tell us in fraction form. Lol) *really* care about what the "trouble making" problem customers are saying. In mean, do they tune it out the way it appears they do? Or do they hear it and really care?

Anonymous said...

Thanks about Rick and Julie mutt.
How do you know?

Anonymous said...

Mutt, why do people think that you are someone that is in the know?

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to hundreds of blogs. In the last couple of weeks there are far fewer projects using PTI products.

Anonymous said...

http://colorfulom.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-boycott-of-papertrey-ink.html

Way to go, Chris!

Anonymous said...

I would assume that Mutt is not going to "out" himself by answering obvious questions. I have watched long enough, and been a pti customer long enough, that I find NO inconsistencies in Mutt's info. I have other sources backing up a few things I didn't know & it all fits. Consistently. Observe the subtleties fellow-smackers & you will see.

Muttation said...

I am not going to begin to try and speak for the "three owners"....and what they "think"... I can only offer my observations...

I am certain that ANY business owner would care what their customers say and whether or not their customers are happy and getting good service for a fair price.

Whether or not they act like it is a completely different story...but what they "act like" is based on my needs and interpretation....

Anonymous said...

^^^ Ok, wait. "Fellow-smackers" as opposed to "fellow smackers" hmmm.

I may just out my own self with the awful grammar and sentence structure. Doh!

Chris Simon said...

Finally posted on my blog encouraging people not to spend money at PTI:

http://colorfulom.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-boycott-of-papertrey-ink.html

I relied heavily on other people's already posted articles. I see no need to reinvent the wheel. But I needed there to be a post on my blog, since I've posted so many PTI projects in the past.

Muttation said...

Observe the subtleties...

Thank you....

Anonymous said...

Fair enough. Let me rephrase the question. In your opinion, do you think they see the bad CS as a real problem? Or, as it sometimes appears to some customers, are they shrugging their shoulders knowing that new buyers are waiting in the wings?

Muttation said...

13:37

You will see very big changes in CS in the next week...I am certain of it.

These changes will not include a magic wand to fix all of the website issues, Anniversary Sets, etc... they will be resolved as quickly as possible.

But they will make a huge difference in response time and issue tracking...

Anonymous said...

Well, Mutt, many will never know thanks to being banned for objecting to the very things they might be changing. Ironic, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

I think that I've read everything that mutt has posted but I have never assumed that mutt is male.

Also, I don't feel that mutt is misrepresenting him/herself but it ses that others just assume that he/she actually has behind the scenes info. I don't buy it.

Muttation said...

I don't think it's ironic...I actually think it sucks!

I, for one, am not happy with the way things worked out the other day. I wish it didn't happen the way it did....

Anonymous said...

Well unless Julie fires herself I think that there won't be any real customer service changes.

Dave seems like the forwarder that Jenn used to be. Julie needs to loosen the reigns and give cs some power to make decisions.

Anonymous said...

The banning and deleting of threads just added fuel to the fire. That is why people are speaking up on blogs and other forums. Hell hath no fury...

Muttation said...

13:50

I know that...and have been reading the blogs...

I wish you all had the benefit of seeing what goes on behind the scenes... it is nothing like what is portrayed here for sure...

Anonymous said...

So, Mutt, what in the blogs is portrayed incorrectly?

Muttation said...

Facts are facts....and sh*tty CS cannot and should not be accepted by any customer. I personally have seen nothing on the blogs that "I" would argue with (except the perception of some that the owners do not care about providing better service and timelier resolution to problems.

I ran a pretty big business in my past life...and I can tell you with no hesitation that I SUCKED at it. I just couldn't keep on top of all of the issues AND keep my personality out of the decision making process. I know what it is like to be under the gun and make the WRONG decision, affecting hundreds of people...and their livelihoods..

This, I think, helps me to accept people and their shortcomings...

Anonymous said...

FYI: Unity Stamps is having a 40% off almost all stamp sets right now!!!

Anonymous said...

I have tried and tried to shop at Unity, but I find their web site slow and annoying to use. And the constant specials make me skittish about buying anything for fear that there will be a better deal ten minutes after I click "send".

Anonymous said...

Mutt, that brings up 2 issues. Personally ,I don't think that Julie and Nichole are trying to cheat or steal from people. They are just in over their heads and for whatever reason, they won't relinquish any control. Maybe they just haven't had time to write up clear policies for customer service issues. Maybe they have grown too quickly.
Second, because people really don't know why they just don't hire more people or delay a release, they are left to speculate. Obviously the ptb aren't going to share these decisions publicly but they haven't given people anything to dispel the rumors.

Anonymous said...

Dave the CS guy needs to be given the authority to just handle things. As it is now, too many issues have to go through Julie, and she is just too slow/inefficient/overwhelmed in handling them.

GrammarCheck said...

I'm sure that one of the forum people will ask about the GC's being unavailable soon. No need for one of us to post.

I do hope that Mutt is right and there will be changes. I would love to see them succeed and provide good CS for all.

Anonymous said...

I will be back when all the bans have been lifted, everything in the forum and the store are working well, orders are received in a timely manner, prizes are sent within a week of winning, AND when the company representatives learn to admit mistakes, apologize, and treat the customers like gold even when the customers are unhappy. So, I guess that is when hell freezes over.

Anonymous said...

I placed more orders than I usually do in a month thanks to tax return, but here are some numbers from orders I placed within the past couple of weeks; 3-12 through 3- 31. The final order was to cash out reward points so I never have to buy from them again.
3-12: #203262
3-15: #203553 (never received this order, it was never even charged to my card even though I got an order # and email confirmations. They never bothered to contact me about this BTW, so I told Dawn to cancel the whole thing)
3-31: #205974
If my math is correct, and it probably isn't, not my strong suit, that's less than 3000 orders in 3 weeks. I wonder if that's less volume than they usually do? Still seem like a lot...

Anonymous said...

Nichole is out full force on the forum??
She's even posting in off topic threads....strange??

Anonymous said...

From the card basic error - Is this even legal????


"Once we receive the documentation, we will ship the correct die to you with a pre-paid return envelope so you can easily send the incorrect item back to us. If we do not receive your return within 3 weeks, your credit card will be charged for the amount of the additional die that was sent. Once we receive your return, your credit card will then be credited for the item. Please be aware that after 60 days, we are unable to issue a credit for any die that was received in error."


What if, god forbid, you send the die back and they "don't receive" it???

Anonymous said...

I absolutely would not trust them. Even with shipping confirmation they denied for several months that I sent back my bad pads. Then for several more they claimed they had credited my PayPal. By the time it was all over I bet I put $15 into getting about $14 credit. I was cheap labor for them. I would not trust them at all to get this right. Just wait and see how this one blows up.

GrammarCheck said...

It would be a good idea to have tracking on the die you send back, just to make sure.

Anonymous said...

And if you are one of many banned from the forum, you would know about this new card basic die FIP (fiasco in progress) HOW exactly??

Add that 2 your list said...

In what state is it legal for an online retailer to use a customers credit card information weeks after initial purchase to bill for something else? Is Nichole insane? First of all, most retailers ask if you want your cc info stored. PTI does not does not have my permission to store my info like that. Secondly, they have no authority to put through additional charges without your consent. Nichole may want to look into little things like legalities and fraud before telling Julie to "charge it."

Add That 2 The List said...

Not sure how much tracking is in the US but adding it for international customers is what created the whole Karen fiasco. International shipping with tracking starts at $20 from most countries and will take the full two to three weeks to arrive in OH.

If you've got the wrong die, it would be simpler to order the right one or make due. Problem is, the easiest (& cheapest) solution for most customers lets PTI off the hook and costs them nothing. Funny how most of the solutions to their screw ups have the same end results.

Anonymous said...

I was thinking, 60 days for international returns? Hmmm. And tracking , even for Canadians just isn't worth the cost.
It's just not customer friendly, I understand why they want to do it but damn.

Anonymous said...

Re: the card basics die problem
Papertrey seems to make things so complicated. Is their system even sophisticated enough to track orders at the 3 week mark? I sure hope so. Nothing that they have done so far tells me that it is.

Mutt, I hope that the customer service issues change but it is too late for so many people.

Anonymous said...

Okay, if I could give the people running PTI one message, it would be this:

KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID.

It seems that every "fix" offered by the company becomes a convoluted issue for PTI and for the customer.

It might cost a little more to just send out a second die to the people YOU made a mistake with, but it will probably end up costing you just as much in time.

I think past history has shown us all how this will go:

Many people will not receive their replacement dies, or PTI will happen to not receive many of the dies that are returned (documentation be damned!).

This means another large group of people will be thrown onto the "customer service" carousel, in which case the story will go something like this:

1. Customer emails CS to inquire about status of replacement die;

2. Customer receives an email from Dave that indicates that items should be back in stock in maybe three weeks, but they can't really be sure and can't notify you of anything, but thanks for playing anyway;

3. Customer then emails CS a second time, again indicating the nature of the issue;

4.. Customer receives a response from Dave, which indicates that he has absolutely no power to resolve the situation, but will be sure to pass it along to Julie;

5. Customer emails again in a few days to follow up because, as usual, Julie has failed to take any action whatsoever;

6. items should be back in stock in maybe three weeks, but they can't really be sure and can't notify you of anything, but thanks for playing anyway...

------------------

Is it really more cost-effective to waste ALL that time and devote that many resources to replacing an item that definitely cost you less than $10 to manufacture?

Anonymous said...

Even if they sent every one who got the wrong die a complimentary right one, they'd come out ahead. A gesture like that would encourage me to buy again instead of asking me to jump through hoops to fix their F* up. My solution costs more upfront but isn't costing the company customers who want to spend their money at PTI. Their solution leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Anonymous said...

^^^ If it wasn't so true it would be hilarious!!!

Julie, hire somebody to create some clear policies in cases like this and then give customer service a set of guidelines and authority to fix problems!

This is the kind of logical response I would suggest on the forum but it would be ignored and I would be labeled a trouble maker.

Anonymous said...

If I was part of the die fiasco, since I'm in the US, I'd send the damn thing back registered mail with return receipt requested - just so they'd have to sign for the damn thing. Cost me more, but would be worth it because of their track record.

Anonymous said...

1. They need to "eat" the cost on the stupid die mistake. When they screw up, they need to make it right and the customers shouldn't have to jump through hoops. It's all absurd.

2. Way to late for me no matter what they fix now.

3. Why is everyone so ready to accept everything this "Muttation" person says? Who do you think you are "Mutt?" Deep Throat or something? If you have inside information then stand up and say where it's coming from. Anyone could come here and make up anything they want. Don't be duped smackers.

4. If you want to know how much profit they make from the dies, then call around to some manufacturers. People, there's a reason so many companies are offering dies right and left and it's not because they love their customers.

Anonymous said...

"2. Way TOO late..."

I hate not being able to go back and fix typos!

Anonymous said...

3. Why is everyone so ready to accept everything this "Muttation" person says? Who do you think you are "Mutt?" Deep Throat or something? If you have inside information then stand up and say where it's coming from. Anyone could come here and make up anything they want. Don't be duped smackers.

**********************

Exactly!!!!

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Smackers, if you've previously "liked" PTI on FB... UNLIKE them now!!!

Anonymous said...

NH wants the customers to tell her what they want for fall.

Gag me. You're the big innovator, NH. Figure it out yourself.

InkStink said...

Muttation said...
Facts are facts....and sh*tty CS cannot and should not be accepted by any customer. I personally have seen nothing on the blogs that "I" would argue with (except the perception of some that the owners do not care about providing better service and timelier resolution to problems.


-------------

Mutt, what you're saying is the owners do care about providing better service and timelier resolution to problems.

Couldn't prove it by me. So why aren't they? What's holding them back? Actions speak louder than words or intentions, ya know.

Anonymous said...

I agree. I think the "perception" is based in fact. If you consistently, over YEARS, see them treat customers poorly, and even unfairly, then why would you have any other perception?

And "Mutt" why did you put quotation marks around the 'I' in your comment? Don't understand the point.

Muttation said...

I agree with a lot of the stuff I have read here tonight. I think that the proof is in the pudding...and until customers see a HUGE change, they will still have doubt. I also believe that any change made will initially be met with great doubt and "we'll see" attitude...because customers have had so many struggles to deal with.

Seems like the easiest thing to do with the die would be to just suck it up and send out a replacement for free....but that is precisely why I can't run a business...I make that assumption but I don't know the facts...like how many they are dealing with, what the cost of each replacement is...etc.... like I've said so many times before...what the hell do I know?

I wouldn't presume to try and tell the PTB how to run their business....1. Because it's THEIR business, 2. Because I don't know the BEST way to run their business, and 3. Nobody would listen to me because of #1 and #2.

As far as me "coming out"...most of these calls come from "Anonymous"...so funny...if you haven't figured it out by now it's best we just pretend I am somebody else...cause if you knew, you would probably just start calling me a dick, stupid, lame, incompetent or any of the other words you'all have used to describe me here in the past... :)

Muttation said...

20:01 Because of my assumed identity... I am not sure how that would identify "me".... see, I did it again.. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh for God's Sake Mutt, don't pretend you are Rick or even hint at it. We all know Rick or anyone else from PTI would NOT be engaging and posting on this blog.

Muttation said...

you've got my email address....send me a note...

Anonymous said...

Dear PTI, just eat the cost of the defective die. Every other company out there does.

Take a page from Gina K's playbook PLEASE!

Muttation said...

oh wait....in order to send me an email you would have to break your anonymity... :)

Anonymous said...

Wow... if you are who you so "subtly" claim to be... you got some balls on you mister. IMHO.

Muttation said...

just anxious to see things get better.....

Anonymous said...

Mutt, Ted, Rick, Julie, or whoever you are, this is about PTI, not trying to guess your background.

Anonymous said...

This is good CS - I ordered a couple of Copic Sketch markers, and one they sent was a Ciao by mistake.
When I contacted the company, they apologised, said to keep the Ciao and donate it to a friend - I received the correct Sketch pen in less than a week.

Anonymous said...

From all that I have read, it seems that Julie works for the printing company, and that PTI is sort of attended to after her printing company duties.
Doesn't seem a smart way to run a business that is no longer a 'small' company.

Anonymous said...

SQUUUUEEEAAAALLLL!

http://www.stampawaywithme.blogspot.com/

so excited. dawn has classy style, i can't wait to buy on april 5th. over the moon about the card stock!

Anonymous said...

I am happy dancing all the way over to WPlus9!

Unknown said...

I screamed when I saw that WPlus9 has cardstock. I think the move is going to be official. I will order from PTI again in the future, but they gotta get some shiz together. SO HAPPY!!!

Anonymous said...

Me too! Very excited about Wplus9 release and the cardstock :) Looks like I have to say goodbye to PTI forever!

Anonymous said...

fyi, liliofthevalley.com is offering free worldwide shipping on all orders but just for today (april 1st) and nope this is not an april fools' joke.

Beating A Dead Horse said...

I am happy dancing all the way over to WPlus9!
--------------------
Right there with you and the cardstock is 100#. Not complaining about PTI, but sometimes 110 was too heavy. Over the moon just doesn't seem adequate for how I am feeling right now!!!
Truth is, I think I said goodbye to PTI long ago.

Beating A Dead Horse said...

Anonymous said...

2. Way to late for me no matter what they fix now.
-----------------------
Me too.

3. Why is everyone so ready to accept everything this "Muttation" person says? Who do you think you are "Mutt?" Deep Throat or something? If you have inside information then stand up and say where it's coming from. Anyone could come here and make up anything they want. Don't be duped smackers.
-----------------------
It really makes no difference to me what he/she has to say. I read his/her posts just like I do with the rest of them. PTI has taught me one a valuable lesson. Don't believe everything you are told, even if it is in writing.
31 March 2012 19:24

Anonymous said...

Honestly, who gives a crap who Mutt is and what Mutt says. I don't get why people are talking to this person.

I'm so glad that WPlus9 has cardstock. I have a replacement for white, but the rustic cream was difficult to find a replacement for (at least in the heavier weight). I hope she offers it in larger packs though.

Anonymous said...

As fast as they can, some of these companies need to take over the PTI market with products we need!

Anonymous said...

Anyone else think that Maile Belles card today is ghastly??

Anonymous said...

I can't think of a single thing I'd want to buy that I couldn't find as good or better somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

I don't usually look at the DT blogs but will check it out.

PTI Telenovela Fan said...

^^^ I'm with you. The ribbon and buttons don't go, or make any sense.

PTI Telenovela Fan said...

Sorry! I was commenting on the 7:55 comment, about Maile's card. I forgot to refresh my page firs.

PTI Telenovela Fan said...

*first.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that a lot of others also are not buying into this Muttation person acting like he/she has the inside track.

Anonymous said...

On MB's card, I agree... if she's going to have the flowers be just as full from top to bottom, then they should've stopped before they got to the halfway mark across the card. Or have them fuller at the bottom and then tapering off to the left at the top. It's unbalanced.

Then the green is too dark of a shade.

The ribbon and buttons just make the first mistake worse - it's even heavier on the left and top because of that.

Anonymous said...

To be fair, I like every other card on the first page of her blog!

Anonymous said...

almost every card :0)

Anonymous said...

The previous ones are perfect, but MB's card today reminds me of how Nichole's cards were so crappy this last release. Almost seems purposeful.

Muttation said...

08:54

Me too....

Anonymous said...

Just opened my Fresh Ink Mango Pad from Impress. Love, total love.

Anonymous said...

Mutt, that 'me too' has raised my hopes just a tad. I have thought that 'perhaps' I could return to PTI IF there was a change in the PTB. I, for one, hope there are drastic changes in the future. But I won't order again with the status quo.

Anonymous said...

10:01 - isn't mango to die for? Fresh Ink colors are so rich and the coverage can't be beat.

Anonymous said...

There's a thread on the forum asking if people have received prize packages. A few people who won in recent months have posted that they're still empty-handed. Joan B., who I feel tries to be supportive (and I'm willing to believe hers is one of the voices PTI would consider listening to) when she can, had this to say:

Re: Has Anyone Received Their February Release Prize Package?
by Joan B » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:41 am

This is why I don't play in the prize game any more. It is just a means to get folks to the blog and stir up excitement. No thanks. It would drive me crazy to "win" and "wait". There is simply no good reason not to have the prize packages in a box waiting to slap on a label and mailed the next day. Certainly within a week.

This particular PTI practice tells me that PTI really isn't changing and I'm sad. I'm not angry because I haven't spent a dime on PTI since the fall so I don't have a dog in this game other than the hope for improvements. Sorry to say this but you can send the lovely members of the DT, (and I mean that with sincerity, not snark) onto the forum and you can ask us about products for the fall, or videos or future anything, but it is the behind the scenes activity that counts.
http://www.paperlicious.typepad.com "it's all going on the blog."

Joan B

Posts: 1071
Joined: Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:23 am
Location: Northern Virginia

Anonymous said...

From the tone of her recent posts, it sounds like Nichole is really trying to be empathetic and not blame everything on the customer.

I just can't get past that email from Julie to Karen. Since then, so many other people that have come out of the woodwork to say that her emails have come across as rude and condescending.

Unless Julie completely removes herself from customer service and gives whomever is wearing that hat the authority to make immediate decisions, I can't see buying anytime soon.

IMO that is just playing Russian Roulette with my orders.

Anonymous said...

Lizzie answered the prize post with this -

It seems like there has been a shift toward gift certificates instead of physical prizes (evidenced both by the resolution threads we saw recently as well as the prize offering for the Blog Hop). Hopefully that change will eliminate the wait times folks have experienced in the past.
**********************************

I don't think that is true and if it isn't, Lizzy shouldn't be posting it on the forum.
If it is true, why don't all of these people have gift cert codes?

Donna C. said...

Gift certificates make far more sense, but then the person has to pay their own shipping. But just to know you "might" really get your prize would be great.

And Joan's post is the truth we have all been saying, but I am sure glad that she is allowed to continue to say it.

Would love to see a blog post on the whole PTI thing from her.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been banned but I would be if I were to say what Joan has just said.

Is Joan's trainwreck avatar somehow less offensive than the unicorn or the Devil inside?

Joan comes across as a chit disturber to me as well. She just doesn't do it as often.

Anonymous said...

Joan did post about Papertrey here-

http://paperlicious.typepad.com/paperlicious/2012/03/the-glass-half-full-and-papertrey-ink-and-nordstrom.html

Rebel_Rose said...

I rather like Joan and I don't think she's out to just stir things up. I think she is like most of us, hoping one day that the PTI PTB will wake up before it is too late. However with every passing day and every new CS issue I have just about given up. (and I don't give a rats ass who "mutt" is)

Anonymous said...

Maybe Mutt is Jenn E

Anonymous said...

I like Joan too.

I also agree that many of us here don't intend to just stir up trouble but we've been painted that way. A lot of what's been posted on the forums is out sheer frustration because PTI just doesn't seem to get it.

Anonymous said...

I think that my interest in the past few releases has been so entirely colored by the cs issues that I really don't like anything. That makes it so much easier to not shop there though.

I still love all of my older sets and I will continue to use them.

Anonymous said...

I think their creativity, especially Nichole's has really dropped off. As of the last post of Maile's I have to see if she is going the same way. Sure is going to be easier withdrawal if they put out mediocre stuff.

Add that 2 the list said...

@12:18 - why would PTI "get it"? Clearly enough people are still buying for them to continue on full steam ahead with gigantic releases, having only one dedicated CS person, and giving false hope emails and posts to appease the sheeple. A few truthful blog posts won't change jack.

The latest rush to change rewards to GC's can even be viewed as a good thing. Each GC is a guaranteed future sale.

Anonymous said...

The latest rush to change rewards to GC's can even be viewed as a good thing. Each GC is a guaranteed future sale.

I don't quite agree with this. While it may equate to a few add ons in order to get up to the free shipping amount, a lot of people are just cashing out entirely. If I have $70 in gc's and I spend exactly $70, they are actually losing money because of the free shipping.

Anonymous said...

As well as the fact that older GC's were paid for long ago and that money is long gone from the company store.

Donna C. said...

I wish I could find gingham paper in nice colors so they don't tempt me at PTI.

Anonymous said...

A Muse has very nice gingham papers.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Maybe Mutt is Jenn E
1 April 2012 12:18

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then I *really* don't care what Mutt has to say.

Donna C. said...

Every time I try to shop on the A Muse site it requires me to have a consultant name. I don't see a consultant locater!

Anonymous said...

The question about the disabled gc's has been asked on the forum and Ashley said that she would look into it.

Anonymous said...

And, whoa! Their cardstock is expensive!

Anonymous said...

I gave half a thought that maybe Mutt was Jenn as well. But it wouldn't make any sense. If it were Jenn, and she truly thought there were good changes coming soon, she wouldn't have quit. And if she was let go rather than quitting, she wouldn't have any reason to drop happy positive hints here. So I don't think there's really any chance it's her.

Anonymous said...

I still have a handful of older stamps that I want but I guess I will have to just watch the for sale board for them.

Chris Simon said...

Donna, I buy my A Muse from Nancy Baier (phantom on the forum and on SCS). She's great.

Anonymous said...

Shut up Ted. You drive me batty!
That's all.

Anonymous said...

Donna C, There is an Amuse store on Greenwood Ave in Seattle.

Anonymous said...

I guess the forum is being tweaked again.

Nancy said...

Hi Smackers, and hi Donna C! You may remember me from the Waltzingmouse Makers blog?? I've posted here a few times but mostly stop by to see what's going on at PTI because it's more efficient than checking their forum (ok, to be honest, I do peek in there now and then but rarely post; my name on the PTI forum is Nancy).

If you'd like a sample of A Muse gingham I'd be happy to send some to you. Just email your address to me at nan.amusestudio@gmail.com .

And for anyone looking for a consultant, when you go to amusestudio.com and click on "shop online" you get to this page:
https://www.amusestudio.com/Searchb.asp
That is the locator.

I hadn't thought about it before but will email A Muse, Donna, because it does look like it's just asking you for info to find a consultant you already have. If you type in your zip or address though, it will give you choices.

My consultant i.d. is #1137 and I'd love to fill in the gaps to help keep any of you away from PTI, LOL! And of course I can't say enough good things about our cardstock, inks, and stamps. I used to use PTI cardstock exclusively but have switched and love it.

If anyone would like to email me for a sample of cardstock, just let me know in an email what color or pattern you'd like to see. I have *most* of them but will choose something close if I don't have it.

Nancy said...

And thank you, Chris for the recommendation :).

GrammarCheck said...

Yup, looks like the forum is being worked on ... error messages galore! Can't search own posts, member's posts or even get past the page after writing a post to actually save it ....

Unknown said...

I think the Amuse prices are a bit ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Amuse card stock is very expensive. Their stamp sets are more reasonable.

Muttation said...

fixed

Anonymous said...

The A Muse ink is just like the Fresh Ink except the colors are different. It is the best I have found.

Nancy said...

A Muse, like SU and other home party based companies, does have a different pricing structure because the intent is that you will receive services above and beyond simple online ordering.

I'm also happy to provide as much personal service and assistance as possible to online customers, and that's especially important now because we are new and we don't have widespread consultant coverage yet.

Why each of us chooses to shop where we shop is based on multiple factors many of them intangible. It's kind of ironic to have this conversation here of all places.

omathgoddess said...

HI Nancy,

Are you willing to ship to Canada?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Ya, okay Mutt.

Anonymous said...

It's kind of ironic to have this conversation here of all places.

^^^^ No kidding! LOL!

Nancy said...

omathgoddess, A Muse is only U.S. right now.

That said, if you're willing to pay shipping to me and then on to you, I don't see why there would be a problem with that. The double shipping would just be something you'd have to consider - I couldn't have it shipped directly to you.

When I was an SU demo, I sent items to a friend in Australia many times because for her the extra cost of shipping was worth it.

Email me, Omathgoddess! nan.amusestudio@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

After visiting this blog, I find it difficult to write "HTH" after anything! It always sounds sarcastic now,lol

Anonymous said...

Seriously, what is going on with the PTI forum? When I try to post a topic, I get an error. When I try to post a reply to a topic, I get an error. When I try to view my posts, I get an error.

No one has posted anything new in Stamping Talk for over 4 hours...this is uber frustrating. If there is going to be a maintenance window in the future, why can't that be posted as a sticky in the forum???

Anonymous said...

I think the forum is down. I just tried to post something and it shows an error when you submit your response.

Anonymous said...

wait a second, you mean to tell me the reason that companies like SU and AMuse have high prices is b/c they are billing "services" on top of the base price of their product?

HAHAHA. I do my demo HUGE a favor by purchasing SU from her. She gets tons of free & insanely discounted shit b/c of the $$ that I spend. It's already a WIN for her, and for SU. The fact that they are charging extra for their "services" is laughable. There are plenty of people who craft & blog about it and are not demos w/ any company. That's no different than being a demo and showing people how to make a card.

And don't even get me started on the ridiculous shipping costs for SU. I'm sure AMuse is the same.

Nancy said...

I don't think I said that exactly. Or I didn't mean to say there is a price on services.

But everyone knows that consultants and demos get paid, right? That has to be built in somewhere, doesn't it?

I guess I should say that my assumption has always been that our products will cost a bit more because the business model implies that you will be working one on one with a consultant who puts time and expense into giving her customers service beyond online shopping, and opportunities to use and see the products in person, too. Also, many customers benefit from a reward system based on their purchases.

I am not privy to the financial details of any company - either A Muse or SU, and for that matter as I've stated here in the past, of PTI. But as a customer of many companies, I realized that catalog companies/home-party-based companies do have a different price structure but it made sense to me for the reasons stated above.

I suspect you fully understand that I did not mean that any of these companies "bill for services," or perhaps you believe that they are strictly online shopping businesses and that is not the case.

Nancy said...

I guess there's something I should add before moving on:

Not all of our products are priced higher than other companies with similar products.

I have not purchased from SU in a very long time but I do believe our shipping is the same.

The consultants and demos I know work very hard for their business income, and not just by blogging.

Anonymous said...

Okay, Nancy. You lost me after your 4th of 5th attempt to shill your product.

Also, from the tone of your posts, I'd think you went to the PTI school of customer service.

HTH!

Anonymous said...

in the "olden days" of stamping, I might have to agree with you that you were getting an "extra" service by shopping w/ a direct selling company. Having a demo that could teach you, show you new product, etc. But now a days, with the Internet, message boards and blogs - it's a different world. And people are not as willing to pay a premium for something they can get elsewhere - especially when other companies are offering the same (if not better) quality, with other incentives like FREE shipping.

When you order with SU, I think it's $6.95 on ANY order under $60. Or something like that. Anything over $60 is 10% of your order.

SO: for someone like me, who likes their cardstock & ribbon, and I want to stock up and buy $300 worth of product, I have to pony up $30...for shipping! That is CRAZY. I can't name one stamping company or stamping website out there (non-direct sales) who does not offer an incentive for free shipping on a large order like that.

That is one of the main reasons why I no longer buy SU. (that, along w/ the high price of their wood stamps. Their cling stamps are not quality and literally do not cling.)

All of this said, I realize you are speaking about AMuse, and I'm referencing SU - but I'm more talking about direct selling companies.

Nancy said...

I completely understand - people have their reasons for shopping at various places and for not shopping at them too.

I know not everyone wants to purchase from a direct sales company and I know people who love to ~ to each her own. And I don't think anyone has to defend those reasons to anyone else. Every person has their own story.

And I am not here hawking my products. The subject of A Muse came up, and my name was mentioned.

I apologize if there's something to the "tone" of my posts that offends anyone. You don't know me personally so you may be reading something into it that's not there. I only hope to respond about business questions in a professional manner.

Anonymous said...

The cool thing about PTI over some of the others mentioned was no sales tax for me and free shipping made it a really good deal.

GrammarCheck said...

Re: Direct sales companies like SU, CTMH, AMStudio

I also am not willing to pay higher prices for products that are practically the same ... I think AMuse products are probably very good quality but to pay higher initial prices, plus the shipping seems crazy to me. I have never understood paying for drop in (SU)classes where I could see a technique that is already online in videos, on blogs etc! :) Fresh Inks from Impress Rubber Stamps are the same formulation and have great colours, I hear. I think they even have sales ... I know, sales! Can you believe it?

Anonymous said...

Yes, Impress has sales often enough that I buy my inks at 10-20% off. Sign up for their Facebook page and you will get the notices. They ship quickly and are great to deal with.

Anonymous said...

Wow, just stumbled upon this. Poor Nancy. No need to take your PTI frustrations out on her.

Anonymous said...

Really, there's room for all these different businesses and customers that like some better than others. If nobody liked the catalog companies, they'd be out of business wouldn't they?

Just agree that there are different tastes and get over it.

At least we all agree that customer service is important and that PTI's stinks. :/

Anonymous said...

I suspect that Nancy fully understands the tone she was trying to convey with her sweet little message, just as I suspect that you all understand that Nancy is a big girl who does not need her little friends to come to her defense :)

I apologize if there is anything to my 'tone' that offends Nancy or her friends. I'm sure they fully understand how hard 'tone' is to gauge on a smack board.

GrammarCheck said...

Oh, I wasn't trying to smack Nancy or AMuse ... just trying to say that I am not willing to pay higher initial prices plus shipping ... got a small budget, ya know? Sorry, Nancy, if that's what it seemed like. Like I said, I am sure that AMuse has good quality products (and that the CS is excellent too.)

Nancy said...

Honestly, I did not come here to pick a fight or to do anything other than to answer the questions that came up about the company I represent because my name came up with it.

I did feel insulted by some of the comments made but only tried to clear things up as straightforwardly as possible. I'm sorry if I gave anyone a different impression. I do know it's hard to "read" people online but I've had no reason to have a 'tone' with anyone here.

And I may not know who "anonymous" is, but if any of them are my friend(s), you can bet that I do not consider that a "little" thing at all.

Nancy said...

Thank you Grammar Check - that's how I read your post. Like I said, everyone has their reasons for making their purchasing decisions the way they do :) . I understand your point of view. If there were one thing I could change about A Muse, SU, CTMH, etc. it would be that they'd have lower shipping costs. It is what it is ;) .

Anonymous said...

Kitchen Sink has 30% off entire store with the code
LISAspringclean

Great product.

Chris Simon said...

I'm so sorry, Nancy, that you're getting heat for talking about your product here. I was the one who brought up Nancy's name. She did not start the conversation in any way, so I wouldn't call it "shilling" at all. I stand by my recommendation for her if you choose to buy A Muse products.

GrammarCheck said...

Thanks, Nancy ... glad you understood my meaning and that I wasn't 'smacking' you or your company! I would love to put in an order because I love the idea of cardstock that is white on the inside and do adore pigment inks ... just gotta watch the budget! :)

Anonymous said...

Can anyone tell me approximately the shipping for Fresh ink from Impress when shipped to Canada?

Anonymous said...

The gift certificate question seems to have gone missing. Isn't that interesting.

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy,

I also did not take any offense with any of your posts. I do not know why that particular smacker (19:10) felt the need to take their frustrations with catalog companies out on you. It was unfair and it makes the rest of us look bad (assuming they're one of us and not a rival troll, of course).

As someone who used to buy regularly from SU, I definitely understand the differences between the various business models, and I do feel as you do about the quality of "service" (via the Demo) and how catalog companies "sell" differently. As you stated, it is a personal preference. I no longer buy from SU due to the high shipping costs and their poorer quality product (compared to other brands), but I certainly miss many aspects of working through that business model and was grateful for the experience.

Thanks, Nancy, for coming on here and letting us ask you questions. Most of us do appreciate it, I'm sure.

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I also appreciate your coming here and answering questions. After all, A Muse is listed on the sidebar as an alternative to those of us boycotting PTI. To my knowledge A Muse has always treated it's customers well.

Nancy said...

Thanks so much, Chris. I know you meant well. I just stuck my neck out when I should know better ;) .

Anyone who's seen me around also knows that I give equal time to other companies I believe have nice products and treat their customers well, too. I may be enthusiastic about A Muse but I certainly recognize there are lots of options out there.

Speaking of which, Grammar Check, I've never seen them in person but before A|S, I was going to look into Hero Arts and Memory Box cardstock. I'm not sure of their weight though. HA calls it "layering paper" I think which sounds like it could be pretty lightweight but I don't know. Happy shopping :) .

I hope everyone finds what they love at the price, etc. that's right for them. Just don't shop at PTI!! (can't help myself)

Anonymous said...

How much do you have to buy at MFT to get free shipping?

Nancy said...

21:35, thank you. It means a lot to hear a voice of reason tonight. I've been visiting this blog for awhile now and have come to think well of folks here in general ~ or I never would have posted as myself! And I like your well-balanced description of how your shopping has changed. I do love getting to know customers and that's part of this business model's experience that I'm grateful for, too.

And 12:37, thank you also. Every consultant I know tries to give the best customer service possible and we are backed up by an amazing company. There's always this back and forth between HQ and consultants - you make us look good; no, you make us look good, LOL! I guess that's teamwork :). I know lots of SU demos that work very hard for their customers, too.

Thanks again for the kind comments.

Nancy said...

oops... 21:37. It's getting too late for me.

Anonymous said...

21.40
I recently ordered (from the US) some Hero Arts (Hero Hues) folded cardstock, coloured on one side, white inside.

It is made in Hong Kong, medium weight. Several of the cards had 'spotty' marks on the inside so I wasn't overly impressed with the quality.

I am international so not worth the hassle trying to do anything about it. Will just try to stamp over the offending marks!!

Add that 2 the list said...

Is it just my eyes or is the image in the new Wplus9 set (that Dawn admits to buying the rights to) the same flower from Rosie Posie? I don't care but I admire Dawn's forthrightness in acknowledge someone else's work.

Anonymous said...

don't know if it's the same but when I saw the samples i thought it looked pretty similar to rosie posie

Yoda the Wise said...

people looking for gingham - i just bought a 6x6 pad pp from LilyBee called double dutch and it has a bunch of gingham in 6 colours (plus other patterns). The other patterns are nice too.

Anonymous said...

Nichole finally wised up to trading rewards points for GC's! .......hope everyone cashed them in fast!

Anonymous said...

Add that 2 the list said...

Is it just my eyes or is the image in the new Wplus9 set (that Dawn admits to buying the rights to) the same flower from Rosie Posie? I don't care but I admire Dawn's forthrightness in acknowledge someone else's work.

Can you link me to this discussion? What do you mean that Dawn admits to buying the rights to?

Anonymous said...

Okay , found it.

http://stampawaywithme.blogspot.ca/2012/04/marchapril-release-week-day-2.html

When you said "Dawn", I thought that you meant Dawn McVey.

Anonymous said...

From Nichole-
Re: Giving away reward points?

New postby nichole » Mon Apr 02, 2012 6:37 am
Unfortunately, customers were not supposed to be able to purchase gift certificates with rewards points and we have had to temporarily disable the purchase of gift certificates all together until we are able to fix the glitch. The reason being that everyone could just purchase gift certificates for themselves with their points and then in turn be able to utilize them for free shipping. The standing policy for redeeming the rewards points in that they do not count towards free shipping, so we will need to make this purchasing adjustment in order to enforce this policy.

Also, the points are not transferable from one member to the next. I would say if you wanted to pass them along, you could just purchase whatever item/items that the person may want and have the order shipped directly to them. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Nichole is just ALL over the board this morning.

Anonymous said...

Is it legal to have PTI charge you for a die that you return but they never receive ?

Since tracking from Canada or International is more than the die is worth and we know that some of them are going to go missing, I see some problems on the horizon.

Anonymous said...

Will the Canadian or international post office even accept a US SASE and will the postage that they affix be sufficient? I suspect that there will be a lot of envelopes marked "return to sender".

Anonymous said...

MFT's free shipping minimum is $65

Anonymous said...

re: Nichole's post about gift certificates purchased with rewards points being a "glitch" in the system

I go back to that one word: TESTING. Had they TESTED their freaking website before they rushed it to go-live there wouldn't have been this glitch (along with a half-million others). My other two words are BUSINESS PLAN. Had the owners of PTI though through their business plan they would have realized steps needed to be put in place to prevent GC purchase with rewards and they could had the web developer program for that in the beginning. And then...wait for it...they could've TESTED to make sure it worked.

Add That 2 The List said...

Nichole needs to take off her Autumn Rose glasses and wise up. Get proper business help. Has she seen Titanic? It doesn't end well for the name and face of a company. Julie & Jane don't have as much to lose since their primary concern is Heskamp Printing. Oh Nichole, you're just a cash cow they will use to pad their coffers. But, if they had their hearts & souls invested in this company the way Nichole does, PTI would not be in this current predicament.

I'm thinking that PTI is being bankrolled by private money, which is too bad. A bank would require a solid business plan in place before handing over money. When it's your two partners with the deep pockets, business sense and foresight go out the window.

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