PTI stands for Papertrey Ink. This is a collective smack blog and Papertrey Ink review page. Papertrey Ink's continuously poor customer service has lead to a page dedicated to discussion of this stamp company and recommendations for alternative stamp companies. Minimal censorship here- I prefer to leave it up to posters' discretion.
The opinions posted on this blog belong to our visitors and we are not paid for our honest reviews ;)
I ordered 4 ink pads and the Memory Box window dies. I kid of wish I would have ordered more ink pads, I have more money than I thought. Above commented was deleted due to a typo. :)
My first Impress order placed Sunday was 5 inks & refills and a die. It will be here today (I hope!) or tomorrow. I ordered again Monday, 10 inks & refills, and got shipping confirmation yesterday.
Per the question on the previous thread - where are you spending money now that you don't spend it with PTI... I haven't spent any money at PTI in over a year but I have purchased from CTMH, Clear & Simple Stamps, Stamp-Happy.com, A Muse and now Impress.
For the person who asked in the last thread, Impress Fuchsia ink is a spot on match for Raspberry Fizz. I think I have all the Fresh inks (except white and cream), so ask away if you have questions.
In the thread previous someone mentioned the TH Distress Markers from iCopic. Same thing happened to me, I emailed them that I ordered them from Ellen Hutson (if I remember clearly) and asked if they would cancel my order and send me confirmation of the refund. Within the hour I had an email back. I got what I asked them. I told them that they lost this sale, but not my business. I was impressed how graceful they were when I canceled and how fast they processed it all.
Thanks to the kind person who answered my question about a match for PTI's Rasberry Fizz. You said you have many of the Fresh Inks...is their a match for Hawaiian Shores?
I tried to place an order to clear out my $62 reward points, but before checking out, it only discounted $14 off the total. I canceled the order. Before I send an unanswered email to customer service, am I missing the "rules" on how the reward points are supposed to work?
I tried to place an order to clear out my $62 reward points, but before checking out, it only discounted $14 off the total. I canceled the order. Before I send an unanswered email to customer service, am I missing the "rules" on how the reward points are supposed to work? --------------------------
Not to ask the obvious, but when you were on the screen where you enter the amount of rewards points that you want to apply, you are sure that you entered 62? And then it changed it to $14 in the final step of checkout? Just checking.... other than that, I'm not sure why it wouldn't have worked. I've never had any problem using reward points, but I've never tried to apply that many at once.
^^^^^ Yes. I even double checked to make sure I entered $62. I wanted to believe the problem was me and not another error on the website. Thought wrong! I guess we will have to add this to the ever going list of problems.
Trell! I saw you featured as a guest poster on some cricut chick's blog. Can't remember whose but when I saw her introduce the guest as Trell, I was like "I know Trell!" =)
Isn't it funny how we think we know people once we've chatted a bit and recognize their name? =)
I wonder how much the YOF dies would cost if they came out? IF you were buying from PTI, how much would you be willing to pay? I think that they would have to be $10 or more because of the size.
Would NEVER buy them. I think most dies to match stamps are a complete waste. I'd seldom use them and if I did want the flowers cut out, I'd cut them. If they're too complex to cut, then they're too much of a pain to line up the die.
I love the YOF series but I wouldn't spend $10+ for each die. For the record, I do love matching dies for stamps.
Once I am not so lazy I am going to set up cut files for all of my YOF stamps for the Cameo. I did it for the Silhouette but wasn't able to import the files when the software changed to Studio.
"where are we supposed to go for help? Apr 24 22:57
I'm confused. I was getting ready to place an order and just experienced my cart dumping. I went to the forum and noticed that a thread regarding this problem has been locked for no apparent reason with no offer of assistance from the company. I was hoping to get assistance from forum members since PTI customer service is notoriously slow. Are we not allowed to voice technical problems on the forum anymore? Does anyone respond to these questions? (I noticed several have gone unanswered but thought I'd try my luck)"
^^ WTG, Christine! Note that Rick came to her aid. Christine, if you read here, please let us all know if your issue got resolved.
My A Muse ink pads arrived and I am thrilled. I got the orange and the purple as Fresh Ink didn't have anything close to what I wanted. The A Muse gingham assorted cardstock is really nice too.
Nichole's comment about the cracked ink cases was sometime in the last few months, and definitely on the forum. Since it was a "customer service" thread, it's probably been deleted, though.
Dark Stamper, the page you found with the Zendesk link & other info is not found in the "Customer Service" tab, it is found by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the very bottom of the pages of the PTI site.
so the 2 "Contact Us" links go to 2 different pages. when you're in the CS section (and IMO looking for help), you get less information than if you're in the shopping section and happen to stumble across the Contact Us link at the bottom.
seems like an oversight, except that the emails and CS url's are all updated to the new help desk in both places. if i were a website designer, i would think things should be matchy matchy. i don't like their website company.
In my eyes, the whole website is so disorganized, I don't know where I'd start to make changes.
I still don't get it, the only thing that the new site does that the old own didn't is to allow the points to be redeemed. There were hints that there might be shipping options, wish list, those have not happened,and the usability seems to be worse.
I don't get that either. Could they have kept the same design and just used it on a different platform or server type or whatever it is? The old site was great just for finding stuff.
Now what to do? I just had a nice dinner with my brother and sil. They got me a PTI GC for my birthday. Yikes. I don't want to buy anything from PTI, for now. Guess I'll have to wait for something I can't resist, but sure don't want to just leave the GC. They remembered how I loved talking about PTI and, of course, they had no idea of the problems. Nice thought on their part, but.........
The website looks like it was thrown together at the last minute just to get the site ready to be able to redeem the points. And since PTI is PTI, they probably decided to start 2 weeks before the release date and of course that fell apart.
And probably they decided to go ahead with the site so that people could redeem their points and fix the rest of the site later.
Those of you in the computer / website industry - explain to me *how* PTI could have a store front that is still so bad. They "rolled it out" in February, so even if they started from scratch Feb 1st it has been almost three months. Yet, the customers have seen almost no real changes. WHAT is going on?? We hear about how hard the IT guy is working ... but that just tells me it's more screwed up behind the scenes than it is in plain sight. Educate me, please.
That was a very nice gesture on your brother and sil's part. Ahhh...for the days when that might have excited you instead of given you that "ugh" feeling inside. This might be one that you have to suck up and order. After all, the money is already in the PTI pockets. Please report back to us if your ordering experience was positive. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
I work in IT, and we "roll" out new versions of our software constantly.
we recently completely upgraded our program (similar to what PTI has done) we did detect a few unforseem issues (after testing it for 8 months in parallel before going live) thos issues - some were fixed within 2 weeks some took a month or more, but that is mostly becuase we are a FDA regulated system, and we cant just make changes on the fly - without getting approvals and documenting everything every step of the way. I would think a commerce site could just implement changes as they wish...
And I can tell you it is 3 of us, only 1 of which can make changes to the system, supporting a system used in 7 countries and by a lot of people. and we still do it faster.
0644, It looks like I'm on much later than when you posted that PMs are disabled on the forum. I see the PM button and have been able to PM a member. Maybe whatever they were doing has been fixed?
Okay, now I see - time is Pacific and I'm Central. So I'm not on much later than 0644. :D And, FTR, not a uni though I do post on the forum because I like some of the people there.
For those who were curious about the new inks and the lids cracking...first of all, they were hairline cracks that did not go all the way through the lid, so should not cause problems. Then the next month the manufacturer changed the lids to solid instead of clear.
I have no problem with "the cracks are hairline fractures that don't go all the way through and shouldn't cause any problems". What set off my BS detector was Nichole's "yes, they're cracked, but they're better that way because now they're easier to open".
Must just be my login. The PM button has disappeared from my view. When I click on Private Messages under my User Control Panel, I get the message, "You are not authorised to send private messages."
Oh well. I don't hang out much in PTI land anyway.
Thanks 6:27, that helps. Especially since your system is only one person making the changes. I just don't know enough about websites to understand how long changes take. Especially the type that customers would notice - better pictures, search function, etc.
I'm don't expect things to never have glitches. In fact, I am probably *too* forgiving in order not to rush to judgement ... but going on three months?? As a computer person - does that signal to you that something else is wrong besides having a person input the changes? Maybe the owners are slower to make decisions than the FDA? Oh lord we're screwed.
It's a good thing they still have some customers (I'm no longer one of them), because if I went to that site by following someone's link, hearing the name, or just through a search engine or something, I wouldn't last two minutes trying to browse the site. This has got to be costing them customers.
I don't get how they can STILL have b.s. cart-dumping issues. That's the biggest load of crap. It doesn't matter what browser, whether one uses the back button or not. It's a big load of crap that "the cart dumps when they update the website" too. I'm so tired of their excuses I kind of don't care if I never get anything fom these people...but I can't just let my points sit there. And the fact that they locked the cart dumping thread on the forum is a load of bull. But then, what else should we expect.
Poor girl in South Africa has still not received her February order that went to Austraila:
Re: the anticipation!
New postby lerwee » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:14 am I would just love to receive my February order before there's another release...but it's still missing :cry: I really would like a "PTI styled" handbag and shoe stamp set with matching dies of course.
@ 8:20 - hairline cracks my ass - mine went all the way through and CS replaced mine because within using it two times it was completely bone dry.
@10:48- 1) are you 8:20? 2) Are you Nichole? 3) If the girl fro mS. Africa received a refund for her order why the eff would she be posting about waiting to receive it still?
9:07, just to be sure it's clear - I didn't find Nichole's quote about the cracked ink cases. I probably shouldn't have used quote marks at all as I was just paraphrasing from memory. Sorry about that.
I think it was Kate in Australia (katedvp or something like that) who got the refund for her order. I think lerwee in South Africa is still waiting on her package that was misdirected to Australia.
Oh! Well, that's good news, Nichole...thanks so much for the personal attention. It's truly appreciated. :) (I hope you didn't think I was complaining... if anything I was doubting my memory. Then again, my memory isn't what it used to be... when I call a student up to my desk and then forgot why he's standing in front of me a moment later with a puzzled look on both of our faces.) ;)
Thank you for making that clear, Chris, because I clearly remember that post, and I do not remember Nichole saying that the cracks are good because it made the lids easier to open. She did say that ther lids become easier to open them more you open and close them.
See the problem is people post things that are exaggerated versions, and then people stumble in here, that don't follow PTI closely enough to know what is true, what's not. They just believe everything they read here, then it's "OMG, that Nichole is such a _______." I understand frustration with PTI, I just think they have enough problems without people starting rumors by exaggerating.
@13:24 - i don't disagree, but you can't stop ppl from starting rumors (or misperceiving something, which is what i think happens most of the time). and it doesn't happen just here. there are tons of written opinions on individual blogs, other smack blogs, FB, etc. that might twist something the wrong way.
and seriously, if ppl believe everything they read...well, that is just stupid. i honestly believe the majority of the ppl on this blog challenge or question the things that sound fishy.
i prefer when ppl here back up their perceptions with actual quoted material from the forum, blogs, FB, whatever. then i tend to believe them more.
I thanked Chris for finding that and Chris I thought you found it on this blog.. someone else quoted Nichole here a few days ago and I remember distinctly that was the gist of Nichole's comment. She tried to put a pathetic positive twist on it.
I also think everyone here reads judiciously but what i find interesting is that so many of us thought that was just the kind of thing Nichole says anyway!
And to the jerk who keeps posting about the "full refund" get lost. First there's no context to it. Link a post to the PTI forum if you want, otherwise bug off.
OK here is Nichole's actual post regarding the ink pad cracks:
"A few of the first full-size ink pads (the first three specifically) I received have very tiny miniscule markings just inside the edge of the lid, while my newer ones from the last two months do not. I think it just takes a bit of getting used to taking the lids off and on and how much pressure to apply when closing them. I've learned that I was applying too much pressure on those first few pads which I'm sure contributed to the slight fractures. I haven't seen anyone's specific circumstances regarding the issue, but I know with my pads, the markings do not go all the way through to the outside as an actual crack. It is just a mark on the very interior of the pad that is only about a hair deep. I have not had any issues at all with drying out. I also don't foresee anyone having that issue unless for some reason they have significant cracking that goes all the way through the lid allowing air flow into the pad, and if that were the case I would definitely contact Customer Service to return it.
Obviously, if you have significant cracking that you feel is affecting the integrity of the pad, especially upon arrival like one of you mentioned, you can contact Customer Service, pop the inferior pad in the mail and we will reimburse you the return shipping and either provide a replacement or a refund. We are really proud of the new ink we are offering and we want you to be happy with your purchase and get many years of enjoyment and use from it."
^^^what is posted here is not the whole post. The next paragraph is where Nichole addressed the lids opening more easily:
"As far as opening and closing the pads, I have found that the lids become a bit seasoned after multiple uses. Meaning after opening and closing them a few times the top and bottom become more "comfortable" together, just like any interlocking parts. I find it is super easy to open the pads by squeezing the sides of the rounded end of the lid together ever so slightly and pulling up. And with regards to closing, I have found that using the outline groove around the edge of the ink pad as a visual guide makes it a breeze. I also am wary of not "forcing" the lid down, but just allowing it to click into place."
Notice, she NEVER says that the cracks make it easier to open the lids - only that they open more easily after some use. It's kinda like.... people remember something that is kind of sort of similar to what she said, and then report "Nichole said --some really outrageous thing--" that isn't what she said at all. But hey, why be accurate when a twisted distortion can make Nichole look soooooo much worse than the truth? That's WAY more fun, right?
Okay, I'll grant that she was misquoted. But I wouldn't be quoting these statements all over the place either.
Who wants to be that concerned about how they take the lid on and off an ink pad for crying out loud?? If you need instructions or guidance or suggestions for how to do that, then you need a new ink pad.
Who wants to bet on how long it will take before these are once again "redesigned?" :p
I agree with 15:24. And I don't think 15:24 sounds like Rick at all. He was much more succinct (not that this person is wordy, but he was just shorter), and he would post under his real name. I'm amazed at how much people here jump to the worst conclusion--about remembering what Nichole said about the ink lids, about Rick, about many things.
Update on the A Muse gingham cardstock and the Memory Box gingham (from Impress). They look identical in pattern, but the colors are slightly different. Love them all. The Memory Box red one is true red, while the A Muse red is a bit muted. Loving my new Fresh Ink colors!
I don't know that people here want to assume the worst. I think some things are very easy to believe given past behavior. If you have a reputation for BS-ing your way through problems, then it wouldn't surprise anyone to see you live up to that reputation.
-------------- 15:24 here, and definitely not Rick. If he did come back and had something to say, I'm sure he would use his own name. And be more succinct. ;)
16:08 - thanks, that's really my point. Some are so eager to smack, that even their own mind seems to play tricks on them to twist words around. I remembered Nichole addressing the cracks in the lids, and I remembered her saying that the lids got easier to open after some use, but I was pretty darn sure that she had never tried to put a positive spin on the cracks as making the lid work better.
Honestly, I do feel she was trying to excuse the cracks as not a real problem. ----------------------- She said that outright - that some of the lids had superficial hairline cracks and she had not had any issues with the pads drying out, and did not think that there would be a problem. (And she's right - my inkpads are all fine, including the ones with the hairline cracks.)
What she DIDN'T say was what was attributed here to her as fact, and then mocked as absurd, that "they're cracked, but they're better that way because now they're easier to open".
16:47: "If you have a reputation for BS-ing your way through problems, then it wouldn't surprise anyone to see you live up to that reputation."
Do you not see how circular this is?? If the reputation for BS is based, at least in part, on blatant misstatements like this one, and then you use that reputation as a reason that the distorted version of NH's own words sounded believable, you are just running in circles. "You can't believe anything they say because they have a reputation for BS. They have a reputation for BS because of all these BS things that they've said in the past. Oh, so they DIDN'T say some of those things?... but they COULD have, because they are such BS'ers, because of all the BS things they have said in the past. Or not said. That doesn't really matter. I know they were THINKING it, anyway."
SU is retiring some of its colors in individual markers and 12x12 cardstocks. All of the core colors will still be available in multi-color packs, and some of them will still be available in individual-color packs/markers. Also, they are changing their ink pads! (AAAHHHH, another company re-formulating their ink pads!!!!!) So all of the regular dye ink pads are retiring and will be replaced with some new kind. Here is where I read about it, but her link to the retired accessories list is wrong: http://inkingidaho.blogspot.com
This blog has a correct link to the retired accessories list: http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com
Oh it looks like they are also discontinuing all colors of craft ink except for white and black. I never liked their craft ink much anyway. I wish they'd have chalk ink instead!
I have been saving up to place a big order to get the retiring in-color markers, ink refills, and card stock... but I see on the retired list that some of the ink refills are ALREADY sold out. (A little 'X' in the "available" column. So I'm bummed about that. Serves me right for waiting until they retired to get them! Oh well.
Ok, so I posted the first part of her quote. I am not twisting anything around. My point was quoting her talking about the cracks not being a big deal.....
Seriously - the opening and closing of ink pads really should not be a question..... The fact that you think I was trying to make some huge smear campaign against Nichole is actually really pathetic.
I had cracks in mine and it ruined the ink pad, Nichole made it sound like the cracks were no big deal.... Not true in my case. I contacted cs and they replaced it with no issue and very quickly amazing enough.
I'm the one who made the mistake about what Nichole said on the cracked lids. I have already apologized for the error, and it was certainly not made maliciously.
Good grief, there have been plenty of instances of PTI trying to BS their way through things... take away all of the unfounded rumors and there are still plenty of facts that are ruining their reputation.
I agree - there was a misquote (and I think it was by more than one person here). BUT - I'm not talking about this one instance. There have been plenty. Their behavior has been indefensible and I'm surprised there are still people who can't see it.
It was obvious to me that Chris was just paraphrasing what had been attributed to Nichole earlier, and she did clarify as soon as she realized there was confusion. No worries, Chris.
Nichole said the tiny cracks shouldn't dry out the ink in most cases, but if your pad was bad, PTI would replace it. 18:16 said her pad was bad, and PTI did indeed replace it with no hassles.
Did anyone who ordered from Impress on Sunday/Monday receive either their shipping notification or their actual order in the mail yet? I saw some people posted earlier about quick A Muse orders, but I am curious about Impress Rubber Stamps.
I placed a large order on Sunday and still haven't heard anything. Note that I just reached out to them today. I imagine they are busy beyond belief during their semi-annual sales, so I'm not distressed. Just curious.
I have received two Waltzingmouse packages in a week from ordering, and I am in California. And Claire writes something nice on it herself using your name. That make a person feel good.
Ordered from Impress Sunday and got my package (in the east) on Wed. Ordered a second time on Monday and got it yesterday. Also just noticed that I wasn't charged for the first order until yesterday when I'd already had it in my hands for a day.
I just saw the email from PTI this morning about the heat embossing. Is "Color Card Stock" a typo? I would say "colored"? Just curious as a blogger that I follow always refers to her "color pencils". Maybe it is just regional.
When I worked in retail we were not allowed to process the charge before the customer was in possession of the merchandise. I also know that in some places the credit card cannot be processed until the shipping takes place. I ordered something the other day that will take 4-6 weeks before I have it and they assured me that per the law, I would not be charged until then.
I merely made a statement about my experience with Impress. I'm perfectly happy being charged WHEN my order ships and was (not unpleasantly) surprised by Impress. Whatever their reason, it gives the impression that customer service is #1 and made me feel like I'm more than a wallet to them.
Donna, I agree - those borders are nice. I was looking at Just Rite Stampers borders but GKD look lacier. The patterned papers are pretty too, but I've sworn off buying patterned paper.
106 comments:
ZOMG I've never been first before!
It bothers me that the word "currant" is misspelled on Impress Ink's color chart.
I assume they wanted to call their ink "Red Currant"; "Red Current" makes me think of my period.
3rd.......crap
I ordered 4 ink pads and the Memory Box window dies. I kid of wish I would have ordered more ink pads, I have more money than I thought. Above commented was deleted due to a typo. :)
My first Impress order placed Sunday was 5 inks & refills and a die. It will be here today (I hope!) or tomorrow. I ordered again Monday, 10 inks & refills, and got shipping confirmation yesterday.
Per the question on the previous thread - where are you spending money now that you don't spend it with PTI...
I haven't spent any money at PTI in over a year but I have purchased from CTMH, Clear & Simple Stamps, Stamp-Happy.com, A Muse and now Impress.
For the person who asked in the last thread, Impress Fuchsia ink is a spot on match for Raspberry Fizz.
I think I have all the Fresh inks (except white and cream), so ask away if you have questions.
The blog hop cards are very pretty today.
I ordered from Impress Sunday afternoon. It is out for delivery, so I will have it today.
I ordered 3 ink pads, one of the Memory Box window dies, and a couple of other things.
In the thread previous someone mentioned the TH Distress Markers from iCopic. Same thing happened to me, I emailed them that I ordered them from Ellen Hutson (if I remember clearly) and asked if they would cancel my order and send me confirmation of the refund. Within the hour I had an email back. I got what I asked them. I told them that they lost this sale, but not my business. I was impressed how graceful they were when I canceled and how fast they processed it all.
Thanks to the kind person who answered my question about a match for PTI's Rasberry Fizz. You said you have many of the Fresh Inks...is their a match for Hawaiian Shores?
Oops there
I tried to place an order to clear out my $62 reward points, but before checking out, it only discounted $14 off the total. I canceled the order. Before I send an unanswered email to customer service, am I missing the "rules" on how the reward points are supposed to work?
I tried to place an order to clear out my $62 reward points, but before checking out, it only discounted $14 off the total. I canceled the order. Before I send an unanswered email to customer service, am I missing the "rules" on how the reward points are supposed to work?
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Not to ask the obvious, but when you were on the screen where you enter the amount of rewards points that you want to apply, you are sure that you entered 62? And then it changed it to $14 in the final step of checkout? Just checking.... other than that, I'm not sure why it wouldn't have worked. I've never had any problem using reward points, but I've never tried to apply that many at once.
^^^^^ Yes. I even double checked to make sure I entered $62. I wanted to believe the problem was me and not another error on the website. Thought wrong! I guess we will have to add this to the ever going list of problems.
Trell! I saw you featured as a guest poster on some cricut chick's blog. Can't remember whose but when I saw her introduce the guest as Trell, I was like "I know Trell!" =)
Isn't it funny how we think we know people once we've chatted a bit and recognize their name? =)
I wonder how much the YOF dies would cost if they came out? IF you were buying from PTI, how much would you be willing to pay? I think that they would have to be $10 or more because of the size.
Would NEVER buy them. I think most dies to match stamps are a complete waste. I'd seldom use them and if I did want the flowers cut out, I'd cut them. If they're too complex to cut, then they're too much of a pain to line up the die.
I only have a few of the YOF stamp sets anyhoo =)
For the poster who asked...Fresh ink Pool is a nearly perfect match for Hawaiian Shores, and Fresh Ink Island is also close.
I love the YOF series but I wouldn't spend $10+ for each die. For the record, I do love matching dies for stamps.
Once I am not so lazy I am going to set up cut files for all of my YOF stamps for the Cameo. I did it for the Silhouette but wasn't able to import the files when the software changed to Studio.
look at this - very interesting:
http://www.papertreyink.com/ContactUs/Contact_Us.aspx
i'm couldn't access this page by clicking in the CS area of their website. i stumbled across it accidentally in a google search.
^^^ i couldn't, not i'm couldn't (LOL)
In zendesk:
"where are we supposed to go for help?
Apr 24 22:57
I'm confused. I was getting ready to place an order and just experienced my cart dumping. I went to the forum and noticed that a thread regarding this problem has been locked for no apparent reason with no offer of assistance from the company. I was hoping to get assistance from forum members since PTI customer service is notoriously slow. Are we not allowed to voice technical problems on the forum anymore? Does anyone respond to these questions? (I noticed several have gone unanswered but thought I'd try my luck)"
^^ WTG, Christine! Note that Rick came to her aid. Christine, if you read here, please let us all know if your issue got resolved.
^^^ ppl are still experiencing cart dumping? i haven't been to the forum in awhile (or wherever customers post issues now), so i didn't notice.
You have to be logged into the cs forum to be able to see the questions. Sneaky way to keep the issues out of the spotlight.
Random question of the day: What is your #1 online place to buy, now that you don't spend all of your money at PTI?
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ellen hutson, hands down. i like their regular coupons too.
I only went to Ellen Hutson once but the shipping to Canada was as bad as PTI.
My A Muse ink pads arrived and I am thrilled. I got the orange and the purple as Fresh Ink didn't have anything close to what I wanted. The A Muse gingham assorted cardstock is really nice too.
Anyone know where/when Nichole said that about the cracking?
Nichole's comment about the cracked ink cases was sometime in the last few months, and definitely on the forum. Since it was a "customer service" thread, it's probably been deleted, though.
Dark Stamper, the page you found with the Zendesk link & other info is not found in the "Customer Service" tab, it is found by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the very bottom of the pages of the PTI site.
@16:17 - ah, thanks.
so the 2 "Contact Us" links go to 2 different pages. when you're in the CS section (and IMO looking for help), you get less information than if you're in the shopping section and happen to stumble across the Contact Us link at the bottom.
seems like an oversight, except that the emails and CS url's are all updated to the new help desk in both places. if i were a website designer, i would think things should be matchy matchy. i don't like their website company.
In my eyes, the whole website is so disorganized, I don't know where I'd start to make changes.
I still don't get it, the only thing that the new site does that the old own didn't is to allow the points to be redeemed. There were hints that there might be shipping options, wish list, those have not happened,and the usability seems to be worse.
"old one didn't" not "old own didn't"
I don't get that either. Could they have kept the same design and just used it on a different platform or server type or whatever it is? The old site was great just for finding stuff.
Is PTI coming out with YOF dies? I love the YOF but $10 per die is too much! $5 each I might buy (wink)
Now what to do? I just had a nice dinner with my brother and sil. They got me a PTI GC for my birthday. Yikes. I don't want to buy anything from PTI, for now. Guess I'll have to wait for something I can't resist, but sure don't want to just leave the GC. They remembered how I loved talking about PTI and, of course, they had no idea of the problems. Nice thought on their part, but.........
The website looks like it was thrown together at the last minute just to get the site ready to be able to redeem the points. And since PTI is PTI, they probably decided to start 2 weeks before the release date and of course that fell apart.
And probably they decided to go ahead with the site so that people could redeem their points and fix the rest of the site later.
But I still haven't seen one fix myself.
Those of you in the computer / website industry - explain to me *how* PTI could have a store front that is still so bad. They "rolled it out" in February, so even if they started from scratch Feb 1st it has been almost three months. Yet, the customers have seen almost no real changes. WHAT is going on?? We hear about how hard the IT guy is working ... but that just tells me it's more screwed up behind the scenes than it is in plain sight. Educate me, please.
21:55,
That was a very nice gesture on your brother and sil's part. Ahhh...for the days when that might have excited you instead of given you that "ugh" feeling inside. This might be one that you have to suck up and order. After all, the money is already in the PTI pockets. Please report back to us if your ordering experience was positive. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
I work in IT, and we "roll" out new versions of our software constantly.
we recently completely upgraded our program (similar to what PTI has done) we did detect a few unforseem issues (after testing it for 8 months in parallel before going live) thos issues - some were fixed within 2 weeks some took a month or more, but that is mostly becuase we are a FDA regulated system, and we cant just make changes on the fly - without getting approvals and documenting everything every step of the way. I would think a commerce site could just implement changes as they wish...
And I can tell you it is 3 of us, only 1 of which can make changes to the system, supporting a system used in 7 countries and by a lot of people. and we still do it faster.
hmmmm....looks like the PM feature has been disabled on the PTI forum. Wonder what they are trying to suppress now. {snort}
Hmm. I just checked, and it looks to me like the PM feature is still there. What happened? Did you try to send one and fail?
0644, It looks like I'm on much later than when you posted that PMs are disabled on the forum. I see the PM button and have been able to PM a member. Maybe whatever they were doing has been fixed?
Okay, now I see - time is Pacific and I'm Central. So I'm not on much later than 0644. :D And, FTR, not a uni though I do post on the forum because I like some of the people there.
For those who were curious about the new inks and the lids cracking...first of all, they were hairline cracks that did not go all the way through the lid, so should not cause problems. Then the next month the manufacturer changed the lids to solid instead of clear.
I have no problem with "the cracks are hairline fractures that don't go all the way through and shouldn't cause any problems". What set off my BS detector was Nichole's "yes, they're cracked, but they're better that way because now they're easier to open".
Thanks for finding that quote Chris. That's exactly what I was thinking. It was the response that was irritating - as usual.
re: the disabled PM buttons
Must just be my login. The PM button has disappeared from my view. When I click on Private Messages under my User Control Panel, I get the message, "You are not authorised to send private messages."
Oh well. I don't hang out much in PTI land anyway.
Thanks 6:27, that helps. Especially since your system is only one person making the changes. I just don't know enough about websites to understand how long changes take. Especially the type that customers would notice - better pictures, search function, etc.
I'm don't expect things to never have glitches. In fact, I am probably *too* forgiving in order not to rush to judgement ... but going on three months?? As a computer person - does that signal to you that something else is wrong besides having a person input the changes? Maybe the owners are slower to make decisions than the FDA? Oh lord we're screwed.
It's a good thing they still have some customers (I'm no longer one of them), because if I went to that site by following someone's link, hearing the name, or just through a search engine or something, I wouldn't last two minutes trying to browse the site. This has got to be costing them customers.
I don't get how they can STILL have b.s. cart-dumping issues. That's the biggest load of crap. It doesn't matter what browser, whether one uses the back button or not. It's a big load of crap that "the cart dumps when they update the website" too. I'm so tired of their excuses I kind of don't care if I never get anything fom these people...but I can't just let my points sit there. And the fact that they locked the cart dumping thread on the forum is a load of bull. But then, what else should we expect.
Poor girl in South Africa has still not received her February order that went to Austraila:
Re: the anticipation!
New postby lerwee » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:14 am
I would just love to receive my February order before there's another release...but it's still missing :cry:
I really would like a "PTI styled" handbag and shoe stamp set with matching dies of course.
She received a full refund for the order.
@ 8:20 -
hairline cracks my ass - mine went all the way through and CS replaced mine because within using it two times it was completely bone dry.
@10:48-
1) are you 8:20?
2) Are you Nichole?
3) If the girl fro mS. Africa received a refund for her order why the eff would she be posting about waiting to receive it still?
What? Is the woman in Australia who got a refund instead of her package (from February) the same person who is also requesting a stamp/die design?
Well she's just nuts then.
11:04, I don't get that either.
I don't get any of it. They need a mucking out the crap stamp.
She received a full refund for the order.
9:07, just to be sure it's clear - I didn't find Nichole's quote about the cracked ink cases. I probably shouldn't have used quote marks at all as I was just paraphrasing from memory. Sorry about that.
so instead of posting "She received a full refund for the order" over and over and over...
how about you explain why the eff she would be hoping her package finally arrives if she got a refund.
I call BS unless someone can post on here where she actually posted that she received a refund herself
I think it was Kate in Australia (katedvp or something like that) who got the refund for her order. I think lerwee in South Africa is still waiting on her package that was misdirected to Australia.
But you have to admit its weird that not each and every cart dumps.
Ted, you are such a dodohead.
Oh! Well, that's good news, Nichole...thanks so much for the personal attention. It's truly appreciated. :)
(I hope you didn't think I was complaining... if anything I was doubting my memory. Then again, my memory isn't what it used to be... when I call a student up to my desk and then forgot why he's standing in front of me a moment later with a puzzled look on both of our faces.) ;)
Thank you for making that clear, Chris, because I clearly remember that post, and I do not remember Nichole saying that the cracks are good because it made the lids easier to open. She did say that ther lids become easier to open them more you open and close them.
See the problem is people post things that are exaggerated versions, and then people stumble in here, that don't follow PTI closely enough to know what is true, what's not. They just believe everything they read here, then it's "OMG, that Nichole is such a _______." I understand frustration with PTI, I just think they have enough problems without people starting rumors by exaggerating.
@13:24 - i don't disagree, but you can't stop ppl from starting rumors (or misperceiving something, which is what i think happens most of the time). and it doesn't happen just here. there are tons of written opinions on individual blogs, other smack blogs, FB, etc. that might twist something the wrong way.
and seriously, if ppl believe everything they read...well, that is just stupid. i honestly believe the majority of the ppl on this blog challenge or question the things that sound fishy.
i prefer when ppl here back up their perceptions with actual quoted material from the forum, blogs, FB, whatever. then i tend to believe them more.
thanks for clarifying, chris!
I thanked Chris for finding that and Chris I thought you found it on this blog.. someone else quoted Nichole here a few days ago and I remember distinctly that was the gist of Nichole's comment. She tried to put a pathetic positive twist on it.
I also think everyone here reads judiciously but what i find interesting is that so many of us thought that was just the kind of thing Nichole says anyway!
And to the jerk who keeps posting about the "full refund" get lost. First there's no context to it. Link a post to the PTI forum if you want, otherwise bug off.
OK here is Nichole's actual post regarding the ink pad cracks:
"A few of the first full-size ink pads (the first three specifically) I received have very tiny miniscule markings just inside the edge of the lid, while my newer ones from the last two months do not. I think it just takes a bit of getting used to taking the lids off and on and how much pressure to apply when closing them. I've learned that I was applying too much pressure on those first few pads which I'm sure contributed to the slight fractures. I haven't seen anyone's specific circumstances regarding the issue, but I know with my pads, the markings do not go all the way through to the outside as an actual crack. It is just a mark on the very interior of the pad that is only about a hair deep. I have not had any issues at all with drying out. I also don't foresee anyone having that issue unless for some reason they have significant cracking that goes all the way through the lid allowing air flow into the pad, and if that were the case I would definitely contact Customer Service to return it.
Obviously, if you have significant cracking that you feel is affecting the integrity of the pad, especially upon arrival like one of you mentioned, you can contact Customer Service, pop the inferior pad in the mail and we will reimburse you the return shipping and either provide a replacement or a refund. We are really proud of the new ink we are offering and we want you to be happy with your purchase and get many years of enjoyment and use from it."
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=27655&p=343236#p343236
^^^what is posted here is not the whole post. The next paragraph is where Nichole addressed the lids opening more easily:
"As far as opening and closing the pads, I have found that the lids become a bit seasoned after multiple uses. Meaning after opening and closing them a few times the top and bottom become more "comfortable" together, just like any interlocking parts. I find it is super easy to open the pads by squeezing the sides of the rounded end of the lid together ever so slightly and pulling up. And with regards to closing, I have found that using the outline groove around the edge of the ink pad as a visual guide makes it a breeze. I also am wary of not "forcing" the lid down, but just allowing it to click into place."
Notice, she NEVER says that the cracks make it easier to open the lids - only that they open more easily after some use. It's kinda like.... people remember something that is kind of sort of similar to what she said, and then report "Nichole said --some really outrageous thing--" that isn't what she said at all. But hey, why be accurate when a twisted distortion can make Nichole look soooooo much worse than the truth? That's WAY more fun, right?
I got my Fresh Inks today and I have to say, I'm very impressed (no pun intended). Love the coverage and the colors.
15:24 sounds a whole lot like Rick. Just sayin'.
Okay, I'll grant that she was misquoted. But I wouldn't be quoting these statements all over the place either.
Who wants to be that concerned about how they take the lid on and off an ink pad for crying out loud?? If you need instructions or guidance or suggestions for how to do that, then you need a new ink pad.
Who wants to bet on how long it will take before these are once again "redesigned?" :p
I agree with 15:24. And I don't think 15:24 sounds like Rick at all. He was much more succinct (not that this person is wordy, but he was just shorter), and he would post under his real name. I'm amazed at how much people here jump to the worst conclusion--about remembering what Nichole said about the ink lids, about Rick, about many things.
Update on the A Muse gingham cardstock and the Memory Box gingham (from Impress). They look identical in pattern, but the colors are slightly different. Love them all. The Memory Box red one is true red, while the A Muse red is a bit muted. Loving my new Fresh Ink colors!
I don't know that people here want to assume the worst. I think some things are very easy to believe given past behavior. If you have a reputation for BS-ing your way through problems, then it wouldn't surprise anyone to see you live up to that reputation.
15:24 sounds a whole lot like Rick. Just sayin'.
--------------
15:24 here, and definitely not Rick. If he did come back and had something to say, I'm sure he would use his own name. And be more succinct. ;)
16:08 - thanks, that's really my point. Some are so eager to smack, that even their own mind seems to play tricks on them to twist words around. I remembered Nichole addressing the cracks in the lids, and I remembered her saying that the lids got easier to open after some use, but I was pretty darn sure that she had never tried to put a positive spin on the cracks as making the lid work better.
Honestly, I do feel she was trying to excuse the cracks as not a real problem.
Is SU retiring Cherry Cobbler? If so, I will be heartbroken!
Honestly, I do feel she was trying to excuse the cracks as not a real problem.
-----------------------
She said that outright - that some of the lids had superficial hairline cracks and she had not had any issues with the pads drying out, and did not think that there would be a problem. (And she's right - my inkpads are all fine, including the ones with the hairline cracks.)
What she DIDN'T say was what was attributed here to her as fact, and then mocked as absurd, that "they're cracked, but they're better that way because now they're easier to open".
16:47: "If you have a reputation for BS-ing your way through problems, then it wouldn't surprise anyone to see you live up to that reputation."
Do you not see how circular this is?? If the reputation for BS is based, at least in part, on blatant misstatements like this one, and then you use that reputation as a reason that the distorted version of NH's own words sounded believable, you are just running in circles. "You can't believe anything they say because they have a reputation for BS. They have a reputation for BS because of all these BS things that they've said in the past. Oh, so they DIDN'T say some of those things?... but they COULD have, because they are such BS'ers, because of all the BS things they have said in the past. Or not said. That doesn't really matter. I know they were THINKING it, anyway."
SU is retiring some of its colors in individual markers and 12x12 cardstocks. All of the core colors will still be available in multi-color packs, and some of them will still be available in individual-color packs/markers. Also, they are changing their ink pads! (AAAHHHH, another company re-formulating their ink pads!!!!!) So all of the regular dye ink pads are retiring and will be replaced with some new kind. Here is where I read about it, but her link to the retired accessories list is wrong: http://inkingidaho.blogspot.com
This blog has a correct link to the retired accessories list: http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com
Oh it looks like they are also discontinuing all colors of craft ink except for white and black. I never liked their craft ink much anyway. I wish they'd have chalk ink instead!
I have been saving up to place a big order to get the retiring in-color markers, ink refills, and card stock... but I see on the retired list that some of the ink refills are ALREADY sold out. (A little 'X' in the "available" column. So I'm bummed about that. Serves me right for waiting until they retired to get them! Oh well.
Ok, so I posted the first part of her quote. I am not twisting anything around. My point was quoting her talking about the cracks not being a big deal.....
Seriously - the opening and closing of ink pads really should not be a question..... The fact that you think I was trying to make some huge smear campaign against Nichole is actually really pathetic.
I had cracks in mine and it ruined the ink pad, Nichole made it sound like the cracks were no big deal.... Not true in my case. I contacted cs and they replaced it with no issue and very quickly amazing enough.
I'm the one who made the mistake about what Nichole said on the cracked lids. I have already apologized for the error, and it was certainly not made maliciously.
Good grief, there have been plenty of instances of PTI trying to BS their way through things... take away all of the unfounded rumors and there are still plenty of facts that are ruining their reputation.
I agree - there was a misquote (and I think it was by more than one person here). BUT - I'm not talking about this one instance. There have been plenty. Their behavior has been indefensible and I'm surprised there are still people who can't see it.
Donna, thanks for the report on Memory Box gingham paper!
Received my 3 fresh ink pads yesterday. I absolutely love them. I ordered 8 more today!!
It was obvious to me that Chris was just paraphrasing what had been attributed to Nichole earlier, and she did clarify as soon as she realized there was confusion. No worries, Chris.
Nichole said the tiny cracks shouldn't dry out the ink in most cases, but if your pad was bad, PTI would replace it. 18:16 said her pad was bad, and PTI did indeed replace it with no hassles.
Let's move on.
I wish Rick were still here.
I'd like to know if he knows why it takes PTI so mother effing long to get things back into stock.
If it's not payment problems creating shipment problems, then why doesn't PTI just source a new vendor for their stamps?
Did anyone who ordered from Impress on Sunday/Monday receive either their shipping notification or their actual order in the mail yet? I saw some people posted earlier about quick A Muse orders, but I am curious about Impress Rubber Stamps.
I placed a large order on Sunday and still haven't heard anything. Note that I just reached out to them today. I imagine they are busy beyond belief during their semi-annual sales, so I'm not distressed. Just curious.
I ordered from Impress on Sunday and received my package on Wednesday.
I placed my Impress order on Sunday. I got a tracking number shortly after and got my order yesterday (but I am in the same state as the store).
Also, the A Muse gingham is light cardstock and the Memory Box gingham is more like a heavy paper.
I have received two Waltzingmouse packages in a week from ordering, and I am in California. And Claire writes something nice on it herself using your name. That make a person feel good.
Gina K . . . strawberry set. Oh my . .
Ordered on Sunday nite with Impress. Got my package yesterday. And I'm in Hawaii!!
Ordered from Impress on Sunday, package received Wednesday. Awesome.
Ordered from Impress Sunday and got my package (in the east) on Wed. Ordered a second time on Monday and got it yesterday. Also just noticed that I wasn't charged for the first order until yesterday when I'd already had it in my hands for a day.
Gina K's strawberry set is cute. I also like the berries and vines paper.
I ordered from Impress on Sunday and received the package in Oklahoma on Wednesday.
I placed another order yesterday, but haven't received any shipping notice on it yet.
I'm 6:25, I also placed an order with PTI on Monday (to use up points and GCs), no movement on it yet. Big surprise there :P
I just saw the email from PTI this morning about the heat embossing. Is "Color Card Stock" a typo? I would say "colored"? Just curious as a blogger that I follow always refers to her "color pencils". Maybe it is just regional.
So now you want your before you pay for it? NICE
When I worked in retail we were not allowed to process the charge before the customer was in possession of the merchandise. I also know that in some places the credit card cannot be processed until the shipping takes place. I ordered something the other day that will take 4-6 weeks before I have it and they assured me that per the law, I would not be charged until then.
Gina K's new "lacy borders" are so pretty and so detailed.
6:42, was that directed at me?
I merely made a statement about my experience with Impress. I'm perfectly happy being charged WHEN my order ships and was (not unpleasantly) surprised by Impress. Whatever their reason, it gives the impression that customer service is #1 and made me feel like I'm more than a wallet to them.
Thanks for asking.
Donna, I agree - those borders are nice. I was looking at Just Rite Stampers borders but GKD look lacier. The patterned papers are pretty too, but I've sworn off buying patterned paper.
I should quit with the patterned paper too. But the strawberry paper is just too nice and vintage looking for me to pass up.
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