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 ;)
Smack all you want, but when you make statements about things you have no knowledge of...or things that do not and will not EVER effect you, it makes it seem like you are just complaining to complain. And talking shit just because you are full of it... ------------------------------- Rick, if you are a paper crafter and have ordered PTI products without any inside help in getting your order figured out and delivered - then I stand corrected. If not, then I think we *are* the experts on the customers point of view.
You guys could be curing cancer in the warehouse, but at the end of the day the customers can't find shit on your website, purchase it, and get it delivered? Then you still failed that day.
You know, Rick was not talking to all customers when he made his remarks. He was talking to one person. Who frankly deserved it.
People, he has said here and on the forum that he is trying to help resolve issues (which most people here claim they want), and that most of the changes so far are invisible to the enduser but are improvements in functionality.
Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground.
I've been one of the biggest naysayers around but don't jump all over someone who is only trying to help. What is wrong with you people?
The biggest problem at this point is probably the website from the user's point of view. I hope that the programmers are getting input from the people at PTI and not just the random notes from customers.
Really, can't they just show them what the old site looked like and add that format into the new site that is supposed to be better in the background?
There are a few people here who need to get a grip. Go ahead, blast me. I've said I've stopped purchasing so I guess I really shouldn't have any curiosity or interest in the matter. I've taken a strong stand about the customer service issues and how customers are treated in general, so I thought by staying in the loop I'd know when/if it's safe to get back in the water.
If I see things like coming from PTI, I'll check out the website, the forum and CS forum and see how things are going.
Nice Rick, PTI customers are now full of shit. Really professional! 17 April 2012 10:42
-----------------------------------------oh puleezze, Rick drops "I'm doing the best that I can" and a couple of bleeding hearts come and say "its ok Rick, we still luv u" BARF 17 April 2012 10:18
-----------------------------------------Sheesh, smackers are a fickle bunch. 17 April 2012 10:57
------------------------------------------Damn, lots of angry people here today. 17 April 2012 10:53
------------------------------------------ Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints. ^^^^^^^^^^ Name one customer complaint that isn't valid.
You guys could be curing cancer in the warehouse, but at the end of the day the customers can't find shit on your website, purchase it, and get it delivered? Then you still failed that day. 17 April 2012 11:06
-------------------------------------------- OK, so now you're comparing curing cancer to craft supplies. Interesting how it goes both ways huh?
Exactly, 11:05. In my opinion, if you're absolutely 100% certain that you would never ever buy another thing from PTI no matter what changes are made, you're basically here as a spectator. I'd personally say that would make you less likely to be part of the solution. I didn't say it was impossible, just less likely.
11:15 - No, the point is/was that customers don't care what goes on behind the scenes. Our job as customers is what goes on in plain sight. The cancer reference was used to say that they could be doing the most fabulous things behind the scenes. All business do, and customers rarely care.
LOTS of things have improved. Reward points you can spend on anything instead of getting multiple anniversary sets (that took forever). Prizes are now gift certifs. Orders are going out more quickly at release (and plenty of people are still ordering). Orders have always gone out quickly at non-release. Rick and the DT have assisted in getting lots of CS issues resolved. The main bad is still the web site.
11:15 - No, the point is/was that customers don't care what goes on behind the scenes. Our job as customers is what goes on in plain sight. The cancer reference was used to say that they could be doing the most fabulous things behind the scenes. All business do, and customers rarely care. 17 April 2012 11:17
--------------------------------------------- Always an excuse, oh I mean answer for everything.
At this point, I think everyone should just stop responding to the complainer so he/she will go away. As long as he/she has something to respond to, he/she will.
Time to get back to the decent and rational comments.
Agree with 11:05, Im still waiting for them to improve so I can buy (esp. dies) and that's why I come here. I have no intention to get personal with the company (bashing for the hell of it): if they don't fix their crap, then I don't buy more from them and move on but, since I want to buy more from them, I wait(I spend my money somewhere else in the meantime) and visit here; maybe Rick can bring some insight that will let me know if I should continue waiting or not.
Rick's a complete asshole. All this wanting to help out, want to empathize and be here for us is complete bullshit. Look at that post. What a prick. He's no different than Nichole or the rest of the shitgang. Loser.
My bad and my apologies. I posted the original question asking "what improvements". I really wanted to know other perspectives. Maybe I am paranoid but I feel like *I* am the person being labeled "the complainer". Ummm...was asking what improvements PTI has made really taboo subject here on the smack blog. F ya'll. I'm out.
10:54, you are shocked I'm ordering but how will anyone here know when it's safe to get back in the water?
I've read time after time people here want to have confidence and want to love PTI again and are rooting for them blah blah blah. But if no one EVER orders again how will we know things have changed? Are we going to trust the rainbow-puking unicorns to give honest reviews?
If we never use the website for a real purchase, how do we know things are fixed. I found the "use your rewards" button quite easily. I was able to type in the set I was looking for in the search field and the site coughed up just what I was looking for. I'm not calling those with issues liars, but my experience was pretty flawless. And I'm not a Uni.
Maybe *something* really is going on behind the scenes.
11:53, I don't think anyone was talking about your comment specifically. I took yours as a legitimate question.
But you can't deny that some asshat troll with an axe to grind is poking around here stirring up shit, provoking people, and being generally unpleasant. I don't think RICK is the one on his period. I think this trying-to-be-witty-but-failing-miserably troll is the one on her period.
Take a midol, honey, and go lie down. *** that was not directed at 11:53 but at the crampy troll.***
I'm the the crazy Rick-hater. He's not worth my time. However, I have voiced my questions about his intent on previous threads. So don't think there is only 1 person out there.
I think he wants it both ways. He wants to be on the Smack blog because he wants to "understand" and "help".. and not align himself with the 3 stooges. And in that regard, he has. I think Rick probably has helped a lot of people and I will give him credit for that.
At the same time, he does work for them and you mean to tell me he really won't be affected by all the noise here?? Crafters who are frustrated, who claim they won't ever order again and for some will take an act of God for them to trust PTI again?
He can't have it both ways. As I was catching up on the threads, he just sounds so passive-aggressive. And now, he's blown his top...
Rick, if you are going to be here, have some thick skin and realize that you won't convert everyone and that everything isn't black and white. People aren't all good or all evil. Yourself included. Let's be honest here!!
12:11, I want to try and understand where you are coming from but what does any of what you wrote even mean? We are all pros at detecting passive aggressive rants (thanks NH!) and I didn't notice where he was doing that.
Also, black and white, good and evil.....huh? How does this relate to PTI fixing the CS and website issues?
It must be a full moon out... Rick, come back in a few days when these gals' hormones have finished raging.
PTI Smacker 3. Please put a poll or sign-up sheet on the sidebar where ppl can sign whether they love or hate Rick. Once you all have done that, can you please move the fuck on from this.
Oh good gosh. Are all the smackers pmsing at the same time? If you complain just to complain because you haven't ordered in 60000 months and probably won't order ever again, then yeah, I agree, you are full of s---. But hey, that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it just as much as the paranoid, conspiracy-loving, Rick-hating smackers are. And I don't count myself among the "Rick-fawners" either. Sorry Rick, I appreciate that you've helped people on the forum and board, but you are not going to get a gushy post from me. ;)
Geez people. I intend to place another order. Probably this week. I want to see how it goes. If there are problems, then I'll shrug, figure it is my mistake and wait another couple of months. That is also my right, to shop wherever I'd like.
Okay, I agree with everything that Nancy said but in particular this "You know, Rick was not talking to all customers when he made his remarks. He was talking to one person. Who frankly deserved it.
People, he has said here and on the forum that he is trying to help resolve issues (which most people here claim they want), and that most of the changes so far are invisible to the enduser but are improvements in functionality.
Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground.
I've been one of the biggest naysayers around but don't jump all over someone who is only trying to help. What is wrong with you people?"
"Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground."
That's exactly what I thought, and why I decided to finally place an order recently after not ordering for so long. But, I think that a big problem with their customer service response is that they are, as Julie put it in her e-mail to me, trying to "protect" us... What she really meant was, she wanted to make sure I wasn't trying to screw her over and get her to give me some free stuff. I gave them all the information them would need to prove I was not making a fraudulent claim. Again, according to the e-mail I received, it appears they just do not have the capabilities to process that information as quickly as should be possible.
So, Unfortunately, I think that for as long as they have that attitute (thinking everyone is out to screw them) and their lack of technical abilities/capabilities (if that really IS the reason for delay)...there's not going to be much of a change.
Dana, I see just what you mean. That whole thing about "protection" and accessing your information, was just bizarre to me. And I get a little sick of them making the customers jump through hoops all the time. Other businesses don't treat customers like criminals!
When I suggested they could turn things around, the thing I wasn't taking into account was that insidious attitude. They could have a beautiful website and minimal CS issues. But those CS issues are still going to happen - they happen in the best-run companies. And their attitude is still going to bring them down.
Thinking about this sort of thing is what makes me wonder whether I'd be a customer again even if the more tangible issues were rectified.
@10:36 I think that's his point. It doesn't matter what they do, it won't be good enough for some. I don't think pti has any interest in gaining those types back as customers. They're more headache than they're worth.
===========================
That utter bullshit! If they order and everything goes smooth would you think those types of customers complain. NO
PTI came to where they are all on their own. Unfuckenbelievable!
How would we know IF anything improved other than what we can see? Complainers are now banned from the forum or too scared to say anything negative at all to Nichole or anyone who might turn into a total bitch in response. The complaints are sent off to a new place where resolution is invisible. For all we know, nothing has changed EXCEPT that SOME are reporting faster shipping and the GC's to replace prize packages (wonderful idea). The store is still a horrendous mess of chaos. Some people still don't have anniversary sets. There is still no decent tracking. We still don't know when orders are shipped. We still don't know how long and how much headache it will take to get a defective item replaced and if we have to pay for postage. Nichole and DT still horribly defensive and rude if they talk to people at all. Fake sunshine and unicorns is just throwing the real problems in the face of the victims. It is still implied that the customers themselves are a thorn in the side of PTI.
Geez I missed all the fun again. Sucks to be international with the time difference.
Rick - serious question - you say the website is having improvements implemented each day - but WHY ON EARTH WAS IT NOT RUNNING PERFECTLY WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED? *or at least close to perfect.
That's what I don't get? Yes, probably has something to do with the reward points etc, etc, but it's not like they haven't had the time!
Also, no phone number. It has been almost a year of this horrible mess and some of these things would be easy fixes and those that would not be easy should have had a team working on them (the store, the international shipping problem, tracking, fake shipping notices, lost items. defective items) NONE of those issues show any sign that they have done more than about 5% on them. If it were my company I would have shut things down for a week, put up a sign saying that we would be working night and day and the store, forum, etc. would be back up when I could run a company decently. I have NEVER had a problem with Ellen Hutson, My Favorite Things, I Heart Stamps, Impress Rubber Stamps, Simon Says, Waltzing Mouse, and many others. Are they perfect? No. Do they make mistakes? Yes, but they sure must fix them because you don't see thread after thread for almost a year begging for lost items, etc. If they can run a company, why has PTI CHOSEN (and I mean that) not to fix their problems in a TIMELY manner. It is like the husband who says he is working on stopping drinking but there is no sign of it. Only stupid women stay with that.
Long time lurker... would like to speak my mind, so off topic. 1st release that I didn't leave a single comment to enter the daily prize. I had nothing positive to say. I seem to have adverted headaches by not winning in the past. Which leads me to 2 points. 1) I've always felt the prize giveaway is sort of rigged. Seriously, would NH let the random counter pick someone who did not put a great comment? I don't think so. Hit the random counter again until I see one I like. (That is my speculation) 2) Would anyone dare enter a less than glowing comment? The closest I came was when All Booked Up came out. I'm a math girl and don't enjoy reading, so to "pick my favorite book and why" was meaningless to me and I think I was honest about that.
Last order - Feb release: waited all day for the 5% off to work, loaded cart probably 12 times (got good at using search),used points, got anni set, stocked up on paper basics, dies, no other stamp sets. HATE THE WEBSITE.
The part I want to reply to is at the very beginning ~ "... too scared to say anything negative..."
I don't see why anyone would be afraid at all. They can use "zendesk" but there's nothing keeping people from going to the regular forum and describing their experiences with it, positive or negative.
The rest - yep, it's a mess over there. As long as people who are having unresolved (and often absurd) issues make a point to speak up about it, people will know what the problems are.
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
=================
Uh no it`s not cause I can vouch for one of those comments and not the others.
Sorry Rick there is more than one or two or three unhappy customer here.
Just because people aren't posting on the forum and threads aren't the warzone they have been recently does not mean things are going more smoothly.
Maybe some people just don't want to post that stuff on the forum after seeing how quickly their complaints of PTI as a company are turned back on them personally by people who blindly support any and all of PTI's actions.
I don't know, Nancy. I think there is some fear. Even though the bans were lifted, people know that they happened. And if it happened once, it could happen again. I think that's enough to keep a lot of people from saying anything bad on the forum. It's been so quiet over there lately. Sure it's more cheerful, but it's also pretty dead compared to the old days.
I have long felt the comment prizes were rigged. Out of 95% mundane comments, it was always a glowing, creative, comment that was "randomly chosen". I don't believe it for a minute. I also can guarantee you that if one of the customers that Nichole had issues had won, it would have been redrawn. Look at who is chosen over and over and over. There are patterns to it.
I actually did leave a not-complimentary comment on a contest post once, LOL!! I wish I could remember where that was. It wasn't negative or rude but just blah. Probably like the release ;).
I have to laugh at "would anyone dare" ... they aren't going to come yell at us :) .
Glad you were able to get your points used.
16:02 - no explanation but when you wrote "PTI CHOSEN" a different thought crossed my mind - sometimes I wonder why they don't get out before more reputations are ruined. I just don't see enough effort for a major comeback, as is. Awhile back, a lot of people were defending Nichole Heady. Anyone else remember "free Nichole" days (I was not one of them). Well, she's only damaging her reputation more by being involved there. I just think some folks would cut their losses and start over in a new situation.
There are a lot of choices being made there that are incomprehensible.
Yes, people ARE scared to comment. Who wants to be reamed by Nichole or DT on a public forum? The customer is always at fault. It is a lesson we have learned well.
LOTS of things have improved. Reward points you can spend on anything instead of getting multiple anniversary sets (that took forever). Prizes are now gift certifs. Orders are going out more quickly at release (and plenty of people are still ordering). Orders have always gone out quickly at non-release. Rick and the DT have assisted in getting lots of CS issues resolved. The main bad is still the web site.
17 April 2012 11:22
================= I don't see the improvements you are talking about at all...
I have ordered every month. I have had CS issues - still have the simply you issue open - no shipments to me.
rewards points isn't an improvement to me - it making life easier for PTI. Prizes as GCs... also easier (and cheaper) for PTI.
My orders have taken longer each and every month. With a Sun/Mon release I used to have my stuff by Thurs/Fri - now it is 2 weeks at least.
I still get BS answers from CS that are "we'll get to it as soon as we can, I have to run it by Julie first" that is NOT an improvement to me.
I don't see improvements. I don't think PTI gives a rat's patoot about me as a customer - I honestly don't know what compels me to order every month.
So, what do I want to change? I want PTI to actually sound sincere that they care to fix something. I want to have an issue dealt with as if I am valued, not as if I'm a Nigerian scam artist.
Don't you think everyone sees right through that? People who can think for themselves anyway, and the rest, with blinders on, well I wouldn't care what they think.
Nancy, I have never run a business and like Rick, I would be terrible at it. My thoughts are that it just wouldn't be that easy to step away from Papertrey. Nichole has so much tied up in the company as does Julie (and I'm guessing Jane). We don't know if there are financial reasons why they just can't hire more people. We don't know what goes on behind the scenes at all. I have made my own share of assumptions and many of them turned out to be wrong so I am not as quick to jump to conclusions these days.
You're right 16:24, there are a lot of factors to consider. I've walked away from bad work situations and I know that isn't always an option. And you're right - we know NOTHING of their contractual or financial arrangements. Just sad to see this business get run into the ground when there was so much potential.
So then why aren't they motivated to change? Look at 16:21's post. No one should feel that way when they are spending hard-earned money with a company. Her post actually made me sad and I hope she finds somewhere else she likes to shop.
These are the 2 things that have always been the biggest issue for me
"I still get BS answers from CS that are "we'll get to it as soon as we can, I have to run it by Julie first" that is NOT an improvement to me.
So, what do I want to change? I want PTI to actually sound sincere that they care to fix something. I want to have an issue dealt with as if I am valued, not as if I'm a Nigerian scam artist."
Until this changes, I don't care how great the website is.
@ 16:20 - I do think people are afraid, not so much of dealing with a reaming, but dealing with the aftermath from other forum members.
If you went to a retail store and paid for something and they forgot to give you your change - (assuming its more than a few pennies) wouldn't you say something to them? And if the clerk said you were wrong, wouldn't you stick up for yourself knowing you were right?
I just applied the same principle here, and in my case, my "change" was $60, so I didn't have a problem answering Nichole the way I did on zendesk. To me, it's worth a potential "reaming" to get my issue handled in a "timely manner" (lol)
That being said, I am a little worried/scared that some of the "friends" I have made through the forum will be upset with/alienate me because I've chosen to speak my mind publicly. That they may see it as disrespectful/trouble making :(
Zendesk Dana, you said at 16:34 that you thought people were afraid of dealing with the aftermath from other forum members, but you have said previously that the only feedback/PM's you got were from people offering you support.
I personally didn't receive any pm's from people ...positive or negative... another "Dana" did... I was afraid of the "aftermath" I mentioned thats why I didn't cause a stink on the forum and that's why I e-mailed that other Dana to apologize for any negative messages she may have received...assuming any comments she got would have been negative, because I have seen how people treat each other in those types of threads.
Dana, I'm not sure how to respond. I absolutely agree about sticking up for yourself.
I'm sorry you feel that your "friends" (your quotation marks, not mine ;) ) would hold that against you. I guess it comes down to self-respect vs. the respect of others. I'm sure you'd gain the respect of total strangers and some you may never know about, but that's a tough and very personal call.
From what I've seen of your comments, I really think you would show everyone that you can stand up for yourself and still be respectful, and if they don't see that, then they aren't really paying attention to what matters. :)
@ 5:20 I'm sorry hun, but there have been people on here (the ones to whom i was referring) who have said that it doesn't matter if pti gets their shit together, they still won't have anything nice to say about them. Maybe YOU would, but then that would mean I wasn't talking about you, right?
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
==========================================
Uh no it`s not cause I can vouch for one of those comments and not the others.
Sorry Rick there is more than one or two or three unhappy customer here. 17 April 2012 16:14
==========================================
I meant the bitchy, complain for the sake of complaining person who has done nothing but rip on anyone if they are happy to have Rick on here. The Rick hater. Certainly not any of the many unhappy customers.
I have long felt the comment prizes were rigged. Out of 95% mundane comments, it was always a glowing, creative, comment that was "randomly chosen". I don't believe it for a minute. I also can guarantee you that if one of the customers that Nichole had issues had won, it would have been redrawn. Look at who is chosen over and over and over. There are patterns to it. 17 April 2012 16:18
"10.04 here again - and I wonder if the lady (I think from Sth Africa) has her parcel yet which was sitting somewhere in Australia. " --------------- I'm in contact with her and no she hasn't received it yet. There needs to be more ACTION on this one... and by the way, I'm not her in disguise :)
Oh crap. I use Hun/Honey all the time. In an endearing way though..friends and strangers. Is it really offensive? I just figured it was a southern thing. Damn it, gotta break that habit. ;)
Every time I have seen hun, honey, sweetie, etc used on the smack boards it has always been in a "listen up and let me put you in your place, you little [insert condescending expletive of your choice]" kind of tone.
Yeah. To be fair, "little lady" usually comes from 80 year old male Wal-Mart greeters at 1 a.m. They get points for being sweet little old men, so it's okay.
Or maybe he just needs time to eat dinner and read his mail, or whatever he does when he's not doing his day job or watching the smackers tear each other to pieces.
It doesn't surprise me at all that under the veil of anonymity, some people choose to take "smack" to mean anyone, any time, for any reason or no reason. It does make me sad, too, though.
And honestly, my anonymously has more to do with laziness than anything else. I don't have a blog I could link to, and I'm too lazy to type my name out.
I guess I just don't see the difference between Anonymous and my real name (Jennifer). Anyone could be "Jennifer" and "Jennifer" could be anyone.
Since I went public here, and also posted things on my blog and FB, I've received exactly one message from another PTI customer asking very politely what was up with my participation here (because I provided a pointer to help people find us) and my public boycott. We had a very nice conversation where both of us aired our views and I was not left feeling like I was looked down on in any way.
I worry less about what people might think about my being here now that I'm posting under my own name. Since I own the comments that I make, anyone can look and see what I'm doing here. I'm definitely more proud of my own behavior without the anonymous shield!
I can't keep up with all the comments! Not sure if that has been asked yet, but does anyone here know if the sale at Impress is going to include their online store? I received an e-mail tonight that their 20% off sale starts tomorrow but it only mentions in-store deals.
Ella, however, promises him anything if he does for her what her fairy godmother was planning to do. As a new affiliate, it's your responsibility to convince consumers(ethically), that the product you are marketing is being sold at a very affordable price; this product will satisfy their needs, and you are the person they can trust to spend their scarce money with. the Golden Plates, when he had received the Urim and Thummim, along with the
287 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 287 of 287Smack all you want, but when you make statements about things you have no knowledge of...or things that do not and will not EVER effect you, it makes it seem like you are just complaining to complain. And talking shit just because you are full of it...
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Rick, if you are a paper crafter and have ordered PTI products without any inside help in getting your order figured out and delivered - then I stand corrected. If not, then I think we *are* the experts on the customers point of view.
You guys could be curing cancer in the warehouse, but at the end of the day the customers can't find shit on your website, purchase it, and get it delivered? Then you still failed that day.
Really, what is going on here today?
You know, Rick was not talking to all customers when he made his remarks. He was talking to one person. Who frankly deserved it.
People, he has said here and on the forum that he is trying to help resolve issues (which most people here claim they want), and that most of the changes so far are invisible to the enduser but are improvements in functionality.
Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground.
I've been one of the biggest naysayers around but don't jump all over someone who is only trying to help. What is wrong with you people?
The biggest problem at this point is probably the website from the user's point of view. I hope that the programmers are getting input from the people at PTI and not just the random notes from customers.
Really, can't they just show them what the old site looked like and add that format into the new site that is supposed to be better in the background?
There are a few people here who need to get a grip. Go ahead, blast me. I've said I've stopped purchasing so I guess I really shouldn't have any curiosity or interest in the matter. I've taken a strong stand about the customer service issues and how customers are treated in general, so I thought by staying in the loop I'd know when/if it's safe to get back in the water.
If I see things like coming from PTI, I'll check out the website, the forum and CS forum and see how things are going.
Nice Rick, PTI customers are now full of shit. Really professional!
17 April 2012 10:42
-----------------------------------------oh puleezze, Rick drops "I'm doing the best that I can" and a couple of bleeding hearts come and say "its ok Rick, we still luv u" BARF
17 April 2012 10:18
-----------------------------------------Sheesh, smackers are a fickle bunch.
17 April 2012 10:57
------------------------------------------Damn, lots of angry people here today.
17 April 2012 10:53
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Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
^^^^^^^^^^ Name one customer complaint that isn't valid.
You guys could be curing cancer in the warehouse, but at the end of the day the customers can't find shit on your website, purchase it, and get it delivered? Then you still failed that day.
17 April 2012 11:06
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OK, so now you're comparing curing cancer to craft supplies. Interesting how it goes both ways huh?
Exactly, 11:05. In my opinion, if you're absolutely 100% certain that you would never ever buy another thing from PTI no matter what changes are made, you're basically here as a spectator. I'd personally say that would make you less likely to be part of the solution. I didn't say it was impossible, just less likely.
11:15 - No, the point is/was that customers don't care what goes on behind the scenes. Our job as customers is what goes on in plain sight. The cancer reference was used to say that they could be doing the most fabulous things behind the scenes. All business do, and customers rarely care.
LOTS of things have improved.
Reward points you can spend on anything instead of getting multiple anniversary sets (that took forever). Prizes are now gift certifs. Orders are going out more quickly at release (and plenty of people are still ordering). Orders have always gone out quickly at non-release. Rick and the DT have assisted in getting lots of CS issues resolved. The main bad is still the web site.
WTF is going on here?!? I leave for a few days and come back and everyone's up each others' asses!
11:15 - No, the point is/was that customers don't care what goes on behind the scenes. Our job as customers is what goes on in plain sight. The cancer reference was used to say that they could be doing the most fabulous things behind the scenes. All business do, and customers rarely care.
17 April 2012 11:17
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Always an excuse, oh I mean answer for everything.
Ban the complainer!
At this point, I think everyone should just stop responding to the complainer so he/she will go away. As long as he/she has something to respond to, he/she will.
Time to get back to the decent and rational comments.
Agree with 11:05, Im still waiting for them to improve so I can buy (esp. dies) and that's why I come here. I have no intention to get personal with the company (bashing for the hell of it): if they don't fix their crap, then I don't buy more from them and move on but, since I want to buy more from them, I wait(I spend my money somewhere else in the meantime) and visit here; maybe Rick can bring some insight that will let me know if I should continue waiting or not.
^^^^^^^^me too
^^^oh puleezze, Rick drops "I'm doing the best that I can" and a couple of bleeding hearts come and say "its ok Rick, we still luv u" BARF
When are you ladies going to get it
PTI is a frigging business!!! Not your BFF.
@@these are the same women that pen pal mail ted their panties
UhOh, Rick must be on his period again. Watchout forum, I see banning and pruning in the near future!
Ricks 10:30 statement proves that all involved in PTI are alike! Water seeks it own level!
Rick's a complete asshole. All this wanting to help out, want to empathize and be here for us is complete bullshit. Look at that post. What a prick. He's no different than Nichole or the rest of the shitgang. Loser.
My bad and my apologies. I posted the original question asking "what improvements". I really wanted to know other perspectives. Maybe I am paranoid but I feel like *I* am the person being labeled "the complainer". Ummm...was asking what improvements PTI has made really taboo subject here on the smack blog. F ya'll. I'm out.
10:54, you are shocked I'm ordering but how will anyone here know when it's safe to get back in the water?
I've read time after time people here want to have confidence and want to love PTI again and are rooting for them blah blah blah. But if no one EVER orders again how will we know things have changed? Are we going to trust the rainbow-puking unicorns to give honest reviews?
If we never use the website for a real purchase, how do we know things are fixed. I found the "use your rewards" button quite easily. I was able to type in the set I was looking for in the search field and the site coughed up just what I was looking for. I'm not calling those with issues liars, but my experience was pretty flawless. And I'm not a Uni.
Maybe *something* really is going on behind the scenes.
HTH
11:53, I don't think anyone was talking about your comment specifically. I took yours as a legitimate question.
But you can't deny that some asshat troll with an axe to grind is poking around here stirring up shit, provoking people, and being generally unpleasant. I don't think RICK is the one on his period. I think this trying-to-be-witty-but-failing-miserably troll is the one on her period.
Take a midol, honey, and go lie down. *** that was not directed at 11:53 but at the crampy troll.***
I'm the the crazy Rick-hater. He's not worth my time. However, I have voiced my questions about his intent on previous threads. So don't think there is only 1 person out there.
I think he wants it both ways. He wants to be on the Smack blog because he wants to "understand" and "help".. and not align himself with the 3 stooges. And in that regard, he has. I think Rick probably has helped a lot of people and I will give him credit for that.
At the same time, he does work for them and you mean to tell me he really won't be affected by all the noise here?? Crafters who are frustrated, who claim they won't ever order again and for some will take an act of God for them to trust PTI again?
He can't have it both ways. As I was catching up on the threads, he just sounds so passive-aggressive. And now, he's blown his top...
Rick, if you are going to be here, have some thick skin and realize that you won't convert everyone and that everything isn't black and white. People aren't all good or all evil. Yourself included. Let's be honest here!!
12:11, I want to try and understand where you are coming from but what does any of what you wrote even mean? We are all pros at detecting passive aggressive rants (thanks NH!) and I didn't notice where he was doing that.
Also, black and white, good and evil.....huh? How does this relate to PTI fixing the CS and website issues?
It must be a full moon out... Rick, come back in a few days when these gals' hormones have finished raging.
PTI Smacker 3. Please put a poll or sign-up sheet on the sidebar where ppl can sign whether they love or hate Rick. Once you all have done that, can you please move the fuck on from this.
Oh good gosh. Are all the smackers pmsing at the same time? If you complain just to complain because you haven't ordered in 60000 months and probably won't order ever again, then yeah, I agree, you are full of s---. But hey, that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it just as much as the paranoid, conspiracy-loving, Rick-hating smackers are. And I don't count myself among the "Rick-fawners" either. Sorry Rick, I appreciate that you've helped people on the forum and board, but you are not going to get a gushy post from me. ;)
Geez people. I intend to place another order. Probably this week. I want to see how it goes. If there are problems, then I'll shrug, figure it is my mistake and wait another couple of months. That is also my right, to shop wherever I'd like.
I don't think the complainer was directed at the person asking the question about improvements. I also thought/think that was a legitimate question.
has anyone ordered from My Creative Time? How is the stamp quality?
Okay, I agree with everything that Nancy said but in particular this
"You know, Rick was not talking to all customers when he made his remarks. He was talking to one person. Who frankly deserved it.
People, he has said here and on the forum that he is trying to help resolve issues (which most people here claim they want), and that most of the changes so far are invisible to the enduser but are improvements in functionality.
Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground.
I've been one of the biggest naysayers around but don't jump all over someone who is only trying to help. What is wrong with you people?"
Seriously.
"Give it a chance. They probably will get their act together at some point and never know that it was in part due to what's gone on here, or at least the fact that fewer customers for awhile will give them a chance to gain some ground."
That's exactly what I thought, and why I decided to finally place an order recently after not ordering for so long. But, I think that a big problem with their customer service response is that they are, as Julie put it in her e-mail to me, trying to "protect" us... What she really meant was, she wanted to make sure I wasn't trying to screw her over and get her to give me some free stuff. I gave them all the information them would need to prove I was not making a fraudulent claim. Again, according to the e-mail I received, it appears they just do not have the capabilities to process that information as quickly as should be possible.
So, Unfortunately, I think that for as long as they have that attitute (thinking everyone is out to screw them) and their lack of technical abilities/capabilities (if that really IS the reason for delay)...there's not going to be much of a change.
Thanks 14:09.
Dana, I see just what you mean. That whole thing about "protection" and accessing your information, was just bizarre to me. And I get a little sick of them making the customers jump through hoops all the time. Other businesses don't treat customers like criminals!
When I suggested they could turn things around, the thing I wasn't taking into account was that insidious attitude. They could have a beautiful website and minimal CS issues. But those CS issues are still going to happen - they happen in the best-run companies. And their attitude is still going to bring them down.
Thinking about this sort of thing is what makes me wonder whether I'd be a customer again even if the more tangible issues were rectified.
@10:36 I think that's his point. It doesn't matter what they do, it won't be good enough for some. I don't think pti has any interest in gaining those types back as customers. They're more headache than they're worth.
===========================
That utter bullshit! If they order and everything goes smooth would you think those types of customers complain. NO
PTI came to where they are all on their own. Unfuckenbelievable!
Ask yourselves some of these questions:
Why was this blog created
Why does this blog have 100+ posts per day
Why did Rick come here
Why did customers have to come here to voice their fustrations
This list could go on and on...
Let me give you a clue, it`s because of PTI!!!
Nothing more, nothing less
17 April 2012 15:25
Very astute observation since the name of the blog is PTI Smack III! You are really reaching aren't ya!
How would we know IF anything improved other than what we can see? Complainers are now banned from the forum or too scared to say anything negative at all to Nichole or anyone who might turn into a total bitch in response. The complaints are sent off to a new place where resolution is invisible. For all we know, nothing has changed EXCEPT that SOME are reporting faster shipping and the GC's to replace prize packages (wonderful idea). The store is still a horrendous mess of chaos. Some people still don't have anniversary sets. There is still no decent tracking. We still don't know when orders are shipped. We still don't know how long and how much headache it will take to get a defective item replaced and if we have to pay for postage. Nichole and DT still horribly defensive and rude if they talk to people at all. Fake sunshine and unicorns is just throwing the real problems in the face of the victims. It is still implied that the customers themselves are a thorn in the side of PTI.
Geez I missed all the fun again. Sucks to be international with the time difference.
Rick - serious question - you say the website is having improvements implemented each day - but WHY ON EARTH WAS IT NOT RUNNING PERFECTLY WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED? *or at least close to perfect.
That's what I don't get?
Yes, probably has something to do with the reward points etc, etc, but it's not like they haven't had the time!
15:44, no "complainers" are banned from the forum. If people still have issues, they can post. Things are definitely going more smoothly.
Also, no phone number. It has been almost a year of this horrible mess and some of these things would be easy fixes and those that would not be easy should have had a team working on them (the store, the international shipping problem, tracking, fake shipping notices, lost items. defective items) NONE of those issues show any sign that they have done more than about 5% on them. If it were my company I would have shut things down for a week, put up a sign saying that we would be working night and day and the store, forum, etc. would be back up when I could run a company decently.
I have NEVER had a problem with Ellen Hutson, My Favorite Things, I Heart Stamps, Impress Rubber Stamps, Simon Says, Waltzing Mouse, and many others. Are they perfect? No. Do they make mistakes? Yes, but they sure must fix them because you don't see thread after thread for almost a year begging for lost items, etc. If they can run a company, why has PTI CHOSEN (and I mean that) not to fix their problems in a TIMELY manner. It is like the husband who says he is working on stopping drinking but there is no sign of it. Only stupid women stay with that.
Long time lurker... would like to speak my mind, so off topic.
1st release that I didn't leave a single comment to enter the daily prize. I had nothing positive to say. I seem to have adverted headaches by not winning in the past. Which leads me to 2 points. 1) I've always felt the prize giveaway is sort of rigged. Seriously, would NH let the random counter pick someone who did not put a great comment? I don't think so. Hit the random counter again until I see one I like. (That is my speculation) 2) Would anyone dare enter a less than glowing comment? The closest I came was when All Booked Up came out. I'm a math girl and don't enjoy reading, so to "pick my favorite book and why" was meaningless to me and I think I was honest about that.
Last order - Feb release: waited all day for the 5% off to work, loaded cart probably 12 times (got good at using search),used points, got anni set, stocked up on paper basics, dies, no other stamp sets. HATE THE WEBSITE.
From 15:44:
The part I want to reply to is at the very beginning ~ "... too scared to say anything negative..."
I don't see why anyone would be afraid at all. They can use "zendesk" but there's nothing keeping people from going to the regular forum and describing their experiences with it, positive or negative.
The rest - yep, it's a mess over there. As long as people who are having unresolved (and often absurd) issues make a point to speak up about it, people will know what the problems are.
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
=================
Uh no it`s not cause I can vouch for one of those comments and not the others.
Sorry Rick there is more than one or two or three unhappy customer here.
@ 16:02
Just because people aren't posting on the forum and threads aren't the warzone they have been recently does not mean things are going more smoothly.
Maybe some people just don't want to post that stuff on the forum after seeing how quickly their complaints of PTI as a company are turned back on them personally by people who blindly support any and all of PTI's actions.
I don't know, Nancy. I think there is some fear. Even though the bans were lifted, people know that they happened. And if it happened once, it could happen again. I think that's enough to keep a lot of people from saying anything bad on the forum. It's been so quiet over there lately. Sure it's more cheerful, but it's also pretty dead compared to the old days.
I have long felt the comment prizes were rigged. Out of 95% mundane comments, it was always a glowing, creative, comment that was "randomly chosen". I don't believe it for a minute. I also can guarantee you that if one of the customers that Nichole had issues had won, it would have been redrawn. Look at who is chosen over and over and over. There are patterns to it.
16:05 - nice to see a lurker post :) .
I actually did leave a not-complimentary comment on a contest post once, LOL!! I wish I could remember where that was. It wasn't negative or rude but just blah. Probably like the release ;).
I have to laugh at "would anyone dare" ... they aren't going to come yell at us :) .
Glad you were able to get your points used.
16:02 - no explanation but when you wrote "PTI CHOSEN" a different thought crossed my mind - sometimes I wonder why they don't get out before more reputations are ruined. I just don't see enough effort for a major comeback, as is. Awhile back, a lot of people were defending Nichole Heady. Anyone else remember "free Nichole" days (I was not one of them). Well, she's only damaging her reputation more by being involved there. I just think some folks would cut their losses and start over in a new situation.
There are a lot of choices being made there that are incomprehensible.
Yes, people ARE scared to comment. Who wants to be reamed by Nichole or DT on a public forum? The customer is always at fault. It is a lesson we have learned well.
LOTS of things have improved.
Reward points you can spend on anything instead of getting multiple anniversary sets (that took forever). Prizes are now gift certifs. Orders are going out more quickly at release (and plenty of people are still ordering). Orders have always gone out quickly at non-release. Rick and the DT have assisted in getting lots of CS issues resolved. The main bad is still the web site.
17 April 2012 11:22
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I don't see the improvements you are talking about at all...
I have ordered every month. I have had CS issues - still have the simply you issue open - no shipments to me.
rewards points isn't an improvement to me - it making life easier for PTI. Prizes as GCs... also easier (and cheaper) for PTI.
My orders have taken longer each and every month. With a Sun/Mon release I used to have my stuff by Thurs/Fri - now it is 2 weeks at least.
I still get BS answers from CS that are "we'll get to it as soon as we can, I have to run it by Julie first" that is NOT an improvement to me.
I don't see improvements. I don't think PTI gives a rat's patoot about me as a customer - I honestly don't know what compels me to order every month.
So, what do I want to change? I want PTI to actually sound sincere that they care to fix something. I want to have an issue dealt with as if I am valued, not as if I'm a Nigerian scam artist.
That is what I want and I see none of that.
Don't you think everyone sees right through that? People who can think for themselves anyway, and the rest, with blinders on, well I wouldn't care what they think.
Nancy,
I have never run a business and like Rick, I would be terrible at it. My thoughts are that it just wouldn't be that easy to step away from Papertrey. Nichole has so much tied up in the company as does Julie (and I'm guessing Jane). We don't know if there are financial reasons why they just can't hire more people. We don't know what goes on behind the scenes at all. I have made my own share of assumptions and many of them turned out to be wrong so I am not as quick to jump to conclusions these days.
You're right 16:24, there are a lot of factors to consider. I've walked away from bad work situations and I know that isn't always an option. And you're right - we know NOTHING of their contractual or financial arrangements. Just sad to see this business get run into the ground when there was so much potential.
So then why aren't they motivated to change? Look at 16:21's post. No one should feel that way when they are spending hard-earned money with a company. Her post actually made me sad and I hope she finds somewhere else she likes to shop.
These are the 2 things that have always been the biggest issue for me
"I still get BS answers from CS that are "we'll get to it as soon as we can, I have to run it by Julie first" that is NOT an improvement to me.
So, what do I want to change? I want PTI to actually sound sincere that they care to fix something. I want to have an issue dealt with as if I am valued, not as if I'm a Nigerian scam artist."
Until this changes, I don't care how great the website is.
@ 16:20 - I do think people are afraid, not so much of dealing with a reaming, but dealing with the aftermath from other forum members.
If you went to a retail store and paid for something and they forgot to give you your change - (assuming its more than a few pennies) wouldn't you say something to them? And if the clerk said you were wrong, wouldn't you stick up for yourself knowing you were right?
I just applied the same principle here, and in my case, my "change" was $60, so I didn't have a problem answering Nichole the way I did on zendesk. To me, it's worth a potential "reaming" to get my issue handled in a "timely manner" (lol)
That being said, I am a little worried/scared that some of the "friends" I have made through the forum will be upset with/alienate me because I've chosen to speak my mind publicly. That they may see it as disrespectful/trouble making :(
Zendesk Dana, you said at 16:34 that you thought people were afraid of dealing with the aftermath from other forum members, but you have said previously that the only feedback/PM's you got were from people offering you support.
@ 16:21
"as if I'm a Nigerian scam artist."
hahaha. that is totally how they made me feel!
I agree with everything you said. Until that changes - I won't really feel like they've changed anything that matters (to me.)
@ 16:37 -
Just want to clear this up for you...
I personally didn't receive any pm's from people ...positive or negative... another "Dana" did... I was afraid of the "aftermath" I mentioned thats why I didn't cause a stink on the forum and that's why I e-mailed that other Dana to apologize for any negative messages she may have received...assuming any comments she got would have been negative, because I have seen how people treat each other in those types of threads.
Dana, I'm not sure how to respond. I absolutely agree about sticking up for yourself.
I'm sorry you feel that your "friends" (your quotation marks, not mine ;) ) would hold that against you. I guess it comes down to self-respect vs. the respect of others. I'm sure you'd gain the respect of total strangers and some you may never know about, but that's a tough and very personal call.
From what I've seen of your comments, I really think you would show everyone that you can stand up for yourself and still be respectful, and if they don't see that, then they aren't really paying attention to what matters. :)
Thanks, Nancy, that's nice of you to say :)
:) Dana, I was flippin' proud of you when I saw your zendesk comment. You showed character and a lot of us cheered for you.
Aww shucks! :D
@ 5:20 I'm sorry hun, but there have been people on here (the ones to whom i was referring) who have said that it doesn't matter if pti gets their shit together, they still won't have anything nice to say about them. Maybe YOU would, but then that would mean I wasn't talking about you, right?
Right.
Actually I think it's just one person that, for whatever reason, won't go away. I think he/she is secretly in a complaining competition and trying to win for the most complaints.
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Uh no it`s not cause I can vouch for one of those comments and not the others.
Sorry Rick there is more than one or two or three unhappy customer here.
17 April 2012 16:14
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I meant the bitchy, complain for the sake of complaining person who has done nothing but rip on anyone if they are happy to have Rick on here. The Rick hater. Certainly not any of the many unhappy customers.
I have long felt the comment prizes were rigged. Out of 95% mundane comments, it was always a glowing, creative, comment that was "randomly chosen". I don't believe it for a minute. I also can guarantee you that if one of the customers that Nichole had issues had won, it would have been redrawn. Look at who is chosen over and over and over. There are patterns to it.
17 April 2012 16:18
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me too
There is hardly anything more condescending than to call a stranger hun, honey, or sweetheart. It is beyond rude.
One of my pet peeves, too, 17:12.
(IRL, I really hate it when someone younger than me addresses me that way--. Grrrrr.)
17 April 10:08 wrote...
"10.04 here again - and I wonder if the lady (I think from Sth Africa) has her parcel yet which was sitting somewhere in Australia. "
---------------
I'm in contact with her and no she hasn't received it yet. There needs to be more ACTION on this one... and by the way, I'm not her in disguise :)
Oh crap. I use Hun/Honey all the time. In an endearing way though..friends and strangers. Is it really offensive? I just figured it was a southern thing. Damn it, gotta break that habit. ;)
I've lived in Texas way too long to be offended by people calling me honey, sweetheart, little lady, and miss!
Every time I have seen hun, honey, sweetie, etc used on the smack boards it has always been in a "listen up and let me put you in your place, you little [insert condescending expletive of your choice]" kind of tone.
(And personally the best one of those condescending expletives I have ever seen used is "rabid glittercunt." HA!)
Oh man... "little lady" !?!
Maybe with a John Wayne accent ;)
Yeah. To be fair, "little lady" usually comes from 80 year old male Wal-Mart greeters at 1 a.m. They get points for being sweet little old men, so it's okay.
I think Just Rite Stampers is a good company to add to the list on the right.
I'm afraid all you bitches ran rick off. proud? love the integrity hun
Or maybe he just needs time to eat dinner and read his mail, or whatever he does when he's not doing his day job or watching the smackers tear each other to pieces.
17:34, I don't mind Hun/Honey if someone is being nice and helpful. But if they're being condescending, that's a whole nuther story. . . .
@ Chris. Yes, it's the Smackers tearing each other to pieces is what saddens me most.
Anonymous said...
@ Chris. Yes, it's the Smackers tearing each other to pieces is what saddens me most.
17 April 2012 18:45
i love how this is so surpirsing to you
It doesn't surprise me at all that under the veil of anonymity, some people choose to take "smack" to mean anyone, any time, for any reason or no reason. It does make me sad, too, though.
I know. Who would of thought that believing in the best in people would end up being a fault? Go figure?
I think Rick will be back ...
I feel that Rick has been genuine, helpful and even sympathetic. I am glad he is here to hear us.
Chris, I get what you're saying about anonymity breeding keyboard courage, but I also think the spiteful posters are a very small minority here.
And honestly, my anonymously has more to do with laziness than anything else. I don't have a blog I could link to, and I'm too lazy to type my name out.
I guess I just don't see the difference between Anonymous and my real name (Jennifer). Anyone could be "Jennifer" and "Jennifer" could be anyone.
Zendesk Dana, I would still support you and be your friend :)
Since I went public here, and also posted things on my blog and FB, I've received exactly one message from another PTI customer asking very politely what was up with my participation here (because I provided a pointer to help people find us) and my public boycott. We had a very nice conversation where both of us aired our views and I was not left feeling like I was looked down on in any way.
I worry less about what people might think about my being here now that I'm posting under my own name. Since I own the comments that I make, anyone can look and see what I'm doing here. I'm definitely more proud of my own behavior without the anonymous shield!
New thread has been started. Jump on over there.
That's a great point, Chris. I've often wondered about posting under my own name. I somewhat outed myself on the POC thread,but nothing further.
FYI - there is new space posted.
I can't keep up with all the comments! Not sure if that has been asked yet, but does anyone here know if the sale at Impress is going to include their online store? I received an e-mail tonight that their 20% off sale starts tomorrow but it only mentions in-store deals.
Thanks!
Ella, however, promises him anything if he does for her what her fairy godmother was planning to do. As a new affiliate, it's your responsibility to convince consumers(ethically), that the product you are marketing is being sold at a very affordable price; this product will satisfy their needs, and you are the person they can trust to spend their scarce money with. the Golden Plates, when he had received the Urim and Thummim, along with the
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