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've done pre-orders with other companies and my card is charged first and the item is shipped on release day. Also have bought lots of movies from Disney Store as a pre-order and I pay ahead of time.
There is nothing wrong with a pre-order when it is clearly arranged. It would be different if customers were not aware there would be a thirty day waiting period.
It sounds like last years SAF attendees got a much better deal with their goodie bags. The only thing Im interested in is the stamp set, but I can definitely live without it! I have other similar sets.
Does anyone else think that paper beads sound kind of cheesy!
it sounds like a massive rip-off to me? I like the stamp set. I'd much rather wait until the day and place $100 order of stuff I WANT and get the free set than all that other crap?
You ladies made me look and want the SAF stuff! Argh!!! I only want the $80 tote with the stamps... Thankfully I have some of the dies in the add on kit so I am skipping buying that for sure.
I haven't seen the zipper die in the Silhouette Store yet, but a nice lady posted on SCS a while back that she had a free zip strip cut file on her blog: http://angelafehr.com/wordpress/2012/03/13/free-interactive-die-cuts-zip-strip/
and also the window sliders: http://angelafehr.com/wordpress/2012/03/12/windowslider/
those people pre-ordering for SAF.....may I ask why you want a tote, some pencil and badges? I have no problem with people buying what they want/like but i would rather spend my money on stamps or dies instead of that stuff
Nichole took out the word extreme from her post. There is nothing extreme about a $5 discount when you are already asking people to spend close to $300.
From Nichole's blog......Customers will have the opportunity to "earn" custom embroidered badges (just like you do in scouts!) If people participate and post what they have made, they then earn a badge? If they earn them, who at PTI will be handling who gets what badge? Can we all say anniversary set?
Holy Shamoly, that's a lotta money for the SAF stuff. I'm out. But I have to say... I LOVE the sentiment in the exclusive set. Not enough to fork over that kind of cash, though.
I really hope I am wrong ... but this whole SAF has my "clusterfuck radar" buzzing. I cant help thinking it's going to be the next big mess for everyone involved.
Maybe this is why they don't care how they treat their customers. They know that no matter what they do there will be plenty of marks to fork over $100 for a floral stamp set.
Don't know why as I will not be participating in the SAF, but just checked out all the details on Miss N's blog. Man, it just sounds so complicated. And with their track record of handling issues, it just sounds as though there could be problems galore.
Is that a $100 before or after using rewards or gift certs? If I can use up the balance of my rewards this way, the free set would be a lovely parting gift.
Can you believe some grown azz women are excited about badges and want to make a freaking vest to put them on? LOL Where would you wear that (& not be mocked and ridiculed)? Ladies, put down the Kool-aid.
Doesn't the tote look suspiciously like the personalized stuff they started pimping at the anniversary release? I'm guessing they need to find a way to move them 'cause I doubt the Papertrey Cafe gear is flying off the shelves.
2:39, I think you could order $100 of stuff on SAF day, use up your GCs or reward points and get the SAF set free. NH only mentions not being able to use reward points on the pre-order stuff.
Yeah, I'm baffled about grown women getting excited about pencils and badges, too. Perhaps a desperate need to fit in and be part of a group. Sad, really.
If shipping is based on weight, can you imagine how much the tote package would cost to ship internationally? LOL! I'd like to see how many die hards order this!
From Nichole about the badges- Yes, the badges are just sent along in the Stamp-a-faire Tote Collection (as shown on the list on my blog). Everyone gets them and technically "earns" them weather they choose to participate or not in each individual challenge.
NO, you are not TECHNICALLY earning them, you are buying them.
I am convinced that Nichole thinks her customers are all mentally twelve years old. If I had a daughter who was into stamping, this sounds like something I would sign her up for (if it was with a trustworthy company).
But seriously, am I going to sit around on SAF day wearing a lanyard and vest, hydrating myself with my PTi water bottle, sewing a badge on after I complete each virtual challenge!? Again, maybe if I were twelve! And friendship beads! I'm beginning to see why Nichole talks to everyone like they are children.
I agree about the 12 year old thing but in Nichole's defense, if she didn't make absolutely everything crystal clear she'd have people like Ted having to clarify everything up the wazoo. Also, she is smart to have every single policy in writing ahead of time so she doesn't have issues later.
I would like to mention that the Flower Fusion #8 Mini Stamp Set looks like a vajayjay (on Lisa's post about helping her love Rosie Posie) but it would just make me look like a trouble maker so I'll say it here.
I have nightmares about badges. Former Girl Scout leader here - I still have dozens and dozens of extra badges in my house, which I'll gladly send to anyone who wants to get in on the badge-sewing fun. I won't even charge you $80. Heck, I won't charge you 80 cents.
Maybe Nichole is a 12 year old girl. Most adults know the difference between "weather" and "weather.". Sorry, my inner mean girl just escaped for a minute. That typo has been driving me nuts! But, somehow I'm not surprised by it.
Yes, I agree, the die for the paper beads will probably be a long skinny triangle. Thing is, when you make paper beads, it's not difficult at all to hand-cut those triangles. Yet another instance of why in the world do we need a die for this shape. Oh yeah, because paper beads will use a boatload of fancy paper.
While I am picking apart the Stamp Afaire post how about
"The first set of items available for order for this event is the Stamp-a-faire Tote Collection. This is a basic set of the Stamp-a-faire exclusive items and does not include anything that we currently have available for sale in our store."
Isn't all of the cardstock listed in the make and take kit already available? Or is it just listed as not available because you can only buy it in packages?
....also ONE COMPLETE COLOR COLLECTION (color of our choice) That's a great way to get ride of some of the low selling colors!
OK,smackers. I'm designing my own badges. Feel free to contribute yours.
Empty mailbox - PTI lost my order Pair of shears - pruned by Rick Hand - bitch slapped by NH Dollar sign with wings - taking my money and spending elsewhere.
So we're to shell out $300 to help them clear out their stagnant inventory. Hello?!? Nichole? Julie? Have you taken a look at SU's clearance rack? Discounted merchandise flies out the warehouse. And makes customers happy. I'm not talking a 2-5% discount. A proper sale on cardstock and ribbon would clear it out.
I predict that Zendesk is going to be hopping with "I got a Pinefeather collection. I hate Pinefeather. *pout*. Take it back!" posts.
"We get to choose the color based on inventory. Not everyone will end up with the same color, so it is totally a random luck of the draw. I hope that helps you with your decision! :)"
I don't care for enchanted evening either. I like Berry Sorbet but only in very small amounts because it is a bit of an off color. I don't buy the brown because I like SU better and have moved on to a darker Kraft by another company. I use very little Stone.
Okay , so the expectation is that people are organizing personal get-togethers "around the world" to work on online challenges and "earn" badges together - carrying everything in their totes so they're more "cohesive?"
"help the various gathering around the world be more cohesive,"
They sure do have a distorted and fantastical image of themselves.
Another one here who thinks the lanyard, pencils, badges, bag, and etc. is just way for them to sell pure junk at outrageous prices. They are counting on the stamp set to sell those tote bags. They worked really hard to make something valued at about $20 sound like it was something much more than it is. And $5 is an extreme discount off $200? She needs that pool by summertime.
So I was just looking at the die list and I was wondering if a lot of these are high in inventory too? If you think about it, this would be brilliant! They are getting rid of the junk without having a real sale.
Based on what is on that list, I concur that those are things that are no longer selling. They are doing the old "grab bag" trick that some stores do to get rid of a bunch of junk in one bag at a price that makes them not have a loss in getting rid of the junk.
I think this is just a bit more evidence that the company is in financial trouble when $5 on $200 is presented to customers as an "extreme" discount and the bag of stuff are clearly items that are no longer selling. They are desperate to pick up money.
Just wondering... what ever happened to that giveaway when PTI launched their CafePress line? You were supposed to submit a photo of you wearing your PTI crap. Anyone see any prizes given away for that?
I haven't seen any pictures of people in the new PTI gear. But I do have to say that using Cafe Press was a good decision. Since nothing is made unless someone orders it, you can't get stuck with excess inventory, and all of the order processing and shipping is done by Cafe Press.
Even if I needed mugs and water bottles, I do not like to carry around logo advertising for companies. PTI would not be on my list to try to drum up business in their name.
Chris, good point, but I wonder if they don't have a minimum contract to fill with that company for signing on (usually done this way) and they are having trouble meeting it so it resulted in the camp tote.
I doubt that there's any minimum. Cafe Press touts themselves as the place to order your stuff, no matter how low the quantity. That's why there are millions of designs there.
I wish I'd thought of the whole Cafe Press idea. It's like a modern version of the print-on-demand t-shirt shop. All they need is a computer to hold all of the design files instead of a wall full of iron-on sheets. Other than that, it's pretty much the same old shop. And they can get their business from absolutely anyone. Brilliant.
Ah, scrappers who cannot spell. This morning on blogs I have seen full size pages with the words "marshmellow" across the top, "principle" at a school, and a son who came in as a "finilist in a speach debate". Arghh! Do you comment on the blog or just let it go?
For the spelling mistakes on the scrapbook pages, I would want to say something as kindly as possible, since the scrapbooks are presumably meant to last a long time. Rather than commenting on the blog, I'd attempt email first, just to spare the person the embarrassment of being called out publicly by the spelling police. Failing that, I might comment, but I'd be as gentle as possible when I did.
SAF Summer Camp theme is a cute idea, but there is no way on God's green earth I would sew badges on a vest or sash. That's way too over the top. It's not just drinking the KoolAid, but snorting it, too! Yikes. The logo is cute but I'm not shelling out $80 and not getting rewards points, plus I need a tote bag, lanyard and water bottle like I need a hole in my head. I'd rather save the $80 and put $20 with it to make a purchase on SAF day to get the SAF set free and still earn points. They are cray-cray, those people!
$275 is ALOT of money for the SAF considering I took a 5 night 6 day cruise to the Bahamas for $349. Yes I paid for drinks but I would be drinking at home too!
I do have a choice to say no and I am! Maybe I will take another cruise.
$275 is a crazy amount for what you get. Especially if it's just the limited edition stamp (or the sentiment only) you really want? Only the newbies and true diehards are falling for this.
Do they think because people don't have to factor in travel expenses and hotel fees that they can spend the extra hundreds on trinkets they don't need?
The SAF deals are definitely not DEALS. I can see someone buying the tote, MAYBE, if they really like the bag and want the stamp set prior to SAF. I'm sort of indifferent about the set but I might put in an order on SAF day and get it that way, along with product that I would actually want to buy anyway.
I find it hard to believe that they will sell many of the add-on kits. At only a $10 discount, who would want to get that stuff, some of which is likely to duplicate other things they already have, and a color collection that they might not even like? It would make SO much more sense to just put in an order for just the items you actually want. A 5% discount is not enough to entice me into getting a bunch of stuff I'm not interested in.
Going back to an earlier topic, I did a comparison of Amuse and Impress inks. Here is what I found with regards to inks that are duplicates or near duplicates. Of course this is just my opinion...you may see the colors differently.
Amuse Sage = Impress Celery Amuse Fern is very similar to Impress Tuscan Olive Amuse Eucalyptus is very similar to Impress Steel Blue (Eucalyptus is a little bluer and darker) Amuse Cranberry = Impress Red Currant (Cranberry is retired) Amuse Slate is almost identical to Impress Slate (Amuse is a wee bit darker) Amuse Cocoa is almost identical to Impress Cocoa (Impress is slightly darker) Amuse Currant = Impress Merlot Amuse French Roast is very similar to Impress Chocolate Amuse Blush = Impress Sugar Amuse Toffee = Impress Honey
With all the stuff that's happening at PTI, I can't believe what they're trying to do with SAF. It just smells of car wreck. I was initially looking forward to getting together with some stamping friends but I'm totally turned off PTI now. How long before customers complain about missing SAF orders and additions being OOS?
This kit is just weird. Pencils?? Badges?? A tote?? $80?? Seriously?? We're GROWN women and men. It makes me think that they are just taking the piss. That they've sat around a table having a good laugh and saying "lets see what we can pawn off on these suckers". They really really must not think very highly of their customers, but I guess that is not news is it?
"I don't mean to complain but after spending over $300+shipping I was really hoping to get a color that I could use. Don't get me wrong but pinefeather is just not my style".
"Thank you for taking the time to share your disappointment in our product selection. We all worked day and night to ensure that people would be happy with our choices. Just to clarify, the information about how we chose product and the shipping charges were clearly posted on my blog before you ordered. Furthermore, I saw you posting on the forum leading up to my blog post so I know that you were aware of it. I can dig up your ISP spreadsheet if you weould like further proof that I am right." Locked.
Yep. And when that stuff doesn't come or is defective, you can just about hear all of the little Brownies whining..... I *sniff, sniff* want my badges!!! WAH!!! My pencils were BROKEN!! *nose blow*
"But seriously, am I going to sit around on SAF day wearing a lanyard and vest, hydrating myself with my PTi water bottle, sewing a badge on after I complete each virtual challenge!? Again, maybe if I were twelve! And friendship beads! I'm beginning to see why Nichole talks to everyone like they are children."
29 April 2012 07:06 ______________________________________________________________________
This is the best post I've read all day!!! The mental image is priceless... all we would need would be a HUGE "L" stamped on our foreheads!!!
I wish I could make this part of my signature line on the forum!
I can't imagine spending the money to get the tote or the add-on kit. Who doesn't already have a closet full of tote bags? I can't get over the lanyard and badge - what a huge waste of money to even include them. And the add-on kit? I'd love to get full retail for things in my garage sale, too, but it just isn't going to happen. If you want to clear out warehouse space, don't do it on the backs of those who are buying into a "special" event.
Even last year, when I was still under the influence, I found a shopping buddy to buy $50 along with my $50, and we each got half of the SAF set, since I only wanted some of the images in it. Like someone else said, I was originally planning to attend a local event with some friends, but I'm not feeling it any more.
I'm really disappointed in the 2012 SAF offerings.... it makes last year's $75 fee look like a phenomenal bargain (2011 event included stamp sets, embellishments, lunch, after dinner dessert, on-site shopping, etc.)
I have not ordered since January. By July I am going to need PTI white cardstock (several large packages) and probably a few other things. I might as well wait and do a $100 order then and get the set that I otherwise would not get. The set is nice, but not a must have, but I might as well order when it will come with what I buy.
Geez why don't you all get the stick out of your ass? I think the badges & theme are cute and I really like the idea of the online SAF since there is no way in hell I could travel out of town. I think NH is a bitch and I can't stand Ted and his hairflips but I still like their stuff. Why not lighten up on the hate a little bit? I get that you all despise Papertrey because their CS sucks but isn't time to move on already?
Wow, I don't see hate. I see people saying that for them, personally, they don't see the value. Isn't that the kind of judgement that we all make every time we make a purchasing decision? I think you're being just a little bit touchy.
I agree with Chris. People voicing their opinions happen to think that the SAF deal is childish for one thing. And after hearing Nichole try to put a positive spin on so many things, yeah we're making fun of the koolaid drinkers a little bit but it's not hate.
Will you really spend $100 on July 21st or whenever just to get the free stamp set? ---------------------
Like 17:13, If I buy $100 worth on July 21, it will be an order that I would have placed anyway, but I'll place it that day to get the free set. I would not find stuff to buy, just to get the stamp set.
15:50's sarcasm is amusing and all, but frankly, the description says clear as a bell that you don't get to pick your color. Anyone who buys that add-on kit and then comes back and whines about the color they get deserves that L on their forehead. I wouldn't really care what Nichole says to them.
It's not an issue of whether I think the theme is cute - I do. For me, it's whether there's enough value to make it "boutique" cute instead of "dollar store" cute. In my opinion, there is not.
Methinks its time for you to move on. If you don't like people who openly voice opinions contrary to the great NH, there's another forum for you to hang out in. Try it. Please. It's just filled with your people.
My question is a business / logistical one. Why is it that we have heard so many times in the last few years that PTI can not simply hire extra people to fill orders during release ... but it seems to be no problem for them to have the extra help needed to pack and ship these SAF bags?
so, 17:34, you actually went past more than 300 posts on a PTI SMACK-themed blog and decided to tell us all to move on? Were you just in here looking for the restroom, or what exactly?
For me to order $100 in July after not ordering for 6 months means PTI has lost the $100-200 a month I was ordering. I have not been able to find a replacement for their white cardstock. If I order twice a year I will be fine, with much less risk and much less irritation than I have experienced in the past.
If PTI treats her right, there will be nothing for her to complain about. If I were them, I would make sure her transaction and receipt of items is flawless, but then, isn't that what we all deserve for our money?
17:12 I know what you mean. Last year, we got all you mentioned PLUS all the materials to make the 10 cards. PTI furnished all the tools & inks. This time, they want us to pay a MUCH bigger price AND provide our own materials. I may participate, but don't think I'll bite on the tote kit.
350 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 350 of 350Donna, please post when you get the fresh and amuse ink comparisons. Would love to try and buy the Amuse ink pads too. Thanks!
At 15:52
I don't think so.
Do you think the SAF shit is over priced to make up for the fact PTI has lost so many sales and Nichole still needs to pay for the pool?
Just wondering...
I will post when I get the comparisons. If I can get a good picture with accurate colors on my camera and computer, I will post that too.
I've done pre-orders with other companies and my card is charged first and the item is shipped on release day. Also have bought lots of movies from Disney Store as a pre-order and I pay ahead of time.
There is nothing wrong with a pre-order when it is clearly arranged. It would be different if customers were not aware there would be a thirty day waiting period.
Ted is "EXTREMELY excited"--uh oh.
Thank you for asking the question about the deep discount Donna.
Just could not help myself.
When I see sewcrazy's irish inside avatar, I always think that it's omath.
I guess 2-3% at this time in PTI history is considered a deep discount. Who knew!
14:37 Thx Chris!
It sounds like last years SAF attendees got a much better deal with their goodie bags. The only thing Im interested in is the stamp set, but I can definitely live without it! I have other similar sets.
Does anyone else think that paper beads sound kind of cheesy!
it sounds like a massive rip-off to me? I like the stamp set. I'd much rather wait until the day and place $100 order of stuff I WANT and get the free set than all that other crap?
When is the day you can get the stamps with a $100 order? I am going to have to get some cardstock at some point.
on the actual SAF day - 21st July - if u place a $100 order you get that stamp set free
Has Silhouette come out with a file like the movers and shakers zipper dies?
You ladies made me look and want the SAF stuff! Argh!!! I only want the $80 tote with the stamps... Thankfully I have some of the dies in the add on kit so I am skipping buying that for sure.
I haven't seen the zipper die in the Silhouette Store yet, but a nice lady posted on SCS a while back that she had a free zip strip cut file on her blog:
http://angelafehr.com/wordpress/2012/03/13/free-interactive-die-cuts-zip-strip/
and also the window sliders:
http://angelafehr.com/wordpress/2012/03/12/windowslider/
Thank you very much for the Silhouette file link!
Do they ever offer the SAF sets for sale later?
those people pre-ordering for SAF.....may I ask why you want a tote, some pencil and badges? I have no problem with people buying what they want/like but i would rather spend my money on stamps or dies instead of that stuff
I don't get why people would want that junk either. I understand stamps and dies and such, but the other stuff baffles me.
Nichole took out the word extreme from her post. There is nothing extreme about a $5 discount when you are already asking people to spend close to $300.
i can go on a whole stamp or scrapbook retreat weekend with that kind of money!
From Nichole's blog......Customers will have the opportunity to "earn" custom embroidered badges (just like you do in scouts!)
If people participate and post what they have made, they then earn a badge? If they earn them, who at PTI will be handling who gets what badge? Can we all say anniversary set?
As usual it sounds like they're going to be in over their heads.
When will they ever learn that PTI doesn't "do" complicated???
The badges come with the tote, they are earned when you fork over the cash!
Holy Shamoly, that's a lotta money for the SAF stuff. I'm out. But I have to say... I LOVE the sentiment in the exclusive set. Not enough to fork over that kind of cash, though.
I will be waiting until the day of to buy some supplies and get the set for free.
I really hope I am wrong ... but this whole SAF has my "clusterfuck radar" buzzing. I cant help thinking it's going to be the next big mess for everyone involved.
Who is in charge of handing out the badges? HONEYBADGER that's who. LOLOLOLOL.
The badges come in the tote, don't they?
Maybe this is why they don't care how they treat their customers. They know that no matter what they do there will be plenty of marks to fork over $100 for a floral stamp set.
Not an easy mark here. I would just prefer to buy supplies I want rather than a tote, some pencils etc to get the SAF set.
Don't know why as I will not be participating in the SAF, but just checked out all the details on Miss N's blog.
Man, it just sounds so complicated.
And with their track record of handling issues, it just sounds as though there could be problems galore.
Say, how much do you think the SAF stamp set's worth? $15 or $24?. Am trying to justify the $80 amount...
Oops.. Sorry. I just re-read the post. Set is $15.
$80 for a $15 set and a bunch of CRAP?!? lol. No thanks!
Is that a $100 before or after using rewards or gift certs? If I can use up the balance of my rewards this way, the free set would be a lovely parting gift.
Can you believe some grown azz women are excited about badges and want to make a freaking vest to put them on? LOL Where would you wear that (& not be mocked and ridiculed)? Ladies, put down the Kool-aid.
Doesn't the tote look suspiciously like the personalized stuff they started pimping at the anniversary release? I'm guessing they need to find a way to move them 'cause I doubt the Papertrey Cafe gear is flying off the shelves.
2:39, I think you could order $100 of stuff on SAF day, use up your GCs or reward points and get the SAF set free. NH only mentions not being able to use reward points on the pre-order stuff.
Yeah, I'm baffled about grown women getting excited about pencils and badges, too. Perhaps a desperate need to fit in and be part of a group. Sad, really.
If shipping is based on weight, can you imagine how much the tote package would cost to ship internationally? LOL! I'd like to see how many die hards order this!
From Nichole about the badges-
Yes, the badges are just sent along in the Stamp-a-faire Tote Collection (as shown on the list on my blog). Everyone gets them and technically "earns" them weather they choose to participate or not in each individual challenge.
NO, you are not TECHNICALLY earning them, you are buying them.
LOL! Yes. [i]Technically[/i], you are "buying" them. If we are being technical and all.
Ted must get paid every time he uses the term "just to clarify".
I would have been more inclined to buy the SAF stuff if it had been stamping supplies and not PTI "stuff."
I am convinced that Nichole thinks her customers are all mentally twelve years old. If I had a daughter who was into stamping, this sounds like something I would sign her up for (if it was with a trustworthy company).
But seriously, am I going to sit around on SAF day wearing a lanyard and vest, hydrating myself with my PTi water bottle, sewing a badge on after I complete each virtual challenge!? Again, maybe if I were twelve! And friendship beads! I'm beginning to see why Nichole talks to everyone like they are children.
I agree about the 12 year old thing but in Nichole's defense, if she didn't make absolutely everything crystal clear she'd have people like Ted having to clarify everything up the wazoo. Also, she is smart to have every single policy in writing ahead of time so she doesn't have issues later.
I would like to mention that the Flower Fusion #8 Mini Stamp Set looks like a vajayjay (on Lisa's post about helping her love Rosie Posie) but it would just make me look like a trouble maker so I'll say it here.
The sewing badges onto a vest sounds like so much fun (groan).
Well, I wouldn't "technically" say "smart".
I have nightmares about badges. Former Girl Scout leader here - I still have dozens and dozens of extra badges in my house, which I'll gladly send to anyone who wants to get in on the badge-sewing fun. I won't even charge you $80. Heck, I won't charge you 80 cents.
"Yet-to-be released Beautiful Beads die"
I would like to place a bet that the beautiful beads die will look like an elongated triangle or banner.
Maybe Nichole is a 12 year old girl. Most adults know the difference between "weather" and "weather.". Sorry, my inner mean girl just escaped for a minute. That typo has been driving me nuts! But, somehow I'm not surprised by it.
Yes, I agree, the die for the paper beads will probably be a long skinny triangle. Thing is, when you make paper beads, it's not difficult at all to hand-cut those triangles. Yet another instance of why in the world do we need a die for this shape. Oh yeah, because paper beads will use a boatload of fancy paper.
While I am picking apart the Stamp Afaire post how about
"The first set of items available for order for this event is the Stamp-a-faire Tote Collection. This is a basic set of the Stamp-a-faire exclusive items and does not include anything that we currently have available for sale in our store."
Isn't all of the cardstock listed in the make and take kit already available? Or is it just listed as not available because you can only buy it in packages?
....also ONE COMPLETE COLOR COLLECTION (color of our choice)
That's a great way to get ride of some of the low selling colors!
Oops. I meant "whether" and "weather". Think I'll shut up now and go have my coffee. LOL
So we see Dawn, Erin, Melissa and Danielle on the forums all the time, what about the rest of the dt members? Why aren't they there all the time too?
OK,smackers. I'm designing my own badges. Feel free to contribute yours.
Empty mailbox - PTI lost my order
Pair of shears - pruned by Rick
Hand - bitch slapped by NH
Dollar sign with wings - taking my money and spending elsewhere.
So we're to shell out $300 to help them clear out their stagnant inventory. Hello?!? Nichole? Julie? Have you taken a look at SU's clearance rack? Discounted merchandise flies out the warehouse. And makes customers happy. I'm not talking a 2-5% discount. A proper sale on cardstock and ribbon would clear it out.
I predict that Zendesk is going to be hopping with "I got a Pinefeather collection. I hate Pinefeather. *pout*. Take it back!" posts.
LOL! Love those!
How about a pallet? For those special orders that aren't lost but just forgotten.
Did Nichole REALLY say "weather" instead of whether???
Someone needs to write her posts for her.
Pinefeather! LOL!
They should throw in some vajayay stamps for good will. :-)
Oooooh, we need a badge for waiting for a CS reply.
Help, I got a sandwich stuck in my Vagabond!
The pinefeather would have to be "deeply discounted". At least 5% I'd say!
How about Dave sitting on a desk with his hands over his eyes? The closed eyes represents Zen and the fact that he couldn't see the cs forum.
Confirmed by NH! LOL!
"We get to choose the color based on inventory. Not everyone will end up with the same color, so it is totally a random luck of the draw. I hope that helps you with your decision! :)"
Those badge ideas are BRILLIANT!
How about a house badge? The house that stamps built.
We also need a HTH badge and one for spelling errors on stamps (maybe a red pen on that one). How about a bad ink pad badge?
Which other colors would you consider to be low sellers? I personally don't like the enchanted evening very much.
There aren't technically "classes" on the forum or anything of that nature.
But technically you will be earning badges for them.
"Each of these challenges along with the tutorials, videos & project ideas from the team"
Not classes per se.
How can they say anything about 'earning' anything when you just buy it?
Couldn't agree more that it all seems more suited to 12 year olds.
I don't care for enchanted evening either. I like Berry Sorbet but only in very small amounts because it is a bit of an off color. I don't buy the brown because I like SU better and have moved on to a darker Kraft by another company. I use very little Stone.
Okay , so the expectation is that people are organizing personal get-togethers "around the world" to work on online challenges and "earn" badges together - carrying everything in their totes so they're more "cohesive?"
"help the various gathering around the world be more cohesive,"
They sure do have a distorted and fantastical image of themselves.
Another one here who thinks the lanyard, pencils, badges, bag, and etc. is just way for them to sell pure junk at outrageous prices. They are counting on the stamp set to sell those tote bags. They worked really hard to make something valued at about $20 sound like it was something much more than it is. And $5 is an extreme discount off $200? She needs that pool by summertime.
I just have two questions.
Does the official PTI water bottle come with a free package of Kool Aid (PTI's choice of flavor)?
Why the hell does anyone need a lanyard?
So I was just looking at the die list and I was wondering if a lot of these are high in inventory too? If you think about it, this would be brilliant! They are getting rid of the junk without having a real sale.
How is Ted's forum doing these days?
Based on what is on that list, I concur that those are things that are no longer selling. They are doing the old "grab bag" trick that some stores do to get rid of a bunch of junk in one bag at a price that makes them not have a loss in getting rid of the junk.
I think this is just a bit more evidence that the company is in financial trouble when $5 on $200 is presented to customers as an "extreme" discount and the bag of stuff are clearly items that are no longer selling. They are desperate to pick up money.
Just wondering... what ever happened to that giveaway when PTI launched their CafePress line? You were supposed to submit a photo of you wearing your PTI crap. Anyone see any prizes given away for that?
I don't know about prizes. Has anyone seen any pictures of people wearing pti stuff?
I haven't seen any pictures of people in the new PTI gear. But I do have to say that using Cafe Press was a good decision. Since nothing is made unless someone orders it, you can't get stuck with excess inventory, and all of the order processing and shipping is done by Cafe Press.
Even if I needed mugs and water bottles, I do not like to carry around logo advertising for companies. PTI would not be on my list to try to drum up business in their name.
Chris, good point, but I wonder if they don't have a minimum contract to fill with that company for signing on (usually done this way) and they are having trouble meeting it so it resulted in the camp tote.
I doubt that there's any minimum. Cafe Press touts themselves as the place to order your stuff, no matter how low the quantity. That's why there are millions of designs there.
I wish I'd thought of the whole Cafe Press idea. It's like a modern version of the print-on-demand t-shirt shop. All they need is a computer to hold all of the design files instead of a wall full of iron-on sheets. Other than that, it's pretty much the same old shop. And they can get their business from absolutely anyone. Brilliant.
Laughing at all the badge suggestions here. How about the ex-customer badge: A sad face with the words "deeply discounted" under it?
Face-palm badge.
8:45 That still makes me LOL every time.
I think a :face: badge would be great!
Ah, scrappers who cannot spell. This morning on blogs I have seen full size pages with the words "marshmellow" across the top, "principle" at a school, and a son who came in as a "finilist in a speach debate". Arghh! Do you comment on the blog or just let it go?
That depends ... who's blog is it? :D
All 3 were blogs of blogs I follow. Don't know them otherwise.
For the spelling mistakes on the scrapbook pages, I would want to say something as kindly as possible, since the scrapbooks are presumably meant to last a long time. Rather than commenting on the blog, I'd attempt email first, just to spare the person the embarrassment of being called out publicly by the spelling police. Failing that, I might comment, but I'd be as gentle as possible when I did.
Do we have any way to contact the blog owner when we hit 200? I hate the scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.
SAF Summer Camp theme is a cute idea, but there is no way on God's green earth I would sew badges on a vest or sash. That's way too over the top. It's not just drinking the KoolAid, but snorting it, too! Yikes. The logo is cute but I'm not shelling out $80 and not getting rewards points, plus I need a tote bag, lanyard and water bottle like I need a hole in my head. I'd rather save the $80 and put $20 with it to make a purchase on SAF day to get the SAF set free and still earn points. They are cray-cray, those people!
$275 is ALOT of money for the SAF considering I took a 5 night 6 day cruise to the Bahamas for $349. Yes I paid for drinks but I would be drinking at home too!
I do have a choice to say no and I am! Maybe I will take another cruise.
Bonnie
$275 is a crazy amount for what you get. Especially if it's just the limited edition stamp (or the sentiment only) you really want? Only the newbies and true diehards are falling for this.
Do they think because people don't have to factor in travel expenses and hotel fees that they can spend the extra hundreds on trinkets they don't need?
The SAF deals are definitely not DEALS. I can see someone buying the tote, MAYBE, if they really like the bag and want the stamp set prior to SAF. I'm sort of indifferent about the set but I might put in an order on SAF day and get it that way, along with product that I would actually want to buy anyway.
I find it hard to believe that they will sell many of the add-on kits. At only a $10 discount, who would want to get that stuff, some of which is likely to duplicate other things they already have, and a color collection that they might not even like? It would make SO much more sense to just put in an order for just the items you actually want. A 5% discount is not enough to entice me into getting a bunch of stuff I'm not interested in.
I dont do trinket swaps anymore (even though I love to send them) because there is just so much trinket stuff you can have in your stamp room!
Do you think they are putting feelers out to see what the response is and then they will mark it down some more to make it more appealing?
Which wont work for me.
dictionary badge -- spell-check your blog
bird pooping rainbows badge -- make a card showcasing how much you lurve PTI
unicorn badge -- one badge earned for every 30 sunshine-filled posts on the forum! Bonus points for every sunshine you use!
seriously shocked by the SAF gear.
It is so unsophisticated. Makes the crap they give out at SU's convention look like haute couture.
Geesh Nichole. I cannot believe you would use a tote with stamping badges on it. and a pencil case?
Even the stamp set looks like a million other PTI flower sets.
I'm stunned.
Going back to an earlier topic, I did a comparison of Amuse and Impress inks. Here is what I found with regards to inks that are duplicates or near duplicates. Of course this is just my opinion...you may see the colors differently.
Amuse Sage = Impress Celery
Amuse Fern is very similar to Impress Tuscan Olive
Amuse Eucalyptus is very similar to Impress Steel Blue (Eucalyptus is a little bluer and darker)
Amuse Cranberry = Impress Red Currant (Cranberry is retired)
Amuse Slate is almost identical to Impress Slate (Amuse is a wee bit darker)
Amuse Cocoa is almost identical to Impress Cocoa (Impress is slightly darker)
Amuse Currant = Impress Merlot
Amuse French Roast is very similar to Impress Chocolate
Amuse Blush = Impress Sugar
Amuse Toffee = Impress Honey
Completely agree on the lame SAF stuff.
And completely surprised that so many posting here are actually planning on dropping $100 just to get another floral stamp set.
Have we learned nothing from this blog, people?!
I would hope that the embroidered badges look a WHOLE lot better than the ones on NH's blog.
I do not need another floral stamp set. I do not need a tote, water bottle or pencil set. I especially don't need the badges.
I see that someone has already posted an ISO for just the badges.
With all the stuff that's happening at PTI, I can't believe what they're trying to do with SAF. It just smells of car wreck. I was initially looking forward to getting together with some stamping friends but I'm totally turned off PTI now. How long before customers complain about missing SAF orders and additions being OOS?
Personally, I am waiting for the onslaught of "Eww, I got Pinefeather"! posts! LOL!
Yes, we are all going to feel sorry for you when you get a tote full of ugly!
This kit is just weird. Pencils?? Badges?? A tote?? $80?? Seriously?? We're GROWN women and men. It makes me think that they are just taking the piss. That they've sat around a table having a good laugh and saying "lets see what we can pawn off on these suckers". They really really must not think very highly of their customers, but I guess that is not news is it?
I've definitely got better ways to spend $80.
I think they realize that the Kool Aid drinking unicorns will buy anything.
Will you really spend $100 on July 21st or whenever just to get the free stamp set?
I am anxious to hear how much the international postage will be for the tote and add ons. I bet it will be crazy!
I'm glad that Nichole removed the "deeply discounted" wording from her blog. That was just embarrassing!
Personally, I don't think the SAF stamp set is that impressive.
The big question is whether or not PTI will have their shit together enough for people to place ordered and not have them get messed up.
"I don't mean to complain but after spending over $300+shipping I was really hoping to get a color that I could use. Don't get me wrong but pinefeather is just not my style".
"Thank you for taking the time to share your disappointment in our product selection. We all worked day and night to ensure that people would be happy with our choices. Just to clarify, the information about how we chose product and the shipping charges were clearly posted on my blog before you ordered. Furthermore, I saw you posting on the forum leading up to my blog post so I know that you were aware of it. I can dig up your ISP spreadsheet if you weould like further proof that I am right."
Locked.
15:50, you hit that spot on!! LOL!
Exactly, 15:50. If Nichole reads here she needs to listen and fix all this before Hurricane Cedar Ridge hits her house.
I hadn't even thought about the possibility that the product might not show up on time or might be defective!
Yep. And when that stuff doesn't come or is defective, you can just about hear all of the little Brownies whining..... I *sniff, sniff* want my badges!!! WAH!!! My pencils were BROKEN!! *nose blow*
Poor pathetic saps.
"But seriously, am I going to sit around on SAF day wearing a lanyard and vest, hydrating myself with my PTi water bottle, sewing a badge on after I complete each virtual challenge!? Again, maybe if I were twelve! And friendship beads! I'm beginning to see why Nichole talks to everyone like they are children."
29 April 2012 07:06
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This is the best post I've read all day!!! The mental image is priceless... all we would need would be a HUGE "L" stamped on our foreheads!!!
I wish I could make this part of my signature line on the forum!
Maybe a huge "L" could be one of the badges.
15:50 was that from the forum? Link? Was that response from Nichole? Wow. Pretty crappy and rude.
15:50 is sarcasm. I am missing what the "L" means. I think we do need a sunshine and unicorn badge though.
I can't imagine spending the money to get the tote or the add-on kit. Who doesn't already have a closet full of tote bags? I can't get over the lanyard and badge - what a huge waste of money to even include them. And the add-on kit? I'd love to get full retail for things in my garage sale, too, but it just isn't going to happen. If you want to clear out warehouse space, don't do it on the backs of those who are buying into a "special" event.
Even last year, when I was still under the influence, I found a shopping buddy to buy $50 along with my $50, and we each got half of the SAF set, since I only wanted some of the images in it. Like someone else said, I was originally planning to attend a local event with some friends, but I'm not feeling it any more.
yes, it was sarcasm.
The "L" stands for loser.
There is nothing about that flower set that would make me want to spend $100 to get it. Nor the tote o'crap for $80.
Good! More to spend on Claire's next release May 8.
I'm really disappointed in the 2012 SAF offerings.... it makes last year's $75 fee look like a phenomenal bargain (2011 event included stamp sets, embellishments, lunch, after dinner dessert, on-site shopping, etc.)
I have not ordered since January. By July I am going to need PTI white cardstock (several large packages) and probably a few other things. I might as well wait and do a $100 order then and get the set that I otherwise would not get. The set is nice, but not a must have, but I might as well order when it will come with what I buy.
Geez why don't you all get the stick out of your ass? I think the badges & theme are cute and I really like the idea of the online SAF since there is no way in hell I could travel out of town. I think NH is a bitch and I can't stand Ted and his hairflips but I still like their stuff. Why not lighten up on the hate a little bit? I get that you all despise Papertrey because their CS sucks but isn't time to move on already?
Wow, I don't see hate. I see people saying that for them, personally, they don't see the value. Isn't that the kind of judgement that we all make every time we make a purchasing decision? I think you're being just a little bit touchy.
Just because you like the stuff doesn't mean that we have to like it.
I really don't need another tote or water bottle and I personally think that the badges are stoopid. It has nothing to do with me not liking NH.
I agree with Chris. People voicing their opinions happen to think that the SAF deal is childish for one thing. And after hearing Nichole try to put a positive spin on so many things, yeah we're making fun of the koolaid drinkers a little bit but it's not hate.
Will you really spend $100 on July 21st or whenever just to get the free stamp set?
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Like 17:13, If I buy $100 worth on July 21, it will be an order that I would have placed anyway, but I'll place it that day to get the free set. I would not find stuff to buy, just to get the stamp set.
15:50's sarcasm is amusing and all, but frankly, the description says clear as a bell that you don't get to pick your color. Anyone who buys that add-on kit and then comes back and whines about the color they get deserves that L on their forehead. I wouldn't really care what Nichole says to them.
My not liking the tote and contents, and thinking it is a rip-off is not a result of my issues with PTI. It is with my issues with rip-off junk.
I am 15:50 and I was making fun of the person that orders and complains as much as I was mocking nichole's answer. There is enough love to go around.
Just because I personally believe the tote and it's contents aren't worth anywhere near $80, doesn't mean I have a stick up my ass.
If you like the stuff and want to participate in SAF, that's just peachy. Just leave the rest of us alone.
It's not an issue of whether I think the theme is cute - I do. For me, it's whether there's enough value to make it "boutique" cute instead of "dollar store" cute. In my opinion, there is not.
Methinks its time for you to move on. If you don't like people who openly voice opinions contrary to the great NH, there's another forum for you to hang out in. Try it. Please. It's just filled with your people.
My question is a business / logistical one. Why is it that we have heard so many times in the last few years that PTI can not simply hire extra people to fill orders during release ... but it seems to be no problem for them to have the extra help needed to pack and ship these SAF bags?
I will be watching with curiosity.
so, 17:34, you actually went past more than 300 posts on a PTI SMACK-themed blog and decided to tell us all to move on? Were you just in here looking for the restroom, or what exactly?
im shocked that i am reading all of these responses that say you are going to order the 100.00 of stuff. wow....just wow
For me to order $100 in July after not ordering for 6 months means PTI has lost the $100-200 a month I was ordering. I have not been able to find a replacement for their white cardstock. If I order twice a year I will be fine, with much less risk and much less irritation than I have experienced in the past.
i wonder if omg is going to order and then complain?
If PTI treats her right, there will be nothing for her to complain about. If I were them, I would make sure her transaction and receipt of items is flawless, but then, isn't that what we all deserve for our money?
oh yes I'm sure they can hardly wait to see her order
17:12 I know what you mean. Last year, we got all you mentioned PLUS all the materials to make the 10 cards. PTI furnished all the tools & inks. This time, they want us to pay a MUCH bigger price AND provide our own materials. I may participate, but don't think I'll bite on the tote kit.
Thank you to the poster of the Amuse and Impress inks comparison. Now to find my old list...
I see lots of pine feather in there!
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