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 ;)
Have the DT members taken a day to monitor the forums? Haven't seen Dawn or ACN in a while and Danielle was all over it today. The rotation do far seems:
Weekends - ACN and Dawn Monday - Melissa Tuesday - Heather Wednesday - Danielle
Only noticed because Dawn was a significant presence them nothing. Nada. Zip. And Melissa who is usually rarely visible in the forum is now starting up regular threads on Monday's? Seems a little forced. At least to me.
This is how you handle your website when you have a new release and you need to set up the store before your customers swamp you with orders - from the WPlus9 website:
Down for Maintenance This store is currently unavailable due to maintenance. Please excuse us as we prepare for our April Release. It should be available by 12:01 a.m. April 5, 2012 EST.
No! they do not have Want it all package. Wish they had it. But when you select a stamp set, there is an option to add it with the coordinating die or without the die in the same page. No need to go looking for the die in another section. Very easy and a great website. Love it :)
Just checked out wplus9. They have some beautiful stamps but like someone said, Rosie Posie and the new Wplus9 Mother's Day set ... super similar. Plus they have just come out with necktie dies and double ended banner dies ... just like PTI already came out with!
The one advantage WPlus9 banner dies have over the PTI ones, is that they are a little wider for a larger sentiment. The three sizes is rather good too. Their shipping (for international) is so much less than PTI - and gets here quicker.
Maybe this is a question for Rick - are PTI going to look at different shipping options. That is one thing that was promised ages ago and it would be interesting to hear something about it. I think internationals would come back to PTI if they offered a different shipping option. Their prices are crazy expensive. I have ordered from other US companies and their shipping is still by USPS, and gets delivered!!! Never understood why so much PTI stuff seems to go 'astray'.
Yea nothing at wplus9 I like this month cause it's so similar to what I already have! I keep hoping their back pocket set will come back in stock soon though.
I did a small order from WPLus( and teh Chevron and Leaves dies from MTF. Have a few things in my basket with Simon Says but my last package hasn't turned up yet.....at least they have replied to emails!
I've been thinking about trying WPlus9, but I want their pocket set and it's been out of stock for a long time! I guess PTI isn't the only place that has trouble keeping popular items on the shelf.
Oh I placed an order withh MFT as well. I wanted the Chevron Die and a few others. So placed a big order and was shipped the next day. Great shipping costs for international just for dies and stamps.
I just read a blog post from Gina K and they admitted to problems they are having due to unexpected growth. Even better is that they are putting off their April release so they can get caught up. PTI could learn a thing or two from them!!!
Bought from w plus 9 & mft. Always get wms, too. Pti still has a lot I like, but I'm good. Especially with Dawn and her new card stock. Will admit that I bought the new pti ink and it's actually pretty good.
I really like the wplus9 website..especially the cart. I am always drawn to the twopeasinabucket site though...love the way they integrate the forum, gallery, ecommerce site...
Someone brought up that Nichole & Co. would be mad to see Rick here. I don't think they'd have any reason for that. Even as Mutt he's stayed very respectful and professional with regard to PTI and the owners.
Rick, in your shoes I don't know if I would have handled myself as well as you have. And I'm not saying that just because I think your hot!! :winking smiley:
Well they should definItely not be mad You have done more here to help restore some goodwill towards PTI thank they have on any of the company sponsored outlets
@Rick regarding Twopeas site. I think the idea is a good one in that everything is integrated. But I think it's a nightmare to use. It's not intuitive at all. Try and find Jamie Sorenson's blog. I don't think a seasoned programmer designed it.
They say right on the site that they designed it themselves....and it has been growing since day one so it makes it hard to get around...there is SO MUCH STUFF...
I really like wplus9...it looks a LOT like PTI in the layout...just more complete functionality...
I am certain that the PTI site will get better in the next couple of months...there are a LOT of great suggestions on the forum...looking forward to passing those ideas along to the developer myself :)
Rick, I feel the exact same way about the 2peas site. It's the best out there. I thought of bringing it up here before but I didn't know if it would be a good comparison, in terms of retailers, for PTI. The Wplus9 site is awesome too, though. Although I wish they'd show the items as sold out before clicking on them. I'd rather be able to see it from the browsing page rather than clicking on it to have to find out it's sold out.
In fairness, the Wplu9 site came before the "new" PTI site, so it would be the PTI site looks a LOT like Wplus9 in layout. I agree on the sold out thing. I think I remember reading that Dawn does the site herself, wonder if she'd be open to the suggestion of changing that?
i wish all sites had an "add to cart" button right on the browsing page that didn't move you to the cart or require you to click on the 1 item and THEN add to cart. this way you could put several items in the cart and keep browsing. on the PTI site, if I put something in my cart and hit the back button, I have to re-select how many items i want to view per page and page through to see where i left off.
I'm 8:13 and that's exactly what I was thinking when I was typing my comment. If that feature was added to all shopping sites, I'd be in trouble. "Add to Cart/Wish List" = more shopping.
I'm sure 'they' know Rick is here too. You guys know there are unicorns here - trolling at least. And someone yesterday commented that word would get out ~ probably by the same person who posted it!
Did orders with MFT, WMS, and Wplus9 with my April craft budget. Until I find a good source for my cardstock, I will probably place an order now and then for that with PTI. Will stick with my Fresh Ink.
I don't get the Taylored Expressions cupcakes doing odd things or the Riley Moose who water skis. I don't get the big eyed kids who look like aliens without noses,or those girl stamps that have stick arms and legs. Someone must like these because they sell them, but I don't get it.
I cannot say how much I love Fresh Ink. Total coverage, no blotching at all, and the colors are so rich and gorgeous. I now have all but 6 of the colors and the reinkers to match and will finish out the collection when they have their next sale (sign up on Facebook and you will know when they have sales).
09.27 Thanks for that reply - last time i wanted to order the large pack of white from PTI the shipping for that one item would be over $40 (international).
Ordered the same amount of cardstock from Clear and Simple, (along with some other stuff, ink pads, etc. and shipping was $13.50.
Like you guys, I REALLY want to like Gina K's stamps, but just don't. There are a couple sets here and there I like. Mostly the Stamp TV kit sets. The ones designed by the designers, not so much -just not my thing. I haven't tried her cardstock yet, but I sure will now.
But Gina sure knows customer service, here is what she is offering the customers because of the delay in the release:
"We have a couple of new 6 X 6 paper packs coming out during our next release and because you have been SO patient and loyal, we will be providing a coupon code so you can choose one of them for free with your new release order. It's the least we can do to say thanks SO much for hanging in there with us. We appreciate you. You are the reason we are growing. We will never forget that! Look for the coupon during our release party on April 26th"
Are all Gina K's stamps rubber? Aside from not liking the designs, I really like clear stamps.
I would love to love Gina K's stamps but I just don't.
I am pretty set for inks and cardstock and the only stamps that I have purchased in the past 2 years have been from PTI. I used to buy every few months and usually stocked up when I did because I am international.
I"m with 9:24 & 9:33 re: weird faced kids, cupcakes and the like. Although I admit I have about 3 of those moose stamps for Christmas time. That was back when I thought I was going to get into Copics. I didn't. Maybe I should give my Riley stamps to Aeryn. Every time I see line art stamps in my collection I think of sending them to Aeryn. =)
Rick, don't sweat the haters. They'll come around. We did.
As for Unicorns trolling here....I would think as things improve with PTI and there isn't as much to smack about, the unis would find this place less pearl-clutchey.
Wait, if we aren't smacking PTI any more, does this mean we are all now UNICORNS????? *shudder*
Sorry, it will be a long while before I become a unicorn. :-) The true test for me will be how PTI handles the next missing stamp/product defect/missing pallet of orders.
If they can pull off the next problem with Gina K's grace and honesty, I will consider that to be a step forward.
Fool me once, strike one. Fool me twice, strike 3. After that, you have to prove that you are worthy of my money.
PTI really cannot afford even one more misstep. They have used up all their chances times 10 with most people. They had better be checking things 20 times before they make a move now.
10:54 what makes you say that? They have had 1 mishap after another since almost the beginning and that hasn't stopped anyone! They just continue to get bigger and bigger!!
Mistakes are going to happen. They will have items going out the door that are defective or orders that have mix ups. I don't mind that and I even expect it sometimes.
The true test will be how they handle it.
To expect that they will never make another mistake is unrealistic.
10:06--I bought the stamps from uniko and really like them. Had some trouble b/c the stamps time stamps had just gone out of stock when I placed my order, but the owner emailed me right away and took care of everything for me.
I too loved Gina K's post. Respect, and appreciation for her customers show through in her words, however I don't like rubber stamps. There are some pretty designs, but nothing I have to have. The designs from Taylored Expressions are not my taste at all. I think MFT and WMS designs are the closest to, and a worthy alternative to purchasing from PTI, IMHO.
I have a few Gina K sets but rarely use them. They just are not usually my style. I bought 2 sets just for one stamp within in them. I hate Unity, Avacado Pits (or whatever it is called). MFT and WMS are my 2 current favorites.
I am not seeing lighthouses everywhere. Maybe Ted is using the assumptive close? If he says that they are there, maybe companies will start making them just to be ahead of the trend?
I haven't spent that much time on the forum but it seems familiar that Ted just likes lighthouses.
And I think nautical/lighthouses are such a classic that if you like them they're never out of style. We tend to see them this time of year ~ just before Father's Day and the summertime when a 'water' theme is popular anyway.
The company I'd love to purchase from for the first time is Chocolate Baroque. I love the designs, but I don't know if I want to deal with bare rubber anymore.
I've only purchased from Chocolate Baroque once. I'm not a fan of rubber stamps, but I HAD to have the Steampunk Christmas set.
I didn't have any problems that I recall. I think it would have stuck in my mind if it had taken too terribly long as I could not wait to get my hands on that set.
Did you ever do a search at their site? I just did for "steampunk" and it has an interactive dropdown... as you type, it starts to show you what it's finding. Very cool.
For me I was done (and won't come back) when PTI decided it was a good idea to DELETE all the customer service emails. Sorry, that action spoke VOLUMES about where their head is at.
Sure I like the designs PTI has, but they are but a small drop in the bucket of paper crafting.
is it me or are some products seem to be targeted to certain customers? Of course now I'm talking about Audrey and the birds...but in the past things like pinefeather and Ted...
I don't follow the boards enough to know who has been asking for which sets. I don't know that it would make good business sense though to make a set (or enlarge an existing set) without more demand than just one member.
For me I was done (and won't come back) when PTI decided it was a good idea to DELETE all the customer service emails. Sorry, that action spoke VOLUMES about where their head is at.
Sure I like the designs PTI has, but they are but a small drop in the bucket of paper crafting.
5 April 2012 14:40
=================================
This is exactly what I have been thinking!!
I have been working in cs industry for a few years now.
I would have been fired if I had done this.
Business owner or not how can you think this is a good business practice? Can anyone one of you answer that?
I have shaken my head in utter disbelief at some of the public decisions that have been made. Not making an announcement of some kind (or even notifying customers privately) when the pallet of stamps went missing and not putting a note up (for a month) when the emails were deleted are 2 that come to mind.
I did and their stamps are awesome.Nice modern style. Love the quality and comes in DVD cases. Super fast shipping. She also has some nice Digi papers. More stamps to be released later this month.
phase 1: eliminate Jenn phase 2: install DT and Nicky all over forum phase 3: eliminate some forum members to "send lesson" phase 4: neutralize the smackers by introducing Rick on the smack blog phase 5: let back in the banned members to show what a great company it is. phase 6: laugh all the way to the bank
Totally off-topic and not related to anything PTI......but can Kristina Werner STOP FRIGGIN USING A WHITE PEN FOR DASH LINES ON EVERY CARD. It looks crap and ruins it each time - ok use it on one or two BUT.EVERY.SINGLE.CARD. STOP!
phase 1: I considered Jenn a nonentity - she didn't make a difference one way or the other IMO.
phase 2: One of the dumbest moves I've ever seen.
phase 3: I think it was a regrettable rash act and if a "lesson" was the intent, it backfired spectacularly.
phase 4: Rick, do you think you've "neutralized" the smackers? I don't even think he has tried to do that.
phase 5: doesn't show me it's a great company... damage control may just be something *someone* at PTI is learning
phase 6: Laugh all they want - they won't be taking any of my $ to the bank!
I understand what you're saying and the perspective you're taking on this, but don't give them too much credit. They ain't that bright.
I think their "strategy" if they have one is business as usual, get some new customers who are not "in the know", hope whoever is tasked with it manages to come up with a decent website, and have someone hunker down with that Zendesk and see if they can run it. Same old, same old.
And if any other crisis comes up, mangle it to pieces as usual.
I still haven't seen PTI do or say anything to make me have any interest in shopping from them. Sure, the DT has diffused some of the negativity. But I don't see how the email deleting, duplicate die issues, member banning, anniversary set issues won't be repeated again?
I used that new cs thing for an issue and I haven't heard a word. Not much has changed.
17:13, I hardly think the true smackers have been neutralized.
I do think there are a number of people that will use the smallest sign of change to start buying again.
Me, not so much. I'm seeking major changes in how they do business and treat their customers before I would even begin to entertain the thought of buying from them again.
I generally don't like to criticize the work of others, but I got my issue of Paper Crafts and I want my money back if the rest of the issues are going to suck as royally as this one.
I don't know about others but unless PTI introduces other international shipping options, I am not buying anything from PTI. Just annoys me that they are ignoring internationals when we make large orders (I know a few of us do). MFT,Wplus9,WMS, TCM and many other companies gives three options to choose from. PTI is stubborn on their stand. Don't even address this issue :( Shows their attitude. Sick of it.
@OMG 18:20 - I did the same. My zendesk ticket has been sitting idle for several days now. I was hoping this move was a step up, but now I'm becoming jaded.
@Trell & others re: Paper Crafts - They started sucking about 2 years ago. I got out a year and a half ago. It seemed to become a super thin mag full of ads. Now I surf blogs.
I agree, I have seen better PC issues. It's the same ole designers month after month and this one was lacking for sure. I like their special issues much better than the regular issues.
Sorry for my ignorance here, but is something going on with Amuse? Everything in their online store is 50% off (including the 6 copic markers I just put in my cart). And some pieces of their site are decommissioned.
I'm a newbie to them, so I am honestly just not in the know...
I agree about Paper Crafts. The special issue, Practical Solutions for Paper Crafters sucks too. Mismatched, awkward clashing colors, unbalanced layouts, weird ideas and designs, no emotion in the cards at all either. Completely baffled what they were thinking. I heard that someone new is helping with card selections. It used to be Cath and now there's someone else doing it, Sue or Susan I think?
Argh! I looked through the Amuse catalog and I'm frustrated.
I LOVE some of the stamp designs (and will probably dream of a few) as well as the winter palette, but I just can't get over 2 things: 1. Cling stamps (I didn't like the ones SU and Hero Arts came out with - they keep falling off my acrylic blocks). Can anyone comment on the quality of these? 2. the Catalog business model - I would assume taxes and shipping costs are on top of the stamp prices, which makes them a tad on the expensive side, given the fact that they are clings
2:33, when did you order? My order placed yesterday morning has shipped. Send Dawn at WPlus9 an email.
Re: the DT on the forum. Smiley face Dawn said it best last month. It's all about income for them. They don't care about the customer or their experience with the PTI shopping disaster. It's all about the money for them. You are exactly right, 3:15
Smiley face Dawn said it best last month. It's all about income for them. They don't care about the customer or their experience with the PTI shopping disaster. It's all about the money for them. You are exactly right, 3:15
I like the strawberries and I always love Michelle W collaboration stamps. Still safe though. Even if I end up loving the set I won't be buying for a long while.
For those who have Wplus9 orders that say shipped, would you mind posting your order number? I'm #1366 and still in "awaiting fulfillment" I know there's no mail for the holiday weekend, but I was really hoping that if I ordered BEFORE reg business hours yesterday, mine might have gone out same day. Lawn Fawn's speedy shipping has me spoiled.
However, I think we are are trying to place logic and reason to the things that PTI has done and will do. But we are dealing with people who have no sense of how to run a business. I can't begin to understand what goes on in their minds. They want to do it the hard way and hopefully one day they'll figure it out. Unfortunately, most of us have run out of patience.
I love this country - mediocrity and incompetence will get you everywhere. How lucky we are!!
What was Zendesk supposed to accomplish? Is it once again a matter of humans not attending to it?
--------------------------------
As I said when I posted the link, it was just getting setup and tested and would be ready in a few days. I believe folks are working those tickets as we speak. I have been trying to work some of them myself just to get things moving. If you have a ticket with a login issue or something you think I might be able to help with...send me an email and let me know. If you include your phone number I will call you today. I am off of work and have the day to spend helping others...
I placed an order with W plus 9 around 1am on the 5th (yeah I'm a night owl and was up anyway), and my package was shipped around 3pm on the 5th. I'm set to receive it tomorrow, the 7th.
Rick Geymonat said... What was Zendesk supposed to accomplish? Is it once again a matter of humans not attending to it?
--------------------------------
As I said when I posted the link, it was just getting setup and tested and would be ready in a few days. I believe folks are working those tickets as we speak. I have been trying to work some of them myself just to get things moving. If you have a ticket with a login issue or something you think I might be able to help with...send me an email and let me know. If you include your phone number I will call you today. I am off of work and have the day to spend helping others...
6 April 2012 06:56
Rick - you just won me over. Im officially a unicorn now. (lol)
can anybody recommend a good full background stamp that is text? -----------------------------
I got the Waltzingmouse Stamps Text-It set, and love it. I have one of the PTI ones too, and I like it as well, but the WMS one is longer and easier to stamp, especially across a 5.5" width. :)
I won a stamp set from the Paper Smooches hop last Saturday and it was in my mailbox on Thursday. I know they're a lot smaller than PTI, but I was still impressed.
I would like to spend my reward points but the items that I want are not in stock and won't be until the 15th. That means that I will have to order during the release time rush. Not happy about that.
You said, "looks like they are making some progress...they've resolved about 40 of the 115 tickets that were in the queue in the last couple of hours..."
I dont think Erins link was a picture - i think it accidentally attached the "img" tags to the text --- if you read it it looks like a quote from the previous stamper about not being a colorer. ????
I look at the peeks and I remember a time when I would have been checking to see if I would stay up on the 14th, making room on the shelf for new sets, planning cards in my head.
I have never stayed up to check peeks or to order but I do get most of the peeks through Google Reader. I still like to look because the dt does great things and I already have a lot of sets that I can use.
To those who posted about the latest issue of Paper Crafts, I just glanced through it. Maybe it was the color palette used (drab)or the subject (lots of masculine) but I agree with you that there was not a lot of inspiration there.
And along with it came my renewal notice. Ummm, I don't think so. And not just because of this issue.
Did anybody notice that WPlus9 and Taylored Expressions both came out with a Onesie Twosie stamp set and die? I actually like the designs on the TE stamp set better but I ordered the WP9 because I only like clear stamps.
169 comments:
Holy shizzle, first!!
Shabam 2nd
BAZINGA! 3rd
I just used the facepalm :-)
Is it me or is the zombie new too?
Have the DT members taken a day to monitor the forums? Haven't seen Dawn or ACN in a while and Danielle was all over it today. The rotation do far seems:
Weekends - ACN and Dawn
Monday - Melissa
Tuesday - Heather
Wednesday - Danielle
Only noticed because Dawn was a significant presence them nothing. Nada. Zip. And Melissa who is usually rarely visible in the forum is now starting up regular threads on Monday's? Seems a little forced. At least to me.
That would make sense. I don't think PTI would make them all be on the forum everyday.
Melissa said that she was assigned or that Monday was her day so yes, I think you are right.
And call me a maroon, but what does the facepalm mean? I don't get it? Someone 'splain it to me?
A facepalm is like a duh or how could I be so stupid or that was dumb!
Mkay. So if I post that after every comment that Ted posts, that would be a mean thing, right?
I don't mind the dt rotation, forced or not.
I like that they have helped to solve so many issues.
Yes, that would be mean. ;-p
He's harmless. Let him be. He does have some good stamping ideas too.
I will leave him be.
Love :face: and to me it means,
Oh my gosh I can't bear to watch...
I can't believe you/I just said that...
because it was embarrassing/lame, etc.
sort of a head shaking to go along with it.
Oh... so appropriate for every one of Ted's posts?
Lol 7:03!
"He (Ted) does have some good stamping ideas too."
:face:
This is how you handle your website when you have a new release and you need to set up the store before your customers swamp you with orders - from the WPlus9 website:
Down for Maintenance
This store is currently unavailable due to maintenance. Please excuse us as we prepare for our April Release. It should be available by 12:01 a.m. April 5, 2012 EST.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
PAY ATTENTION Papertrey!!
YAY WPlus9 release in a few minutes! Who's buying?
I like some of the new Wplus9 stuff, I'd be all over it if I could. I really like the chevron impression plate.
^^^me, this will be my first time. Sorry PTI you won't be getting my money this month!
So, Rick . . . is the Julie you refer to in your blog THE Julie of PTI?
Yes, Rick used to be married to Julie Heskamp, but they are divorced now.
I bought everything from this release at Wplu9 including the cardstock and my shipping was $18 international. How good is that?
^^^ NICE! Do they have an "I want it all" package?
No! they do not have Want it all package. Wish they had it. But when you select a stamp set, there is an option to add it with the coordinating die or without the die in the same page. No need to go looking for the die in another section. Very easy and a great website. Love it :)
Just checked out wplus9. They have some beautiful stamps but like someone said, Rosie Posie and the new Wplus9 Mother's Day set ... super similar. Plus they have just come out with necktie dies and double ended banner dies ... just like PTI already came out with!
Does anybody know anything about the Flonz stamps? I've seen them on eBay and wondered about the quality.
The one advantage WPlus9 banner dies have over the PTI ones, is that they are a little wider for a larger sentiment.
The three sizes is rather good too.
Their shipping (for international) is so much less than PTI - and gets here quicker.
Maybe this is a question for Rick - are PTI going to look at different shipping options.
That is one thing that was promised ages ago and it would be interesting to hear something about it.
I think internationals would come back to PTI if they offered a different shipping option. Their prices are crazy expensive.
I have ordered from other US companies and their shipping is still by USPS, and gets delivered!!!
Never understood why so much PTI stuff seems to go 'astray'.
Yea nothing at wplus9 I like this month cause it's so similar to what I already have! I keep hoping their back pocket set will come back in stock soon though.
But I do like the chevron plate too, and their website rocks!
Big order placed with WPlus9. Big order placed with MFT. WMS plans a release later this month and I'll be buying there.
I did a small order from WPLus( and teh Chevron and Leaves dies from MTF. Have a few things in my basket with Simon Says but my last package hasn't turned up yet.....at least they have replied to emails!
I've been thinking about trying WPlus9, but I want their pocket set and it's been out of stock for a long time! I guess PTI isn't the only place that has trouble keeping popular items on the shelf.
Day 1 - I'm safe.
^^^ that's so offensive.....not allowed to say you're safe as u might hurt someones feelings :face:
Sorry, didn't mean to offend annon 5:55.
;-p
Oh I placed an order withh MFT as well. I wanted the Chevron Die and a few others. So placed a big order and was shipped the next day. Great shipping costs for international just for dies and stamps.
I just read a blog post from Gina K and they admitted to problems they are having due to unexpected growth. Even better is that they are putting off their April release so they can get caught up. PTI could learn a thing or two from them!!!
I'm always safe on day 1.
What's with the little birdies? Sheesh. Didn't they do that last month?
bahahahahahaa @ 5:52 & 5:55!
Bought from w plus 9 & mft. Always get wms, too. Pti still has a lot I like, but I'm good. Especially with Dawn and her new card stock. Will admit that I bought the new pti ink and it's actually pretty good.
I really like the wplus9 website..especially the cart. I am always drawn to the twopeasinabucket site though...love the way they integrate the forum, gallery, ecommerce site...
Someone brought up that Nichole & Co. would be mad to see Rick here. I don't think they'd have any reason for that. Even as Mutt he's stayed very respectful and professional with regard to PTI and the owners.
Rick, in your shoes I don't know if I would have handled myself as well as you have. And I'm not saying that just because I think your hot!! :winking smiley:
I am certain that they know by now....someone must have said something...they know me well enough to know my intentions are always pure...
Hot might be a stretch...but thx for the compliment :)
Well they should definItely not be mad
You have done more here to help restore some goodwill towards PTI thank they have on any of the company sponsored outlets
@Rick regarding Twopeas site. I think the idea is a good one in that everything is integrated. But I think it's a nightmare to use. It's not intuitive at all. Try and find Jamie Sorenson's blog. I don't think a seasoned programmer designed it.
They say right on the site that they designed it themselves....and it has been growing since day one so it makes it hard to get around...there is SO MUCH STUFF...
I really like wplus9...it looks a LOT like PTI in the layout...just more complete functionality...
I am certain that the PTI site will get better in the next couple of months...there are a LOT of great suggestions on the forum...looking forward to passing those ideas along to the developer myself :)
Rick, I feel the exact same way about the 2peas site. It's the best out there. I thought of bringing it up here before but I didn't know if it would be a good comparison, in terms of retailers, for PTI. The Wplus9 site is awesome too, though. Although I wish they'd show the items as sold out before clicking on them. I'd rather be able to see it from the browsing page rather than clicking on it to have to find out it's sold out.
In fairness, the Wplu9 site came before the "new" PTI site, so it would be the PTI site looks a LOT like Wplus9 in layout. I agree on the sold out thing. I think I remember reading that Dawn does the site herself, wonder if she'd be open to the suggestion of changing that?
i wish all sites had an "add to cart" button right on the browsing page that didn't move you to the cart or require you to click on the 1 item and THEN add to cart. this way you could put several items in the cart and keep browsing. on the PTI site, if I put something in my cart and hit the back button, I have to re-select how many items i want to view per page and page through to see where i left off.
@ Truth is Hostage
I'm 8:13 and that's exactly what I was thinking when I was typing my comment. If that feature was added to all shopping sites, I'd be in trouble. "Add to Cart/Wish List" = more shopping.
Gina K's blog post is terrific - customer service 101 lesson for PTI and other less successful CS companies.
I would think the PTI website problems would be obvious to anyone - do they really need the customers to say how to fix it?
Day 1?? Did someone say Day 1? Hmm... doesn't mean anything to me. ;)
Ellen Hutson's 'add to cart' works like that - stays on the page but there's a little pop up that says the item has been added if it's in stock.
I'm sure 'they' know Rick is here too. You guys know there are unicorns here - trolling at least. And someone yesterday commented that word would get out ~ probably by the same person who posted it!
I managed to garner a couple of haters in the last few days.... as they say in Louisville...."haters gonna hate"....
I loved Gina K's post. I wish that I loved the stamps but I will be buying cardstock from her for sure!
Did orders with MFT, WMS, and Wplus9 with my April craft budget. Until I find a good source for my cardstock, I will probably place an order now and then for that with PTI. Will stick with my Fresh Ink.
^^^ Do you get a lot of bleeding when you use Fresh Ink? Like blotchiness?
9:11, a lot of people who like PTI cardstock like Gina K. You could give it a try.
I don't get the Taylored Expressions cupcakes doing odd things or the Riley Moose who water skis. I don't get the big eyed kids who look like aliens without noses,or those girl stamps that have stick arms and legs. Someone must like these because they sell them, but I don't get it.
I am 9:11. I did order some Gina K and do love the white. The colors not so much. They are just not shades I like.
Can you order cardstock from PTI and still get free shipping (as long as you reach the $70 qualifying amount)???
I cannot say how much I love Fresh Ink. Total coverage, no blotching at all, and the colors are so rich and gorgeous. I now have all but 6 of the colors and the reinkers to match and will finish out the collection when they have their next sale (sign up on Facebook and you will know when they have sales).
Yes, $70 of anything at PTI still gives free shipping.
9:24- I thought I was the only one who just doesn't get those stamps. Not my style.
09.27
Thanks for that reply - last time i wanted to order the large pack of white from PTI the shipping for that one item would be over $40 (international).
Ordered the same amount of cardstock from Clear and Simple, (along with some other stuff, ink pads, etc. and shipping was $13.50.
9.24 - agree, and hat is why I could never like the Magnolia 'face-less' stamps.
^^^ oops, and 'that is why.......
Like you guys, I REALLY want to like Gina K's stamps, but just don't. There are a couple sets here and there I like. Mostly the Stamp TV kit sets. The ones designed by the designers, not so much -just not my thing. I haven't tried her cardstock yet, but I sure will now.
But Gina sure knows customer service, here is what she is offering the customers because of the delay in the release:
"We have a couple of new 6 X 6 paper packs coming out during our next release and because you have been SO patient and loyal, we will be providing a coupon code so you can choose one of them for free with your new release order. It's the least we can do to say thanks SO much for hanging in there with us. We appreciate you. You are the reason we are growing. We will never forget that! Look for the coupon during our release party on April 26th"
how many times I have typed something into this little box and then navigated away from the page after gaining some sense mid-stride...
Are all Gina K's stamps rubber?
Aside from not liking the designs, I really like clear stamps.
I would love to love Gina K's stamps but I just don't.
I am pretty set for inks and cardstock and the only stamps that I have purchased in the past 2 years have been from PTI. I used to buy every few months and usually stocked up when I did because I am international.
I was skeptical about the new PTI inks, but in actual fact I really like them, I'm getting better coverage than I do with my beloved Memento inks.
did anyone buy these?
http://www.uniko.co.uk/shop
I"m with 9:24 & 9:33 re: weird faced kids, cupcakes and the like. Although I admit I have about 3 of those moose stamps for Christmas time. That was back when I thought I was going to get into Copics. I didn't. Maybe I should give my Riley stamps to Aeryn. Every time I see line art stamps in my collection I think of sending them to Aeryn. =)
Rick, don't sweat the haters. They'll come around. We did.
As for Unicorns trolling here....I would think as things improve with PTI and there isn't as much to smack about, the unis would find this place less pearl-clutchey.
Wait, if we aren't smacking PTI any more, does this mean we are all now UNICORNS????? *shudder*
:face:
I've seen those Uniko stamps pop up on a few blogs, I know Joan Bardee and Gayatri have purchased and posted on their blogs that they liked them
lmao
Sorry, it will be a long while before I become a unicorn. :-)
The true test for me will be how PTI handles the next missing stamp/product defect/missing pallet of orders.
If they can pull off the next problem with Gina K's grace and honesty, I will consider that to be a step forward.
Fool me once, strike one. Fool me twice, strike 3. After that, you have to prove that you are worthy of my money.
PTI really cannot afford even one more misstep. They have used up all their chances times 10 with most people. They had better be checking things 20 times before they make a move now.
10:54 what makes you say that? They have had 1 mishap after another since almost the beginning and that hasn't stopped anyone! They just continue to get bigger and bigger!!
Mistakes are going to happen. They will have items going out the door that are defective or orders that have mix ups. I don't mind that and I even expect it sometimes.
The true test will be how they handle it.
To expect that they will never make another mistake is unrealistic.
10:06--I bought the stamps from uniko and really like them. Had some trouble b/c the stamps time stamps had just gone out of stock when I placed my order, but the owner emailed me right away and took care of everything for me.
Of course there are going to be mistakes but they have a proven record of making the customers jump through hoops every.single.time.
I too loved Gina K's post. Respect, and appreciation for her customers show through in her words, however I don't like rubber stamps. There are some pretty designs, but nothing I have to have. The designs from Taylored Expressions are not my taste at all. I think MFT and WMS designs are the closest to, and a worthy alternative to purchasing from PTI, IMHO.
I have a few Gina K sets but rarely use them. They just are not usually my style. I bought 2 sets just for one stamp within in them. I hate Unity, Avacado Pits (or whatever it is called). MFT and WMS are my 2 current favorites.
Is there a really big lighthouse fad as Ted said?
Ummm... no.
I am not seeing lighthouses everywhere. Maybe Ted is using the assumptive close? If he says that they are there, maybe companies will start making them just to be ahead of the trend?
LOL! It's Avocado Arts, and I agree don't like them, or Paper Smooches. Love MFT and WMS!
I've seen lighthouses and Nautical themes popping up in a few places.
I haven't spent that much time on the forum but it seems familiar that Ted just likes lighthouses.
And I think nautical/lighthouses are such a classic that if you like them they're never out of style. We tend to see them this time of year ~ just before Father's Day and the summertime when a 'water' theme is popular anyway.
The company I'd love to purchase from for the first time is Chocolate Baroque. I love the designs, but I don't know if I want to deal with bare rubber anymore.
I've only purchased from Chocolate Baroque once. I'm not a fan of rubber stamps, but I HAD to have the Steampunk Christmas set.
I didn't have any problems that I recall. I think it would have stuck in my mind if it had taken too terribly long as I could not wait to get my hands on that set.
P.S. The Steampunk Christmas set IS that awesome. Even in rubber, it was worth it.
Wow - I love that, too!
Did you ever do a search at their site? I just did for "steampunk" and it has an interactive dropdown... as you type, it starts to show you what it's finding. Very cool.
Oh hell no. I really hate paying $6.50 for a couple of dies. Does MFT reimburse on shipping costs?
Lots of other companies offer lighthouse sets - WPlus9, Our Daily Bread, MFT. But I guess for some people, nobody buys designs like PTI.
(Sorry, Rick)
For me I was done (and won't come back) when PTI decided it was a good idea to DELETE all the customer service emails. Sorry, that action spoke VOLUMES about where their head is at.
Sure I like the designs PTI has, but they are but a small drop in the bucket of paper crafting.
14:21 I get it.
If I took offense any time someone said they left PTI or thought they sucked, I wouldn't make it long around here.
100th!
Just found this site and here is another lighthouse, so maybe Ted has something there :)
http://starvingartistamps.com/buoys_lighthouse_and_more.html
PSX had some beautiful lighthouse stamps. I have a few but my #1 PSX love were the botanicals. The PTI YOF stamps remind me of those.
is it me or are some products seem to be targeted to certain customers? Of course now I'm talking about Audrey and the birds...but in the past things like pinefeather and Ted...
I don't follow the boards enough to know who has been asking for which sets. I don't know that it would make good business sense though to make a set (or enlarge an existing set) without more demand than just one member.
For me I was done (and won't come back) when PTI decided it was a good idea to DELETE all the customer service emails. Sorry, that action spoke VOLUMES about where their head is at.
Sure I like the designs PTI has, but they are but a small drop in the bucket of paper crafting.
5 April 2012 14:40
=================================
This is exactly what I have been thinking!!
I have been working in cs industry for a few years now.
I would have been fired if I had done this.
Business owner or not how can you think this is a good business practice? Can anyone one of you answer that?
I have shaken my head in utter disbelief at some of the public decisions that have been made. Not making an announcement of some kind (or even notifying customers privately) when the pallet of stamps went missing and not putting a note up (for a month) when the emails were deleted are 2 that come to mind.
did anyone buy these?
http://www.uniko.co.uk/shop
5 April 2012 10:06
I did and their stamps are awesome.Nice modern style. Love the quality and comes in DVD cases. Super fast shipping. She also has some nice Digi papers. More stamps to be released later this month.
@16:26
I only see a few sets. Is this a new company?
phase 1: eliminate Jenn
phase 2: install DT and Nicky all over forum
phase 3: eliminate some forum members to "send lesson"
phase 4: neutralize the smackers by introducing Rick on the smack blog
phase 5: let back in the banned members to show what a great company it is.
phase 6: laugh all the way to the bank
I like what I see at uniko. I'll wait til the next release and order then.
Oh, and my WPlus9 order from this morning has shipped. I have a tracking number.
Totally off-topic and not related to anything PTI......but can Kristina Werner STOP FRIGGIN USING A WHITE PEN FOR DASH LINES ON EVERY CARD.
It looks crap and ruins it each time - ok use it on one or two BUT.EVERY.SINGLE.CARD.
STOP!
phase 1: I considered Jenn a nonentity - she didn't make a difference one way or the other IMO.
phase 2: One of the dumbest moves I've ever seen.
phase 3: I think it was a regrettable rash act and if a "lesson" was the intent, it backfired spectacularly.
phase 4: Rick, do you think you've "neutralized" the smackers? I don't even think he has tried to do that.
phase 5: doesn't show me it's a great company... damage control may just be something *someone* at PTI is learning
phase 6: Laugh all they want - they won't be taking any of my $ to the bank!
I understand what you're saying and the perspective you're taking on this, but don't give them too much credit. They ain't that bright.
I think their "strategy" if they have one is business as usual, get some new customers who are not "in the know", hope whoever is tasked with it manages to come up with a decent website, and have someone hunker down with that Zendesk and see if they can run it. Same old, same old.
And if any other crisis comes up, mangle it to pieces as usual.
@17:21 Lol! Too much of anything is too much. Love it when someone spreads the smack around a little.
I still haven't seen PTI do or say anything to make me have any interest in shopping from them. Sure, the DT has diffused some of the negativity. But I don't see how the email deleting, duplicate die issues, member banning, anniversary set issues won't be repeated again?
I used that new cs thing for an issue and I haven't heard a word. Not much has changed.
17:13, I hardly think the true smackers have been neutralized.
I do think there are a number of people that will use the smallest sign of change to start buying again.
Me, not so much. I'm seeking major changes in how they do business and treat their customers before I would even begin to entertain the thought of buying from them again.
I only see 2 cards in a 5 week period with stitching on her blog. What are you talking about?
Lol@the phases of PTI!
I do think that between the all of them that if they could come up with a 6 phased plan, they would do it for good, not evil.
Personally I have yet to see them be able to thing as far as 2 phases.
I generally don't like to criticize the work of others, but I got my issue of Paper Crafts and I want my money back if the rest of the issues are going to suck as royally as this one.
@17.06 Yes it is a new company.
I don't know about others but unless PTI introduces other international shipping options, I am not buying anything from PTI. Just annoys me that they are ignoring internationals when we make large orders (I know a few of us do).
MFT,Wplus9,WMS, TCM and many other companies gives three options to choose from. PTI is stubborn on their stand. Don't even address this issue :( Shows their attitude. Sick of it.
@17:35 -
I also sent a note to zendesk... no reply. I was initially hopeful that things were changing, but it only appears superficial at this point.
I'm with you Terrance. I wanted to burn my issue. It SUCKED.
I'm with you Terrance. I wanted to burn my issue. It SUCKED.
POS laptop grrrrr. Sorry for double post.
crap! is the issue bad?!?! I just got mine today havent cracked it open yet...
@OMG 18:20 - I did the same. My zendesk ticket has been sitting idle for several days now. I was hoping this move was a step up, but now I'm becoming jaded.
@Trell & others re: Paper Crafts - They started sucking about 2 years ago. I got out a year and a half ago. It seemed to become a super thin mag full of ads. Now I surf blogs.
I agree, I have seen better PC issues. It's the same ole designers month after month and this one was lacking for sure. I like their special issues much better than the regular issues.
What was Zendesk supposed to accomplish? Is it once again a matter of humans not attending to it?
Happy Easter everyone. Drive safe.
Sorry for my ignorance here, but is something going on with Amuse? Everything in their online store is 50% off (including the 6 copic markers I just put in my cart). And some pieces of their site are decommissioned.
I'm a newbie to them, so I am honestly just not in the know...
That is the old Amuse. The new company is A Muse Studio. The old company is selling out everything in stock. It is not the new merchandise.
Thiis is where their current stuff is:
https://www.amusestudio.com/index.asp
How do you find a consultant in your area? I don't see a locator on their site.
I agree about Paper Crafts. The special issue, Practical Solutions for Paper Crafters sucks too. Mismatched, awkward clashing colors, unbalanced layouts, weird ideas and designs, no emotion in the cards at all either. Completely baffled what they were thinking. I heard that someone new is helping with card selections. It used to be Cath and now there's someone else doing it, Sue or Susan I think?
Argh! I looked through the Amuse catalog and I'm frustrated.
I LOVE some of the stamp designs (and will probably dream of a few) as well as the winter palette, but I just can't get over 2 things:
1. Cling stamps (I didn't like the ones SU and Hero Arts came out with - they keep falling off my acrylic blocks). Can anyone comment on the quality of these?
2. the Catalog business model - I would assume taxes and shipping costs are on top of the stamp prices, which makes them a tad on the expensive side, given the fact that they are clings
What is Wplus9's shipping like? I ordered but it still says awaiting fulfillment ...
Hero Arts cling is ok for me; SU's is unusable. Amuse is similar to Hero Arts. if you dont like HA, you won't like A muse.
DT scaling back as forum madness went away. they weren't there because they love you, care about you or want to be there.
they were paid to show up and calm down the masses. mission accomplished.
cannot wait to watch the forum explode oh, say around April 20th or so..........................
Is it me, or are the sneak peeks totally underwhelming?
2:33, when did you order? My order placed yesterday morning has shipped. Send Dawn at WPlus9 an email.
Re: the DT on the forum. Smiley face Dawn said it best last month. It's all about income for them. They don't care about the customer or their experience with the PTI shopping disaster. It's all about the money for them. You are exactly right, 3:15
I'm safe lol...and yes underwhelming
Smiley face Dawn said it best last month. It's all about income for them. They don't care about the customer or their experience with the PTI shopping disaster. It's all about the money for them. You are exactly right, 3:15
You are obviously paraphrasing. LOL!
I like the strawberries and I always love Michelle W collaboration stamps. Still safe though. Even if I end up loving the set I won't be buying for a long while.
For those who have Wplus9 orders that say shipped, would you mind posting your order number? I'm #1366 and still in "awaiting fulfillment" I know there's no mail for the holiday weekend, but I was really hoping that if I ordered BEFORE reg business hours yesterday, mine might have gone out same day. Lawn Fawn's speedy shipping has me spoiled.
^^ ok my order from WPlus9 is about 25 before you and it is 'awaiting shipment'.......but I'm also international so they might go out separately?
Okay, I KNOW that I should just put him on ignore but UGH Ted. REALLY?
*sigh* Why do I even bother?
@17:13 I agree with you!
However, I think we are are trying to place logic and reason to the things that PTI has done and will do. But we are dealing with people who have no sense of how to run a business. I can't begin to understand what goes on in their minds. They want to do it the hard way and hopefully one day they'll figure it out. Unfortunately, most of us have run out of patience.
I love this country - mediocrity and incompetence will get you everywhere. How lucky we are!!
^^^ ok I just posted before about my WPLus9 order and just got an email it has shipped
Me too. I think Dawn @ WP9 may have just officially won me over. Provided that isn't a faux-shipping notice like PTI's. LOL
What was Zendesk supposed to accomplish? Is it once again a matter of humans not attending to it?
--------------------------------
As I said when I posted the link, it was just getting setup and tested and would be ready in a few days. I believe folks are working those tickets as we speak. I have been trying to work some of them myself just to get things moving. If you have a ticket with a login issue or something you think I might be able to help with...send me an email and let me know. If you include your phone number I will call you today. I am off of work and have the day to spend helping others...
I placed an order with W plus 9 around 1am on the 5th (yeah I'm a night owl and was up anyway), and my package was shipped around 3pm on the 5th. I'm set to receive it tomorrow, the 7th.
Can't beat that with a stick.
DT scaling back as forum madness went away. they weren't there because they love you, care about you or want to be there.
they were paid to show up and calm down the masses. mission accomplished.
-------------------------------
They were not paid to calm down the masses...they were (and are) there to help resolve customer issues...mission on-going...
Sneak Peaks are a total bore!
Rick Geymonat said...
What was Zendesk supposed to accomplish? Is it once again a matter of humans not attending to it?
--------------------------------
As I said when I posted the link, it was just getting setup and tested and would be ready in a few days. I believe folks are working those tickets as we speak. I have been trying to work some of them myself just to get things moving. If you have a ticket with a login issue or something you think I might be able to help with...send me an email and let me know. If you include your phone number I will call you today. I am off of work and have the day to spend helping others...
6 April 2012 06:56
Rick - you just won me over. Im officially a unicorn now. (lol)
Rick said "I am off of work and have the day to spend helping others..."
♥♥♥ Our own humanitarian. LOL! :-)
Rick, I think I have a crush on you. A man spending his day helping women stampers get their stuff taken care of? Swoon! Seriously.
can anybody recommend a good full background stamp that is text?
I saw some HA ones but they are definitions, i would prefer generic text. thanks!
darn, Erin's picture isn't showing up on the strawberry thread and I really want to see it.
can anybody recommend a good full background stamp that is text?
-----------------------------
I got the Waltzingmouse Stamps Text-It set, and love it. I have one of the PTI ones too, and I like it as well, but the WMS one is longer and easier to stamp, especially across a 5.5" width. :)
I won a stamp set from the Paper Smooches hop last Saturday and it was in my mailbox on Thursday. I know they're a lot smaller than PTI, but I was still impressed.
Oh Ted, you douche. You complete and total douche. Just own it already.
I would like to spend my reward points but the items that I want are not in stock and won't be until the 15th. That means that I will have to order during the release time rush. Not happy about that.
I want to see Erin's strawberry picture too...
looks like they are making some progress...they've resolved about 40 of the 115 tickets that were in the queue in the last couple of hours...
Rick,
You said, "looks like they are making some progress...they've resolved about 40 of the 115 tickets that were in the queue in the last couple of hours..."
Who determines them "solved" PTI or the customer?
I dont think Erins link was a picture - i think it accidentally attached the "img" tags to the text --- if you read it it looks like a quote from the previous stamper about not being a colorer. ????
09:12 They get put into a pending status waiting for the customer to respond, unless it is obvious that the issue is resolved...
Sneak Peek time is pure nostalgia for me now.
I look at the peeks and I remember a time when I would have been checking to see if I would stay up on the 14th, making room on the shelf for new sets, planning cards in my head.
Those days are long gone now.
I have never stayed up to check peeks or to order but I do get most of the peeks through Google Reader. I still like to look because the dt does great things and I already have a lot of sets that I can use.
To those who posted about the latest issue of Paper Crafts, I just glanced through it. Maybe it was the color palette used (drab)or the subject (lots of masculine) but I agree with you that there was not a lot of inspiration there.
And along with it came my renewal notice. Ummm, I don't think so. And not just because of this issue.
Did anybody notice that WPlus9 and Taylored Expressions both came out with a Onesie Twosie stamp set and die? I actually like the designs on the TE stamp set better but I ordered the WP9 because I only like clear stamps.
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