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 ;)
Ted asked a customer service question the night of the last release. Begging forgiveness because he knew it belonged on the Zendesk - but timing and full disclosure were so important so that he could make an informed decision about his purchase.
He follows the rules when it works for him but wants everyone else to follwo them all the time.
And check this out...with no responses from anyone.
Why, 06:34? Because they don't have a clue what they're doing. Ted's double standards are sickening. I can't stand the sense of entitlement some people have. I can ask my question here today then bitchslap you tomorrow for doing likewise. Hypocrite. No wonder he gets along so well with the DT and powers that be.
In other news, I order more Fresh Ink. The now old Nantucket collection from PP, and some more random stuff - twine, distress ink, other things that I've forgotten. :)
Is it just me or would NH's card have looked better if she'd stopped at the point when she had it laid out and then said 'but I don't have three 'pops' of all my colours?
I really liked that layout, and it was perfectly balanced. I don't think every colour needed to have three things.
For me, the main colour (or perhaps the most noticeable colour) looks great in a visual triangle, but having three of everyhting means your card gets weighed down.
Urgh. I should just shut my design-educated brain down before I watch her vids. I love the techniques though!
I would love a real answer about shipping for non USA customers. Before didn't they sayit was all because of the store front setup? Now that we don't have that one anymore, it should be doable ... if PTI wants to, that is!
Trell, what are your plans for the Nantucket papers? I love the colors in those but am not sure what I'd do with them. I've been eyeing them for a while now...
Ted's thread about the MIM video. Puke. You'd think Nichole walked on water.
22.50 Yes - the new web site was supposed to address more shipping options for international customers, as the old Yahoo site couldn't give them these options.
However, so far, it looks like PTI don't seem too interested in doing anything more to help internationals with different shipping options.
Hard to understand why - I am international and now just spend my money on other companies with really good shipping options - also, faster than PTI's so called 'priority shipping'.
I hereby predict that someone will say that 1:21 is Rick. I don't think so.... Rick had no problem posting as Rick, and if he were back (I wish he was), he would not post anon.
I do think 1:21 sounds like they know what they're talking about though.... former DT member, 1:21?
I do believe what 1:21 says about international shipping. It's not rocket surgery - they could have figured it out if they wanted. Many other much smaller companies did. And certainly could have added it to the new website design. If they had a master plan for that clusterfuck.
It's clear they have no intention of offering shipping options.
Gee, all-knowing 1:21 (agreed, would not be Rick), you have any lottery numbers for me?
Oh so very grateful that some anon is getting their kicks sharing all this inside info. You're just one of us until you post non-anon.
I agree with all of your points - pretty damn obvious. Except that DT get paid (and the question was do they get paid, and possibly hourly, for manning the forum, not just in general do they get compensation for being on the DT. So if you know it's a fact, you are PTI or DT or former DT in which case you don't really know what's happening now. Or a friend or family to a DT. So if you're that connected, maybe you should be talking to PTI people about their problems, not us.
And if "it gets old" then don't read here. You sound like a snob.
Glad to see the Frustrated with PTI thread on SCS revived by someone who is grateful to have been able to make an informed decision to NOT shop at pti.
What customer concerns is she talking about? Certainly she wasn't getting PMs about it as she is far too superior to receive communications from the lower class...is it possible she's talking about the smack board?
The post about "where are the sneak peeks?" from the person thinking it started on the 1st should have read, PTI, you're not having sneak peeks until the website is fixed, right?
From NH re: international shipping: "I apologize that I missed your question yesterday. We were just discussing the international shipping rate options a few weeks ago and we are looking into some additional options. The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country. However, we are trying to look into changes to our entire shipping system that would allow for us to send padded envelopes, both to international customers and U.S. customers. This would give you the option to order just a few items at greatly reduced rate. We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been changes made to date. We do hope that that this option works out so that we can offer an additional, more inexpensive option to you."
This post by Nichole is so smackworthy I don't know where to begin!
"a few weeks ago" This has been a question for how long and was supposedly a big reason for the new website?
"learned from experience over the years" about tracking - is that how they lose so many packages?
"We do not currently have enough information...." Wow, last I checked we still had a postal system here (at least for now). I would think someone there would have some info for them.
Oh and 01:21, (And internationals -- if PTI wanted to provide a better option for you they would have long ago. Either move to the US or move on) who's right, you or Nichole? Are you saying that her entire post was a flat-out lie? If so maybe you really are one of us.
It's possible that ex-DT read here. They would know how things work AND know current DT members. I don't want to run them off because I really want to hear what goes on behind PTI's doors. It's certainly not logic, so I am open to first-hand explanation.
wow, they have to look into a new shipping system that will allow them to use padded envelopes?
here's how you fast track this new shipping system....go OFfice Depot and buy a pallet of padded envelopes. Next time you get an order for 1 die, put it in the envelope, weigh it, put postage on, and put it in the out box.
DONE!
wtf do they take even the smallest thing and make a huge ass deal out of it?????
NH, please tell me you mistyped and meant "a few months ago" because people have been bitching about the international shipping rip off forEVER. And you are JUST NOW getting around to DISCUSSING it. OMG I don't even know where to begin.
06:26 maybe that's what 01:21 meant by they don't really want to do it and have no intention of doing it. They'll keep making up stupid excuses why it can't be implemented and hope as 1:21 said that the internationals just go away.
I cannot understand for the life of me why anyone non-US would bother with PTI. Ever. (Of course,I feel that way about US, too ;) )
"The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country."
REALLY???????????????? If the rates aren't even going to change for the better (for the customer) than why even bother???
to me that was basically a 'screw you guys' to the internationals.
And i totally agree with whoever wrote they lose so many packages despite their years of experience with tracking and insurance. BULL SHIT!
Even though we have a plethora of topics to smack, lets return to SAF for a moment. Not one mention of it on SCS - but any other company that sneezes typically gets at least a thread.
Wonder if even the PTI loyals don't want to admit they are uni's outside the PTI forum?
I just watched Nichole's MIM video. Noted a few things. 1. Better camera. Quality is awful. Regular people who don't own stamp companies have better quality videos. 2. No way a video needs to be 20 min long. 3. She cannot articulate her thoughts or ideas. Her finished card was awful. But the still of it looks a millions times better. Shows me that things look a lot better when you take a good picture and light the hell out of it with photoshop. Things are not what they seem people!
Oh, for pete's sakes Nichole.You assign one of your people to research shipping on a certain day. They can go to the PO and talk to someone there. They come back at noon with the information. You all meet for 20 minutes and make a decision and by the end of the day, you let the customers know what the change will be and when it will begin. Then you order padded envelopes online and have them sent 2 day shipping to you and you are good to go. Why does this take weeks and months and years? I am often instructed to research and make a decision at work and given a very short timeline to do that.
on the shipping comments...I own an online store, have for a number of years now, and shipping is a beast.
Did you know you can only use first class mail up to 14 oz? Anything over that has to go Priority Mail. Do you know how many things, when added up, are over 14 oz. Sure, you could mail 1-2 dies for that or a stamp set, but the USPS is making it really tough for anything to be mailed first class anymore.
And on the shopping cart being able to decipher, she would have to enter in the weight of ALL her items in the shopping cart software, and have shipping be figured by weight. Once the weight goes over the 14 oz it would switch to Priority Mail fees, with another table as that is by weight as well (plus the zones for Priority Weight).
I use a pretty standard cart with lots of mods that can be added, and getting a shipping mod that works isn't easy, especially if you want first class, priority mail, and then international too.
sorry ladies and gentlemen who are international, it's not that us online stores don't WANT your business, it's that we don't want to lose money on your shipping. If it costs a store $7-8 to ship a package within the US for 2 pounds, it'll cost us around $18-20 for Canada and at least $25 for any other International country. I shipped an order to France a few weeks ago that weighed 10 pounds and it cost me $58 to mail via Priority Mail. I lost $30 on her order just in shipping alone.
Oh yeah, and then you have to figure in the cost of the padded envelope as well. A small padded envelope is going to cost around $.70 on average.
Then, if you want delivery confirmation or insurance, or any tracking add $1.35.
So add that to any First class rate you have and you're dangerously close to Priority Mail (with free boxes and free delivery confirmation).
Another thing to consider...the USPS just announced a month or so ago, that First class delivery times were going up from 2-3 days on average to 6-8 days to help save money.
I disagree, having done this myself. You don't have to have everything so exact. You charge maybe 20 cents more than the shipping charge + the cost of the envelope. In the end it all evens out. You do like several other companies do and say that they will get padded envelope shipping if their order is less than 5 stamp sets or dies in total. Then you deal with it and if it goes 9 cents over you eat that because there are PLENTY of times they would make money on people ordering something like 2 spools of ribbon and paying the larger amount for shipping. You average the whole thing because it NEVER comes out perfect.
"Nichole, thank you for allowing me to speak. I am thrilled that you are considering offering some of the shipping options that are standard with other companies. You are the greatest Nichole - oh,thank you btw for allowing me to praise you and adore you."
I think first-hand info would be great, too. But if you're posting as anon you have no more credibility than anyone else. =========================== Yes, but I would think the last place someone would want to impersonate a PTI affiliation would be on a PTI smack blog. Add to that that someone in the know would have even more reason to post as anonymous than we do. Plus, it's not like it happens so often that it's a problem.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
Oh, so stating, "this is a fact", makes it true? My kids believe everything that's said on tv commercials is true, too. Sorry, but with no name on the posts, the statements made might be true or might be complete baloney, but there's no way for the reader to make an informed decision which it is, so I'll err on the side of skepticism.
Donna, if the info came from Rick or a dt member and their info was traceable then IMO it would have some credibility. For example, if Betsy posted and when you clicked on her name, it brought you to her blogger profile, it would hold some weight for me. If someone just posted as Besty (like they did when they pretended to be omath) it would mean nothing. KWIM?
I don't believe the DT are getting paid extra to post on the forum.
I have been on many DTs (like many of you) and never have been paid for forum participation. It's always been a requirement. Have any of you?
With PTI being as cheapo as we think they are, there is no way they are paying extra for them to post. I say EXTRA because I assume they are getting paid in some way for being on the team. Even if it's just in product.
8:16, of course you are right about that, but for the anons who are just customers, I am not sure how a name would make things credible if they did not have a blog, etc.
I think the DT is paid generally in products and maybe a small stipend? But I don't think they get extra for the board stuff. Maybe she lowered their project requirements a little in exchange for the forum work? Either way, I think it's crap for any DT that doesn't get paid real money for their work. I've always had a big problem with that. Makes me sick the DT calls I see with really significant requirements yet all they offer are a few free products, or worse, a discount off your purchases. Ridiculous. Not saying that's what PTI does though...
I think the DT is getting paid to be on the forum now, since they have certain assigned days and some have massively stepped up their presence. Its not like it used to be, with just random posts here and trhere.
From NH re: international shipping: "I apologize that I missed your question yesterday. We were just discussing the international shipping rate options a few weeks ago and we are looking into some additional options. The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country. However, we are trying to look into changes to our entire shipping system that would allow for us to send padded envelopes, both to international customers and U.S. customers. This would give you the option to order just a few items at greatly reduced rate. We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been changes made to date. We do hope that that this option works out so that we can offer an additional, more inexpensive option to you."
--- For God's Sake! Lots of companies ship overseas and there are lots of overseas companies that ship here with NO problems. WHY make this more complicated than it needs to be? Get a fucking CLUE PTI!
I think the DT is getting paid to be on the forum now, since they have certain assigned days and some have massively stepped up their presence. Its not like it used to be, with just random posts here and there.
I disagree. They could assign without being paid. Have you been on a team that paid for forum work? I don't know ANY teams out there that pays for that. I certainly don't think PTI would be the pioneer in paying for this.
But I haven't seen a forum where the DT is so active on assigned days, their shift.
3 May 2012 08:46 -- I agree, they are in crisis mode for sure. They probably had a schedule to ensure a "presence" throughout the week. But, I am telling you, those of us on multiple teams (some pretty big ones at that) do not get paid for posting on the forums.
I don't know why you would look elsewhere. This is a wonderful company that has very talented designers. I've been a customer for 3 years and have never had a bad experience. There WERE a few discontent buyers especially when they went thru a change in website and shopping cart. If you will go to their forums, you will see that those who were unhappy are singing a different tune now. This company has done everything they can to make these FEW customers happy. They have even mailed FREE stamps, and have gone over and above to fix problems. I will continue to order from them every month and I usually order around $200.00.
I'm the person who stated that it is a fact that dt members are paid to be on the forum. It is all right if u don't believe me as I cannot go anon. If I told you how I know this stuf my source would stop telling me things!
And who cares anyway, it isn't that big of a deal. PTI is hurting financially and there is a huge rift between NH and the other two.
Oh, so stating, "this is a fact", makes it true? ======================== I didn't say that it makes it true. I said it makes it more than opinion, which the third party speculator was declaring it to be. My point is, and I agree with you Chris, that it may be or may not be ... but either way, why run that person off completely??
I understand what you're saying, 9:53. I was just trying to say to the person who's claiming to have inside info: don't be surprised if we swat at you a bit, because we have to be skeptical of what you're saying. That doesn't mean that we want you to stop talking, or at least I don't. You never know when something that's said might be verified through other means. And nobody gets banned for gossip here, thank goodness.
I am so mad, treated like a two year old in this CS exchange. I find it hard to believe that only 5-6 of us are still having this problem. PTI is always wanting to pass blame, this time on apple.
And please don't smack me for filling a cart, I was trying to see if the problem was fixed. I do hope to order again if PTI can get it together.
CS Admin, May 03 11:36 (EDT): Hi Dana,
We process thousands of orders a month from all over the world, and there seems to be about 5 or 6 people who experience "Cart Dumping".
Of those, we find that "most" of those folks are using Safari on some type of Apple device. Apple has issued a statement indicating there is an issue with Safari keeping cookies straight when closing the browser. So for those folks using Safari, we would recommend using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.
For those folks with issues using a different browser, like Internet Explorer, we would suggest resetting the default cookie settings for Internet Explorer. I have only seen 2 folks with IE experience this issue. And both instances were issues with IE being set to delete cookies on exit.
Please try a different browser and let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Rick
Dana Kirby, May 02 16:02 (EDT): Hello again, My cart dumping problem is not solved. Are you asking me to wait until June (when the wish list feature is available) to fill my cart? This questions was posted on the forum (by someone else) I responded along with others and now the thread is locked. We were told to email CS...this is turning into a big never ending circle. Please help. Dana
Sent from my iPad
Customer Service Agent, May 02 10:07 (EDT): Hello Dana, We are currently working on a Wish-List for the website. In the meantime, we have found that using Internet Explorer to shop seems to keeps the cart items longer than other web browsers. Also, some browsers are set to delete cookies when exiting, so please make sure that is not the case on your system. Thank you so much for your email...we will send out notice when the Wish-List is available on the website...expected now before the June release. Thanks, Dave
Dana Kirby, May 01 16:49 (EDT): This is a follow-up to your previous request #1684 "Re: [Papertrey Ink Customer..."
Hello again, I have been adding things to my cart over the last few days (I assumed the cart dumping problem was fixed). I just went to check out and once again my cart is empty. Any update on this problem? Thanks Dana
Sent from my iPad
This email is a service from Papertrey Ink Customer Service Communications Center & Forum Message-Id:V5Q0PWJM_4fa2a5e35c19b_572b19cfa6c11003829_sprut
Whether the DT gets compensated to be on the forum or not is irrelevant to me. Nobody can dispute the following facts (1) The DT members have some artistic talent, albeit in varying degrees; (2) Everyone has 24 hours in their day; (3) Babysitting the forum is not the best use of those 24 hours and artistic talents.
9:58 I agree. It would be helpful if posters of these kinds of "facts" could clarify, even vaguely, where they got their info. (i.e.: "I know first hand", or "I have a friend who knows first hand") The original poster of that "in fact" comment did clarify later on. Knowing now where she gets her info, I'd love for her to post more but I am afraid we have run her off.
I am so mad, treated like a two year old in this CS exchange. I find it hard to believe that only 5-6 of us are still having this problem. PTI is always wanting to pass blame, this time on apple.
And please don't smack me for filling a cart, I was trying to see if the problem was fixed. I do hope to order again if PTI can get it together.
CS Admin, May 03 11:36 (EDT): Hi Dana,
We process thousands of orders a month from all over the world, and there seems to be about 5 or 6 people who experience "Cart Dumping".
Of those, we find that "most" of those folks are using Safari on some type of Apple device. Apple has issued a statement indicating there is an issue with Safari keeping cookies straight when closing the browser. So for those folks using Safari, we would recommend using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.
For those folks with issues using a different browser, like Internet Explorer, we would suggest resetting the default cookie settings for Internet Explorer. I have only seen 2 folks with IE experience this issue. And both instances were issues with IE being set to delete cookies on exit.
Please try a different browser and let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Rick
Dana Kirby, May 02 16:02 (EDT): Hello again, My cart dumping problem is not solved. Are you asking me to wait until June (when the wish list feature is available) to fill my cart? This questions was posted on the forum (by someone else) I responded along with others and now the thread is locked. We were told to email CS...this is turning into a big never ending circle. Please help. Dana
Sent from my iPad
Customer Service Agent, May 02 10:07 (EDT): Hello Dana, We are currently working on a Wish-List for the website. In the meantime, we have found that using Internet Explorer to shop seems to keeps the cart items longer than other web browsers. Also, some browsers are set to delete cookies when exiting, so please make sure that is not the case on your system. Thank you so much for your email...we will send out notice when the Wish-List is available on the website...expected now before the June release. Thanks, Dave
Dana Kirby, May 01 16:49 (EDT): This is a follow-up to your previous request #1684 "Re: [Papertrey Ink Customer..."
Hello again, I have been adding things to my cart over the last few days (I assumed the cart dumping problem was fixed). I just went to check out and once again my cart is empty. Any update on this problem? Thanks Dana
Sent from my iPad
This email is a service from Papertrey Ink Customer Service Communications Center & Forum Message-Id:V5Q0PWJM_4fa2a5e35c19b_572b19cfa6c11003829_sprut
About the delusional person on SCS (see post 8:50 here) - No doubt this attitude is exactly what PTI was hoping for when they banned everyone who ever had a legit CS issue. Nothing but sunshine over there now. Problems? What problems?
It's enough for me that a handful of ex-DT members said PTI treated them like shit. They used their real names and talked about their first-hand experience. I don't need more info than that to form my educated opinion.
Would not be surprised if "the rift" between Nichole and the two J's is true.
I'd love to see what would happen if they split. Have two parallel dimensions and go into the future a couple of years on each one, one with Nichole in charge of PTI alone and one with the two J's in charge of it without Nichole. Then see which version survives better. See... I'm not convinced either one of them would be any better than what is going on right now.
I think PTI would suffer without Nichole at the creative helm... cause in a sense her product ideas ARE PTI... but egads, the woman has horrid business sense. Particularly in the CS arena. I think she and the two J's have an equal ability to sink that ship.
^^^ To add another thought to my post about ex-DT members. It's also enough for me that I have seen, first-hand, NH & Julie's atrocious communications. It's more than enough that I was banned from the forum without cause. If I needed more than that I might reflect on how poorly they have handled every.single.issue that has come to light in five years. Yeah. I not only have an educated opinion by now ... I have some kind of Masters Degree or Doctorate in PTI Shitology.
Well the DTs have some kind of incentive. No one in their right mind would work that forum and be "smacked" around every move they make without something in return. Even it a sense of loyalty.
Well the DTs have some kind of incentive. No one in their right mind would work that forum and be "smacked" around every move they make without something in return. Even it a sense of loyalty. ======================== Yep. Just like the customers.
I remember one time reading on here that someone listed me as being part of the 'in crowd' on the forum. That always blew my mind! I see it the exact opposite. I feel like I am ignored, sometimes shunned. Many people are 'polite', but just that. I don't think there really is an 'in crowd' I think people just post, some more than others, and they of course will get responded to more. because people become more familiar with people they see posting all the time.
"PTI is hurting financially and there is a huge rift between NH and the other two."
and
"PTI is not a happy place right now. I,d smack me too."
remind me of something that happened on eBay a few years ago. Now, go ahead and smack ME for this... but I used to be really into all of the torn mulberry "tear bear" scrapbooking piecings and layouts people were selling there. I would stalk my favorite sellers every week cause I thought those little bears were sooooo adorable.
In the beginning, a seller named Olivia started selling the mulberry tear bears. And for a while she dominated the market. Her little tags would fetch prices upwards of $100 each. Eventually, other people saw what a gold mine there was in tear bears and started to put out their own tear bear items. Some of them blatantly copied Olivia outright, which is totally not cool. Others did not have nearly as much talent as Olivia, and their bears looked like crap. But hey, some people like 'em, I guess. Still others turned out to be very stiff competition for Olivia. And that woman had the biggest chip on her shoulder about it. She started to bully the other sellers on the forums, saying that she had invented the mulberry tear bear and nobody else was allowed to sell them. I read a few of her posts and she sounded like a stark raving mad LUNATIC.
Well, guess what happened? The other sellers refused to be bullied by her, and kept on selling their own bears. Olivia got a reputation for being a bitch. The other sellers enjoyed thriving businesses (for as long as they wanted to stay on eBay) and Olivia's sales dwindled until she finally dropped off the face of the (eBay) planet. And every time someone stood up to her I did a little happy dance, because it's great to see the bullies get what they deserve!
So. This story reminds me of PTI-- not so much because I think they are trying to bully their competitors out of business, but because they seem to have that same Olivia-esque arrogant attitude of superiority toward *their own customers*! And as such, it is hugely satisfying to see that, yes, all is right with the universe, and the mean kids do eventually get what they deserve. They bring it upon themselves with their own bad behavior. Go Karma!
Great story about the tear bears, I remember those things! Some of those ebay layouts would go for hundreds of dollars.
I don't think J&J can make it as a company without Nichole. And as I doubt Nichole has saved much of her income, and burned her bridges with a number of people - she probably couldn't do much better on her own either. They need couples therapy.
I work with mean bully women. Its a very toxic place. And i see similarities between my workplace and PTI. And we have computer software issues, cliques and large inflated egos. I have cried in my car on ocassion
10:36, I wonder who you are. I was around ebay back in those days when people were jumping through hoops trying to legally "protect" their creations. What a laugh.
Do you recall that crazy chick that would come out of the wood work defending Olivia every time anyone called her an arrogant bitch? Can't remember her name but aaaaahhhh, those were the days.
I think Nichole without Julie would have pretty good cs. She knows what stampers want and like. I think it is Julie who is always looking to save the small amounts, not realizing it is costing her many lost sales in the process.
Sorry, I have to disagree about Nichole and good cs.
When she says things like "thank you for taking the time to share your disappointment" or the fact that she saw absolutely nothing wrong with Julie's condescending email to Karen it makes me think that she takes things far too personally to know that the customer is more than just an inconvenience.
She is getting better but it will be a long road for her.
^^^ yeah, when I saw that comment I read it sarcastically. I'm not saying that is how she meant it, but there are plenty of innocuous ways to get her point across.
She could have said "thank you for your feedback." Feedback is something businesses should covet - not shun.
I was just a fangirl lurker, I never bought or sold any of the tear bears. I didn't discover the Olivia drama on the eBay forums until she had already alienated practically everyone on the planet with her lunacy. (And she still ranted on!) So no, sorry, I don't really remember a "crazy chick" defending her. I do remember that there was one lady who was her biggest customer, but she didn't strike me as crazy. I wonder if Olivia was creating anon identities to defend herself. Crazy is as crazy does.
Glad to see other people witnessed those times too. Hee hee
To "deep throat", time will tell what will happen to PTI. So you telling us what the current state is can lead to a few speculations for sure. Everything you have said is within reasonable speculation. No smack from me.
12:25, I remember those days too. She was very talented for sure! I always wondered whatever happened to her. Why is it that the super talented are a little nutso?
Anyone want to bet that by the end of the year we will hear a big announcement? ------------------------- Do you mean a *real* announcement of something that, you know, actually happens? Or did you mean an announcement of a big announcement. We've had the latter for quite a while now.
btw - are we still in the "transition period" that NH talked about in the fall?
Or, have we seen the "BIG CHANGES" that Rick promised? It's getting hard for me to tell when the big changes happen. They all seem to be more accurately described as big debacles.
Women are biologically wired to compete against each other. Same with men and the 'alpha-dog' thing. We females get catty, LOL. Our weapons are emotional and social. It really does bring out the worst in some, doesn't it!
12:32: my theory is that the more brain cells get distributed to 'genius-level' state in one area, the less attention there is left over for the rest of life's functions. Also, creative genius means being deeply entrenched in the right brain. Thus, not much processing time is left over for left-brain functions like good social/communication skills (left brain = language) and keeping your surroundings tidy. That's my excuse for why the kitchen will never stay clean and I'm sticking to it! :-P
We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
LOL, not enough information?
Is the USPS website down or something? Coz that's where I go and it's ever so helpful and tells you the information you need right away. All you need to do is weigh your shit, plug in the locations and wait few seconds for the rate. What a total empty headed ninny she it.
Oh, and shipping lady from upthread: you know not of what you speak re first class rates.
First of all its 13 oz not 14 oz, but more importantly, that only applies to DOMESTIC rates. We are talking about international rates here. First class international packages do not have the 13 oz cut off. You can ship virtually ANYTHING first class international!!
Just another thing Head-up-her-Ass would have learned if she had spent mere seconds ACTUALLY researching this "several weeks ago" like she says. Instead, she continues to flim-flam everyone from over there in Ivory-Tower-Ville, where no one is allowed to post and actually challenge her on her blatant lies.
12:36 I agree, sort of. Sometimes, it's like a smack post earlier said - we just like to see justice when people are treated fairly. It's satisfying when Karma bitch-slaps someone who totally deserves it.
ITA 13:16 !!! These are the kind of statements that make PTI look really out of touch. They are trying to bluff an audience when 99.99% of that audience uses the post office and/or has a small business that uses the post office. NH tries to make it sound like it's much too complicated to explain.
The tracking and insurance thing on international packages is also a great big seriously fucked up CS unfriendly policy.
That makes their international shipping option limited to only Priority Express, which is the MOST expensive way to ship overseas. All because they insist on the stupid tracking and insurance instead of counting a few lost packages as the cost of doing business, like every other company out there does. I mean, WTF do they do when a package goes missing? Do they blow a whistle and it magically reappears where it should be? Of course not.
Like the South Africa lady recently, they replace/resend the package. i.e. the fucking overpriced tracking and insurance made NO difference to the outcome. Why are they incapable of learning even the simplest business lessons? Idiots!
Maybe she feels so superior (partly because every third person regards her as "genius" and she's bought into it) that it never crossed her mind that customers may not be the brain-dead rubes she makes them out to be.
I'm sure she thought she handled the international shipping question wonderfully -- when will she learn to stay out of the forum!? She shoots herself in the foot almost every time. Send it to zendesk and stay out of it, Nichole.
13:31- pride goeth before the fall... or something like that...
It's actually sad to see someone of her talent struggling to keep her business going like this. But all along it is an attitude of pride from her that has bugged me. Even back to simple things like bragadociously proclaiming her design team to be "the best in the business". Yeah, love your company and market your team as awesome, but do you really have to be THE BEST???
I would like to direct you to a little ditty from a favorite Disney movie of mine from my childhood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeIui29QWKg
EVERY design team in the business can be equally as talented and successful, and ALL companies involved can flourish. There really is that much love to go around, if people would stop letting pride and ego and greed get in the way.
Market Street stamps is having a sale.. was able to pick up the backgrounds I had been eyeing for awhile now. Ordered at 745am and just got my shipping notice.
I just read Dawn's SAF Hoopla thread on the forum. Rick is supposed to show up in Toledo for a gathering someone is putting together! ********************************* Maybe that's where Flirty McSmackerson lives. I've been wondering if Rick ran off with her.
Really?! The best in the business? How can someone even say that unless they have never seen some of these designers with mad coloring/painting skills! I would classify most of the PTI DT as mediocre if not below average. The only thing they're really good at is taking a LOT of pictures.
Aw come on ladies. There is nothing wrong with Nichole promoting her dt. It would be different if she said that she was the best. I don't see anything wrong with it.
I do think Nichole thinks she is the best. How many times to we have to hear/read, "I have created the MOST AMAZING..." or "I have designed the most perfect..."
It's one thing to promote one's product, it's another to brag on oneself.
I think her DT is talented. I also thought the last 3 or 4 DTs were talented ... you know, the people NH canned because they weren't good enough? How long before "the best in the business" get canned? In fact, how long before she burns ALL of her bridges and has nobody but Ted willing to be her DT.
Too bad Nh doesn't have the best CS in the biz. Or the best proofreader in the biz. Or the best PR director. Or the best shipping. Or website designer. Or...you get my point.
So, for the heck of it, I wanted to log in to my PTI account on the website, to see if my disappearing/reappearing rewards points were still there and I can't seem to log in. Multiple password resets etc - won't let me log in. Figured I'd ask here rather than waiting for a timely response from CS. Is this an issue? With accounts on the site? I've been away from the forum/this blog for a while so I wasn't sure if I missed something.
I think her DT is talented. I also thought the last 3 or 4 DTs were talented ... you know, the people NH canned because they weren't good enough? How long before "the best in the business" get canned? In fact, how long before she burns ALL of her bridges and has nobody but Ted willing to be her DT. ============================= Agreed. And I'm sorry, but if Ted is on her DT I will gouge out my eyes. Boyfriend makes some fugly cards. I know fugly cards because I mine are, too...hence no blog.
Maybe someone should create a Zendesk forum post directing people here with their CS questions ... if they are interested in receiving "timely responses"...
I followed a link to the forum tonight and noticed that things looked a little different for me... no PM info. I went to the User Control Panel and clicked on Private Messages, only to find this message: "You are not authorised to send private messages."
What the heck? My last post was on April 18th and since I was banned and "allowed" back on, I mostly read posts.
And, by the way, they can't even spell authorized the right way!
16:34 - did you see that the host of the Toledo gathering is Mary-with-the-frame-smashed-over-her-head? I thought Rick smacked on her when he was making his random appearances over here.
For those of you that are looking for and alternative place to buy buttons...I went to Walmart today and they had these plastic containers full of cute buttons in 8 colors...they were 5.50 I believe...a little more than PTI but I rather buy from Walmart than stupid PTI!!!
Smackdesk (OMG I love it and I shall be this from now on)
said...
I think "authorised" is the British (and, therefore, some would say the correct) spelling. USAers use the "z" and those who use the Queen's English (UK, Canada, Australia) use the "s" -- customize/customise; authorize/authorise etc. etc. etc. Someone correct me if I've been hitting the crack pipe too much.
Thanks for clarifying Smackdesk! I thought it looked off, so I checked 3 dictionaries (yes, I love them and can't have enough) and all of them have it with a Z. Of course, they are probably all American English.
guatelicia said... Thanks for clarifying Smackdesk! I thought it looked off, so I checked 3 dictionaries (yes, I love them and can't have enough) and all of them have it with a Z. Of course, they are probably all American English. ----------
The Oxford English Dictionary spells it with a "z" as well. The Oxford English Dictionary is published by the Oxford University Press.
Another shipping bit of info here. I am international and my last order from Simon Says cost $17.50 for shipping, and that included, notecards, a (weighty) corner chomper, stamp sets, dies, even a couple of wooden mounted stamps, etc.
SSS have a set (international Shipping) rate, i.e. $13.50 for orders up to $50, $17.50 for orders $50 to $150.
This is for first rate shipping. I have ordered from them several times, never lost a package, and they get here quicker than PTI's 'priority shipping'.
Someone asked what my plans are for the Nantucket stuff. And the answer is, I really have no idea, I just really like it and I *think* it fits into my style (whatever my style is?). We went on a cruise last year and we're going again this year, so I might make a mini album or something.
I also think the Wal-Mart buttons are cute, but I think the same buttons are at Jo-Ann. Use a coupon on them.
Also, can anyone recommend a good YouTuber? As in makes nice cards, doesn't make useless haul videos, and doesn't find their own voice orgasmic?
I am international too and order most of my stuff through SSS now. I just, minutes ago received an order placed 19th April. 2 weeks to get here.....PTI wouldn't have it out of their warehouse yet.
Card makers with you tube videos: If you can get past her white gel pen stitching sometimes on the cards, she has great videos on Mondays and Fridays. I think Nichol Magouirk makes videos too but she is mostly a scrapbooker.
I saw the new 100# smooth cardstock that Bazzill has come out with!! They have 28 brand new colors, and the quality is fabulous!!
You can see the swatches here: http://bazzillbasics.com/products/cardstock/card-shoppe/
You can order them from Scrapbook.com, if you don't have a local source for Bazzill products - the more you order, the cheaper the price. I don't work for Bazzill or Scrapbook.com . . . I'm just in search of good quality CS that is non-PTI. Hope this helps someone!!
Oh, and someone had suggested Lilly Belle's Paperie as a source for CS. I ordered her sampler. Good service, but it's just French Poptone CS repackaged with a Lilly Belle's Paperie label.
I rather like Julie Ebersole's videos - sometimes she just has background music (no voice over) while she works on the card. Her style seems more CAS and has interesting techniques.
Those of you whose posts are disappearing. I'm sure the PTI Smacker is not censoring you. I bet the blog's spam filter is being pms-sy and gobbling your posts up for some reason. Be patient, I can't imagine that your voices are being squelched here (unlike at some OTHER place we love to smack).
21:43, I knew you were talking about Kristina Werner just from the white gel pen stitching comment. She gets smacked here sometimes by someone who obviously can't stand her... and I admit, it gets tedious seeing the white stitching over and over and over... but KW is one of my faves, as well, for both design style and personality.
Trell: I have gone through my fave youtubers and I've noticed that they all do the occasional (or not so occasional) haul video. So just skip those and go to the good stuff. Here are my tops:
I enjoy this lady from Sweden, named Sari: http://www.youtube.com/user/thenorsugirl/videos She is huge into the whole Tim Holtz style which is not my thing, but I still enjoy watching her put it together. I watch her MAINLY because I love her accent and personality. (Not quite to the point where *I* find the sound of *her* voice orgasmic, LOL... more like it lulls me into a state of trance-like contentment, yeah, I'm weird!)
I also love watching Beate's videos on Splitcoast. Another foreign accent that gives me warm fuzzies, LOL. Link to the videos on her blog: http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/category/video-tutorial/
And here's a third foreigner who I really love: Marie at http://www.youtube.com/user/Legojenta/videos She is young and very sweet. The way she does a lot by hand and makes do* with a limited stash of tools and supplies reminds me of myself at her age, a good 20 years ago. Sometimes I miss that thrill of invention and newness, does anyone else here relate to that?
I love Tresa Black's older Fabulously Artsy vids, she is very funny: http://www.youtube.com/user/thestampgoddess/videos She doesn't do youtube videos very often anymore, now she does more of those annoying ustream 'sit with me for two hours while I chit-chat and do a project in real time!' videos. Not that I don't like the project or the person; I just don't want to sit through such a long video to see it! Oh well.
One more: Britta Swiderski at http://www.youtube.com/user/waterfilterlove/videos
*I have seen the phrase written "makes due" so many times that now even though I know I have it right, it looks wrong and keeps nagging at me! RRRGGGHHHHH! Dumbing-down of society, they're doing it right. *bangs head on desk repeatedly*
So the anonymous source says PTI is having financial problems.
Rick, care to dispute that?
Or was the financial analyst from a few weeks back NOT so far off in her analysis?
Why else would it take months and months to bring old items back into stock? There shouldn't be that huge of a lag time....the products have been manufactured before (therefore, no setup/layout time), so what's the deal?
23:30- are you the one who makes fun of the way she says "button" too? "Bu--on"... Cause whoever does that sounds like she just dislikes the girl personally or something. That's just how it comes across to me. Not that it matters. I come from Utah, like Kristina, and we all drop our t's like she does. Can't be helped I think. When I try to say it with the t's included consciously, I sound, to myself, like a pretentious poser. Smack away. :)
^^I don't care how she talks. I appreciate the fact she has done well and makes money out of crafting. More power to her. Just the stitching/white gel pen thing
New release for Clear & Simple Stamps tomorrow. I like seeing projects that aren't cards sometimes. Not that I'm going to make ice cream cups but still...
Be sure to check out Claire's "comp" at Waltzingmouse Stamps on her blog. "Tiny" release next week and very generous prize(s)! http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.com/
191 comments:
First! Woo hoo!
From the last thread:
Ted asked a customer service question the night of the last release. Begging forgiveness because he knew it belonged on the Zendesk - but timing and full disclosure were so important so that he could make an informed decision about his purchase.
He follows the rules when it works for him but wants everyone else to follwo them all the time.
And check this out...with no responses from anyone.
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=105&t=35284&start=0&p=389189&view=show#p389189
2 May 2012 18:30
Here's the thread Ted started on the forum that belongs at Zendesk:
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=34808&start=0&p=384538&view=show#p384538
Why would they put the rooster, Ted, in charge of the hen house?
oh god, the humanity...my retinas are scarred for life.
I just had to go look at those posts, only to see that bug eyed, scary half grin of his. I might have to sleep with the light on tonight.
Why, 06:34? Because they don't have a clue what they're doing. Ted's double standards are sickening. I can't stand the sense of entitlement some people have. I can ask my question here today then bitchslap you tomorrow for doing likewise. Hypocrite. No wonder he gets along so well with the DT and powers that be.
In other news, I order more Fresh Ink. The now old Nantucket collection from PP, and some more random stuff - twine, distress ink, other things that I've forgotten. :)
Who is PP?
Pink Paislee
Is it just me or would NH's card have looked better if she'd stopped at the point when she had it laid out and then said 'but I don't have three 'pops' of all my colours?
I really liked that layout, and it was perfectly balanced. I don't think every colour needed to have three things.
For me, the main colour (or perhaps the most noticeable colour) looks great in a visual triangle, but having three of everyhting means your card gets weighed down.
Urgh. I should just shut my design-educated brain down before I watch her vids. I love the techniques though!
zendesk = PTI dump centre
Never did understand the "three thingys/triangle" whatever.
For me, it's "just make a card!"
On the Amuse inks topic... so the pads are foam? Too bad, I hate foam pads.
I would love a real answer about shipping for non USA customers. Before didn't they sayit was all because of the store front setup? Now that we don't have that one anymore, it should be doable ... if PTI wants to, that is!
Trell, what are your plans for the Nantucket papers? I love the colors in those but am not sure what I'd do with them. I've been eyeing them for a while now...
Ted's thread about the MIM video. Puke. You'd think Nichole walked on water.
22.50
Yes - the new web site was supposed to address more shipping options for international customers, as the old Yahoo site couldn't give them these options.
However, so far, it looks like PTI don't seem too interested in doing anything more to help internationals with different shipping options.
Hard to understand why - I am international and now just spend my money on other companies with really good shipping options - also, faster than PTI's so called 'priority shipping'.
^^ oops, got carried away with the word 'options'.
please accept that the DT is getting paid. this is fact.
Ted will never be a moderator.
the forum will never close, although it is effectively closed IMHO. it is essential to PTI's business model.
just take these to the bank and be grateful someone who knows something is here.
And internationals -- if PTI wanted to provide a better option for you they would have long ago. Either move to the US or move on.
Sorry but it gets old.
I hereby predict that someone will say that 1:21 is Rick. I don't think so.... Rick had no problem posting as Rick, and if he were back (I wish he was), he would not post anon.
I do think 1:21 sounds like they know what they're talking about though.... former DT member, 1:21?
1.21 sounds like a complete bitch....yep probably someone associated with PTI.
If the shoe fits...
I do believe what 1:21 says about international shipping. It's not rocket surgery - they could have figured it out if they wanted. Many other much smaller companies did. And certainly could have added it to the new website design. If they had a master plan for that clusterfuck.
It's clear they have no intention of offering shipping options.
Gee, all-knowing 1:21 (agreed, would not be Rick), you have any lottery numbers for me?
Oh so very grateful that some anon is getting their kicks sharing all this inside info. You're just one of us until you post non-anon.
I agree with all of your points - pretty damn obvious. Except that DT get paid (and the question was do they get paid, and possibly hourly, for manning the forum, not just in general do they get compensation for being on the DT. So if you know it's a fact, you are PTI or DT or former DT in which case you don't really know what's happening now. Or a friend or family to a DT. So if you're that connected, maybe you should be talking to PTI people about their problems, not us.
And if "it gets old" then don't read here. You sound like a snob.
Glad to see the Frustrated with PTI thread on SCS revived by someone who is grateful to have been able to make an informed decision to NOT shop at pti.
Rick can we please have a brown-nose emoticon.
I think there are already some emoticons that look a little bit like Ted.
Rick, can we have a "your creepy avatar makes me puke" emoticon?
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=35308
What customer concerns is she talking about? Certainly she wasn't getting PMs about it as she is far too superior to receive communications from the lower class...is it possible she's talking about the smack board?
Danny's not here, Mrs. Torrance
huh?
maybe the concerns were posted on zendesk, LOL!!
She may have just said -- oh we couldn't think of this on our own, but hey, a customer thought a sticky might be a good idea. Duh.
The post about "where are the sneak peeks?" from the person thinking it started on the 1st should have read, PTI, you're not having sneak peeks until the website is fixed, right?
From NH re: international shipping: "I apologize that I missed your question yesterday. We were just discussing the international shipping rate options a few weeks ago and we are looking into some additional options. The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country. However, we are trying to look into changes to our entire shipping system that would allow for us to send padded envelopes, both to international customers and U.S. customers. This would give you the option to order just a few items at greatly reduced rate. We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been changes made to date. We do hope that that this option works out so that we can offer an additional, more inexpensive option to you."
This post by Nichole is so smackworthy I don't know where to begin!
"a few weeks ago" This has been a question for how long and was supposedly a big reason for the new website?
"learned from experience over the years" about tracking - is that how they lose so many packages?
"We do not currently have enough information...." Wow, last I checked we still had a postal system here (at least for now). I would think someone there would have some info for them.
Oh and 01:21, (And internationals -- if PTI wanted to provide a better option for you they would have long ago. Either move to the US or move on) who's right, you or Nichole? Are you saying that her entire post was a flat-out lie? If so maybe you really are one of us.
It's possible that ex-DT read here. They would know how things work AND know current DT members. I don't want to run them off because I really want to hear what goes on behind PTI's doors. It's certainly not logic, so I am open to first-hand explanation.
I'll start....
wow, they have to look into a new shipping system that will allow them to use padded envelopes?
here's how you fast track this new shipping system....go OFfice Depot and buy a pallet of padded envelopes. Next time you get an order for 1 die, put it in the envelope, weigh it, put postage on, and put it in the out box.
DONE!
wtf do they take even the smallest thing and make a huge ass deal out of it?????
I think first-hand info would be great, too. But if you're posting as anon you have no more credibility than anyone else.
NH, please tell me you mistyped and meant "a few months ago" because people have been bitching about the international shipping rip off forEVER. And you are JUST NOW getting around to DISCUSSING it. OMG I don't even know where to begin.
06:26 maybe that's what 01:21 meant by they don't really want to do it and have no intention of doing it. They'll keep making up stupid excuses why it can't be implemented and hope as 1:21 said that the internationals just go away.
I cannot understand for the life of me why anyone non-US would bother with PTI. Ever. (Of course,I feel that way about US, too ;) )
"The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country."
REALLY????????????????
If the rates aren't even going to change for the better (for the customer) than why even bother???
to me that was basically a 'screw you guys' to the internationals.
And i totally agree with whoever wrote they lose so many packages despite their years of experience with tracking and insurance. BULL SHIT!
and Nichole's "gifts" keep coming.
Even though we have a plethora of topics to smack, lets return to SAF for a moment. Not one mention of it on SCS - but any other company that sneezes typically gets at least a thread.
Wonder if even the PTI loyals don't want to admit they are uni's outside the PTI forum?
This shipping stuff made me wonder if that lady from South africa ever did receive her package.
Last I heard, it had been sitting in Australia for quite a while.
I just watched Nichole's MIM video. Noted a few things.
1. Better camera. Quality is awful. Regular people who don't own stamp companies have better quality videos.
2. No way a video needs to be 20 min long.
3. She cannot articulate her thoughts or ideas. Her finished card was awful. But the still of it looks a millions times better. Shows me that things look a lot better when you take a good picture and light the hell out of it with photoshop. Things are not what they seem people!
Oh, for pete's sakes Nichole.You assign one of your people to research shipping on a certain day. They can go to the PO and talk to someone there. They come back at noon with the information. You all meet for 20 minutes and make a decision and by the end of the day, you let the customers know what the change will be and when it will begin. Then you order padded envelopes online and have them sent 2 day shipping to you and you are good to go. Why does this take weeks and months and years? I am often instructed to research and make a decision at work and given a very short timeline to do that.
on the shipping comments...I own an online store, have for a number of years now, and shipping is a beast.
Did you know you can only use first class mail up to 14 oz? Anything over that has to go Priority Mail. Do you know how many things, when added up, are over 14 oz. Sure, you could mail 1-2 dies for that or a stamp set, but the USPS is making it really tough for anything to be mailed first class anymore.
And on the shopping cart being able to decipher, she would have to enter in the weight of ALL her items in the shopping cart software, and have shipping be figured by weight. Once the weight goes over the 14 oz it would switch to Priority Mail fees, with another table as that is by weight as well (plus the zones for Priority Weight).
I use a pretty standard cart with lots of mods that can be added, and getting a shipping mod that works isn't easy, especially if you want first class, priority mail, and then international too.
sorry ladies and gentlemen who are international, it's not that us online stores don't WANT your business, it's that we don't want to lose money on your shipping. If it costs a store $7-8 to ship a package within the US for 2 pounds, it'll cost us around $18-20 for Canada and at least $25 for any other International country. I shipped an order to France a few weeks ago that weighed 10 pounds and it cost me $58 to mail via Priority Mail. I lost $30 on her order just in shipping alone.
I'm 7:08...
Oh yeah, and then you have to figure in the cost of the padded envelope as well. A small padded envelope is going to cost around $.70 on average.
Then, if you want delivery confirmation or insurance, or any tracking add $1.35.
So add that to any First class rate you have and you're dangerously close to Priority Mail (with free boxes and free delivery confirmation).
Another thing to consider...the USPS just announced a month or so ago, that First class delivery times were going up from 2-3 days on average to 6-8 days to help save money.
I disagree, having done this myself. You don't have to have everything so exact. You charge maybe 20 cents more than the shipping charge + the cost of the envelope. In the end it all evens out. You do like several other companies do and say that they will get padded envelope shipping if their order is less than 5 stamp sets or dies in total. Then you deal with it and if it goes 9 cents over you eat that because there are PLENTY of times they would make money on people ordering something like 2 spools of ribbon and paying the larger amount for shipping. You average the whole thing because it NEVER comes out perfect.
Anything over 13 oz. has to go priority mail, not 14 oz.
Ted, while you are at it, why don't you thank Nichole for allowing you to shop at her wonderful store?
I guess my point being...
$3.30 for a 13 ounce letter
$.70 for padded envelope
$1.15 Delivery Confirmation
$5.15 total cost for First class mail of a 13 ounce package
$5.50 for Priority Mail of a 13 ounce package
Pretty sure the 35 cents savings isn't worth it in PTI's mind to hassle with the shopping cart programming.
Let's play guess who would say this?
"Nichole, thank you for allowing me to speak. I am thrilled that you are considering offering some of the shipping options that are standard with other companies. You are the greatest Nichole - oh,thank you btw for allowing me to praise you and adore you."
I think first-hand info would be great, too. But if you're posting as anon you have no more credibility than anyone else.
===========================
Yes, but I would think the last place someone would want to impersonate a PTI affiliation would be on a PTI smack blog. Add to that that someone in the know would have even more reason to post as anonymous than we do. Plus, it's not like it happens so often that it's a problem.
7:26 That quote grossed me out. Is that for real.
Allowing me to speak??? WTF?
Is this the poster that you guys think is an insider?
Anonymous said...
please accept that the DT is getting paid. this is fact.
Ted will never be a moderator.
the forum will never close, although it is effectively closed IMHO. it is essential to PTI's business model.
just take these to the bank and be grateful someone who knows something is here.
And internationals -- if PTI wanted to provide a better option for you they would have long ago. Either move to the US or move on.
Sorry but it gets old.
This person is just stating an opinion IMO. They are no more an insider than you or I.
I said let's play guess who WOULD say this. It isn't an actual quote.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
This is the second time my post has disappeared. Is someone censoring this blog. I used no swearing and basically stated facts.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
And both posts posted completely and disappeared again.
You don't need delivery confirmation as tracking is free. Therefore $3.95 for the package is reasonable. You can get padded envelopes in huge bulk for 23 cents each. They will make money on this deal at PTI for that reason and for the reason that more people will place orders between releases. It will also help people feel better about ordering individual things when they come back into stock.
I give up. Tired of the censoring on this blog.
I give up. Tired of the censoring on this blog.
7:31 When it is said "This is fact" that leads one to believe it is more than an opinion.
I have had 5 post disappear in the last couple of days. They completely posted and showed for a minute or two even after refreshing and then poof!
I think a former disgruntled dt member is posting here.
It is a fact that unless someone puts their name to a post and has some real life credibility, there are no facts here.
Oh, so stating, "this is a fact", makes it true? My kids believe everything that's said on tv commercials is true, too. Sorry, but with no name on the posts, the statements made might be true or might be complete baloney, but there's no way for the reader to make an informed decision which it is, so I'll err on the side of skepticism.
Even if there is a name how do we know it is a real name or a reliable source?
Donna, if the info came from Rick or a dt member and their info was traceable then IMO it would have some credibility. For example, if Betsy posted and when you clicked on her name, it brought you to her blogger profile, it would hold some weight for me. If someone just posted as Besty (like they did when they pretended to be omath) it would mean nothing. KWIM?
I don't believe the DT are getting paid extra to post on the forum.
I have been on many DTs (like many of you) and never have been paid for forum participation. It's always been a requirement. Have any of you?
With PTI being as cheapo as we think they are, there is no way they are paying extra for them to post. I say EXTRA because I assume they are getting paid in some way for being on the team. Even if it's just in product.
8:16, of course you are right about that, but for the anons who are just customers, I am not sure how a name would make things credible if they did not have a blog, etc.
I think the DT is paid generally in products and maybe a small stipend? But I don't think they get extra for the board stuff. Maybe she lowered their project requirements a little in exchange for the forum work? Either way, I think it's crap for any DT that doesn't get paid real money for their work. I've always had a big problem with that. Makes me sick the DT calls I see with really significant requirements yet all they offer are a few free products, or worse, a discount off your purchases. Ridiculous. Not saying that's what PTI does though...
I think the DT is getting paid to be on the forum now, since they have certain assigned days and some have massively stepped up their presence. Its not like it used to be, with just random posts here and trhere.
From NH re: international shipping: "I apologize that I missed your question yesterday. We were just discussing the international shipping rate options a few weeks ago and we are looking into some additional options. The rates will most likely not change much for standard box shipments, as we have learned from experience over the years that it is essential to have tracking information & insurance for packages leaving the country. However, we are trying to look into changes to our entire shipping system that would allow for us to send padded envelopes, both to international customers and U.S. customers. This would give you the option to order just a few items at greatly reduced rate. We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been changes made to date. We do hope that that this option works out so that we can offer an additional, more inexpensive option to you."
---
For God's Sake! Lots of companies ship overseas and there are lots of overseas companies that ship here with NO problems. WHY make this more complicated than it needs to be? Get a fucking CLUE PTI!
I think the DT is getting paid to be on the forum now, since they have certain assigned days and some have massively stepped up their presence. Its not like it used to be, with just random posts here and there.
I disagree. They could assign without being paid. Have you been on a team that paid for forum work? I don't know ANY teams out there that pays for that. I certainly don't think PTI would be the pioneer in paying for this.
8:40, I agree! I only know of 2 teams that pay their DT in actual money. And I highly doubt PTI does, although I have never seen their contract.
Most all companies consider "payment" is the pleasure of BEING on their team with SOME free product and a crappy discount!
But I haven't seen a forum where the DT is so active on assigned days, their shift.
But I haven't seen a forum where the DT is so active on assigned days, their shift.
3 May 2012 08:46
--
I agree, they are in crisis mode for sure. They probably had a schedule to ensure a "presence" throughout the week. But, I am telling you, those of us on multiple teams (some pretty big ones at that) do not get paid for posting on the forums.
And here is the voice of delusion over on SCS:
I don't know why you would look elsewhere. This is a wonderful company that has very talented designers. I've been a customer for 3 years and have never had a bad experience. There WERE a few discontent buyers especially when they went thru a change in website and shopping cart. If you will go to their forums, you will see that those who were unhappy are singing a different tune now. This company has done everything they can to make these FEW customers happy. They have even mailed FREE stamps, and have gone over and above to fix problems. I will continue to order from them every month and I usually order around $200.00.
^^thanks for sharing this. I needed a chuckle with my lunch.
I think the only DT members getting any actual cash are ones who design stamps for them.
500 totes sold so far
I'm the person who stated that it is a fact that dt members are paid to be on the forum. It is all right if u don't believe me as I cannot go anon. If I told you how I know this stuf my source would stop telling me things!
And who cares anyway, it isn't that big of a deal. PTI is hurting financially and there is a huge rift between NH and the other two.
Oh, so stating, "this is a fact", makes it true?
========================
I didn't say that it makes it true. I said it makes it more than opinion, which the third party speculator was declaring it to be. My point is, and I agree with you Chris, that it may be or may not be ... but either way, why run that person off completely??
I understand what you're saying, 9:53. I was just trying to say to the person who's claiming to have inside info: don't be surprised if we swat at you a bit, because we have to be skeptical of what you're saying. That doesn't mean that we want you to stop talking, or at least I don't. You never know when something that's said might be verified through other means. And nobody gets banned for gossip here, thank goodness.
I am so mad, treated like a two year old in this CS exchange. I find it hard to believe that only 5-6 of us are still having this problem. PTI is always wanting to pass blame, this time on apple.
And please don't smack me for filling a cart, I was trying to see if the problem was fixed. I do hope to order again if PTI can get it together.
CS Admin, May 03 11:36 (EDT):
Hi Dana,
We process thousands of orders a month from all over the world, and there seems to be about 5 or 6 people who experience "Cart Dumping".
Of those, we find that "most" of those folks are using Safari on some type of Apple device. Apple has issued a statement indicating there is an issue with Safari keeping cookies straight when closing the browser. So for those folks using Safari, we would recommend using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.
For those folks with issues using a different browser, like Internet Explorer, we would suggest resetting the default cookie settings for Internet Explorer. I have only seen 2 folks with IE experience this issue. And both instances were issues with IE being set to delete cookies on exit.
Please try a different browser and let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Rick
Dana Kirby, May 02 16:02 (EDT):
Hello again,
My cart dumping problem is not solved. Are you asking me to wait until June (when the wish list feature is available) to fill my cart? This questions was posted on the forum (by someone else) I responded along with others and now the thread is locked. We were told to email CS...this is turning into a big never ending circle. Please help.
Dana
Sent from my iPad
Customer Service Agent, May 02 10:07 (EDT):
Hello Dana,
We are currently working on a Wish-List for the website. In the meantime, we have found that using Internet Explorer to shop seems to keeps the cart items longer than other web browsers. Also, some browsers are set to delete cookies when exiting, so please make sure that is not the case on your system.
Thank you so much for your email...we will send out notice when the Wish-List is available on the website...expected now before the June release.
Thanks,
Dave
Dana Kirby, May 01 16:49 (EDT):
This is a follow-up to your previous request #1684 "Re: [Papertrey Ink Customer..."
Hello again,
I have been adding things to my cart over the last few days (I assumed the cart dumping problem was fixed). I just went to check out and once again my cart is empty. Any update on this problem?
Thanks
Dana
Sent from my iPad
This email is a service from Papertrey Ink Customer Service Communications Center & Forum
Message-Id:V5Q0PWJM_4fa2a5e35c19b_572b19cfa6c11003829_sprut
Whether the DT gets compensated to be on the forum or not is irrelevant to me. Nobody can dispute the following facts (1) The DT members have some artistic talent, albeit in varying degrees; (2) Everyone has 24 hours in their day; (3) Babysitting the forum is not the best use of those 24 hours and artistic talents.
9:58 I agree. It would be helpful if posters of these kinds of "facts" could clarify, even vaguely, where they got their info. (i.e.: "I know first hand", or "I have a friend who knows first hand") The original poster of that "in fact" comment did clarify later on. Knowing now where she gets her info, I'd love for her to post more but I am afraid we have run her off.
I am so mad, treated like a two year old in this CS exchange. I find it hard to believe that only 5-6 of us are still having this problem. PTI is always wanting to pass blame, this time on apple.
And please don't smack me for filling a cart, I was trying to see if the problem was fixed. I do hope to order again if PTI can get it together.
CS Admin, May 03 11:36 (EDT):
Hi Dana,
We process thousands of orders a month from all over the world, and there seems to be about 5 or 6 people who experience "Cart Dumping".
Of those, we find that "most" of those folks are using Safari on some type of Apple device. Apple has issued a statement indicating there is an issue with Safari keeping cookies straight when closing the browser. So for those folks using Safari, we would recommend using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.
For those folks with issues using a different browser, like Internet Explorer, we would suggest resetting the default cookie settings for Internet Explorer. I have only seen 2 folks with IE experience this issue. And both instances were issues with IE being set to delete cookies on exit.
Please try a different browser and let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Rick
Dana Kirby, May 02 16:02 (EDT):
Hello again,
My cart dumping problem is not solved. Are you asking me to wait until June (when the wish list feature is available) to fill my cart? This questions was posted on the forum (by someone else) I responded along with others and now the thread is locked. We were told to email CS...this is turning into a big never ending circle. Please help.
Dana
Sent from my iPad
Customer Service Agent, May 02 10:07 (EDT):
Hello Dana,
We are currently working on a Wish-List for the website. In the meantime, we have found that using Internet Explorer to shop seems to keeps the cart items longer than other web browsers. Also, some browsers are set to delete cookies when exiting, so please make sure that is not the case on your system.
Thank you so much for your email...we will send out notice when the Wish-List is available on the website...expected now before the June release.
Thanks,
Dave
Dana Kirby, May 01 16:49 (EDT):
This is a follow-up to your previous request #1684 "Re: [Papertrey Ink Customer..."
Hello again,
I have been adding things to my cart over the last few days (I assumed the cart dumping problem was fixed). I just went to check out and once again my cart is empty. Any update on this problem?
Thanks
Dana
Sent from my iPad
This email is a service from Papertrey Ink Customer Service Communications Center & Forum
Message-Id:V5Q0PWJM_4fa2a5e35c19b_572b19cfa6c11003829_sprut
About the delusional person on SCS (see post 8:50 here) - No doubt this attitude is exactly what PTI was hoping for when they banned everyone who ever had a legit CS issue. Nothing but sunshine over there now. Problems? What problems?
Gag me.
Yep - don't look in the CS email shred box. Thats for sure.
I see several items are back in stock!
This is the place where that poster basically is saying they are an insider:
"just take these to the bank and be grateful someone who knows something is here"
Anyone can post any kind of fabrication they want here.
It's enough for me that a handful of ex-DT members said PTI treated them like shit. They used their real names and talked about their first-hand experience. I don't need more info than that to form my educated opinion.
The best I can say is that I speak with a first hand source. PTI is not a happy place right now. I,d smack me too. No problem!
Did you read 9:38..."PTI is hurting financially and there is a huge rift between NH and the other two."
That would explain a lot...if that is true.
Would not be surprised if "the rift" between Nichole and the two J's is true.
I'd love to see what would happen if they split. Have two parallel dimensions and go into the future a couple of years on each one, one with Nichole in charge of PTI alone and one with the two J's in charge of it without Nichole. Then see which version survives better. See... I'm not convinced either one of them would be any better than what is going on right now.
I think PTI would suffer without Nichole at the creative helm... cause in a sense her product ideas ARE PTI... but egads, the woman has horrid business sense. Particularly in the CS arena. I think she and the two J's have an equal ability to sink that ship.
^^^ To add another thought to my post about ex-DT members. It's also enough for me that I have seen, first-hand, NH & Julie's atrocious communications. It's more than enough that I was banned from the forum without cause. If I needed more than that I might reflect on how poorly they have handled every.single.issue that has come to light in five years. Yeah. I not only have an educated opinion by now ... I have some kind of Masters Degree or Doctorate in PTI Shitology.
Well, I hope it all can get worked out.
Well the DTs have some kind of incentive. No one in their right mind would work that forum and be "smacked" around every move they make without something in return. Even it a sense of loyalty.
Well the DTs have some kind of incentive. No one in their right mind would work that forum and be "smacked" around every move they make without something in return. Even it a sense of loyalty.
========================
Yep. Just like the customers.
I remember one time reading on here that someone listed me as being part of the 'in crowd' on the forum. That always blew my mind! I see it the exact opposite. I feel like I am ignored, sometimes shunned. Many people are 'polite', but just that. I don't think there really is an 'in crowd' I think people just post, some more than others, and they of course will get responded to more. because people become more familiar with people they see posting all the time.
10:17 For it to work longterm, the loyalty has to be stronger than the smacking. I think Jenn E would agree.
"PTI is hurting financially and there is a huge rift between NH and the other two."
and
"PTI is not a happy place right now. I,d smack me too."
remind me of something that happened on eBay a few years ago. Now, go ahead and smack ME for this... but I used to be really into all of the torn mulberry "tear bear" scrapbooking piecings and layouts people were selling there. I would stalk my favorite sellers every week cause I thought those little bears were sooooo adorable.
In the beginning, a seller named Olivia started selling the mulberry tear bears. And for a while she dominated the market. Her little tags would fetch prices upwards of $100 each. Eventually, other people saw what a gold mine there was in tear bears and started to put out their own tear bear items. Some of them blatantly copied Olivia outright, which is totally not cool. Others did not have nearly as much talent as Olivia, and their bears looked like crap. But hey, some people like 'em, I guess. Still others turned out to be very stiff competition for Olivia. And that woman had the biggest chip on her shoulder about it. She started to bully the other sellers on the forums, saying that she had invented the mulberry tear bear and nobody else was allowed to sell them. I read a few of her posts and she sounded like a stark raving mad LUNATIC.
Well, guess what happened? The other sellers refused to be bullied by her, and kept on selling their own bears. Olivia got a reputation for being a bitch. The other sellers enjoyed thriving businesses (for as long as they wanted to stay on eBay) and Olivia's sales dwindled until she finally dropped off the face of the (eBay) planet. And every time someone stood up to her I did a little happy dance, because it's great to see the bullies get what they deserve!
So. This story reminds me of PTI-- not so much because I think they are trying to bully their competitors out of business, but because they seem to have that same Olivia-esque arrogant attitude of superiority toward *their own customers*! And as such, it is hugely satisfying to see that, yes, all is right with the universe, and the mean kids do eventually get what they deserve. They bring it upon themselves with their own bad behavior. Go Karma!
I can see why you thought of that story - absolutely, Go Karma ;) !
And not being a scrapper I had never heard of tear bears and had to google it. TFS the story.
Great story about the tear bears, I remember those things! Some of those ebay layouts would go for hundreds of dollars.
I don't think J&J can make it as a company without Nichole. And as I doubt Nichole has saved much of her income, and burned her bridges with a number of people - she probably couldn't do much better on her own either. They need couples therapy.
ditto to what 11:11 said. Nichole is very creative but has no business or cs skills.
This whole Stamp-A-Faire hoopla thread started by Dawn just looks desperate.
I work with mean bully women. Its a very toxic place. And i see similarities between my workplace and PTI. And we have computer software issues, cliques and large inflated egos. I have cried in my car on ocassion
So i feel like i know the PTI
10:36, I wonder who you are. I was around ebay back in those days when people were jumping through hoops trying to legally "protect" their creations. What a laugh.
Do you recall that crazy chick that would come out of the wood work defending Olivia every time anyone called her an arrogant bitch? Can't remember her name but aaaaahhhh, those were the days.
11:21, it makes me sad for you that you have to work in that kind of environment.
I don't get why are women so nasty to each other.
I think Nichole without Julie would have pretty good cs. She knows what stampers want and like. I think it is Julie who is always looking to save the small amounts, not realizing it is costing her many lost sales in the process.
Sorry, I have to disagree about Nichole and good cs.
When she says things like "thank you for taking the time to share your disappointment" or the fact that she saw absolutely nothing wrong with Julie's condescending email to Karen it makes me think that she takes things far too personally to know that the customer is more than just an inconvenience.
She is getting better but it will be a long road for her.
^^^ yeah, when I saw that comment I read it sarcastically. I'm not saying that is how she meant it, but there are plenty of innocuous ways to get her point across.
She could have said "thank you for your feedback." Feedback is something businesses should covet - not shun.
I wonder when groop dealz will do another twinery sale. I picked up 6 spools last week and now i'm wanting more!!
Anyone want to bet that by the end of the year we will hear a big announcement?
10:36 here.
I was just a fangirl lurker, I never bought or sold any of the tear bears. I didn't discover the Olivia drama on the eBay forums until she had already alienated practically everyone on the planet with her lunacy. (And she still ranted on!) So no, sorry, I don't really remember a "crazy chick" defending her. I do remember that there was one lady who was her biggest customer, but she didn't strike me as crazy. I wonder if Olivia was creating anon identities to defend herself. Crazy is as crazy does.
Glad to see other people witnessed those times too. Hee hee
11:21-- and anyone else who has been brought to tears by mean girls-- hugs for you, be strong! Don't let the turkeys get you down.
To "deep throat", time will tell what will happen to PTI. So you telling us what the current state is can lead to a few speculations for sure. Everything you have said is within reasonable speculation. No smack from me.
12:25, I remember those days too. She was very talented for sure! I always wondered whatever happened to her. Why is it that the super talented are a little nutso?
Anyone want to bet that by the end of the year we will hear a big announcement?
-------------------------
Do you mean a *real* announcement of something that, you know, actually happens? Or did you mean an announcement of a big announcement. We've had the latter for quite a while now.
btw - are we still in the "transition period" that NH talked about in the fall?
^^^
Or, have we seen the "BIG CHANGES" that Rick promised? It's getting hard for me to tell when the big changes happen. They all seem to be more accurately described as big debacles.
Women are biologically wired to compete against each other. Same with men and the 'alpha-dog' thing. We females get catty, LOL. Our weapons are emotional and social. It really does bring out the worst in some, doesn't it!
12:32: my theory is that the more brain cells get distributed to 'genius-level' state in one area, the less attention there is left over for the rest of life's functions. Also, creative genius means being deeply entrenched in the right brain. Thus, not much processing time is left over for left-brain functions like good social/communication skills (left brain = language) and keeping your surroundings tidy. That's my excuse for why the kitchen will never stay clean and I'm sticking to it! :-P
We do not currently have enough information to make a definite decision regarding all of this, which is why there haven't been
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
LOL, not enough information?
Is the USPS website down or something? Coz that's where I go and it's ever so helpful and tells you the information you need right away. All you need to do is weigh your shit, plug in the locations and wait few seconds for the rate. What a total empty headed ninny she it.
Oh, and shipping lady from upthread: you know not of what you speak re first class rates.
First of all its 13 oz not 14 oz, but more importantly, that only applies to DOMESTIC rates. We are talking about international rates here. First class international packages do not have the 13 oz cut off. You can ship virtually ANYTHING first class international!!
Just another thing Head-up-her-Ass would have learned if she had spent mere seconds ACTUALLY researching this "several weeks ago" like she says. Instead, she continues to flim-flam everyone from over there in Ivory-Tower-Ville, where no one is allowed to post and actually challenge her on her blatant lies.
12:36 I agree, sort of. Sometimes, it's like a smack post earlier said - we just like to see justice when people are treated fairly. It's satisfying when Karma bitch-slaps someone who totally deserves it.
If zendesk is the "big changes" Rick was talking about, then I call BIG FAT DUD on that one.
ITA 13:16 !!! These are the kind of statements that make PTI look really out of touch. They are trying to bluff an audience when 99.99% of that audience uses the post office and/or has a small business that uses the post office. NH tries to make it sound like it's much too complicated to explain.
The tracking and insurance thing on international packages is also a great big seriously fucked up CS unfriendly policy.
That makes their international shipping option limited to only Priority Express, which is the MOST expensive way to ship overseas. All because they insist on the stupid tracking and insurance instead of counting a few lost packages as the cost of doing business, like every other company out there does. I mean, WTF do they do when a package goes missing? Do they blow a whistle and it magically reappears where it should be? Of course not.
Like the South Africa lady recently, they replace/resend the package. i.e. the fucking overpriced tracking and insurance made NO difference to the outcome. Why are they incapable of learning even the simplest business lessons? Idiots!
Maybe she feels so superior (partly because every third person regards her as "genius" and she's bought into it) that it never crossed her mind that customers may not be the brain-dead rubes she makes them out to be.
I'm sure she thought she handled the international shipping question wonderfully -- when will she learn to stay out of the forum!? She shoots herself in the foot almost every time. Send it to zendesk and stay out of it, Nichole.
12:36 was in reply to 11:28. Why women can be so mean to each other. Just a theory. :-) ITA about loving to see Karma bitch-slap those who deserve it.
13:31- pride goeth before the fall... or something like that...
It's actually sad to see someone of her talent struggling to keep her business going like this. But all along it is an attitude of pride from her that has bugged me. Even back to simple things like bragadociously proclaiming her design team to be "the best in the business". Yeah, love your company and market your team as awesome, but do you really have to be THE BEST???
I would like to direct you to a little ditty from a favorite Disney movie of mine from my childhood:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeIui29QWKg
EVERY design team in the business can be equally as talented and successful, and ALL companies involved can flourish. There really is that much love to go around, if people would stop letting pride and ego and greed get in the way.
/soapbox (this time at least, ha)
Market Street stamps is having a sale.. was able to pick up the backgrounds I had been eyeing for awhile now. Ordered at 745am and just got my shipping notice.
I just read Dawn's SAF Hoopla thread on the forum. Rick is supposed to show up in Toledo for a gathering someone is putting together!
What is the code for Market Street? I have been coveting a certain background stamp for a long time.
I agree about the arrogance 14:22. Having the best DT in the business is irrelevant when they spend their time mopping the forum floors.
I just read Dawn's SAF Hoopla thread on the forum. Rick is supposed to show up in Toledo for a gathering someone is putting together!
*********************************
Maybe that's where Flirty McSmackerson lives. I've been wondering if Rick ran off with her.
Really?! The best in the business? How can someone even say that unless they have never seen some of these designers with mad coloring/painting skills! I would classify most of the PTI DT as mediocre if not below average. The only thing they're really good at is taking a LOT of pictures.
Why do my posts keep disappearing??
Id like to take you ladies to work with me as body guards!
Way to fight for a cause! !
My posts disappear over and over an over. Am I doing something wrong here and being censored?
testing
hahaha Donna......post on Zendesk and get a ticket :P
Aw come on ladies. There is nothing wrong with Nichole promoting her dt. It would be different if she said that she was the best. I don't see anything wrong with it.
Sorry, Donna. Your posts are not in compliance with the smack blog's TOS.
LOL. j/k - I have no idea.
I do think Nichole thinks she is the best. How many times to we have to hear/read, "I have created the MOST AMAZING..." or "I have designed the most perfect..."
It's one thing to promote one's product, it's another to brag on oneself.
I think her DT is talented. I also thought the last 3 or 4 DTs were talented ... you know, the people NH canned because they weren't good enough? How long before "the best in the business" get canned? In fact, how long before she burns ALL of her bridges and has nobody but Ted willing to be her DT.
Too bad Nh doesn't have the best CS in the biz. Or the best proofreader in the biz. Or the best PR director. Or the best shipping. Or website designer. Or...you get my point.
On a positive note, PTI does have the absolute BEST $100 tote bag full of pencils in the business.
So, for the heck of it, I wanted to log in to my PTI account on the website, to see if my disappearing/reappearing rewards points were still there and I can't seem to log in. Multiple password resets etc - won't let me log in. Figured I'd ask here rather than waiting for a timely response from CS. Is this an issue? With accounts on the site? I've been away from the forum/this blog for a while so I wasn't sure if I missed something.
I think her DT is talented. I also thought the last 3 or 4 DTs were talented ... you know, the people NH canned because they weren't good enough? How long before "the best in the business" get canned? In fact, how long before she burns ALL of her bridges and has nobody but Ted willing to be her DT.
=============================
Agreed. And I'm sorry, but if Ted is on her DT I will gouge out my eyes. Boyfriend makes some fugly cards. I know fugly cards because I mine are, too...hence no blog.
ZenDeskDana, don't forget you have to press "login" rather than hit enter when you put in your password.
Gaahhh - thank you :D
I think it's awesome that Dana could get a CS answer here so much faster than from zendesk. SMACKDESK for the win!
awesome, indeed - thank you, SmackDesk :)
Maybe someone should create a Zendesk forum post directing people here with their CS questions ... if they are interested in receiving "timely responses"...
LOL - Smackdesk for the win! Love.
^^^ that made me LOL
Smackdesk. Oh I love this place.
I followed a link to the forum tonight and noticed that things looked a little different for me... no PM info. I went to the User Control Panel and clicked on Private Messages, only to find this message: "You are not authorised to send private messages."
What the heck? My last post was on April 18th and since I was banned and "allowed" back on, I mostly read posts.
And, by the way, they can't even spell authorized the right way!
16:34 - did you see that the host of the Toledo gathering is Mary-with-the-frame-smashed-over-her-head? I thought Rick smacked on her when he was making his random appearances over here.
For those of you that are looking for and alternative place to buy buttons...I went to Walmart today and they had these plastic containers full of cute buttons in 8 colors...they were 5.50 I believe...a little more than PTI but I rather buy from Walmart than stupid PTI!!!
I only bought 2 colors for now...
I took some pictures so you could see them...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77948164@N06/7140597531/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77948164@N06/6994507858/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77948164@N06/6994507948/in/photostream
I think "authorised" is the British (and, therefore, some would say the correct) spelling. USAers use the "z" and those who use the Queen's English (UK, Canada, Australia) use the "s" -- customize/customise; authorize/authorise etc. etc. etc. Someone correct me if I've been hitting the crack pipe too much.
Thanks for clarifying Smackdesk! I thought it looked off, so I checked 3 dictionaries (yes, I love them and can't have enough) and all of them have it with a Z. Of course, they are probably all American English.
YW, G. If I'm not mistaken, the forum software is from a UK company; therefore, all the British spellings.
1844, those WalMart buttons are cute.
18:38 --
Why the heck would Rick want to go to SAF anyway?
guatelicia said...
Thanks for clarifying Smackdesk! I thought it looked off, so I checked 3 dictionaries (yes, I love them and can't have enough) and all of them have it with a Z. Of course, they are probably all American English.
----------
The Oxford English Dictionary spells it with a "z" as well. The Oxford English Dictionary is published by the Oxford University Press.
^^^to get laid...duh!
Another shipping bit of info here.
I am international and my last order from Simon Says cost $17.50 for shipping, and that included, notecards, a (weighty) corner chomper, stamp sets, dies, even a couple of wooden mounted stamps, etc.
SSS have a set (international Shipping) rate, i.e.
$13.50 for orders up to $50,
$17.50 for orders $50 to $150.
This is for first rate shipping. I have ordered from them several times, never lost a package, and they get here quicker than PTI's 'priority shipping'.
Someone asked what my plans are for the Nantucket stuff. And the answer is, I really have no idea, I just really like it and I *think* it fits into my style (whatever my style is?). We went on a cruise last year and we're going again this year, so I might make a mini album or something.
I also think the Wal-Mart buttons are cute, but I think the same buttons are at Jo-Ann. Use a coupon on them.
Also, can anyone recommend a good YouTuber? As in makes nice cards, doesn't make useless haul videos, and doesn't find their own voice orgasmic?
I paid $1.95 for first class shipping for 4 stamp sets from Market Street a few minutes ago. Apparently it CAN be done.
I just paid $1.95 shipping for 4 stamps sets at Market street. I can be done.
"it"
The disappearing posts again. The post said that I just got 4 sets from Market Street for $1.95 shipping so it can be done.
Posts disappearing!!!!!!!
$1.95 shipping for 4 stamp sets at Market St. It can be done (4th attempt to post this post)!!!!~!
$1.95 shipping for 4 stamp sets at Market St. It can be done (4th attempt to post this post)!!!!~!
$1.95 shipping for 4 stamp sets at Market St. It can be done (4th attempt to post this post)!!!!~!
I am international too and order most of my stuff through SSS now. I just, minutes ago received an order placed 19th April. 2 weeks to get here.....PTI wouldn't have it out of their warehouse yet.
Card makers with you tube videos:
If you can get past her white gel pen stitching sometimes on the cards, she has great videos on Mondays and Fridays.
I think Nichol Magouirk makes videos too but she is mostly a scrapbooker.
I like Kristina Werner and she hasn't done much stitching with white pens on her cards lately. She has a cute style, imo.
Whoops, 21:43 here. Kristina Werner is who I meant for the first card maker with youtube videos.
21:44, how did you know who I was talking about? Just from the white gel pen comment??
I saw the new 100# smooth cardstock that Bazzill has come out with!! They have 28 brand new colors, and the quality is fabulous!!
You can see the swatches here: http://bazzillbasics.com/products/cardstock/card-shoppe/
You can order them from Scrapbook.com, if you don't have a local source for Bazzill products - the more you order, the cheaper the price. I don't work for Bazzill or Scrapbook.com . . . I'm just in search of good quality CS that is non-PTI. Hope this helps someone!!
Oh, and someone had suggested Lilly Belle's Paperie as a source for CS. I ordered her sampler. Good service, but it's just French Poptone CS repackaged with a Lilly Belle's Paperie label.
I rather like Julie Ebersole's videos - sometimes she just has background music (no voice over) while she works on the card. Her style seems more CAS and has interesting techniques.
21.48
Thanks for the info on the new Bazzill smooth colours. I have been using their smooth Kraft and it is great, good weight and stamps well.
As an International, now just have to wait until the other new colours turn up here !!!!
Two of my comments have disappeared here - had to laugh really, reminds me of PTI's cart dumping.
Those of you whose posts are disappearing. I'm sure the PTI Smacker is not censoring you. I bet the blog's spam filter is being pms-sy and gobbling your posts up for some reason. Be patient, I can't imagine that your voices are being squelched here (unlike at some OTHER place we love to smack).
21:43, I knew you were talking about Kristina Werner just from the white gel pen stitching comment. She gets smacked here sometimes by someone who obviously can't stand her... and I admit, it gets tedious seeing the white stitching over and over and over... but KW is one of my faves, as well, for both design style and personality.
Trell: I have gone through my fave youtubers and I've noticed that they all do the occasional (or not so occasional) haul video. So just skip those and go to the good stuff. Here are my tops:
I enjoy this lady from Sweden, named Sari: http://www.youtube.com/user/thenorsugirl/videos
She is huge into the whole Tim Holtz style which is not my thing, but I still enjoy watching her put it together. I watch her MAINLY because I love her accent and personality. (Not quite to the point where *I* find the sound of *her* voice orgasmic, LOL... more like it lulls me into a state of trance-like contentment, yeah, I'm weird!)
I also love watching Beate's videos on Splitcoast. Another foreign accent that gives me warm fuzzies, LOL. Link to the videos on her blog: http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/category/video-tutorial/
And here's a third foreigner who I really love: Marie at http://www.youtube.com/user/Legojenta/videos She is young and very sweet. The way she does a lot by hand and makes do* with a limited stash of tools and supplies reminds me of myself at her age, a good 20 years ago. Sometimes I miss that thrill of invention and newness, does anyone else here relate to that?
I love Tresa Black's older Fabulously Artsy vids, she is very funny: http://www.youtube.com/user/thestampgoddess/videos She doesn't do youtube videos very often anymore, now she does more of those annoying ustream 'sit with me for two hours while I chit-chat and do a project in real time!' videos. Not that I don't like the project or the person; I just don't want to sit through such a long video to see it! Oh well.
One more: Britta Swiderski at http://www.youtube.com/user/waterfilterlove/videos
*I have seen the phrase written "makes due" so many times that now even though I know I have it right, it looks wrong and keeps nagging at me! RRRGGGHHHHH! Dumbing-down of society, they're doing it right. *bangs head on desk repeatedly*
I am the one who has 'smacked' KW. I wasn't really smacking, I like her, but just the white stitching thing really annoys me. Petty I know.
So the anonymous source says PTI is having financial problems.
Rick, care to dispute that?
Or was the financial analyst from a few weeks back NOT so far off in her analysis?
Why else would it take months and months to bring old items back into stock? There shouldn't be that huge of a lag time....the products have been manufactured before (therefore, no setup/layout time), so what's the deal?
Credit hold, maybe?
23:30- are you the one who makes fun of the way she says "button" too? "Bu--on"... Cause whoever does that sounds like she just dislikes the girl personally or something. That's just how it comes across to me. Not that it matters. I come from Utah, like Kristina, and we all drop our t's like she does. Can't be helped I think. When I try to say it with the t's included consciously, I sound, to myself, like a pretentious poser. Smack away. :)
^^I don't care how she talks. I appreciate the fact she has done well and makes money out of crafting. More power to her. Just the stitching/white gel pen thing
New release for Clear & Simple Stamps tomorrow. I like seeing projects that aren't cards sometimes. Not that I'm going to make ice cream cups but still...
http://www.clearandsimplestampsonline.com/2012/05/previews-sentimentsbackgrounds/
Be sure to check out Claire's "comp" at Waltzingmouse Stamps on her blog. "Tiny" release next week and very generous prize(s)! http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.com/
8:50, you couldn't make this sh*t up if you tried... HOW do they keep throwing sand in so many people's eyes?!
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