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 ;)
But here is a new post. Also, the Rick thing? Not cool. Sorry that he outed you, that was completely unprofessional. Wait, since when is PTI professional?!
i love how my latest order (i haven't bought anything all year so bite me with the anti-ordering smack) says 'fully shipped' in the PTI website but USPS says it isn't even actually at their facility yet.
To 10:30 who posted this on the last thread: @8:13 Oh I get it. It's OK for Donna to order but someone here slammed Chris S. for ordering. Hmmmmm.
Do you understand the concept of an anonymous smack blog? That the anonymous who smacked Chris may or may not be the same anonymous who smacked Donna. And they may or may not agree with the other eleventy-three anonymouses who post here?
Unfortunately the company that created the website didn't build that "feature" into the admin interface, along with a host of other "features". Because they are fuctards. Hence the move to the new system in July.
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So this is the 6th "new" website PTI has rolled out?
Why don't the tight wad three stooges actually pony up some money for a real website??? Those bitches are so tight they squeak when they walk!
I do find it very ironic, these "smart business women" are getting fucked over by their web developer! Karma's a bitch, huh!
Donna don't feel bad at all I'm Canadian, was ordering 200-300 per month.
Once my wishlist was caught up it was still worth it for the shipping discount to keep my orders around 200 ( I'm stocked up in cardstock and envelopes for life!! )
Went to CHA and SAF
I'm speaking with my wallet to but that doesn't mean I'm not ordering again
I ordered in February. Still haven't gotten the corrected Simply You stamp but I don't have the energy to go after it
I'll be ordering again at SAF day. I think 300 a year VS 300 a month is absolutely talking with my wallet.
(8:13 here.) I focused my post on the Donna C. critics because they were the most vocal and some people made allegations that Donna C. had at one point vowed to never order. (She denied making that statement and I haven't found/read anything that contradicts her.)
Of course what I wrote also applies to any folks who are criticizing Chris for ordering too. My actions are governed by principles-- they are the same regardless of the person at issue. Don't know about you . . .
11:54 (and others saying 'Donna outed herself'). I am rarely here and knew which Donna he was talking about right off the bat. So he left off the 'C', I still knew it. Let's not blame the victim/customer like PTI already makes a habit of doing...
Hey, Donna. Why don't you let them give you back your damn $3 however is the easiest way?? Does it really matter how they give it to you, paypal, PTIBUX, etc.,?? What is this refund for?
Rick said Donna wanted it as PTIBUX and that is supposedly why tech support was needed and Donna has had to wait way too long for her $3. That was not the case Donna asked for it in her PayPal account - which should have been a 10-second-fix. PTI probably wanted to give it to her in PTIBUX so she could never redeem it/get her money back. We all know how easy those are to use 99% of the time...
No, PTI did NOT want to give it in reward points. Adjusting reward points is what the problem is.
I don't know why they don't give her the $3 in PayPal and figure out how to DEDUCT from her reward points later. Or just let her keep the reward points!!
"No, PTI did NOT want to give it in reward points. Adjusting reward points is what the problem is."
But then why when she asked for it in her PayPal account was she told she had to wait for tech support to fix it and give it to her as reward points? To me it seems THEY did want her to have reward points instead.. even if they couldn't figure out how to do that themselves.
Maybe this will be their new strategy. Figure out how to give PTIBUX instead of refunds; which nobody will ever be able to use them successfully and (once again) PTI comes out the financial victor. Because from last thread we see that is their goal overall - not be bullied into cooperating and giving good CS.
Agree with 12:09 - let her have both.. for the huge hassle.
So Becky Oehler and Beth Silaika (sorry if the spellings are incorrect) are now illustrators/designers for Gina K? Interesting. I really liked it when Becky was on the PTI design team. I'll definitely check out the July release for Gina K.
"But then why when she asked for it in her PayPal account was she told she had to wait for tech support to fix it and give it to her as reward points? To me it seems THEY did want her to have reward points instead.. even if they couldn't figure out how to do that themselves." --------- My understanding was that Julie did not want to credit the PayPal until she was able to deduct the rewards points. I could be wrong.
The fact that the design team works for these assholes, IS a reflection upon them. It shows what thier integrity is made of.
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I have often wondered about this too! If I started out working for PTI and soon found out later how they operate, I would have left. I could not have conscientiously kept going for this slime ball of a company!
My understanding was that Julie did not want to credit the PayPal until she was able to deduct the rewards points. I could be wrong.
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This is just ridiculous. The website that doesn't work correctly is PTI's fault, not the customer's. They need to refund the $3, and if they can't figure out a way to deduct the reward points, it's their own problem.
Does anyone out there have ANY hope that the "new system in July" is going to work any better?
Makes me wonder how many of the hardcore Smackers here, the ones who use their names and aren't afraid of saying it like it is on the PTI forums are still ordering.
Wish we could get a poll where people would answer honestly.
I'm a pretty "hardcore" smacker and freely admit I'll be ordering on SAF day. The timing is definitely to get a free set with my purchase in addition to the stamps I've wanted.
I post anon because I don't need any additional PM's from unicorns.
I slowed way down on ordering from PTI about a year ago. I was a $1,200 per year purchaser (may not be a lot to some) and I've only spent $200 in the last year.
Like 14:16, I've been outspoken against PTI and haven't ordered in awhile. Right now of the things I like I still wouldn't have enough for free shipping.
I would say I used to be a $1200 per year shopper, too. I haven't ordered in months.
But if I do, I still won't promote their products, attribute them on my blogs or in any other way endorse them publicly. And if I have problems with my order, I don't think it's unreasonable to tell others about that. I don't think I should *expect* to have problems. But I do know the company history so by ordering I'm taking some chances.
So far, when I think about ordering, besides not having free shipping, I see these incidents of absolutely awful CS and just can't bring myself to line their pockets.
No, Donna did not out herself morons. Whether or not you knew he was referring to the Donna that posts here under her name is irrelevant. He should have never mentioned a customer name in the first place, and obviously was referring to the ONLY Donna who ever posts her under her own name. Such stupid drivel is posted here sometimes. Fucking go away unis!
AND, as if that was not bad enough, he then goes on to compound the stupid by outright admitting what some of us have known well enough for years: he could not read, comprehend and process a simple three line email message. LOL LOL
I know there has been some buzz about Avery Elle. At someone's suggestion, I placed an order. They shipped lightening fast, arrived in 2 days packaged beautifully, and stamp crisp and even. Hoping for more from Avery Elle. Anyone know if more is to come?
Avery Elle doesn't have enough variety to wow me yet. I know a few paper sources have been mentioned and I 'fess up to being too lazy to go back to find them. Where, oh where can I get a variety of paper colors that are of PTI quality without the side of bitchiness?
PS. I also 'fess up to being too cheap to pay for hefty shipping fees. If I remember right, there was an etsy (?) seller that had nice paper with steep shipping.
I agree. Avery Elle has huge potential, but are way too newborn to get excited about at the moment. I've bookmarked them and will check back every once in a while. I got my hopes up about the Etsy seller that had the heavy cardstock like PTI's too, but quickly dumped my cart after seeing the shipping costs.
So far, no one has been able to come close to PTI's cardstock prices.
It might be easier to find alternative sources for cardstock like PTI's if only someone could identify the manufacturer! Other cardstocks from different stores have been identified, but PTI's seems to be a very closely guarded secret!
I still buy certain things from PTI that I cannot get anywhere else until I find a new source. I actually like Gina K's white cardstock better than PTI, so that problem is solved. Unfortunately I have not found colored cardstock that compares. I buy Impress ink pads, so that is covered. That leaves certain stamps, and dies, and pattern paper packs IF I cannot find something else I like better. This has cut my purchases by 80%, I will do an almost all card stock order for SAF to get the free set. And I will use up my reward points rather than let them go. Everything else? No promises either way, but I understand fully that I am playing the lottery with PTI.
I'm also another one who will still buy from PTI and planning on a SAF order (if the NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW website works?). I've cut way back.....I used to order over $100 each month. I've only ordered once over that last 6 or 7 months (I also ordered in Feb. but only used my points so didn't spend any money). Surely, that's got to hurt them - if people are spending 70% - 80% less!
To the insider that stated Beth was already with another company it's just was waiting to be announced.... Please tell us how Nichole felt about it....
How does the weather affect my stamping, Dawn? Well, on a sunny day I use more glitter so I can see it sparkle. On a rainy day, I lay my papers out in the rain to soften them so they will dry emboss better. When it snows, I punch everything twice because it insures that the snowmen are all happy, and when it is windy, I glue everything, and I do mean everything down.
@ 16:12. I mentioned Avery Elle in my post today, and have not posted about them before. Just thought I'd post my thoughts here since this is where I first heard of AE.
Donna - I'm just catching up with the blog... I completely understand why you were posting anon. Sometimes is just not worth it to use your name because some people feel like they need to attack you. I admit to using "Good bye PTI" as a thread name, but anyone that read the thread would know that I was NOT saying that I was leaving and never coming back or buying... yet, I have been accused of that many times. I think that some people believe that once you complain about PTI it means that you will never buy from them again. I don't understand their thinking!
Sadly, I am not surprised that PTI is fighting you so hard over $3. Every week they screw up in some other way, and it is never their fault! I can't imagine going through life always thinking that everyone is out to get me in one way or another, but somehow being a PTI owner must do that to you.
16:12, it's just you. Someone made a recommendation about Avery Belle a couple days ago and plenty of people followed, some liked what they saw and ordered.
I did the same after someone mentioned LilyBelle paperie. Haven't received my order because I purchased paper and ribbon, and they are waiting on some of the ribbon from the manufacturer.
Why is it so hard for you to believe that people can find alternatives to PTI that they actually like?
I am just reading through all the posts that say they have cut their spending waaaaay back. Surely this must be hurting PTI. Also wondering if the newbies spending is compensating for the above loss of revenue. Would love to be a fly on the wall on one of PTI 'in depth' (sarcasm) meetings.
21:11, I was/am a newbie. Discovered PTI late February. Purchased a lot of new and old sets, plenty of dies and full ink line (plus reinkers). Realized there were plenty of other fish in the sea and started spreading the wealth. LOL. Also, heard about their CS issues. Totally turned me off. Cut back on spending (much to my husband's delight). And last order I placed was in April. Have no plans to place an order, not even for the (blah) free set.
$20 for the sets that are originally $24 $11 for the sets that are originally $15 and the dies I want full price The price you are paying will include shipping!
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OK, I know $20 is the going rate. (God knows I've paid it.) But $11 for the $15 set and full price for the dies. GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, LADY! I was even more turned off when I saw here avatar.
I don't think 16:12 meant that people can't find alternatives to PTI's cardstock, just that it was possibly the same person posting over and over again for publicity. Who knows when everyone is posting anon?
Someone else is selling sets $15 sets for $10 plus $2 for shipping ... I realize they are coming from Japan but that's not much of a discount for me to buy them ... :(
I definitely think one person keeps posting over and over about Avery Elle. Maybe a few people have taken the bait, but the majority of posts are by one person.
Sorry 00:00, but that probably isn't the case. I'm the original Avery Elle poster, and this is the first I've posted about it since. I haven't ordered yet, but planned to based on the feedback here.
Does anyone know of another company (digital, clear or rubber) that does sentiment stamps like PTI's 'We Go Together'? http://www.papertreyink.com/Item.aspx?ID=2538
I love the style, just not the cheesy sentiments themselves.
00:03, of course $11 for a $15 set is a "better deal," percentage off list-price-wise. I wasn't saying otherwise. But folks aren't selling $24 sets for less than $20. And the "going rate" for $15 sets is $10.
The fac that the forum seller was asking for more than "going" rate for the $15 sets and "demanded" full price for her dies is laughable. She didn't even say what condition those suckers are in.
You have to remember that when selling used sets, some are FAR more desirable than others. I posted a set about 6 months ago and had 31 offers in the first day. I have posted other sets, same size and same price and no one wanted them. I don't think you can call a "going" price because of the size or original cost of the set.
My personal opinion about PTI is that the Three Stooges will NEVER change their attitudes. They believe they are the top shit when it comes to clear stamps & dies. And you know what, right now they are.
I don't think they would ever sell either. It honestly think they'd run the company into the ground rather than sell.
These are arrogant, ignorant business women who refuse to change. I believe that poster who is friends with a DT member. I believe the Three Stooges think their customers are privileged to just be ordering from them. They do not see their actions as biting the had that feeds them.
The only way to humble them is to stop spending money with them. I'm not talking cold turkey but like the other posters said of gradually spending less and less over time.
Gina K seems like a very perceptive person so I'm willing to bet she is going clear, making dies or silhouette files and getting good designers on her team to little by little take PTI's customers away.
There will always be unicorns who sink with the ship but I think the majority of cutovers will move on to Gina K, MFT, Avery Elle, etc.
We all need to realize that Nichole, Julie and Jane will NEVER change.
Regarding the Avery Elle, I also think it is one or 2 people.
I took the bait and checked it out. There were only 9 colors of cardstock (and I already have packs and packs of those colors) and 4 stamp sets. I agree with the other posters, I will wait for more cardstock colors and then come back to buy.
Also, can somebody tell us what kind of quality the stamps are. Are they the PTI/Verve quality, or are they the Basic Grey/Kaisercraft quality?
I like living on the edge so I did place and order this last release because sun, moon, stars are my thing. I got it in about 10 days and everything was fine. Unless something knocks my socks off I wont be ordering again because I dont believe in feeding the beast(s)
I have been waiting since April for Wplus9 to restock their flora and fauna stampset. Is this a usual thing for them? I have never ordered from them, but it sure has taken a long time and it still isn't restocked.
I don't think Gina K is purposely trying to lure customers away from PTI. I *do* think she sees their customers leaving and is savvy enough to provide another place for them to shop.
@10:03 - I was waiting for the Woodgrain Silhouettes to be restocked and it's been ages. Granted, I gave up checking and it could be in, BUT I stalked the website for almost a month. When mid-May arrived and I couldn't get it for father's day cards I lost interest. Yet other sets were restocked in that same period so I have no clue how they're doing things over there.
9:54 (1), yes I must mean before the Hero Arts co-branding. I didn't even know they did that -I'm glad they did, cause their stamps where Studio G quality before!
Maybe, just maybe, Chris and Donna gave the impression they weren't buying from PTI when they each posted to their blogs the meme saying, "Keep calm and stop shopping PTI"
Ahh, America: where what you do behind closed doors "doesn't count".
Why wouldn't Gina K or any other company "go for" some of PTI's customers? I agree with 11:11. There are only a finite amount of crafting customers. All companies try to reach as many as they can! If you don't, you dwindle and close up shop.
Just spent a chunk of time looking at Gina K's offerings -- there are maybe a handful of stamps I could see myself buying, but truly some of them are meh -- I can live without. Hoping Becky and Beth can infuse some more exciting designs into the mix. Cause I would much rather spend my $$ at GK.
I think Gina realizes her stamps are not for everyone And I think she lost a great stamp designer in Nina B
So I think diversifying her stamp designers and going clear are a great move I also LOVE that she will be offering cut files instead of dies. I gave SOO many dies taking up space!!
11:32 -- So what will you do when your order takes 3 weeks to get to you, AND your order is WRONG, AND you're required to send BACK the die or stamp or ink THEY mis picked in the first place, before they will send you the RIGHT item? AND this takes another three MONTHS to get cleared up????? Sheeeeesh!
That must mean there is no problem at PTI. And we are all crazy."
------ 11:42, 11:32 didn't say that at all. She just mentioned she hasn't had a problem. She didn't say no one had. In four years of ordering, my one issue (missing stamp) was handled quickly and easily, so I would say I've had good customer service. But I believe others have had issues.
If anyone is looking for a good deal on dies go to Chic and Savvy crafters. All their dies (including memory box) ship free! And they are also a little bit cheaper than other places. I ordered mine on Wednesday and got them today ;) Here is the link...
I don't get why everyone thinks Beth Silaika is such a great move for Gina K? Everything I've seen from her sucks and I'm not impressed with Gina K to begin with. I have even less incentive to shop there now.
@12:26.... preach it, sister! Beth's stuff, both stamps and card designs are horrible, and Gina may be a really super nice business owner, but the stamps there are ALL ho-hum.
I agree, I have NEVER been a fan of Beth. Her work is mediocre at BEST. There have been a couple issues with her past blogs. The first had to do with Beate Johns (not sure what it was) and the second thing is her blog turned into a porn site?? Here is her new blog. Not much there yet.
I have Beth's Trees With Trimmings set and really like it. The others she designed? Not so much. Who knows? Perhaps a different company will inspire her in a different way.
I thought one of Beth's competitors in the website design business used the same website name as hers except with .net instead of .com or something, to poach her customers away from her, so she changed to a different url. From "freckledfun" to "freckledANDfun" I think? Since her old blog is no longer available (it automatically redirects to her new url and she hasn't linked any of her old archives) I can't go back and check but I do remember reading something like that when she first made the switch. I don't remember reading ANYTHING about Beate having anything to do with that.
I'm 14:50. Yes, I think I remember there being some confusion with Beth's blog title and Beate's. I think Beate and her fans got rilled up about it. That's why the AND in Freckled AND Fun became capitalized.
15:13, I sure hope you are right. I really want to like Gina K's stamps.
I like a lot of the stamp sets Beth designed, but I cannot stand the cards she made using her own sets! They are truly horrible. Some of the cards she made with the willow stamp set (which is my least favorite PTI stamp set) were crooked, unevenly inked, and down right juvenile. If she can come up with some fresh designs for Gina K, then great. Just don't let her make any cards with her new stamp sets.
Speaking of Beate, I was watching her slider box tutorial from the SCS newsletter this week and it looked pretty cute. I've been saying her name wrong all along. I thought it was Betty but with a funky spelling. Be-AH-tuh. Dang, I was way off base.
Beate didn't have anything to do with the trouble with Beth's blog name. The one who took the same name and caused Beth to switch from freckledfun to freckledANDfun was Michelle Laycock.
But when I go to Beth's freckledANDfun.blogspot website it shows as her site as it was for a few seconds and then redirects to her new site. So it couldn't be that one that is now porn. Did she have another one with that name, and why in the world would she have allowed it to be taken over by a porn site?
I found the adult site with a Google search (at least the first page was pretty mild, just scantily-clad women) earlier this evening. The main way that a site will get taken over is if someone is a little bit late paying the renewal for their domain name. The blogspot address is still the "real" one that Beth started, but the purchased domain freckledANDfun(dot)com is not.
Don't read here much, and don't comment either, but have just done a 'major' read through posts, and the message coming through quite loud and clear is that PTI should really really guard where they get their card stock from - that seems to be one of the few things that keep people buying from PTI. If another company came up with good cardstock colors, and perhaps matching ribbon, PTI could be sunk by the sound of it.
I just saw WMS sun ray stamp and the first thing that came to me was HOW do all these stamp companies come up with the SAME themes at the SAME time if these designs were in the works months ago?! I don't get it... it's not like Company A came out with a sunburst stamp set X months ago, and now company B, C & D copied the idea and released their own version. At least, I don't think that's what happened. Maybe it did...
I am a stamp designer. I can design a stamp set in one day if I want. Sending the stamp designs to the manufacturer is one click away. Manu produces stamps, sends you samples. OK samples. Mass produce and ship. Product in hand. Does not take long at all.
If a company is smart, they will spot a trend and ride the wave. Total turnaround should be less than a month. From design concept to product. Of course you also want to plan ahead, but I am positive every company looks for trends and adjusts their release/design schedule to accommodate them.
So, Papertrey is lying when they say it takes MONTHS. Bullshit.
I am amazed when companies come out with nearly identical themes within weeks of each other. Makes me think there have to be some spies out there or something. Hexagons all over the place, sunbursts, etc.
The first sunburst stamp I remember seeing was by Practicing Creativity a year maybe 2 ago. It was individual rays, even the handy dandy starburst "guide". Nothing is original. All ideas are a derivative and/or compilation of past ideas. Ask any artist (who isnt completely full of themselves) and they will freely admit it.
6:37 is correct. I used to own a small stamp company. Clear stamps take a little more work than red rubber but you can still have a pretty fast turnaround. I'm sure PTI (and other companies that do regular, planned releases) have production time reserved with the manufacturer enabling them to turn on a dime when needed. My guess is that they do an annual overall plan but leave slots open for last-minute "trendy" designs.
Also, I know a little about clear stamp manufacturing costs. Typically, the more sheets you order, the more the cost drops and the more profit you make. PTI makes a boat load of cash on stamp sets. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
6:37, I could've written your post - except for the last part.
Yes - you CAN rush a design to stamps fairly quickly. BUT, I don't think it's the commonly chosen method. I wouldn't say it's bullshit that it takes months - I think usually it does take months. Especially if she has stamp designers submitting designs or sketches and she tweaks them or illustrates them. If she's doing it herself, she could absolutely pull something together more quickly. You're absolutely right - you see a trend and want to jump on, it only makes sense to push out your own version. And totally within reason to do it in a month.
It kind of cracks me up when Nichole & Co. (and I'd say stamp companies, but she's the only one I know who is like this) try to make us all buy into her stories as if none of us out here actually have any experience or firsthand knowledge. They aren't inventing the wheel at PTI but they act like they have a completely different scenario for everything than every other company. It's the only way they can try to cover up for every mistake with one excuse after another.
These are not new themes!!! You think you know what's going on in the world of stamps because of the handful of companies you're aware of or frequent. Amuse has had a sunray stamp for over a year. I've seen that at a bunch of companies. Isn't there an embossing folder that's been out for years like that? Bees have always been in and hexagons/honeycombs have always been a part of that.
Stamp companies will also look at trends in other areas - interior design, fabrics, etc. Just like Pantone setting color schemes. It's no coincidence you start seeing new SU colors in home linens and fabrics.
And as others have mentioned, some stamp companies wait to see it and jump on. Every business is going to try to offer what's popular - that only makes sense.
If you don't like trendy stuff - visit some of the more eclectic companies. There are many stamp companies with thousands of designs to choose from and they cover it all, not just what's "popular" in the mainstream.
8:21 - that makes complete sense when you see the huge quantities that PTI has of various sets. They do that for a reason - not to "be prepared" for massive orders. They do it to save money. Those stamps do not cost them nearly as much as smaller orders would. Their profit margin is increased. That's probably why they don't retire sets or have sales. Once their profit is made, I don't think they care if they sell those or not.
I absolutely agree that most stamp designers are not inventing anything new. Sunbursts, hexagons, quatrefoil motifs have been around since cavemen drew on rocks. My curiosity is peaked wondering how trends come around. Where did the current sunburst trend originate from? Home decor? Fashion? Advertising? All of the above? How does something old become 'new' again? Who decided that hexagons should be trendy again, LOL. That's what puzzles me...
8:54 This comment makes quite a bit of sense - have wondered why they don't sell of old inventory or (*gasp*) have a sale. Just one problem - they must run out of warehouse space one day !!!. Wonder if anyone goes around with a duster now and then to brush off the cobwebs.
8:51- just because "you" haven't seen it before, doesn't mean it's original. It's because I have "gotten out more", that I say this. Many great artists, performers, and writers agree, and there are plenty of quotes to be found by these artists to support that. Where they freely admit they started by emulating an idea or person and along the way it was transformed by their personal influence. It's at that point that it becomes original. But the initial idea or concept was not.
Do you think inspiration or pin boards are a new thing? They have been used for centuries.
If you are only following what is mainstream, you are missing a world of recycled "original" ideas.
So while you are entitled to your opinion, no, I am not jaded or sad. I fully embrace the concept that all ideas are recycled and think it is a good thing. Nothing would ever evolve otherwise.
"Where they freely admit they started by emulating an idea or person and along the way it was transformed by their personal influence. It's at that point that it becomes original. But the initial idea or concept was not."
This sounds much more reasonable than your initial statements. I guess if anything is created based on something seen in the real world, then you would consider that a starting point to the original end product. My point was that there are people who look at the same cloud or same geranium and DO make something entirely original from it. Something no one has done before. But, I also do think that some people come up with something completely out of their heads - OF COURSE, there has to be some influence from their own personal experience. No one creates in a vacuum.
I think we kind of agree, but I see that originality springing up a bit sooner in the process ;).
You are well-spoken and I appreciate your thoughts - would not have responded otherwise ;)
I have to add that I don't think I even explained myself very well - but I want to emphasize that we are not as far off from each other as I originally thought.
^^^ thank you. Considering this is a smack blog, my first post was more concise. ;) Guess it's OK to get a little deeper every now and then, even here.
I agree that their is a circle of life and we see trends and things circle back. But marketing is what catches my eye or even other stampers and how they use the design. so its key for a stamp company to have a good DT with new inventive ideas!
Well I am someone who just has to leave a comment. I've been lurking in the smack blogs for a few weeks now and just getting an overall feel on how everyone here has felt about PTI and esp NH.
Sadly I'm taking the cowards way out and posting anonymously but as someone who has had friends on the "inside" and KNOWN how "certain" ppl on the inner workings of PTI think and work - the comment at 09:18 pretty much hit the nail on the head.
The three stooges do NOT care about their customers, their design team, or anything but themselves and the $$ they're raking in (and it's a LOT of $$. Even knowing ppl on the inside it was hard to get a grasp on the actual amount ppl were making - but I can tell you that the 3 have made a LOT of money since day 1).
They pay their stamp designers piddly percentages (another reason why GinaK is snapping them up - she pays more) but promise them it's worth it b/c their sales volume is so large it overshadows the fact that PTI makes the most $$.
NH is a stone-cold bi**h. She will rip someone's throat out if they so much as attempt to undermine her - she has become so full of herself that NO ONE can match her "greatness". I have personally read e-mails from her (sent to nameless "friends" ;)) and you wouldn't believe the BS she can spew. And the "threats".....don't get me started on being "threatened" by NH. It's ridiculous.
She HAS outright called customers stupid (in "private" of course) and she used to be a lot more professional and kind in her dealings but has now become so full of herself you all can see that she's slipping and can't hide her contempt for all the "poens" purchasing from PTI.
Take a look at the property they bought and the house she built. That was all PTI $$ - the 3 stooges have made themselves rich off of it. The stamp designers have made some good coin too - which is even more telling when they've left PTI. To walk away from that kind of money says something.
I could say more but I won't. I needed to get some of it off my chest and be done with it. PTI has created an amazing lineup of products but there is no way in hell I'd ever order from them again.
What designers get or don't get depends on what they agreed to in a contract. And it's not necessarily the same from one designer to the next.
Of course no one knows if the person posting as an "insider" really has inside information or not. But I do believe the characterization of NH is true.
That is the first "insider" post that I believe is really an insider. A couple of things made it clear that this is a person who knows what is really going on, imo.
I do find it telling that Nichole and Michelle were like BFF's for a period and when Michelle left, there was no gushing. Hell hath no fury and all that.
Someone is selling the Happy Hexagons $5 stamp set and $16 coverplate (or is it $18?) on ebay and the bids have it up to $37 without shipping included!
I used the word "telling" and that was used by the next poster.... just wondering what the "insider" said that convinced the one person that it really was an insider.
I would love to hear more from 13:19. I used to be such a huge fan, I lived and breathed pti, hardly bought from anyone else and couldn't wait until the next release. It was a dream of mine to be on the team. I am happy to say I cashed in my points (I only did this because it is my money that got me those points and I didn't want them sitting aside to go into their pockets) in Feb and haven't ordered since and haven't been tempted either. I'm so happy to see Becky and Beth with Gina, and really hoping she picks up Lisa too. I don't like to wish bad on people but I'd really like to know if sales are seriously hurting and I am hoping they are. I don't think they are hurting enough yet, tones haven't changed, they seem to have gotten worse. They seem to forget it is the customer that made them that money.
@ 14:24 you're right it depends on the individual contract - which I'm sure varied from designer to designer (b/c it's pretty obvious NH plays favourites).
NH makes it all sound amazing - ppl would KILL to be on the DT (which is still true - there are so many ppl out there that still think PTI does nothing wrong) - but the way she treats her team and staff is sickening.
One wrong step and you're out - literally (and whether ppl believe if I'm an "insider" or not - to those that do believe - trust me). I have no idea how it affects their contracts. I would assume that they still get a payment but my "insider" status ended before I could find out any more info (lost friendships and all that stuff).
I never found out exactly how much people made (one it wasn't my business and two it was so much that the ppl involved wouldn't give me exact numbers - friends not discussing $$ etc etc) - but from piecing together a few things I figured out it was a LOT.
Which reminds me - the previous comments about a company doing similar card stock possibly toppling PTI? Yeah that's a def. possibility. Their CS sales (esp white) are HUGE.
I do give them credit on their product quality and variety. But like a previous person stated NH makes it sound like they do something "special" and "different" from everyone else. She's EXTREMELY tight-fisted when it comes to her suppliers and doesn't want to share (and she treats them like shit too - someone went into business for themselves, ended up dealing with a supplier who also supplies PTI - they had some choice words on what it was like to deal with her).
Her and GinaK used to be good friends (remember the cruise? It was her, GinaK and Em from Stamping Bella)- then GinaK released her own version of white CS. NH went nuts b/c how dare GinaK step on PTI's toes? I'm not kidding that's what ended their "friendship". All on NH's head - Gina is pretty cool and I know she did nothing wrong. I also think she was starting to see just what kind of person NH really is. I heard second-hand about the rant NH went on over the CS (literally a RANT - b/c obviously PTI can be the only ones with quality white cs!!) and it was pathetic - really that was part of the turning point into the monster PTI has become.
LOL I said I would't share more but I guess once you start you can't stop.........that and the fact that the majority of the ppl who have stepped back have kept their mouths shut (mostly b/c I assume they ARE still getting paid so I can't blame them).
I AM shocked that Michelle left the team - her and NH were pretty tight. But again NH pays favourites and Dawn is so far up NH's @$$ that I'm sure the rest of the team have a time dealing with it..........
I know just what you mean - it's so out of our normal character, most likely, to wish ill on others, but I hope their sales are hurting too. Something needs to take them down a notch.
Anyone figure out the path for the new mini from SU? I know you can usually just monkey around with the old ones and figure it out but I haven't gotten it yet.
@15:23 - it's not worth it being on the team. I was told enough hair-raising stories that made it sound like HELL.
NH would literally CALL a DT members house if a group post didn't go live EXACTLY on the minute everyone else's were supposed to go up (and I'm talking about calling at like 3am) and reaming them out for potentially "ruining" PTI's sales and "image" b/c of the late post. Seriously. And it happened a LOT.
Not to mention the constant threats that a DT member could be replaced in a heartbeat (which was true - so many ppl would jump on that team in a second. What is worse is that she literally HAS ppl waiting in the wings for just the occasion - you notice that EVERY time she posts a "farewell" to someone she has another person to step into their place? And I bet it kills her to say anything nice about the one's leaving b/c *several* of the them leaving left on not-so-good terms).
She runs that team like Hitler - and then there's Dawn trying to be all "cheerful" and "sunny" and gag me!!
LOL it sounds like I've got a real hate on for PTI. Sadly it's more like I've had YEARS of stewing and heard WAY too many stories of how people have been treated and customers being disdained and watching people just throw money at them that I can't take it anymore.
Hi again insider :) . Happy to see that some of my speculations here are being verified.
Some people are probably not speaking out because there may have been language in their contract that restricts them divulging inside information even after they stop working from them. If you agree to that, there could be legal action and who wants to deal with that? But if they are still collecting royalties then that makes even more sense to be quiet.
I've always heard that their stamp supplier is Stewart Superior. I would not expect any manufacturer to gossip about any client - that makes your story sound a little weaker. just sayin' ;)
Not surprised she was so petty over someone else having good cardstock. I also would be surprised if the manufacturer of their cardstock has an exclusive arrangement. That's really hard to imagine. I will guess right now that within the next year someone else will have a comparable cardstock. Gina K's only downfall on that is that her colors are not great.
@15:35 you are right about a supplier gossiping about a client being a big no-no - but it did happen. It wasn't so much as gossip as it was an offhand comment about the differences between supplying one company to another ;) And the "new" company asked outright LOL (they were in a mood to be bitchy I'm thinking - and the supplier must have been too ;) ;))
That and the fact that I am sure NH makes the suppliers lives a living hell. Just knowing how she treats her team and everyone "beneath" her - she's like that with the suppliers too. PTI is a big company - they do large volume in sales (which she loves to brag about - esp when she's publicly running down Ted ;)) - so her suppliers are supposed to step up and do everything right.
She always has someone to "blame" issues on - and it's usually the suppliers fault if ribbon doesn't show up on time, stamps are wonky etc etc. But that all boils down to one thing - GREED.
People have been saying for MONTHS now that PTI needs to take a step back and deal with their issues and stop releasing such massive amounts of product every month. But yet they continue with the ridiculous amounts of stamps and products and "must-haves" (even thought more and more the "must-haves" are all-of-a-sudden "backorderd" for WEEKS before they're even released).
It's too obvious for me to point out what's important to the 3 stooges - not the customer. Their money of course - but not them as satisfied and happy customers - of course not.
I find it interesting and funny for NH to rant about DT posts not going live at the right time. Lately it's been her posts that are not on time. Maybe she was too busy making those late night calls. LOL
I wonder why NH doesn't get a hold of Rick? After his post the other day I bet she would be furious. I would so like post a link on the forum...I can't believe the way he acted YUCK!!
I'm not seeing any new specific info this "insider" said that we haven't already heard people say before. What has she said that is so convincing? And to me the 3am call business doesn't sound right. No scheduled posts go up at 3am. They used to go up at midnight Eastern, and now there are posts at 7am Eastern, which would be 4am Pacific, but that's not what she said, is it?
I don't think NH would be mad at Rick - if you think he was rude and inappropriate to customers, she's probably just wishing she could be the same way in public.
Rick not only used the name "Donna" when referring to a zendesk ticket, but incorrectly read said ticket and quoted misinformation as if it were fact. He also blamed the website people for not having a certain functionality built in making it difficult to refund Donna's money or points.
I bet that Nicole is unimpressed.
I am surprised that Melissa B is still around after her new release blog post accidentally linked to her PTI stamp sale page.
If Nicole et al are always victims, if they are losing sales they will just blame it on the bullies that are trying to take them down.
So if stamp designers at PTI are making lots of money, what about the straight up card designers like Betsy? She could work with any company in the industry so I wonder why she stays?
Hero Arts should be wooing her. They need some fresh designers.
If Gina K can get great white cardstock, why can't her supplier dye it with Pantone dies? I know nothing about making paper and I don't know if that is even possible. Just wondering what keeps anyone with great "plain" cs from developing great colored CS?
I am wondering if all past DT were treated as such? Ellen Hutson and Taylor VanBruggen (sp?) came to my mind. I love PTI paper and their designs and continue to hope that Nichole, Julie and Jane *read* here and change. It will be such a terrible waste if PTI goes down in flames.
I think those mentioned that start their own companies learn what not to do, because every one of them who was associated with Nichole (Ellen, Taylor, Lauren, etc) and even Gina, seemed to have done almost the opposite and it has served them well.
There is no way in hell NH reads this blog. She is too arrogant and full of herself to read anything that could possibly say a negative word about her or her company.
The same goes for J & J. The three of them walk around with blinders on, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
Which is why they can continue to do business the way they do. Deny, deny, deny.
Whoo, I have a lot of posts to catch up on. I wanted to respond to what 13:19 was saying about how much money PTI has made. I honestly wouldn't care if the business makes them filthy stinkin' rich, if they were nice enough people to deserve the money we customers have thrown their way. If you have a terrific product and it can make you lots of money, then more power to you! The reason I have soured on PTI and become disgusted with them is the rude attitude and crappy business operations. That is why I no longer want to contribute my money to line their pockets.
I need Betsy to leave because it would be much easier to not buy if I didn't have to see all of her clever PTI projects! crossing my fingers she gets a better offer!
Holy cow about Betsy, I know, right? Every time I see her projects I am reminded what a gold mine they have in her. She is so fabulous, she and Melissa Phillips (my other favorite) are the only ones left who can tempt me to want to buy from PTI anymore. I hope they realize what an asset she is to their team and treat her accordingly. I hope, I hope, I hope, especially after everything said here today. Although, I would not be the least bit sad to see her leave PTI and go design for someone more deserving of her.
I used to not understand the thing about Betsy. Her stuff did nothing for me. I didn't even look at her blog that much because I just didn't like what I saw when I did go there.
But with you guys always going on about her, I really took some time and kept visiting her blog, and I get it now. Really, maybe it was just for awhile that I didn't care for what she was doing but you all are right - very talented.
I don't generally give as much OOhs and Aahs as so many others do to card designers. But I do enjoy her work and I love Debbie Olson.
I love love Betsy's and Melissa's work. Debbie Olson's barely there (designing) now so I haven't been a regular visitor to her blog. Betsy's replaced her on the top of my blog list. I still love PTI, too bad about the 3 lady-bosses though.
199 comments:
first!
Thank you PTI Smack III!!
And I'm carrying this over from the last post:
"Everything at PTI has a backstory of stupid."
I really like that.
From the last thread - yes it is funny that an order that was already marked shipped was able to be stopped!
thanks for the heads up that a new post was up.
i love how my latest order (i haven't bought anything all year so bite me with the anti-ordering smack) says 'fully shipped' in the PTI website but USPS says it isn't even actually at their facility yet.
It's like PTI's default is set to "LIE".
To 10:30 who posted this on the last thread: @8:13 Oh I get it. It's OK for Donna to order but someone here slammed Chris S. for ordering. Hmmmmm.
Do you understand the concept of an anonymous smack blog? That the anonymous who smacked Chris may or may not be the same anonymous who smacked Donna. And they may or may not agree with the other eleventy-three anonymouses who post here?
Rick Geymonat said...
Unfortunately the company that created the website didn't build that "feature" into the admin interface, along with a host of other "features". Because they are fuctards. Hence the move to the new system in July.
=======================
So this is the 6th "new" website PTI has rolled out?
Why don't the tight wad three stooges actually pony up some money for a real website??? Those bitches are so tight they squeak when they walk!
I do find it very ironic, these "smart business women" are getting fucked over by their web developer! Karma's a bitch, huh!
Forgot to add:
The timing of the new website is perfect! The release in July and SAF orders are going to be a joy!
Donna don't feel bad at all
I'm Canadian, was ordering 200-300 per month.
Once my wishlist was caught up it was still worth it for the shipping discount to keep my orders around 200 ( I'm stocked up in cardstock and envelopes for life!! )
Went to CHA and SAF
I'm speaking with my wallet to but that doesn't mean I'm not ordering again
I ordered in February. Still haven't gotten the corrected Simply You stamp but I don't have the energy to go after it
I'll be ordering again at SAF day. I think 300 a year VS 300 a month is absolutely talking with my wallet.
10:30 from last post, you're an idiot.
(8:13 here.) I focused my post on the Donna C. critics because they were the most vocal and some people made allegations that Donna C. had at one point vowed to never order. (She denied making that statement and I haven't found/read anything that contradicts her.)
Of course what I wrote also applies to any folks who are criticizing Chris for ordering too. My actions are governed by principles-- they are the same regardless of the person at issue.
Don't know about you . . .
^^ I want to add to my post above (10:59).
10:30 ended her post with "Hmmmmm." What were you implying? That I was Donna C?
If so, 10:30, you really are an idiot! Go back to the forum, unicorn!
1040 must you always treat people like they are stupid? Phrases like do you understand and I cant believe I have to explain are annoying
People are just as entitled to thoughts and opinions as you are
11:25 Perhaps a smack blog isn't a good environment for your delicate constitution
@10:40
I most certainly understand, thank you.
Donna outed herself. Since she hadn't been using her name here, I assumed it was a different Donna until I saw her posts.
She (and Chris and anyone else) has every right to order. As they said, PTI is still taking a hit.
PTI should credit the PayPal $3 immediately and figure out how to deduct the points later.
I don't blame Rick for being frustrated that the system doesn't let them do that easily now.
11:54 (and others saying 'Donna outed herself'). I am rarely here and knew which Donna he was talking about right off the bat. So he left off the 'C', I still knew it. Let's not blame the victim/customer like PTI already makes a habit of doing...
Hey, Donna. Why don't you let them give you back your damn $3 however is the easiest way?? Does it really matter how they give it to you, paypal, PTIBUX, etc.,?? What is this refund for?
Rick said Donna wanted it as PTIBUX and that is supposedly why tech support was needed and Donna has had to wait way too long for her $3. That was not the case Donna asked for it in her PayPal account - which should have been a 10-second-fix. PTI probably wanted to give it to her in PTIBUX so she could never redeem it/get her money back. We all know how easy those are to use 99% of the time...
No, PTI did NOT want to give it in reward points. Adjusting reward points is what the problem is.
I don't know why they don't give her the $3 in PayPal and figure out how to DEDUCT from her reward points later. Or just let her keep the reward points!!
That's what they should do. Credit her $3 in PayPal and let her keep the 3 reward points.
"No, PTI did NOT want to give it in reward points. Adjusting reward points is what the problem is."
But then why when she asked for it in her PayPal account was she told she had to wait for tech support to fix it and give it to her as reward points? To me it seems THEY did want her to have reward points instead.. even if they couldn't figure out how to do that themselves.
Maybe this will be their new strategy. Figure out how to give PTIBUX instead of refunds; which nobody will ever be able to use them successfully and (once again) PTI comes out the financial victor. Because from last thread we see that is their goal overall - not be bullied into cooperating and giving good CS.
Agree with 12:09 - let her have both.. for the huge hassle.
Nichole is probably wondering which DT member is ratting her out...lmao.
The fact that the design team works for these assholes, IS a reflection upon them. It shows what thier integrity is made of.
So Becky Oehler and Beth Silaika (sorry if the spellings are incorrect) are now illustrators/designers for Gina K? Interesting. I really liked it when Becky was on the PTI design team. I'll definitely check out the July release for Gina K.
"But then why when she asked for it in her PayPal account was she told she had to wait for tech support to fix it and give it to her as reward points? To me it seems THEY did want her to have reward points instead.. even if they couldn't figure out how to do that themselves."
---------
My understanding was that Julie did not want to credit the PayPal until she was able to deduct the rewards points. I could be wrong.
The fact that the design team works for these assholes, IS a reflection upon them. It shows what thier integrity is made of.
===================
I have often wondered about this too! If I started out working for PTI and soon found out later how they operate, I would have left. I could not have conscientiously kept going for this slime ball of a company!
My understanding was that Julie did not want to credit the PayPal until she was able to deduct the rewards points. I could be wrong.
============================
This is just ridiculous. The website that doesn't work correctly is PTI's fault, not the customer's. They need to refund the $3, and if they can't figure out a way to deduct the reward points, it's their own problem.
Does anyone out there have ANY hope that the "new system in July" is going to work any better?
Poor Donna, she just wants her $3.
Makes me wonder how many of the hardcore Smackers here, the ones who use their names and aren't afraid of saying it like it is on the PTI forums are still ordering.
Wish we could get a poll where people would answer honestly.
I'm a pretty "hardcore" smacker and freely admit I'll be ordering on SAF day. The timing is definitely to get a free set with my purchase in addition to the stamps I've wanted.
I post anon because I don't need any additional PM's from unicorns.
I slowed way down on ordering from PTI about a year ago. I was a $1,200 per year purchaser (may not be a lot to some) and I've only spent $200 in the last year.
Like 14:16, I've been outspoken against PTI and haven't ordered in awhile. Right now of the things I like I still wouldn't have enough for free shipping.
I would say I used to be a $1200 per year shopper, too. I haven't ordered in months.
But if I do, I still won't promote their products, attribute them on my blogs or in any other way endorse them publicly. And if I have problems with my order, I don't think it's unreasonable to tell others about that. I don't think I should *expect* to have problems. But I do know the company history so by ordering I'm taking some chances.
So far, when I think about ordering, besides not having free shipping, I see these incidents of absolutely awful CS and just can't bring myself to line their pockets.
No, Donna did not out herself morons. Whether or not you knew he was referring to the Donna that posts here under her name is irrelevant. He should have never mentioned a customer name in the first place, and obviously was referring to the ONLY Donna who ever posts her under her own name. Such stupid drivel is posted here sometimes. Fucking go away unis!
AND, as if that was not bad enough, he then goes on to compound the stupid by outright admitting what some of us have known well enough for years: he could not read, comprehend and process a simple three line email message. LOL LOL
I know there has been some buzz about Avery Elle. At someone's suggestion, I placed an order. They shipped lightening fast, arrived in 2 days packaged beautifully, and stamp crisp and even. Hoping for more from Avery Elle. Anyone know if more is to come?
Is it just me or does it seem like people (or one person) are REALLY trying to talk up Avery Belle???
Avery Elle doesn't have enough variety to wow me yet. I know a few paper sources have been mentioned and I 'fess up to being too lazy to go back to find them. Where, oh where can I get a variety of paper colors that are of PTI quality without the side of bitchiness?
PS. I also 'fess up to being too cheap to pay for hefty shipping fees. If I remember right, there was an etsy (?) seller that had nice paper with steep shipping.
I agree. Avery Elle has huge potential, but are way too newborn to get excited about at the moment. I've bookmarked them and will check back every once in a while.
I got my hopes up about the Etsy seller that had the heavy cardstock like PTI's too, but quickly dumped my cart after seeing the shipping costs.
So far, no one has been able to come close to PTI's cardstock prices.
It might be easier to find alternative sources for cardstock like PTI's if only someone could identify the manufacturer! Other cardstocks from different stores have been identified, but PTI's seems to be a very closely guarded secret!
I'd I didn't have a crapload of PTI cardstock (like backups of backups!) I'd be all over Avery Elle too
I'm sure it's more than just one person.
I still buy certain things from PTI that I cannot get anywhere else until I find a new source. I actually like Gina K's white cardstock better than PTI, so that problem is solved. Unfortunately I have not found colored cardstock that compares. I buy Impress ink pads, so that is covered. That leaves certain stamps, and dies, and pattern paper packs IF I cannot find something else I like better. This has cut my purchases by 80%, I will do an almost all card stock order for SAF to get the free set. And I will use up my reward points rather than let them go. Everything else? No promises either way, but I understand fully that I am playing the lottery with PTI.
I'm also another one who will still buy from PTI and planning on a SAF order (if the NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW website works?).
I've cut way back.....I used to order over $100 each month. I've only ordered once over that last 6 or 7 months (I also ordered in Feb. but only used my points so didn't spend any money).
Surely, that's got to hurt them - if people are spending 70% - 80% less!
I am really going to miss Beth Silaika. I thought her cards were beautiful!
To the insider that stated Beth was already with another company it's just was waiting to be announced....
Please tell us how Nichole felt about it....
Why all this talk about a new website?? I wouldn't hold your breath.
How does the weather affect my stamping, Dawn?
Well, on a sunny day I use more glitter so I can see it sparkle. On a rainy day, I lay my papers out in the rain to soften them so they will dry emboss better. When it snows, I punch everything twice because it insures that the snowmen are all happy, and when it is windy, I glue everything, and I do mean everything down.
Oh, yes and when there is a thunderstorm I won't touch my dies so I don't get hit buy lightening.
Sorry, that is "by".
LOL
So now what do I do if I have a cs problem? Sure won't post to zendesk since you just never know if he'll air it in public.
That is true. If they cannot be trusted to protect your privacy you risk by posting anything on zendesk.
Rick sure got out of Dodge the minute he had egg on his face.
@ 16:12. I mentioned Avery Elle in my post today, and have not posted about them before. Just thought I'd post my thoughts here since this is where I first heard of AE.
@17:28.... good God, I pray that is sarcasm!
Donna - I'm just catching up with the blog... I completely understand why you were posting anon. Sometimes is just not worth it to use your name because some people feel like they need to attack you.
I admit to using "Good bye PTI" as a thread name, but anyone that read the thread would know that I was NOT saying that I was leaving and never coming back or buying... yet, I have been accused of that many times.
I think that some people believe that once you complain about PTI it means that you will never buy from them again. I don't understand their thinking!
Sadly, I am not surprised that PTI is fighting you so hard over $3. Every week they screw up in some other way, and it is never their fault! I can't imagine going through life always thinking that everyone is out to get me in one way or another, but somehow being a PTI owner must do that to you.
I hope your issue is resolved soon!
16:12, it's just you. Someone made a recommendation about Avery Belle a couple days ago and plenty of people followed, some liked what they saw and ordered.
I did the same after someone mentioned LilyBelle paperie. Haven't received my order because I purchased paper and ribbon, and they are waiting on some of the ribbon from the manufacturer.
Why is it so hard for you to believe that people can find alternatives to PTI that they actually like?
18:25, you are hysterical! Made my evening. Thanks!
I am just reading through all the posts that say they have cut their spending waaaaay back.
Surely this must be hurting PTI.
Also wondering if the newbies spending is compensating for the above loss of revenue.
Would love to be a fly on the wall on one of PTI 'in depth' (sarcasm) meetings.
21:11, I was/am a newbie. Discovered PTI late February. Purchased a lot of new and old sets, plenty of dies and full ink line (plus reinkers). Realized there were plenty of other fish in the sea and started spreading the wealth. LOL. Also, heard about their CS issues. Totally turned me off. Cut back on spending (much to my husband's delight). And last order I placed was in April. Have no plans to place an order, not even for the (blah) free set.
From for sale forum:
$20 for the sets that are originally $24
$11 for the sets that are originally $15
and the dies I want full price
The price you are paying will include shipping!
***********
^^
OK, I know $20 is the going rate. (God knows I've paid it.) But $11 for the $15 set and full price for the dies. GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, LADY! I was even more turned off when I saw here avatar.
18:17, take a look at Rick's post from the last thread and you'll see where he alludes to a new website in/after July.
I don't think 16:12 meant that people can't find alternatives to PTI's cardstock, just that it was possibly the same person posting over and over again for publicity. Who knows when everyone is posting anon?
^^ Yeah, that's what I took it to mean as well. That's what the post essentially said too ...
Someone else is selling sets $15 sets for $10 plus $2 for shipping ... I realize they are coming from Japan but that's not much of a discount for me to buy them ... :(
I definitely think one person keeps posting over and over about Avery Elle. Maybe a few people have taken the bait, but the majority of posts are by one person.
$11 for a $15 set is a better deal than $20 for a $24 set. (21:17 implied otherwise.)
Sorry 00:00, but that probably isn't the case. I'm the original Avery Elle poster, and this is the first I've posted about it since. I haven't ordered yet, but planned to based on the feedback here.
Not everything's a conspiracy ...
As for the "new" website I wouldn't believe a word that drips out of Rick the Dick's mouth.
Does anyone know of another company (digital, clear or rubber) that does sentiment stamps like PTI's 'We Go Together'?
http://www.papertreyink.com/Item.aspx?ID=2538
I love the style, just not the cheesy sentiments themselves.
00:03, of course $11 for a $15 set is a "better deal," percentage off list-price-wise. I wasn't saying otherwise. But folks aren't selling $24 sets for less than $20. And the "going rate" for $15 sets is $10.
The fac that the forum seller was asking for more than "going" rate for the $15 sets and "demanded" full price for her dies is laughable. She didn't even say what condition those suckers are in.
02:07, agree. I always follow up on recommendations made by people here and I use my judgment on whether to buy.
Even if someone keep posting and trying to promote a product, I'd do the same. Some people have to find issue in/with everything, ya know? :P
What if Gina bought PTI. As an addition? I for one would be thrilled
Some $24 sets go for $18 ... it just depends on the seller and the market.
You have to remember that when selling used sets, some are FAR more desirable than others. I posted a set about 6 months ago and had 31 offers in the first day. I have posted other sets, same size and same price and no one wanted them. I don't think you can call a "going" price because of the size or original cost of the set.
I agree - some sets are more in demand than others. But to only have 1 or 2 dollars off as discount for a used set seems a bit ludicrous.
In person, I'd sell a $24 set for $20, $15 set for $12.... but if shipping is involved, I'd sell the set for less. $18 and $10, I think.
But I agree - it depends on the set. Also, if someone buys more than one (usu. at least 3), I will discount them.
And if I'm just sick of trying to sell them I'd use the lower prices too ;)
I agree 8:36. To only save a tiny bit isn't worth risking someone you have no recourse with and also there are the reward points you forgo.
My personal opinion about PTI is that the Three Stooges will NEVER change their attitudes. They believe they are the top shit when it comes to clear stamps & dies. And you know what, right now they are.
I don't think they would ever sell either. It honestly think they'd run the company into the ground rather than sell.
These are arrogant, ignorant business women who refuse to change. I believe that poster who is friends with a DT member. I believe the Three Stooges think their customers are privileged to just be ordering from them. They do not see their actions as biting the had that feeds them.
The only way to humble them is to stop spending money with them. I'm not talking cold turkey but like the other posters said of gradually spending less and less over time.
Gina K seems like a very perceptive person so I'm willing to bet she is going clear, making dies or silhouette files and getting good designers on her team to little by little take PTI's customers away.
There will always be unicorns who sink with the ship but I think the majority of cutovers will move on to Gina K, MFT, Avery Elle, etc.
We all need to realize that Nichole, Julie and Jane will NEVER change.
I think you're absolutely right 09:18!
Regarding the Avery Elle, I also think it is one or 2 people.
I took the bait and checked it out. There were only 9 colors of cardstock (and I already have packs and packs of those colors) and 4 stamp sets. I agree with the other posters, I will wait for more cardstock colors and then come back to buy.
Also, can somebody tell us what kind of quality the stamps are. Are they the PTI/Verve quality, or are they the Basic Grey/Kaisercraft quality?
curious 9:51 - basic grey/kaisercraft quality? Are you talking basic grey before they co-branded with Hero Arts?
I like living on the edge so I did place and order this last release because sun, moon, stars are my thing. I got it in about 10 days and everything was fine. Unless something knocks my socks off I wont be ordering again because I dont believe in feeding the
beast(s)
I have been waiting since April for Wplus9 to restock their flora and fauna stampset. Is this a usual thing for them? I have never ordered from them, but it sure has taken a long time and it still isn't restocked.
I don't think Gina K is purposely trying to lure customers away from PTI. I *do* think she sees their customers leaving and is savvy enough to provide another place for them to shop.
Gina K has a good business foundation. If she builds it they will come mentality.
@10:03 - I was waiting for the Woodgrain Silhouettes to be restocked and it's been ages. Granted, I gave up checking and it could be in, BUT I stalked the website for almost a month. When mid-May arrived and I couldn't get it for father's day cards I lost interest. Yet other sets were restocked in that same period so I have no clue how they're doing things over there.
@10:03 and 10:26
let the smacking begin.
Who gives a flying fuck if Gina K is trying to purposely customers from PTI? Isn't that what companies do all the time?
9:54 (1), yes I must mean before the Hero Arts co-branding. I didn't even know they did that -I'm glad they did, cause their stamps where Studio G quality before!
Maybe, just maybe, Chris and Donna gave the impression they weren't buying from PTI when they each posted to their blogs the meme saying, "Keep calm and stop shopping PTI"
Ahh, America: where what you do behind closed doors "doesn't count".
Why wouldn't Gina K or any other company "go for" some of PTI's customers? I agree with 11:11. There are only a finite amount of crafting customers. All companies try to reach as many as they can! If you don't, you dwindle and close up shop.
Gina K has the customer service down, spot on. Now she needs to look at what PTI does/did right and do those things too.
@11:21
Her customer service may be good but her stamps are ugly. And,BTW, I've always gotten good customer service at PTI.
@ 11:32, you are either extremely lucky or have really low standards for customer service...maybe you should go play the lottery
Just spent a chunk of time looking at Gina K's offerings -- there are maybe a handful of stamps I could see myself buying, but truly some of them are meh -- I can live without. Hoping Becky and Beth can infuse some more exciting designs into the mix. Cause I would much rather spend my $$ at GK.
Good for you 11:32
That must mean there is no problem at PTI. And we are all crazy.
I think Gina realizes her stamps are not for everyone
And I think she lost a great stamp designer in Nina B
So I think diversifying her stamp designers and going clear are a great move
I also LOVE that she will be offering cut files instead of dies. I gave SOO many dies taking up space!!
11:32 -- So what will you do when your order takes 3 weeks to get to you, AND your order is WRONG, AND you're required to send BACK the die or stamp or ink THEY mis picked in the first place, before they will send you the RIGHT item? AND this takes another three MONTHS to get cleared up????? Sheeeeesh!
"Good for you 11:32
That must mean there is no problem at PTI. And we are all crazy."
------
11:42, 11:32 didn't say that at all. She just mentioned she hasn't had a problem. She didn't say no one had. In four years of ordering, my one issue (missing stamp) was handled quickly and easily, so I would say I've had good customer service. But I believe others have had issues.
If anyone is looking for a good deal on dies go to Chic and Savvy crafters. All their dies (including memory box) ship free! And they are also a little bit cheaper than other places. I ordered mine on Wednesday and got them today ;)
Here is the link...
chicandsavvycrafters.com
I also forgot to mention that their clear stamps also ship free whitin the US :)
I don't get why everyone thinks Beth Silaika is such a great move for Gina K? Everything I've seen from her sucks and I'm not impressed with Gina K to begin with. I have even less incentive to shop there now.
Oh I've got lots of dies from Chic and Savvy!
Great shipping time too..and free to Canada!!
My $3 has been refunded.
@12:26.... preach it, sister! Beth's stuff, both stamps and card designs are horrible, and Gina may be a really super nice business owner, but the stamps there are ALL ho-hum.
Where is Beth's blog?
Yay, Donna! Thanks for letting us know. Sorry that PTI made you go through so much to get it.
I agree, I have NEVER been a fan of Beth. Her work is mediocre at BEST. There have been a couple issues with her past blogs. The first had to do with Beate Johns (not sure what it was) and the second thing is her blog turned into a porn site??
Here is her new blog. Not much there yet.
http://silaika.blogspot.com/
I have Beth's Trees With Trimmings set and really like it. The others she designed? Not so much. Who knows? Perhaps a different company will inspire her in a different way.
I thought one of Beth's competitors in the website design business used the same website name as hers except with .net instead of .com or something, to poach her customers away from her, so she changed to a different url. From "freckledfun" to "freckledANDfun" I think? Since her old blog is no longer available (it automatically redirects to her new url and she hasn't linked any of her old archives) I can't go back and check but I do remember reading something like that when she first made the switch. I don't remember reading ANYTHING about Beate having anything to do with that.
Beate's blog is Fresh and Fun.
I'm 14:50. Yes, I think I remember there being some confusion with Beth's blog title and Beate's. I think Beate and her fans got rilled up about it. That's why the AND in Freckled AND Fun became capitalized.
15:13, I sure hope you are right. I really want to like Gina K's stamps.
I like a lot of the stamp sets Beth designed, but I cannot stand the cards she made using her own sets! They are truly horrible. Some of the cards she made with the willow stamp set (which is my least favorite PTI stamp set) were crooked, unevenly inked, and down right juvenile. If she can come up with some fresh designs for Gina K, then great. Just don't let her make any cards with her new stamp sets.
Speaking of Beate, I was watching her slider box tutorial from the SCS newsletter this week and it looked pretty cute. I've been saying her name wrong all along. I thought it was Betty but with a funky spelling. Be-AH-tuh. Dang, I was way off base.
Someone posted on the PTI forum about Becky O and Beth going to GKD. Feel the burn from NH. Feel the burn.
I thought that it was pronounced Beet.
Beate rhymes with Miatta.
What does SAF stand for??
Beate didn't have anything to do with the trouble with Beth's blog name. The one who took the same name and caused Beth to switch from freckledfun to freckledANDfun was Michelle Laycock.
So was it Michelle Laycock's freckledfun website that is now a porn site? I'm not about to go searching for that.
No, I think it was the freckledANDfun that got taken over by porn, which is why Beth moved her blog yet again.
SAF = Stamp-A-Faire
But when I go to Beth's freckledANDfun.blogspot website it shows as her site as it was for a few seconds and then redirects to her new site. So it couldn't be that one that is now porn. Did she have another one with that name, and why in the world would she have allowed it to be taken over by a porn site?
I found the adult site with a Google search (at least the first page was pretty mild, just scantily-clad women) earlier this evening. The main way that a site will get taken over is if someone is a little bit late paying the renewal for their domain name. The blogspot address is still the "real" one that Beth started, but the purchased domain freckledANDfun(dot)com is not.
Don't read here much, and don't comment either, but have just done a 'major' read through posts, and the message coming through quite loud and clear is that PTI should really really guard where they get their card stock from - that seems to be one of the few things that keep people buying from PTI.
If another company came up with good cardstock colors, and perhaps matching ribbon, PTI could be sunk by the sound of it.
Has anyone tried the new Bazzill smooth heavy weight cardstock?
Lots of nice colors by the look of it.
Oh, I know, PTI's cardstock is one of the things that still tempts me to buy. I am a color whore that way. lol
PTI cardstock for me until I find something better in all aspects.
Regarding Beth and her website; you would have thought she would have learned the first time. Dumb ass! REGISTER YOUR DOMAIN.
I know, right? Maybe she didn't want to keep it that badly.
WMS has a sneak peek at a sun ray stamp set in case anyone is interested.
I just saw WMS sun ray stamp and the first thing that came to me was HOW do all these stamp companies come up with the SAME themes at the SAME time if these designs were in the works months ago?!
I don't get it... it's not like Company A came out with a sunburst stamp set X months ago, and now company B, C & D copied the idea and released their own version.
At least, I don't think that's what happened. Maybe it did...
I am a stamp designer. I can design a stamp set in one day if I want. Sending the stamp designs to the manufacturer is one click away. Manu produces stamps, sends you samples. OK samples. Mass produce and ship. Product in hand. Does not take long at all.
If a company is smart, they will spot a trend and ride the wave. Total turnaround should be less than a month. From design concept to product. Of course you also want to plan ahead, but I am positive every company looks for trends and adjusts their release/design schedule to accommodate them.
So, Papertrey is lying when they say it takes MONTHS. Bullshit.
I am amazed when companies come out with nearly identical themes within weeks of each other. Makes me think there have to be some spies out there or something. Hexagons all over the place, sunbursts, etc.
The first sunburst stamp I remember seeing was by Practicing Creativity a year maybe 2 ago. It was individual rays, even the handy dandy starburst "guide". Nothing is original. All ideas are a derivative and/or compilation of past ideas. Ask any artist (who isnt completely full of themselves) and they will freely admit it.
6:37 is correct. I used to own a small stamp company. Clear stamps take a little more work than red rubber but you can still have a pretty fast turnaround. I'm sure PTI (and other companies that do regular, planned releases) have production time reserved with the manufacturer enabling them to turn on a dime when needed. My guess is that they do an annual overall plan but leave slots open for last-minute "trendy" designs.
Also, I know a little about clear stamp manufacturing costs. Typically, the more sheets you order, the more the cost drops and the more profit you make. PTI makes a boat load of cash on stamp sets. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
6:37, I could've written your post - except for the last part.
Yes - you CAN rush a design to stamps fairly quickly. BUT, I don't think it's the commonly chosen method. I wouldn't say it's bullshit that it takes months - I think usually it does take months. Especially if she has stamp designers submitting designs or sketches and she tweaks them or illustrates them. If she's doing it herself, she could absolutely pull something together more quickly. You're absolutely right - you see a trend and want to jump on, it only makes sense to push out your own version. And totally within reason to do it in a month.
It kind of cracks me up when Nichole & Co. (and I'd say stamp companies, but she's the only one I know who is like this) try to make us all buy into her stories as if none of us out here actually have any experience or firsthand knowledge. They aren't inventing the wheel at PTI but they act like they have a completely different scenario for everything than every other company. It's the only way they can try to cover up for every mistake with one excuse after another.
These are not new themes!!! You think you know what's going on in the world of stamps because of the handful of companies you're aware of or frequent. Amuse has had a sunray stamp for over a year. I've seen that at a bunch of companies. Isn't there an embossing folder that's been out for years like that? Bees have always been in and hexagons/honeycombs have always been a part of that.
Stamp companies will also look at trends in other areas - interior design, fabrics, etc. Just like Pantone setting color schemes. It's no coincidence you start seeing new SU colors in home linens and fabrics.
And as others have mentioned, some stamp companies wait to see it and jump on. Every business is going to try to offer what's popular - that only makes sense.
If you don't like trendy stuff - visit some of the more eclectic companies. There are many stamp companies with thousands of designs to choose from and they cover it all, not just what's "popular" in the mainstream.
7:31, how can you say all ideas are derivative????
That is an incredibly jaded and SAD way of seeing things. You need to get out more.
You're saying that no one has a new creative thought or concept for stamp design anymore and I think that is insulting and absurd.
8:21 - that makes complete sense when you see the huge quantities that PTI has of various sets. They do that for a reason - not to "be prepared" for massive orders. They do it to save money. Those stamps do not cost them nearly as much as smaller orders would. Their profit margin is increased. That's probably why they don't retire sets or have sales. Once their profit is made, I don't think they care if they sell those or not.
I absolutely agree that most stamp designers are not inventing anything new. Sunbursts, hexagons, quatrefoil motifs have been around since cavemen drew on rocks. My curiosity is peaked wondering how trends come around. Where did the current sunburst trend originate from?
Home decor? Fashion? Advertising? All of the above?
How does something old become 'new' again? Who decided that hexagons should be trendy again, LOL.
That's what puzzles me...
8:54
This comment makes quite a bit of sense - have wondered why they don't sell of old inventory or (*gasp*) have a sale.
Just one problem - they must run out of warehouse space one day !!!.
Wonder if anyone goes around with a duster now and then to brush off the cobwebs.
8:51- just because "you" haven't seen it before, doesn't mean it's original. It's because I have "gotten out more", that I say this. Many great artists, performers, and writers agree, and there are plenty of quotes to be found by these artists to support that. Where they freely admit they started by emulating an idea or person and along the way it was transformed by their personal influence. It's at that point that it becomes original. But the initial idea or concept was not.
Do you think inspiration or pin boards are a new thing? They have been used for centuries.
If you are only following what is mainstream, you are missing a world of recycled "original" ideas.
So while you are entitled to your opinion, no, I am not jaded or sad. I fully embrace the concept that all ideas are recycled and think it is a good thing. Nothing would ever evolve otherwise.
"Where they freely admit they started by emulating an idea or person and along the way it was transformed by their personal influence. It's at that point that it becomes original. But the initial idea or concept was not."
This sounds much more reasonable than your initial statements. I guess if anything is created based on something seen in the real world, then you would consider that a starting point to the original end product. My point was that there are people who look at the same cloud or same geranium and DO make something entirely original from it. Something no one has done before. But, I also do think that some people come up with something completely out of their heads - OF COURSE, there has to be some influence from their own personal experience. No one creates in a vacuum.
I think we kind of agree, but I see that originality springing up a bit sooner in the process ;).
You are well-spoken and I appreciate your thoughts - would not have responded otherwise ;)
I have to add that I don't think I even explained myself very well - but I want to emphasize that we are not as far off from each other as I originally thought.
^^^ thank you. Considering this is a smack blog, my first post was more concise. ;) Guess it's OK to get a little deeper every now and then, even here.
I agree that their is a circle of life and we see trends and things circle back. But marketing is what catches my eye or even other stampers and how they use the design. so its key for a stamp company to have a good DT with new inventive ideas!
9:27 - yes, even here there's always a time for intellectually stimulating conversation! tfs!
Well I am someone who just has to leave a comment. I've been lurking in the smack blogs for a few weeks now and just getting an overall feel on how everyone here has felt about PTI and esp NH.
Sadly I'm taking the cowards way out and posting anonymously but as someone who has had friends on the "inside" and KNOWN how "certain" ppl on the inner workings of PTI think and work - the comment at 09:18 pretty much hit the nail on the head.
The three stooges do NOT care about their customers, their design team, or anything but themselves and the $$ they're raking in (and it's a LOT of $$. Even knowing ppl on the inside it was hard to get a grasp on the actual amount ppl were making - but I can tell you that the 3 have made a LOT of money since day 1).
They pay their stamp designers piddly percentages (another reason why GinaK is snapping them up - she pays more) but promise them it's worth it b/c their sales volume is so large it overshadows the fact that PTI makes the most $$.
NH is a stone-cold bi**h. She will rip someone's throat out if they so much as attempt to undermine her - she has become so full of herself that NO ONE can match her "greatness". I have personally read e-mails from her (sent to nameless "friends" ;)) and you wouldn't believe the BS she can spew. And the "threats".....don't get me started on being "threatened" by NH. It's ridiculous.
She HAS outright called customers stupid (in "private" of course) and she used to be a lot more professional and kind in her dealings but has now become so full of herself you all can see that she's slipping and can't hide her contempt for all the "poens" purchasing from PTI.
Take a look at the property they bought and the house she built. That was all PTI $$ - the 3 stooges have made themselves rich off of it. The stamp designers have made some good coin too - which is even more telling when they've left PTI. To walk away from that kind of money says something.
I could say more but I won't. I needed to get some of it off my chest and be done with it. PTI has created an amazing lineup of products but there is no way in hell I'd ever order from them again.
No, please. Tell us more!
Interesting info. And I don't doubt a word of it.
I do hope that designers get a continued % of royalties for the stamps that they design when they leave PTI .
What designers get or don't get depends on what they agreed to in a contract. And it's not necessarily the same from one designer to the next.
Of course no one knows if the person posting as an "insider" really has inside information or not. But I do believe the characterization of NH is true.
That is the first "insider" post that I believe is really an insider. A couple of things made it clear that this is a person who knows what is really going on, imo.
I do find it telling that Nichole and Michelle were like BFF's for a period and when Michelle left, there was no gushing. Hell hath no fury and all that.
Someone is selling the Happy Hexagons $5 stamp set and $16 coverplate (or is it $18?) on ebay and the bids have it up to $37 without shipping included!
@14:41 Just wondering - which parts were "telling" to you?? Really - just curious :) .
Just goes to show that their are some real doofus shoppers on ebay!
I used the word "telling" and that was used by the next poster.... just wondering what the "insider" said that convinced the one person that it really was an insider.
I think Canadians buy PTI off ebay a lot.
I would love to hear more from 13:19. I used to be such a huge fan, I lived and breathed pti, hardly bought from anyone else and couldn't wait until the next release. It was a dream of mine to be on the team. I am happy to say I cashed in my points (I only did this because it is my money that got me those points and I didn't want them sitting aside to go into their pockets) in Feb and haven't ordered since and haven't been tempted either. I'm so happy to see Becky and Beth with Gina, and really hoping she picks up Lisa too. I don't like to wish bad on people but I'd really like to know if sales are seriously hurting and I am hoping they are. I don't think they are hurting enough yet, tones haven't changed, they seem to have gotten worse. They seem to forget it is the customer that made them that money.
@ 14:24 you're right it depends on the individual contract - which I'm sure varied from designer to designer (b/c it's pretty obvious NH plays favourites).
NH makes it all sound amazing - ppl would KILL to be on the DT (which is still true - there are so many ppl out there that still think PTI does nothing wrong) - but the way she treats her team and staff is sickening.
One wrong step and you're out - literally (and whether ppl believe if I'm an "insider" or not - to those that do believe - trust me). I have no idea how it affects their contracts. I would assume that they still get a payment but my "insider" status ended before I could find out any more info (lost friendships and all that stuff).
I never found out exactly how much people made (one it wasn't my business and two it was so much that the ppl involved wouldn't give me exact numbers - friends not discussing $$ etc etc) - but from piecing together a few things I figured out it was a LOT.
Which reminds me - the previous comments about a company doing similar card stock possibly toppling PTI? Yeah that's a def. possibility. Their CS sales (esp white) are HUGE.
I do give them credit on their product quality and variety. But like a previous person stated NH makes it sound like they do something "special" and "different" from everyone else. She's EXTREMELY tight-fisted when it comes to her suppliers and doesn't want to share (and she treats them like shit too - someone went into business for themselves, ended up dealing with a supplier who also supplies PTI - they had some choice words on what it was like to deal with her).
Her and GinaK used to be good friends (remember the cruise? It was her, GinaK and Em from Stamping Bella)- then GinaK released her own version of white CS. NH went nuts b/c how dare GinaK step on PTI's toes? I'm not kidding that's what ended their "friendship". All on NH's head - Gina is pretty cool and I know she did nothing wrong. I also think she was starting to see just what kind of person NH really is. I heard second-hand about the rant NH went on over the CS (literally a RANT - b/c obviously PTI can be the only ones with quality white cs!!) and it was pathetic - really that was part of the turning point into the monster PTI has become.
LOL I said I would't share more but I guess once you start you can't stop.........that and the fact that the majority of the ppl who have stepped back have kept their mouths shut (mostly b/c I assume they ARE still getting paid so I can't blame them).
I AM shocked that Michelle left the team - her and NH were pretty tight. But again NH pays favourites and Dawn is so far up NH's @$$ that I'm sure the rest of the team have a time dealing with it..........
I know just what you mean - it's so out of our normal character, most likely, to wish ill on others, but I hope their sales are hurting too. Something needs to take them down a notch.
Anyone figure out the path for the new mini from SU? I know you can usually just monkey around with the old ones and figure it out but I haven't gotten it yet.
@15:23 - it's not worth it being on the team. I was told enough hair-raising stories that made it sound like HELL.
NH would literally CALL a DT members house if a group post didn't go live EXACTLY on the minute everyone else's were supposed to go up (and I'm talking about calling at like 3am) and reaming them out for potentially "ruining" PTI's sales and "image" b/c of the late post. Seriously. And it happened a LOT.
Not to mention the constant threats that a DT member could be replaced in a heartbeat (which was true - so many ppl would jump on that team in a second. What is worse is that she literally HAS ppl waiting in the wings for just the occasion - you notice that EVERY time she posts a "farewell" to someone she has another person to step into their place? And I bet it kills her to say anything nice about the one's leaving b/c *several* of the them leaving left on not-so-good terms).
She runs that team like Hitler - and then there's Dawn trying to be all "cheerful" and "sunny" and gag me!!
LOL it sounds like I've got a real hate on for PTI. Sadly it's more like I've had YEARS of stewing and heard WAY too many stories of how people have been treated and customers being disdained and watching people just throw money at them that I can't take it anymore.
Hi again insider :) . Happy to see that some of my speculations here are being verified.
Some people are probably not speaking out because there may have been language in their contract that restricts them divulging inside information even after they stop working from them. If you agree to that, there could be legal action and who wants to deal with that? But if they are still collecting royalties then that makes even more sense to be quiet.
I've always heard that their stamp supplier is Stewart Superior. I would not expect any manufacturer to gossip about any client - that makes your story sound a little weaker. just sayin' ;)
Not surprised she was so petty over someone else having good cardstock. I also would be surprised if the manufacturer of their cardstock has an exclusive arrangement. That's really hard to imagine. I will guess right now that within the next year someone else will have a comparable cardstock. Gina K's only downfall on that is that her colors are not great.
@15:35 you are right about a supplier gossiping about a client being a big no-no - but it did happen. It wasn't so much as gossip as it was an offhand comment about the differences between supplying one company to another ;) And the "new" company asked outright LOL (they were in a mood to be bitchy I'm thinking - and the supplier must have been too ;) ;))
That and the fact that I am sure NH makes the suppliers lives a living hell. Just knowing how she treats her team and everyone "beneath" her - she's like that with the suppliers too. PTI is a big company - they do large volume in sales (which she loves to brag about - esp when she's publicly running down Ted ;)) - so her suppliers are supposed to step up and do everything right.
She always has someone to "blame" issues on - and it's usually the suppliers fault if ribbon doesn't show up on time, stamps are wonky etc etc. But that all boils down to one thing - GREED.
People have been saying for MONTHS now that PTI needs to take a step back and deal with their issues and stop releasing such massive amounts of product every month. But yet they continue with the ridiculous amounts of stamps and products and "must-haves" (even thought more and more the "must-haves" are all-of-a-sudden "backorderd" for WEEKS before they're even released).
It's too obvious for me to point out what's important to the 3 stooges - not the customer. Their money of course - but not them as satisfied and happy customers - of course not.
I find it interesting and funny for NH to rant about DT posts not going live at the right time. Lately it's been her posts that are not on time. Maybe she was too busy making those late night calls. LOL
Thanks for all the great info/read today. It does make me wonder why people like Betsy, Michele P, etc stay on the DT?
Very interesting...
I wonder why NH doesn't get a hold of Rick? After his post the other day I bet she would be furious. I would so like post a link on the forum...I can't believe the way he acted YUCK!!
I'm not seeing any new specific info this "insider" said that we haven't already heard people say before. What has she said that is so convincing? And to me the 3am call business doesn't sound right. No scheduled posts go up at 3am. They used to go up at midnight Eastern, and now there are posts at 7am Eastern, which would be 4am Pacific, but that's not what she said, is it?
16:01 What did he post? I missed it.
He was rude a few nights ago on the smack blog. He outted Donna C and was just a jerk.
Lisa J and Mish sure do not mention or use PTI products on their blogs anymore...
When the true facts were posted, he had egg all over his face and left with tail between legs.
When Lauren left PTI, she sold all her stamps. I bought several sets.
I don't think NH would be mad at Rick - if you think he was rude and inappropriate to customers, she's probably just wishing she could be the same way in public.
16:32 LOL it probably KILLS her to not be able to come out and say exactly what she's thinking!!! ;)
Rick not only used the name "Donna" when referring to a zendesk ticket, but incorrectly read said ticket and quoted misinformation as if it were fact. He also blamed the website people for not having a certain functionality built in making it difficult to refund Donna's money or points.
I bet that Nicole is unimpressed.
I am surprised that Melissa B is still around after her new release blog post accidentally linked to her PTI stamp sale page.
If Nicole et al are always victims, if they are losing sales they will just blame it on the bullies that are trying to take them down.
Melissa B's stamp sets were priced very cheaply too! I'm sorry that I missed her sale.
So if stamp designers at PTI are making lots of money, what about the straight up card designers like Betsy? She could work with any company in the industry so I wonder why she stays?
Hero Arts should be wooing her. They need some fresh designers.
Nichole is probably mad at Rick for spilling the beans about yet another website.
Is that the big changes that we were supposed to be watching for Rick?
Michelle W should go over to Gina K and design stamps. That might make me buy there. I am not into Project Life.
I think Betsy should go with Gina too.
If Gina K can get great white cardstock, why can't her supplier dye it with Pantone dies? I know nothing about making paper and I don't know if that is even possible. Just wondering what keeps anyone with great "plain" cs from developing great colored CS?
In fact, let them all jump ship and go with Gina and we will have the creativity of PTI with the integrity and CS of Gina K. Heaven!
What does the scrolling bubble next to the threads on PTI forum mean? I am sorry if its obvious but I have been wondering for a long time
The scrolling ones are the most active ones.
Rick just said "new system." He didn't specifically say "new website." "New system" could mean a variety of things.
I am wondering if all past DT were treated as such? Ellen Hutson and Taylor VanBruggen (sp?) came to my mind.
I love PTI paper and their designs and continue to hope that Nichole, Julie and Jane *read* here and change. It will be such a terrible waste if PTI goes down in flames.
I think those mentioned that start their own companies learn what not to do, because every one of them who was associated with Nichole (Ellen, Taylor, Lauren, etc) and even Gina, seemed to have done almost the opposite and it has served them well.
Ellen was on the team for what, two minutes? And then she disappeared with no fanfare. I always found that curious.
If Betsy started her own company, PTI would go down in flames.
There is no way in hell NH reads this blog. She is too arrogant and full of herself to read anything that could possibly say a negative word about her or her company.
The same goes for J & J. The three of them walk around with blinders on, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
Which is why they can continue to do business the way they do. Deny, deny, deny.
It is a stupid move if they don't read it.
Um...wouldn't be the first stupid move by PTI. Just sayin'...
Whoo, I have a lot of posts to catch up on. I wanted to respond to what 13:19 was saying about how much money PTI has made. I honestly wouldn't care if the business makes them filthy stinkin' rich, if they were nice enough people to deserve the money we customers have thrown their way. If you have a terrific product and it can make you lots of money, then more power to you! The reason I have soured on PTI and become disgusted with them is the rude attitude and crappy business operations. That is why I no longer want to contribute my money to line their pockets.
I need Betsy to leave because it would be much easier to not buy if I didn't have to see all of her clever PTI projects! crossing my fingers she gets a better offer!
Holy cow about Betsy, I know, right? Every time I see her projects I am reminded what a gold mine they have in her. She is so fabulous, she and Melissa Phillips (my other favorite) are the only ones left who can tempt me to want to buy from PTI anymore. I hope they realize what an asset she is to their team and treat her accordingly. I hope, I hope, I hope, especially after everything said here today. Although, I would not be the least bit sad to see her leave PTI and go design for someone more deserving of her.
I used to not understand the thing about Betsy. Her stuff did nothing for me. I didn't even look at her blog that much because I just didn't like what I saw when I did go there.
But with you guys always going on about her, I really took some time and kept visiting her blog, and I get it now. Really, maybe it was just for awhile that I didn't care for what she was doing but you all are right - very talented.
I don't generally give as much OOhs and Aahs as so many others do to card designers. But I do enjoy her work and I love Debbie Olson.
Dawn's shitastic color combos...wtf. Seriously, it hurts my eyes. I used to love her blog but now I just cringe.
I love love Betsy's and Melissa's work.
Debbie Olson's barely there (designing) now so I haven't been a regular visitor to her blog. Betsy's replaced her on the top of my blog list. I still love PTI, too bad about the 3 lady-bosses though.
Another vote for not so crazy about Gina K designs. They just don't call to me like PTI or WMS stamps.
I wonder if PTI changes systems so that they have an excuse why rewards points are wiped out or why any purchase screw ups are now vaporized?
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