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 ;)
OK, I've read a few comments about Clear and Simple stamps which led me to check them out. Not only do I love the stamps, the cases and the service but when I ordered a set that was back ordered, they sent everything but the back ordered item, said they'd send that one at their expense and gave me a 15% discount on my next order for my inconvenience. This is the way to earn loyalty. Listen up, PTI!
I also placed a first time order with Clear and Simple Stamps. The tracking number was provided the next day and my package arrived in 4 days. Very impressed with the dvd packaging and the insert for the dies. They fit perfectly inside the dvd case so you can keep the whole set all together. Thought that was a cool idea!
I just took a look at NH's blog and was surprised there were not more entries given the extent of this "world wide event." despite what NH says, I wonder how many orders were placed on Saturday. If there were a lot, we'll probably see another SAF. If not, .....
My order placed with CSS on the weekend is packed and shipped!
While I like most of the clear and simple stamps, I would never buy those character stamps. Those faces with the really wide eyes and stitching down the middle look like aliens to me! They kinda freaky me out. Does anyone else feel that way?
I'm going to take advantage of being anonymous on here and say that I got a BFP today with what will be our second child, and I'm scared shitless of being pregnant again.
What the heck is BFP? Is that something everyone is supposed to know? and I'm sorry you're pregnant again...bummer. Next time don't forget to take your pill.
I to tally agree that CSS stuff is totally over priced. I really really like some of their sets and dies but I would never buy them because of their ridiculous prices.
Well preggo stamper, I hope things turn out okay for you. Was your first pregnancy really horrible? Are you afraid of being able to take care of another child? Since you seem to be reaching out for some kind of emotional support here, let us help if we can. I'm sure I speak for more than just myself when I say that I care.
Pregnant smacker, hope you're doing ok. Please reach out to a friend or family member for support. There are also local agencies that can be supportive as well. ***HUGS***
thanks for the well wishes. I won't go into detail but let's just say we had two method of BC going and neither one worked and there was no operator error here... anyways...
first pg was fine, but DS is only 14 months and it is a lot sooner than we wanted. I just felt like I was getting me back, being able to craft, hang out with folks, etc and now this.
I KNOW it is a blessing and I KNOW it will work out, but things at work aren't very friendly to those who have kids (male dominated field) and I was working for a promotion that would hit when I'm about 7 months along. Probably will get passed over again, like I did the last time I was pg.
I think the scariest part is that I don't feel in control and didn't feel pg. With my first, I knew 2 days after we had sex that I was pg. This time none of the same symptoms so I have had some drinks and things like that. I'm just worried that something bad is going to happen now. I am seeing my doc today, so I'm sure that will help calm things down, but I just wanted to be happier about being pg again and I feel like it isn't fair to the baby to feel this way.... hope that all makes sense.
Thanks for giving me a chance to vent on here. I promise I won't turn this into a preggo smack board.
and PS - I haven't ordered from CSS because I think their dies are ridiculously overpriced too.
Awww Preggo, When those kiddos are teens they will sleep and hide out in their rooms, you'll get your life back one day, I promise:) Congrats on the baby, things will be ok.
preggo smacker my daughter was 6 months old when i got pregnant with my son and my son needless to say i was a little shocked lol at least yours will be a little further apart. Good luck!
Totally agree that CAS dies are WAAAAY too expensive which is too bad because I really like some of them. To the expectant mom - I TOTALLY understand what you're saying! My third was unplanned (first two were very carefully planned)and the pregnancy was difficult and ended with me on bedrest and nearly out of my mind. The first year was difficult too because he had torticollis, acid reflux, and MSPI (I'm really selling here aren't I?) but you know what? He is truly the joy of our lives and I thank God every day that he was added to our family!
Not to steal Preggo #1's thunder, but I peed on a stick this morning and the positive line was faint but still there. We've been trying for our 2nd since March and I'm kind of afraid to be excited about this in case the faint line is just an "oops, just kidding!" kind of thing.
Anyone had that happen? Were you preg or not with the faint line?
Preggo #1 - it will all work out. I know how it must suck though to be in a male dominated field and passed over for things. I'm in computer networking and have the same situation, though no promotion to jockey for. I'll be thinking of you as we (hopefully) travel this road together.
Someone posted a link to the new CTMH cartridge, but I don't think there's a link to the catalog. Someone else said it comes out next week so I'm trying to be patient. Ugh!
Does anyone have a comparison chart or knowledge on how the colors match to PTI colors? I would really like to know before I take the plunge and start buying other inks.
Pool and Island both are close to Aqua Mist. Pool is a little greener and Island a little bluer, but I really love both the colors. Merlot is almost an exact match to Autumn Rose (and I did compare those inks themselves). Capri is very close to Blueberry and Sky is a little brighter than Spring Rain. Harvest is close to Harvest cardstock and Chamomile ink is very close to Lemon Tart. Red Currant is closest to Poppy Red, but a slight bit darker, Fushia is almost a perfect match for Raspberry. Silver Lavender is close to PTI Lavender and I am thinking that French Lilac will be close to the new Wisteria (but I don't have any cardstock to compare. Mango is a teensy bit oranger than Summer Sun. Pear is very close to Spring Moss. Tuscan Olive is a nice match for Avocado. PTI Melon and Fresh Ink Melon are close. Sky is kind of a match for Hawaiian Shores. They look nice together but not really close. Steel and Ocean Tides work together but not a close match. Gypsy and Enchanted Evening are good together but I would not say a close match.
Congratulations to both pregnant smackers. Wishing you both happy, healthy, full-term pregnancies.
Preggo #1: It'll be okay! If you had two forms of BC going then you have to look at this pregnancy as a sign...it was supposed to happen! I hope things go well and your doc is able to calm you down. I drank margaritas like water when I was pregnant with my 3rd before I found out I was pg. I had just miscarried, wasn't expecting to be pregnant again so soon. My doc assured me the baby would be okay (he said, "Hell, our moms drank wine and smoked through their entire pregnancies and most of us are okay. This baby will be fine. But don't drink any more.") And she was fine.
Preggo #2: a line is a line, no matter how faint. Give it a few days and test again with first morning urine. If it stays faint, call your doc to get a Beta-HCG to check your numbers. You may try testing with a different brand, too. Seems like I remember some of them pick up a lower level than others. Google "home pregnancy test sensitivity" and you'll see many sites that will give you a chart (many hawking their own "super sensitive pregnancy test!") I know a lot of people had great success with the simple strips from the dollar store.
Regarding stamping: My SAF order is still sitting in the warehouse. Probably hasn't even been pulled. I was surprised to see it is coming USPS since I ordered a boatload of cardstock.
08:20 Were you looking for SU/PTI match colours. If so, these are what I have. Some of the SU might have been discontinued. Have lots of other ink comparisons if you want 'em.
SU INKS PTI INKS Comments Cameo Coral Berry Sorbet Pink Passion Raspberry Fizz Chocolate Chip Dark Chocolate Old Olive Ripe Avocado OO a little lighter Cool Caribbean Hawaiian Shores Real Red Pure Poppy Bashful Blue Spring Rain Regal Rose Hibiscus Burst Pumpkin Pie Orange Zest Sage Shadow Ocean Tides SS is lighter Apricot Appeal Summer Sunrise Pale Plum Lavender Moon Perfect Plum Plum Pudding Garden Green New Leaf Real Rust Terracotta Tile Summer Sun Summer Sunrise Night of Navy Enchanted Evening Barely Banana or So Saffron Lemon Tart Basic Grey Smokey Shadow Lucky Limeade (New InColour) Simply Chartreuse Great Match River Rock Spring Moss Good Match
Aren't the new style ink pads from SU the exact same colors as the old style? The difference between SU ink and the Impress/Amuse inks is that SU is dye and the others are fast-drying pigment.
11:40 Just thought I'd share that I tried to contact Impress once before and didn't get a reply. I then tried another email (it may have been a different email address) and did get a prompt reply. Unfortunately I can't remember which one it was. They do have a facebook page though, so maybe try posting a message there saying you never got a reply to your CS problem. They'll be less likely to ignore a message about a problem where the public can see it.
My release order shipped by USPS on 7/20 and was delivered on 7/23, and my SAF order was delivered this morning, 7/24!
I had quite a few packs of cardstock, so it came by UPS, which is very unusual. I checked the tracking last night, and UPS just said that a label had been created, but they didn't have the package yet. Then it was on my porch at 11:44 this morning.
Now I'm going to retreat and duck my head, just in case any rotten tomatoes get thrown. Please don't hate me just for living in the same state as the warehouse!
Anyone notice the new PTI Forum TOS that Nichole posted last Friday?
This little tid bit is a fucking joke:
CUSTOMER SERVICE FORUM: There is a separate forum in this new area for people to discuss issues or ask general questions. This will be monitored by Customer Service Representatives.
There are questions that were posted on that forum in April that have not been answered! So much for being monitored!
1- Ordered right at release. Still don't have my order. It is now 9 days. It takes 48 hours once it ships to be at my door.
2-I have ordered 28 Fresh Ink Pads from Impress and have never had a dry one. I did have a problem in that I accidentally ordered 2 of the same color. They exchanged it straight across 1 month later when I went to Seattle for medical. (I live 500 miles away).
3-I have never had a dry A Muse pad. The A Muse reinkers are much, much smaller than the Impress Fresh Ink reinkers.
Well... that's sad... I hope nobody was hurt. But it's good to know there is a legit reason for the delay, other than "oops, we didn't see that whole huge pallet of boxes sitting over in the corner over there".
Ordered from Impress on Saturday morning. My order was processed through the major facility today which means I might get it tomorrow...and I am clear across the country, yay! I have every pad except white and have only had trouble with my Celery pad. I ordered it in the winter and wonder if it froze of something...there were also little black flecks in it. I ended up ordering a new pad without saying anything, and the new one looks great. Just chalked it up to being a fluke or temperature error.
I won a GC once and it took them almost a week to send it...I contacted them the day of the "winning announcement", Julie emailed me back the next day and said I would have it in a couple of days. 4 days after that I still didn't get it. Opened a ticket on zendesk inquiring...i got a response 1 day later saying they had already sent it , and that it was weird that I hadn't received it. So I guess they emailed it into space and then she gave me "another" code.
I have seen this pattern repeated several times in the reports people share here. They say they'll fix something, then don't do it until you pester them about it several times, then say they already did it and I wonder why you didn't get the solution, then hurry and apply the fix. What a shoddy way to run a business.
It certainly is their pattern. I bet they make big bucks on the people who just give up. Many companies count on only 20-30% of customers redeeming things they have earned or bought, like gift certificates. Insurance companies won't pay until the collectors are on your tail hoping that older people will be scared enough just to pay it themselves.
Got in more SU pads today. Baa Breeze is lovely. :)And, I think I've become a bit of a pink fan. I decided to try one of the In Colors my demo suggested, Primrose Petals, and I quite like it.
Thanks for all the input on Impress. However, I've emailed them 3 times and called once. So I will simply not use the 3 pads I do have, chalk it up to lesson learned, not do business with them again, and promise to only cringe a little when I read the rave reviews of what I consider a crappy company.
I have every SU (accept for the new in-colors), Memento and Versafine color that exists so I don't really NEED Impress anyway. I just wanted to try them due to all the rave reviews here. I'm glad you guys all like them...they just don't work for me.
Not 7:05, but the law of averages doesn't do anything about the lack of response from Impress. I'd bet if Impress had gotten back to her and promptly replaced her dud inkpad, she would have a different outlook on the situation. I can't really blame her for not wanting to do business with them again.
Thanks 8:02. I'm not bothered by them any more though. I realized in my previous post that I have way too many ink pads to worry about Impress's CR. LOL!
So anyone see any good cards in the blog hop?
I'm in love with Laura Bassen's style so I approve of #17.
Also, #19, #28, #40 are my faves. There were others that I wanted to like but one thing or another threw it off for me.
Man, this woman needs to just stop ordering from PTI. She's had issues with her impression plates twice and now her DVD cases arrived cracked. Take it as a sign from the universe, person!
I received my July 15th order today which included the DVD cases and 4 of them are cracked. How do I go about getting them replaced. They weren't packed well, wrapped in paper and put in the bottom of the box, I think there should have been better packing.
I think typically the dvd cases that you find at Staples/etc. don't have an insert but the holder thingy is molded into the case itself. (Not positive on this because I've never looked very far into using dvd cases.)
I have ordered from tapeonline (where nichole mentioned) and ordered a set from PTI. They are the same.
PTI's are cheaper (0.88 vs. 0.83), you can get free shipping at PTI and you earn points on them with PTI. So they are definitely a better deal at PTI, but if they arrive broken I guess that doesn't help anyone.
15:31 - Do you really have such rose colored glasses on that you don't see how PTI crossed the line A LONG TIME AGO! They deserve all the shit storm THEY created!
I'm sure if Impress consistently screws people over with their passive aggressive customer unfriendly bullshit, they will get their own smack board too. :-p
I usually open it as soon as it arrives, but the task of assembling the stamps into their case is really unappealing to me. It didn't really phase me until I ordered stamps from Clear and Simple and they arrived already assembled in their case. Now I just get annoyed with having to assemble PTI's sets.
I know. I loved that too about Clear and Simple's packaging. All the work was already done. I still have boxes from PTI with no case since they stopped including them. Total rip off now.
They come already in a DVD case ready to go. The case has the label on it and everything. Turnkey stamping! If the stamp set comes with a coordinating die, the die/dies come in an envelope that fits inside the DVD case. Its nice to keep everything in one place. It's even nicer to not have to purchase DVD cases separately from the stamps - that's just stupid.
Favorite Clear and Simple Stamps... I use the script in Quotes II a lot. I just got and love Apothecary: Sweets and the Apothecary Jars dies and Sweet Sentiments. I haven't used By the Glass Sentiments or Happy Hour yet but I've got plans for them.
I liked most of the July/Aug release with the exception of the Ragdolls. Not my thing.
15:31, Let's contrast my Impress situation with the reason PTI is the subject of this blog, shall we?
My very first order was crap. Just from reading this blog, I believe I'm the only one (here in smack land anyway) that has posted about having a negative issue with Impress that wasn't resolved.
Do I laugh when I hear you guys praise Impress and their CS to the moon? Hell yes.
Am I giving them any more of my money? Hell no.
Am I mad enough over my little issue to go create a smack blog for Impress so I can be the only one over there talking to myself? No thanks.
They aren't worth my time and it may have been an isolated incident...I just don't have the time, or the give-a-damn to allow them another chance.
HOWEVER...naughty PTI continues to treat *multitudes of* customers badly, not follow through on promises, sell inferior product (dvd cases, newest ink formula, dies that only impress, etc.) and refuses to fix known issues with website and shipping.
So yeah, I'll continue to smack on PTI as long as they continue to give me a reason. They work very hard to deserve this smack blog.
BTW, Do you seriously think this blog was created because 1 customer got a hair up their ass about PTI? I doubt my 1 issue with Impress is enough to start a "down with Impress" revolution.
Here is the two peas post for those who don't want to click over:
I am going to lay this out chronological order to make things easier to explain.
7/20 ordered over $100.00 worth of product 7/21 read on a blog that if you ordered over $100.00 on the 21st you would receive a free stamp set. 7/21 sent e-mail to company explaining I didn't know of the promo offer. Request that I cx the order and re-order or could they include the stamp set since I did meet the required $100.00 less that 12 hours prior to the promo. 7/24 received message back from CS that said sorry...no can do. I should have paid more attention to their blog and website. 7/24 I replied back that it was a shame that after spending hundreds of dollars on their products and hundreds more on future purchases they would lose out in the grand scheme of things over a $15.00 stamp set. 7/25 The CS reply to me was that I should respect them for not breaking any rules by complying to my request. But the kicker was this statement:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you do not agree, I completely understand and realize we may not be the right company for you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Am I being overly sensitive? I spent over $100.00 less then 12 hours prior to promo. I sent e-mail and requested to CX order and reorder on the 21st. What more could I have done? Is there any online stamp company big enough to compromise future profit margins by sending people away over such a small request?
5:50 I know people say their prices are high but I think a stamp set with 43 individual stamps that comes ready to use for $24 and a set of 5 dies for $7 is, to me, a very fair price. I'm not saying that all of their pricing makes sense or that some things aren't too rich for my blood. But the things I want seem to be quite reasonable.
I also, especially since PTI, assume from the outset that good service adds something to the cost of things.
That's all my opinion. I don't have any affiliation with CSS, I just like some of their stamps and have had good buying experiences with them. :)
If their dies were $7 I wouldn't have so much a problem... for example, I was looking at their little critters collection because I love the bee, bat, owl and kitty. In order to purchase the stamp sets and dies it would cost the follwoing:
1. little critters $24 (one 4x8 sheet) 2. little critters too $24 (one 4x8 sheet) 3. little critters dies $40 (to cut the outlines) 4. Build-a-critter dies bat/bee $25 5. Build-a-critter dies owl/kitty $35
That is $148 and I'm not even getting the dies for the racoon/fox either.... that's crazy! There is also the little critters and separate sentiment sets if you want sentiments to go with your stamps because none are included in what I listed above. I don't think PTI ever went that high for a complete collection, but maybe I'm wrong.
5:59, that poor poor customer. I feel bad for them but I can totally see PTI not budging. When a sale says "only good from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, you better get your order in during that time frame.
I do think the communication from the owner running CS was totally uncalled for...there are about 50 other ways she could have not done met the customer's request without sounding like an ungrateful ASS, but I wouldn't expect a business to change their rules because I didn't know something.
Perfect real life example: I was just looking for a coupon code for the twinery. They have 4 old colors I still don't have and grow impatient waiting for the right colors to pop up on GroopDealz website.
Well, in searching I found out they came out with 4 new colors. Awesome! And they are selling the new colors at a discount. Even more awesome! But only from 7/23 to 7/24. Sadness.
Should I ask them to extend the sale to me because I just now found out about it on their blog? I don't think they should and I'm not even going to dare ask them.
What I am going to do is keep an eye on their blog for future sales.
I want to like CSS, I really do, but I can't. First of all some of the images/shapes are just weird. Scary rag dolls, storks that look like pelicans, butterflies that look like rorschach tests, giraffes that look like ?, etc. Some of the label frame shapes are really terrible too.
On the upside, I think their dies are tempting! Unfortunately, many of the dies I want only come with the stamps. Maybe they're making more profit on the stamps than the dies, and that's why thy bundle? I just know I don't need or want the stamps.
The only thing I've purchased from them was a background builder set. The stamps were tiny when I got them! I couldn't find the dimensions on the site, so maybe that's my fault in the end. With shipping, I ended up spending $30 for it! At most, that set should have been $15 with $2 to ship in a bubble mailer.
They did ship super fast though. Sorry to rag on them, but I those are my honest thoughts.
I just checked the apothecary dies and it's 5 dies for $16...not $7. For $7 I'd be buying them all the live long day. $16 for five tiny dies seems a bit high. I'd probably pay $10 for the 5.
I did like that photo explanation of how the dies/stamps arrive ready to go.
I did also notice how all of Laurie's die cuts were stamped perfectly. I have PTI Lovely Layers and it is a bitch and a half to get the flower images lined up perfectly on the die cut. And I've done it several times and still can't get it right. Makes me not want to use the stamps/dies together.
------ If you do not agree, I completely understand and realize we may not be the right company for you. ------
could have been said like this instead:
We do appreciate your business and apologize for any frustration this has caused you. If you'd like to stay informed of any future incentives, please join our emailing list and have these offers emailed directly to you.
I am so sorry! I was mistaken on the Apothecary Jar dies price. They are $16 not $7 (why did I think that?).
But comparing them to the Taylored Expression apothecary jar dies (which I also have)...CSS' are as big if not bigger than TE's and there are 5 instead of 4 and TE's are $15.95.
Yeah, I'm the one who posted the link from two peas.... I totally get not extending the offer, but the phrasing - it does PTI in every single time. They suck at communications.
Why do they have to be such douchebags? I don't get it.
6:52 here... also to add - I'm not sure about SAF, but typically Nichole posts the shit out of things on her blog and the forum, but the home page sucks. I remember the link their being to buy the totes, not sure if it mentioned the free set before the actual day or not.
I think a company's website should stand on its own and you shouldn't HAVE to go to a blog or a members-only message board ot get that kind of info.
While I don't think that PTI should have extended the sale, I also think that the bit about not being the right company for the customer was totally unnecessary.
It sounds like Julie is running customer service and she just shouldn't be.
6:37 - according to the C&S website the critters aren't as big as a card they are 2-1/4" to 2-3/4" tall. That is half a card. It is about the same size as the tremdous treats from PTI (just a little bigger), the dies shouldn't be $100... that is ridiculous
05:59 Thanks for the link to the 2peas forum - funny, even tho the poster didn't list the name of the company, most people guessed that she was talking about PTI. They sure have earned themselves a rotten reputation.
@ 05:54 re: rant about pti on two peas, this is one time I am with PTi. Yes it sucks she ordered just before promo went into effect but PTi had the rules of the offer spelled out.
If I buy something at full price at Macy's and then it goes on sale the next day, all I do is take the receipt back and they refund the difference. I would think it would be even easier for an online company. How in the heck are people supposed to know how PTI works if they don't read the forum or blogs?
From 7:12 - "How in the heck are people supposed to know how PTI works if they don't read the forum or blogs?"
Simple, PTI has made it clear that they don't want just any old customer. They only want the "fangirls" who will buy without thought, who will excuse any behavior, who think PTI are their BFFs.
(And for the record, I don't think that PTI should have given the 2Peas customer the free stamp set. Them's the breaks. I do however think the snark in the reply was uncalled for, but pretty much par for the course for PTI.)
I don't think that PTI should bend their rules but damn, Julie, take a customer service course or something! Your current tone is not working for the company!
Where the heck did Dave go? Rick, maybe you could step in. Or find someone that doesn't hate customers so much!
I don't understand die pricing. At all. Does it make sense to anyone else? Dies that I think ought to be cheap aren't and some that I think will cost an arm and a leg don't. I just don't get it. I don't buy that many dies so I gave up trying to make sense of it and just go ahead and buy the few that I like.
6:46 - If you're having trouble stamping on the die cuts, try this tutorial that Dawn from wplus9 did. She die cuts a negative first then uses it to line up her stamping. It's a you tube tutorial but I thought it was useful.
While I fully understand and respect the policy, the reply could have been worded in a much nicer way. Julie, if you don't want to be quoted on message boards, stop being such a bitch.
I agree that PTI has the right to refuse to extend that special to that individual since she purchased outside the stated time frame. However, given PTI's current reputation among stampers, it would have been so much better for them give that stamp set to her. Instead of earning a new, loyal customer, they are getting more bad press to add to the already crazy amount of bad customer service examples.
A few months ago, I placed an order with a company for a substantial amount of money. The following day I received a coupon for that company. Not expecting much, I called and asked if they would apply the coupon to my order from the previous day. They did not hesitate and applied the discount on my order while I was on the phone with them. The benefit to them is that I am now a loyal customer and will order from them even if I find slightly better deals elsewhere.
Former stamp company owner here. If I had been approached withe the above scenario, I would have done the following: check to see if it was her first order, check to see if her email was on the mailing list. If her story lined up, I would have absolutely given her the freebie set...especially if my website didn't stand alone with regard to promos, meaning customers were required to reference my blog for details. In addition, the fact that the order was placed *early*, as opposed to late, gives reliability to the "I didn't know" claim.
The customer is always right. Or at least should feel like they are.
I don't think PTI was wrong for not giving the free set. I also don't think the customer was wrong in asking about it, as some companies would give the set for good customer relations.
PTI has shown over & over again that they don't care about good CR. They don't care that they come off as snark-tastic bitches. They feel that the customer should be grateful for the opportunity to do business with them.
OK so the build a bat/bee make bigger ones that don't even match the stamps and there are no basic dies for those so now I'm confused.
But the $40 dies only cut the 2-1/2" ones. Here are the dimensions from their web-site: Owl measures 2 3/8" x 2 1/2" / Branch measures 5" x 1 1/8" / Cat measures 2 3/4" x 2 1/2" / Bee measures 3 3/8" x 2 1/2" / Fox measures 2 7/8" x 2 1/2" / Raccoon measures 25/8" x 2 1/2" / Bat measures 4" x 2 1/2"
It is crazy IMO, just the spring time ones the pp posted.
08:10 My daughter took managerial training for McDonalds fast food. The 2 top points on the list of things to learn.
1. The customer is always right 2. In the event that the customer is not right, re-read point 1.
My daughter is somewhat learning disabled due to childhood illness that left her short of oxygen but she learned those points well many years ago. She has moved ahead to different employment and she has always been a "winner" with her employers. They say that her customer service approach is above average.
So although I agree that a sales promotion is for a certain time, it would have helped PTI in the long run to handle it differently. Even if they didn't want to "break their rules" to give the specific set, they could have offered an incentive discount on the next order OR some little gesture.
That last comment "might not be the company..." is just totally uncalled for.
Lion, I don't get how they price dies either. I was just looking at the library card die from PTI....the stamp is $5 and the die is $20. Holy shit guys, $20 freaking dollars for a rectangle with rounded edges!?!
7:27 #2, gaaaaaaaah! Thanks for that video link. It will help me tremendously!!! I could kiss you I'm so happy now. Lining up the stamps with the die cuts is one reason I've stayed away from Rosie Posie although I would like to own that set some day.
See, I can understand PTI not wanting to break the rules of the promo. So you have one customer who genuinely didn't know about the promo. Can you imagine if they did & the grateful customer mentioned it on the message board? They would then have 7356 people who wanted an exception made for them as well. Not making an exception doesn't bother me. Bitchy response bothers me.
Also, I really don't believe the customer is always right. That's not really fair to businesses, IMO. Sometimes the customer really is a whiny, grabby, self-absorbed PITA. I DO believe that it is in any business's best interest to always deal with customers politely & respectfully. Even the wrong ones. Even the PITAs.
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8:56, you are correct. I just went and confirmed that the die they reference in the library mini stamp is the library POCKET die. My mistake.
But still, the library card die is 3 something x 5 something and is $20. The quatrefoil coverplate die is $16 and is 4.25 x 5.5.
I doubt I would even pay $16 for a die that cuts a rounded edged rectangle with a small hole at the top that I could use my crop-a-dile to replicate. Maybe I'm just cheap.
I love how they have to pick random cards and say something nice about them even if they are ass ugly like that one cara made.
No, I'm not sour grapes. I haven't made a card in a month and didn't enter.
I do think someone should call attention to the rules being broken. Too bad the girl who didn't get her free set cuz she ordered on the 20th couldn't post her friendly zendesk response from Julie somewhere in the forums as proof that PTI is a stickler for rules.
NH blog doesn't say if you can enter multiple projects or just one. She should clarify though. Most people probably think you can only enter 1 project.
She does say that you can enter your "projects" in the gallery after the blog hop.
Received my order from Impress Rubber Stamps today. Ordered late Saturday, packed (in Seattle) Monday, mailed Tuesday, and on my doorstep (in DC) today. Nicely wrapped and with a lovely, hand stamped thank you card.
9:49, why do you need to see the original response from PTI CS? The twopeas poster copied the bitchy CS response that basically said, "We don't need your business."
That is what everyone on this board is reacting to.
9:08, go away. Making false accusations without any proof. What reason does the twopeas poster have to lie about the exchange with CS? She was gracious enough not to name PTI . . . EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE ON THIS GREEN EARTH KNEW WHAT SHITTY COMPANY SHE WAS REFERRING TO.
And if you have access to the truthful statements, by all means share them, (Rick).
I am not the one who asked to see, but as you are saying, "PTI basically said" The reason she may want to see is because people have a way of twisting around what is ACTUALLY said by putting their interpretation of it and calling it what they BASICALLY said. It happends around here all the time. So, yes one may not be able to form an opinion until they read something quoted vs. a loose interpretation.
^^, 10:25 here. Thanks for saying (in a much clearer fashion) what I was trying to communicate. THERE WAS NO PARAPHRASING when it comes to the bitchy CS response.
I'm not 9:49 (the person who asked to see more of the original quote), but I too am very curious to see exactly how Julie worded the part saying the customer should have paid more attention to their blog and website. Would you please post that part?
This business highlights exactly why I don't want PTI to have sales. From the customer side, I don't want to have to keep track of the exact days and times of the sales or a promo code or whatever. From PTI's side, they'd be bombarded with people saying, "I didn't know. Can you give it to me anyway?" and it will be a bunch of time and hassle for them to deal with it. I much prefer their system of giving rewards for MIM and blog hops.
I ordered midday on SAF (i.e., not front of the line), and my package will be here (west coast) on Mon. I think that shipping time is a big improvement. It used to be that if I ordered even 20 minutes after release, it took 10-11 days.
Yes but only the OP knows exactly what was said in the email exchange with Julie. I was answering the person that wanted the OP to post her email exchange.
Okay, but the "rewards" for MIM and blog hops are randomly given to only a very small percentage of their customer base. Whereas a sale would benefit all who wanted to get the discount.
Trell, I saw your card. It was very nice. I loved your interpretation of the colors and still staying true to your style. Most of the other cards are so PTI that they all look the same to me.
325 comments:
1 – 200 of 325 Newer› Newest»FIRST!
dammit! thought i would get to post first for once. =)
turd!
Well I have a tracking# for my SAF order. Let's see how long it takes for UPS to pick it up.
^^^yeah good luck @@
have a tracking number with means in 2 days it will actually get to the post office!
^^^^in the stupid square box unless you have paper or lots of stamp sets
The little square boxes just irk me
OK, I've read a few comments about Clear and Simple stamps which led me to check them out. Not only do I love the stamps, the cases and the service but when I ordered a set that was back ordered, they sent everything but the back ordered item, said they'd send that one at their expense and gave me a 15% discount on my next order for my inconvenience. This is the way to earn loyalty. Listen up, PTI!
I also placed a first time order with Clear and Simple Stamps. The tracking number was provided the next day and my package arrived in 4 days. Very impressed with the dvd packaging and the insert for the dies. They fit perfectly inside the dvd case so you can keep the whole set all together. Thought that was a cool idea!
Does Impress send a shipping notice?
Clear and Simple stamps are cute but the die 's are way over priced. That fact alone is keeping me from ordering.
13:40 - they do send them. Not sure if they mean anything. PTI sends them too. LOL
13:57 - I thought it was me being cheap. Glad you think CAS dies are pricey too.
CSS prices turn me off too
I just took a look at NH's blog and was surprised there were not more entries given the extent of this "world wide event." despite what NH says, I wonder how many orders were placed on Saturday. If there were a lot, we'll probably see another SAF. If not, .....
My order placed with CSS on the weekend is packed and shipped!
While I like most of the clear and simple stamps, I would never buy those character stamps. Those faces with the really wide eyes and stitching down the middle look like aliens to me! They kinda freaky me out. Does anyone else feel that way?
I think it's nice Becky O got to spend time Jenn and the rest of the girls during the SAF.
I don't like anyone's character stamps - MFT, CCS, Stamping Bella, etc.
17:38 me too.
I'm going to take advantage of being anonymous on here and say that I got a BFP today with what will be our second child, and I'm scared shitless of being pregnant again.
congrats to the anonymous preggo stamper!
What the heck is BFP? Is that something everyone is supposed to know?
and I'm sorry you're pregnant again...bummer. Next time don't forget to take your pill.
I to tally agree that CSS stuff is totally over priced. I really really like some of their sets and dies but I would never buy them because of their ridiculous prices.
I think BFP, means Big Fat Positive... as on a pregnancy test stick... I think :)
I see that Silhoutte has a cut file for the paper beads for 99 cents. You could cut a bunch of beads at once out of a 12 X 12!
CHA info is pretty quiet. Anyone have any info?
Well preggo stamper, I hope things turn out okay for you. Was your first pregnancy really horrible? Are you afraid of being able to take care of another child? Since you seem to be reaching out for some kind of emotional support here, let us help if we can. I'm sure I speak for more than just myself when I say that I care.
^^^^
Ditto! Hope everything works out for you!
I have three kids, and if I can do it then anyone can. You'll be fine. I'd say more if I wasnt on my phone, but I am slow like molasses on this thing.
The CSS order I placed Sat. will be here tomorrow.
CHA was a snooze. Smallest show EVER. Lots of big companies with SMALL booths. Total disappointment.
Hardly anyone blogged about CHA and those who did didn't have anything that interesting to say.
I thought someone said Stampin Up would be going clear?? (not cling). I asked a demo friend about it and she had not heard anything about it. Bummer!!
I was told by a demo that their new inks were formulated for their new stamps.
To be fair, I placed an order with PTI last Tuesday and I got it today.
I placed a PTI order Monday night at the moment of release and it still isn't here.
My release night order from PTI arrived on the 19th. Shockingly fast, but I realize that's not the norm at all. I just got lucky.
Pregnant smacker, hope you're doing ok. Please reach out to a friend or family member for support. There are also local agencies that can be supportive as well. ***HUGS***
preggo smacker here...
thanks for the well wishes. I won't go into detail but let's just say we had two method of BC going and neither one worked and there was no operator error here...
anyways...
first pg was fine, but DS is only 14 months and it is a lot sooner than we wanted. I just felt like I was getting me back, being able to craft, hang out with folks, etc and now this.
I KNOW it is a blessing and I KNOW it will work out, but things at work aren't very friendly to those who have kids (male dominated field) and I was working for a promotion that would hit when I'm about 7 months along. Probably will get passed over again, like I did the last time I was pg.
I think the scariest part is that I don't feel in control and didn't feel pg. With my first, I knew 2 days after we had sex that I was pg. This time none of the same symptoms so I have had some drinks and things like that. I'm just worried that something bad is going to happen now. I am seeing my doc today, so I'm sure that will help calm things down, but I just wanted to be happier about being pg again and I feel like it isn't fair to the baby to feel this way.... hope that all makes sense.
Thanks for giving me a chance to vent on here. I promise I won't turn this into a preggo smack board.
and PS - I haven't ordered from CSS because I think their dies are ridiculously overpriced too.
I placed a SAF order from PTI (after a several month drought) and it left Cincinnati last night and it is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
I'm definitely no unicorn, but I'm impressed. Maybe they didn't have that many orders!
5:46 here - it is supposed to arrive Thursday not tomorrow, I guess I was a day ahead of myself!
Awww Preggo, When those kiddos are teens they will sleep and hide out in their rooms, you'll get your life back one day, I promise:) Congrats on the baby, things will be ok.
And sorry about the aholes at work. Men suck sometimes.
preggo smacker my daughter was 6 months old when i got pregnant with my son and my son needless to say i was a little shocked lol at least yours will be a little further apart. Good luck!
Totally agree that CAS dies are WAAAAY too expensive which is too bad because I really like some of them. To the expectant mom - I TOTALLY understand what you're saying! My third was unplanned (first two were very carefully planned)and the pregnancy was difficult and ended with me on bedrest and nearly out of my mind. The first year was difficult too because he had torticollis, acid reflux, and MSPI (I'm really selling here aren't I?) but you know what? He is truly the joy of our lives and I thank God every day that he was added to our family!
My daughter was 6 months old when I found out I was pregnant again. It all worked out fine. Just look at it this way, it was God's will.:)
Trell, was your PTI package shipped via ups or USPS? Mine's UPS & still stuck in Indianapolis since the 20th, scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.
Not to steal Preggo #1's thunder, but I peed on a stick this morning and the positive line was faint but still there. We've been trying for our 2nd since March and I'm kind of afraid to be excited about this in case the faint line is just an "oops, just kidding!" kind of thing.
Anyone had that happen? Were you preg or not with the faint line?
Preggo #1 - it will all work out. I know how it must suck though to be in a male dominated field and passed over for things. I'm in computer networking and have the same situation, though no promotion to jockey for. I'll be thinking of you as we (hopefully) travel this road together.
Loving my new Fresh Inks!! Impress is going to be getting a lot of my business.
...so not drinking the water around here...
Not drinking it either. I am 58 and still have not even started to go through menopause. With my luck---
Congrats to Preggo #2! Happy and healthy 9 months to you!
Couple of random crafty quetions:
1) Did we get a comparison of new SU pads to impress/amuse pads?
2) Did we find a link to the CTMH new catalog yet?
Thanks!
Someone posted a link to the new CTMH cartridge, but I don't think there's a link to the catalog. Someone else said it comes out next week so I'm trying to be patient. Ugh!
Anywhere to see Gina's new cardstock colors?
The SU pads don't have as nice of colors or as good of coverage as the A Muse and Fresh Ink ones.
Does anyone have a comparison chart or knowledge on how the colors match to PTI colors?
I would really like to know before I take the plunge and start buying other inks.
I have one but it's in excel format. Hmmmm, how to get it to you?
Rubystamper posted photo comparisons of the colors but I don't know how to find the link.
Wow. Just found this nice chart put together by JJ. (Amuse, not Fresh Ink.)
http://ribbongirls.net/ribbongirls/inkcomparison.pdf
Rubystamper's comparisons are between Amuse and Fresh Ink. I thought someone was asking about comparisons to PTI.
That chart is good but it is missing a boat load of Impress colors that match.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/general-stamping-talk-f17/amuse-inks-vs-pti-colors-t530823.html
From an earlier post by Donna C. (4/21/12):
Pool and Island both are close to Aqua Mist. Pool is a little greener and Island a little bluer, but I really love both the colors. Merlot is almost an exact match to Autumn Rose (and I did compare those inks themselves). Capri is very close to Blueberry and Sky is a little brighter than Spring Rain. Harvest is close to Harvest cardstock and Chamomile ink is very close to Lemon Tart. Red Currant is closest to Poppy Red, but a slight bit darker, Fushia is almost a perfect match for Raspberry. Silver Lavender is close to PTI Lavender and I am thinking that French Lilac will be close to the new Wisteria (but I don't have any cardstock to compare. Mango is a teensy bit oranger than Summer Sun. Pear is very close to Spring Moss. Tuscan Olive is a nice match for Avocado. PTI Melon and Fresh Ink Melon are close. Sky is kind of a match for Hawaiian Shores. They look nice together but not really close. Steel and Ocean Tides work together but not a close match. Gypsy and Enchanted Evening are good together but I would not say a close match.
Congratulations to both pregnant smackers. Wishing you both happy, healthy, full-term pregnancies.
Preggo #1: It'll be okay! If you had two forms of BC going then you have to look at this pregnancy as a sign...it was supposed to happen! I hope things go well and your doc is able to calm you down. I drank margaritas like water when I was pregnant with my 3rd before I found out I was pg. I had just miscarried, wasn't expecting to be pregnant again so soon. My doc assured me the baby would be okay (he said, "Hell, our moms drank wine and smoked through their entire pregnancies and most of us are okay. This baby will be fine. But don't drink any more.") And she was fine.
Preggo #2: a line is a line, no matter how faint. Give it a few days and test again with first morning urine. If it stays faint, call your doc to get a Beta-HCG to check your numbers. You may try testing with a different brand, too. Seems like I remember some of them pick up a lower level than others. Google "home pregnancy test sensitivity" and you'll see many sites that will give you a chart (many hawking their own "super sensitive pregnancy test!") I know a lot of people had great success with the simple strips from the dollar store.
Regarding stamping: My SAF order is still sitting in the warehouse. Probably hasn't even been pulled. I was surprised to see it is coming USPS since I ordered a boatload of cardstock.
08:20
Were you looking for SU/PTI match colours. If so, these are what I have. Some of the SU might have been discontinued.
Have lots of other ink comparisons if you want 'em.
SU INKS PTI INKS Comments
Cameo Coral Berry Sorbet
Pink Passion Raspberry Fizz
Chocolate Chip Dark Chocolate
Old Olive Ripe Avocado OO a little lighter
Cool Caribbean Hawaiian Shores
Real Red Pure Poppy
Bashful Blue Spring Rain
Regal Rose Hibiscus Burst
Pumpkin Pie Orange Zest
Sage Shadow Ocean Tides SS is lighter
Apricot Appeal Summer Sunrise
Pale Plum Lavender Moon
Perfect Plum Plum Pudding
Garden Green New Leaf
Real Rust Terracotta Tile
Summer Sun Summer Sunrise
Night of Navy Enchanted Evening
Barely Banana or
So Saffron Lemon Tart
Basic Grey Smokey Shadow
Lucky Limeade (New InColour) Simply Chartreuse Great Match
River Rock Spring Moss Good Match
09:08 here again.
These SU ink comparisons are not the new style ink pad.
Aren't the new style ink pads from SU the exact same colors as the old style? The difference between SU ink and the Impress/Amuse inks is that SU is dye and the others are fast-drying pigment.
Just for the record, I still never heard back from ANYONE at Impress about the dry ass ink pad they sent me. So...........
11:40 Just thought I'd share that I tried to contact Impress once before and didn't get a reply. I then tried another email (it may have been a different email address) and did get a prompt reply. Unfortunately I can't remember which one it was. They do have a facebook page though, so maybe try posting a message there saying you never got a reply to your CS problem. They'll be less likely to ignore a message about a problem where the public can see it.
Is this just a load of shit to stir the pot?
tnvol said...
My release order shipped by USPS on 7/20 and was delivered on 7/23, and my SAF order was delivered this morning, 7/24!
I had quite a few packs of cardstock, so it came by UPS, which is very unusual. I checked the tracking last night, and UPS just said that a label had been created, but they didn't have the package yet. Then it was on my porch at 11:44 this morning.
Now I'm going to retreat and duck my head, just in case any rotten tomatoes get thrown. Please don't hate me just for living in the same state as the warehouse!
Mary
http://forum.papertreyink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=37352
^^No, of course that's not just to stir up trouble. It's just one more of many reports of how shipping times have been improving.
I'm not sure how to ask this in a public forum without sounds obnoxious...How many blog visits is a respectable amount in a day?
It's just one more of many reports of how shipping times have been improving.
-----------------
Really??? My label was printed on 7/23 and that's it. How's that an improvement?
My SAF order placed at 7:00 est had a label printed on 7/22 and sits"..."........ I know, stupid me for ordering!
It seems they print the label then you know you have two days before it gets to the post office and then it takes 2 days to get to me in Michigan
Anyone notice the new PTI Forum TOS that Nichole posted last Friday?
This little tid bit is a fucking joke:
CUSTOMER SERVICE FORUM:
There is a separate forum in this new area for people to discuss issues or ask general questions. This will be monitored by Customer Service Representatives.
There are questions that were posted on that forum in April that have not been answered! So much for being monitored!
1- Ordered right at release. Still don't have my order. It is now 9 days. It takes 48 hours once it ships to be at my door.
2-I have ordered 28 Fresh Ink Pads from Impress and have never had a dry one. I did have a problem in that I accidentally ordered 2 of the same color. They exchanged it straight across 1 month later when I went to Seattle for medical. (I live 500 miles away).
3-I have never had a dry A Muse pad. The A Muse reinkers are much, much smaller than the Impress Fresh Ink reinkers.
My Impress order from Saturday is out for delivery!
1645 there was a train that derailed ( true story) some where in the Northwest. It delayed alot of orders.
Well... that's sad... I hope nobody was hurt. But it's good to know there is a legit reason for the delay, other than "oops, we didn't see that whole huge pallet of boxes sitting over in the corner over there".
I want to add that just because my Fresh Ink pads have never arrived dry, it does not mean I don't believe you. I would call the store directly.
Since they did gift certificates instead of actual product for SAF prizes, any guesses on how long until people get their codes?
Ordered from Impress on Saturday morning. My order was processed through the major facility today which means I might get it tomorrow...and I am clear across the country, yay! I have every pad except white and have only had trouble with my Celery pad. I ordered it in the winter and wonder if it froze of something...there were also little black flecks in it. I ended up ordering a new pad without saying anything, and the new one looks great. Just chalked it up to being a fluke or temperature error.
I won a GC once and it took them almost a week to send it...I contacted them the day of the "winning announcement", Julie emailed me back the next day and said I would have it in a couple of days. 4 days after that I still didn't get it. Opened a ticket on zendesk inquiring...i got a response 1 day later saying they had already sent it , and that it was weird that I hadn't received it. So I guess they emailed it into space and then she gave me "another" code.
I have seen this pattern repeated several times in the reports people share here. They say they'll fix something, then don't do it until you pester them about it several times, then say they already did it and I wonder why you didn't get the solution, then hurry and apply the fix. What a shoddy way to run a business.
It certainly is their pattern. I bet they make big bucks on the people who just give up. Many companies count on only 20-30% of customers redeeming things they have earned or bought, like gift certificates. Insurance companies won't pay until the collectors are on your tail hoping that older people will be scared enough just to pay it themselves.
Just saw this blog with LOTS of PTI stamps for sale. Decent prices too--
http://stampsandtaxes.blogspot.com/2012/07/stamps-for-sale.html
^^^Those prices aren't that great. Plus there's a $3 shipping charge.
I agree not that great!
Got in more SU pads today. Baa Breeze is lovely. :)And, I think I've become a bit of a pink fan. I decided to try one of the In Colors my demo suggested, Primrose Petals, and I quite like it.
My Impress Order is on the move. It may get here Saturdsy which I hope bacause the pachage sitting in 103 degee weather would not be good
Nice announcement at Flourishes today... coordinating cardstocks, ribbon, inks, etc. and cut files coming soon! Another reason to avoid PTI!
http://flourishes.org/2012/07/creating-made-easy/
Trell Baja Breeze is probably my most fav SU colour evah!!!
Thanks for all the input on Impress. However, I've emailed them 3 times and called once. So I will simply not use the 3 pads I do have, chalk it up to lesson learned, not do business with them again, and promise to only cringe a little when I read the rave reviews of what I consider a crappy company.
I have every SU (accept for the new in-colors), Memento and Versafine color that exists so I don't really NEED Impress anyway. I just wanted to try them due to all the rave reviews here. I'm glad you guys all like them...they just don't work for me.
Laws of averages people. For every 10 good ink pads, 1 will be dry. It sucks that you received that "one". I think you should keep trying!
I know, I know. I placed an SAF order and I've got a shipping number but that's about it. Sigh.
Not 7:05, but the law of averages doesn't do anything about the lack of response from Impress. I'd bet if Impress had gotten back to her and promptly replaced her dud inkpad, she would have a different outlook on the situation. I can't really blame her for not wanting to do business with them again.
Thanks 8:02. I'm not bothered by them any more though. I realized in my previous post that I have way too many ink pads to worry about Impress's CR. LOL!
So anyone see any good cards in the blog hop?
I'm in love with Laura Bassen's style so I approve of #17.
Also, #19, #28, #40 are my faves. There were others that I wanted to like but one thing or another threw it off for me.
I ordered on SAF at 10:15 EST and a label has been printed for UPS but my box has not left the warehouse.
I love the color scheme of the blog hop but I *HATE* that new rose set. It's just to grandma-ish for me.
Man, this woman needs to just stop ordering from PTI. She's had issues with her impression plates twice and now her DVD cases arrived cracked. Take it as a sign from the universe, person!
I received my July 15th order today which included the DVD cases and 4 of them are cracked. How do I go about getting them replaced.
They weren't packed well, wrapped in paper and put in the bottom of the box, I think there should have been better packing.
I would like to tell her that she will have to open a zendesk ticket because her customer service thread will be locked without explanation.
Hard sided DVD cases cracking? What a surprise.
Can you buy DVD cases at say Staples and take out the DVD holder insert?
I think typically the dvd cases that you find at Staples/etc. don't have an insert but the holder thingy is molded into the case itself. (Not positive on this because I've never looked very far into using dvd cases.)
I think I'd start ordering them from that site Nichole listed in her post when they ran out!
I have ordered from tapeonline (where nichole mentioned) and ordered a set from PTI. They are the same.
PTI's are cheaper (0.88 vs. 0.83), you can get free shipping at PTI and you earn points on them with PTI. So they are definitely a better deal at PTI, but if they arrive broken I guess that doesn't help anyone.
7:05 you are not going to smack Impress like you do PTI???
15:31 - Do you really have such rose colored glasses on that you don't see how PTI crossed the line A LONG TIME AGO! They deserve all the shit storm THEY created!
I'm sure if Impress consistently screws people over with their passive aggressive customer unfriendly bullshit, they will get their own smack board too. :-p
I think that you need to have horrible customer service for at least 2 years before you get your own smack board.
Agreed. PTI created the circumstances that created this board. They are receiving their own Karma Bitch-Slap.
just curious, do you open and use your product the minute it is delivered?
I usually open it as soon as it arrives, but the task of assembling the stamps into their case is really unappealing to me. It didn't really phase me until I ordered stamps from Clear and Simple and they arrived already assembled in their case. Now I just get annoyed with having to assemble PTI's sets.
Depends on the product. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. When it's something I've been dying to get my hands on, yes I'll rip it open & use it.
^^ Same here. I got Fabulous Frames on Monday and I had to break it out and ink it up. Love it.
I know. I loved that too about Clear and Simple's packaging. All the work was already done. I still have boxes from PTI with no case since they stopped including them. Total rip off now.
Curious, I've never ordered from Clear and Simple and I'm too lazy to surf their site to find out more ... how do they package their stamps?
I've been eyeing a few things over there. Nice packaging might give me the push I need to go and try them out:)
They come already in a DVD case ready to go. The case has the label on it and everything. Turnkey stamping! If the stamp set comes with a coordinating die, the die/dies come in an envelope that fits inside the DVD case. Its nice to keep everything in one place. It's even nicer to not have to purchase DVD cases separately from the stamps - that's just stupid.
what are some of your fav clear and simple stamps?
My Impress stamp pad order has arrived in town. I should get them today! Super fast!
Just the pick me up I need.
The game playing at my job has me laying awake tonight
Favorite Clear and Simple Stamps...
I use the script in Quotes II a lot. I just got and love Apothecary: Sweets and the Apothecary Jars dies and Sweet Sentiments. I haven't used By the Glass Sentiments or Happy Hour yet but I've got plans for them.
I liked most of the July/Aug release with the exception of the Ragdolls. Not my thing.
15:31, Let's contrast my Impress situation with the reason PTI is the subject of this blog, shall we?
My very first order was crap. Just from reading this blog, I believe I'm the only one (here in smack land anyway) that has posted about having a negative issue with Impress that wasn't resolved.
Do I laugh when I hear you guys praise Impress and their CS to the moon? Hell yes.
Am I giving them any more of my money? Hell no.
Am I mad enough over my little issue to go create a smack blog for Impress so I can be the only one over there talking to myself? No thanks.
They aren't worth my time and it may have been an isolated incident...I just don't have the time, or the give-a-damn to allow them another chance.
HOWEVER...naughty PTI continues to treat *multitudes of* customers badly, not follow through on promises, sell inferior product (dvd cases, newest ink formula, dies that only impress, etc.) and refuses to fix known issues with website and shipping.
So yeah, I'll continue to smack on PTI as long as they continue to give me a reason. They work very hard to deserve this smack blog.
BTW, Do you seriously think this blog was created because 1 customer got a hair up their ass about PTI? I doubt my 1 issue with Impress is enough to start a "down with Impress" revolution.
Nice try though.
Lion, I have been seeing Apothecary: Sweets and the Apothecary Jars dies used and really like them.
I'm usually put off by the price of CSS products, but knowing they come ready does push me toward trying them out.
PTI CS at its finest AGAIN...
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&forum_id=10&thread_id=3183442
Here is the two peas post for those who don't want to click over:
I am going to lay this out chronological order to make things easier to explain.
7/20 ordered over $100.00 worth of product
7/21 read on a blog that if you ordered over $100.00 on the 21st you
would receive a free stamp set.
7/21 sent e-mail to company explaining I didn't know of the promo
offer. Request that I cx the order and re-order or could they
include the stamp set since I did meet the required $100.00 less
that 12 hours prior to the promo.
7/24 received message back from CS that said sorry...no can do.
I should have paid more attention to their blog and website.
7/24 I replied back that it was a shame that after spending hundreds
of dollars on their products and hundreds more on future
purchases they would lose out in the grand scheme of things over
a $15.00 stamp set.
7/25 The CS reply to me was that I should respect them for not
breaking any rules by complying to my request. But the kicker
was this statement:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you do not agree, I completely understand and realize we may not be the right company for you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Am I being overly sensitive? I spent over $100.00 less then 12 hours prior to promo. I sent e-mail and requested to CX order and reorder on the 21st. What more could I have done? Is there any online stamp company big enough to compromise future profit margins by sending people away over such a small request?
5:50 I know people say their prices are high but I think a stamp set with 43 individual stamps that comes ready to use for $24 and a set of 5 dies for $7 is, to me, a very fair price. I'm not saying that all of their pricing makes sense or that some things aren't too rich for my blood. But the things I want seem to be quite reasonable.
I also, especially since PTI, assume from the outset that good service adds something to the cost of things.
That's all my opinion. I don't have any affiliation with CSS, I just like some of their stamps and have had good buying experiences with them. :)
Thanks 06:08 for this as well as your earlier suggestions. off to check out some stuff :)
You are most welcome. Have fun! :)
Has anyone tried the new SU pads on PTI stamps? I'm wondering how the new formula works on photopolymer stamps. Thanks!
If their dies were $7 I wouldn't have so much a problem... for example, I was looking at their little critters collection because I love the bee, bat, owl and kitty. In order to purchase the stamp sets and dies it would cost the follwoing:
1. little critters $24 (one 4x8 sheet)
2. little critters too $24 (one 4x8 sheet)
3. little critters dies $40 (to cut the outlines)
4. Build-a-critter dies bat/bee $25
5. Build-a-critter dies owl/kitty $35
That is $148 and I'm not even getting the dies for the racoon/fox either.... that's crazy! There is also the little critters and separate sentiment sets if you want sentiments to go with your stamps because none are included in what I listed above. I don't think PTI ever went that high for a complete collection, but maybe I'm wrong.
5:59 I am sorry to hear this has happened to you. PTI did announce the free set months before...sometime May I think.
5:59, that poor poor customer. I feel bad for them but I can totally see PTI not budging. When a sale says "only good from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, you better get your order in during that time frame.
I do think the communication from the owner running CS was totally uncalled for...there are about 50 other ways she could have not done met the customer's request without sounding like an ungrateful ASS, but I wouldn't expect a business to change their rules because I didn't know something.
Perfect real life example: I was just looking for a coupon code for the twinery. They have 4 old colors I still don't have and grow impatient waiting for the right colors to pop up on GroopDealz website.
Well, in searching I found out they came out with 4 new colors. Awesome! And they are selling the new colors at a discount. Even more awesome! But only from 7/23 to 7/24. Sadness.
Should I ask them to extend the sale to me because I just now found out about it on their blog? I don't think they should and I'm not even going to dare ask them.
What I am going to do is keep an eye on their blog for future sales.
Lesson learned for the customers.
joan b posted on her new blog about the su ink and pti stamps. loves it on solid stamps, mixed results or something on others.
Found a sample of Clear and Simple's DVD and dies packaging in use
http://soapboxcreations.blogspot.com/2012/07/clear-and-simple-cas-and-storage-talk.html
Oh and about the Critters dies....they are big. About the size of a card.
^^^ Wow, OMG did I just defend a CS decision PTI made???? Holy crap.
I want to like CSS, I really do, but I can't. First of all some of the images/shapes are just weird. Scary rag dolls, storks that look like pelicans, butterflies that look like rorschach tests, giraffes that look like ?, etc. Some of the label frame shapes are really terrible too.
On the upside, I think their dies are tempting! Unfortunately, many of the dies I want only come with the stamps. Maybe they're making more profit on the stamps than the dies, and that's why thy bundle? I just know I don't need or want the stamps.
The only thing I've purchased from them was a background builder set. The stamps were tiny when I got them! I couldn't find the dimensions on the site, so maybe that's my fault in the end. With shipping, I ended up spending $30 for it! At most, that set should have been $15 with $2 to ship in a bubble mailer.
They did ship super fast though. Sorry to rag on them, but I those are my honest thoughts.
I agree with 6:35
PTI CS should/could have stated it in a nicer way, but time limits are time limits. Sorry!
I just checked the apothecary dies and it's 5 dies for $16...not $7. For $7 I'd be buying them all the live long day. $16 for five tiny dies seems a bit high. I'd probably pay $10 for the 5.
I did like that photo explanation of how the dies/stamps arrive ready to go.
I did also notice how all of Laurie's die cuts were stamped perfectly. I have PTI Lovely Layers and it is a bitch and a half to get the flower images lined up perfectly on the die cut. And I've done it several times and still can't get it right. Makes me not want to use the stamps/dies together.
6:35 - great example. The sale was posted.
------
If you do not agree, I completely understand and realize we may not be the right company for you.
------
could have been said like this instead:
We do appreciate your business and apologize for any frustration this has caused you. If you'd like to stay informed of any future incentives, please join our emailing list and have these offers emailed directly to you.
I am so sorry! I was mistaken on the Apothecary Jar dies price. They are $16 not $7 (why did I think that?).
But comparing them to the Taylored Expression apothecary jar dies (which I also have)...CSS' are as big if not bigger than TE's and there are 5 instead of 4 and TE's are $15.95.
Still, I'm sorry to have misrepresented that!
Yeah, I'm the one who posted the link from two peas.... I totally get not extending the offer, but the phrasing - it does PTI in every single time. They suck at communications.
Why do they have to be such douchebags? I don't get it.
6:52 here... also to add - I'm not sure about SAF, but typically Nichole posts the shit out of things on her blog and the forum, but the home page sucks. I remember the link their being to buy the totes, not sure if it mentioned the free set before the actual day or not.
I think a company's website should stand on its own and you shouldn't HAVE to go to a blog or a members-only message board ot get that kind of info.
While I don't think that PTI should have extended the sale, I also think that the bit about not being the right company for the customer was totally unnecessary.
It sounds like Julie is running customer service and she just shouldn't be.
6:37 - according to the C&S website the critters aren't as big as a card they are 2-1/4" to 2-3/4" tall. That is half a card. It is about the same size as the tremdous treats from PTI (just a little bigger), the dies shouldn't be $100... that is ridiculous
05:59
Thanks for the link to the 2peas forum - funny, even tho the poster didn't list the name of the company, most people guessed that she was talking about PTI.
They sure have earned themselves a rotten reputation.
@ 05:54 re: rant about pti on two peas, this is one time I am with PTi. Yes it sucks she ordered just before promo went into effect but PTi had the rules of the offer spelled out.
Good point. But providing rewards for loyal customers should also be given by joining a company's Facebook etc. No?
5:59 Sorry, rules are rules.
6:57 - the dies I was talking about measure 4.25 x 4.5 and the largest is 5 x 4.5. That's the size of a card to me.
Yeah, reread PTI's customer service page. You can tell it was written by an asshole.
If I buy something at full price at Macy's and then it goes on sale the next day, all I do is take the receipt back and they refund the difference. I would think it would be even easier for an online company. How in the heck are people supposed to know how PTI works if they don't read the forum or blogs?
http://www.clearandsimplestamps.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=498
Those little dies beneath the stamp set are outrageously priced. I would expect them to be about $5-7.
From 7:12 - "How in the heck are people supposed to know how PTI works if they don't read the forum or blogs?"
Simple, PTI has made it clear that they don't want just any old customer. They only want the "fangirls" who will buy without thought, who will excuse any behavior, who think PTI are their BFFs.
(And for the record, I don't think that PTI should have given the 2Peas customer the free stamp set. Them's the breaks. I do however think the snark in the reply was uncalled for, but pretty much par for the course for PTI.)
I don't think that PTI should bend their rules but damn, Julie, take a customer service course or something! Your current tone is not working for the company!
Where the heck did Dave go? Rick, maybe you could step in. Or find someone that doesn't hate customers so much!
I think Dave never existed or was smart enough to try out the job and ran for his life.
I don't understand die pricing. At all. Does it make sense to anyone else? Dies that I think ought to be cheap aren't and some that I think will cost an arm and a leg don't. I just don't get it. I don't buy that many dies so I gave up trying to make sense of it and just go ahead and buy the few that I like.
6:46 - If you're having trouble stamping on the die cuts, try this tutorial that Dawn from wplus9 did. She die cuts a negative first then uses it to line up her stamping. It's a you tube tutorial but I thought it was useful.
www.stampawaywithme.blogspot.com/2012/06/wplus9-design-clips-repurposing-scraps.html
I stamp my dies cuts on a sheet of black foam. The contrast makes it a cinch to line them up perfectly every time.
While I fully understand and respect the policy, the reply could have been worded in a much nicer way. Julie, if you don't want to be quoted on message boards, stop being such a bitch.
I agree that PTI has the right to refuse to extend that special to that individual since she purchased outside the stated time frame. However, given PTI's current reputation among stampers, it would have been so much better for them give that stamp set to her. Instead of earning a new, loyal customer, they are getting more bad press to add to the already crazy amount of bad customer service examples.
A few months ago, I placed an order with a company for a substantial amount of money. The following day I received a coupon for that company. Not expecting much, I called and asked if they would apply the coupon to my order from the previous day. They did not hesitate and applied the discount on my order while I was on the phone with them. The benefit to them is that I am now a loyal customer and will order from them even if I find slightly better deals elsewhere.
Former stamp company owner here. If I had been approached withe the above scenario, I would have done the following: check to see if it was her first order, check to see if her email was on the mailing list. If her story lined up, I would have absolutely given her the freebie set...especially if my website didn't stand alone with regard to promos, meaning customers were required to reference my blog for details. In addition, the fact that the order was placed *early*, as opposed to late, gives reliability to the "I didn't know" claim.
The customer is always right. Or at least should feel like they are.
I don't think PTI was wrong for not giving the free set. I also don't think the customer was wrong in asking about it, as some companies would give the set for good customer relations.
PTI has shown over & over again that they don't care about good CR. They don't care that they come off as snark-tastic bitches. They feel that the customer should be grateful for the opportunity to do business with them.
The customer should always feel that they are right.
I like that.
7:08
OK so the build a bat/bee make bigger ones that don't even match the stamps and there are no basic dies for those so now I'm confused.
But the $40 dies only cut the 2-1/2" ones. Here are the dimensions from their web-site:
Owl measures 2 3/8" x 2 1/2" / Branch measures 5" x 1 1/8" /
Cat measures 2 3/4" x 2 1/2" /
Bee measures 3 3/8" x 2 1/2" /
Fox measures 2 7/8" x 2 1/2" /
Raccoon measures 25/8" x 2 1/2" /
Bat measures 4" x 2 1/2"
It is crazy IMO, just the spring time ones the pp posted.
Nice how the blog hop winner posted 3 cards....
Are you only allowed to make 1 card for the blog hop? I don't follow that at all.
08:10
My daughter took managerial training for McDonalds fast food. The 2 top points on the list of things to learn.
1. The customer is always right
2. In the event that the customer is not right, re-read point 1.
My daughter is somewhat learning disabled due to childhood illness that left her short of oxygen but she learned those points well many years ago. She has moved ahead to different employment and she has always been a "winner" with her employers. They say that her customer service approach is above average.
So although I agree that a sales promotion is for a certain time, it would have helped PTI in the long run to handle it differently. Even if they didn't want to "break their rules" to give the specific set, they could have offered an incentive discount on the next order OR some little gesture.
That last comment "might not be the company..." is just totally uncalled for.
Lion, I don't get how they price dies either. I was just looking at the library card die from PTI....the stamp is $5 and the die is $20. Holy shit guys, $20 freaking dollars for a rectangle with rounded edges!?!
7:27 #2, gaaaaaaaah! Thanks for that video link. It will help me tremendously!!! I could kiss you I'm so happy now. Lining up the stamps with the die cuts is one reason I've stayed away from Rosie Posie although I would like to own that set some day.
See, I can understand PTI not wanting to break the rules of the promo. So you have one customer who genuinely didn't know about the promo. Can you imagine if they did & the grateful customer mentioned it on the message board? They would then have 7356 people who wanted an exception made for them as well. Not making an exception doesn't bother me. Bitchy response bothers me.
Also, I really don't believe the customer is always right. That's not really fair to businesses, IMO. Sometimes the customer really is a whiny, grabby, self-absorbed PITA. I DO believe that it is in any business's best interest to always deal with customers politely & respectfully. Even the wrong ones. Even the PITAs.
IIRC, the library card die is not made to go with the library card stamp. Different dimensions, I believe.
From NH blog:
"You can enter our Blog Hop Forum contest. There will be a special thread posted in our forum specifically for this purpose asking a question. *Please only post once, as the winner will be picked via the Random Number Generator.* The forum contest will end at midnight EST and the winner announced the following morning."
Since Papertrey is all about the rules, maybe it should be pointed out that the blog hop winner posted 3 times.
So my SAF order was finally dropped off or picked up by UPS yesterday. My tracking notice says I should get it on Tuesday.
^^^Now let's hope my free set is included!
8:56, you are correct. I just went and confirmed that the die they reference in the library mini stamp is the library POCKET die. My mistake.
But still, the library card die is 3 something x 5 something and is $20. The quatrefoil coverplate die is $16 and is 4.25 x 5.5.
I doubt I would even pay $16 for a die that cuts a rounded edged rectangle with a small hole at the top that I could use my crop-a-dile to replicate. Maybe I'm just cheap.
I love how they have to pick random cards and say something nice about them even if they are ass ugly like that one cara made.
No, I'm not sour grapes. I haven't made a card in a month and didn't enter.
I do think someone should call attention to the rules being broken. Too bad the girl who didn't get her free set cuz she ordered on the 20th couldn't post her friendly zendesk response from Julie somewhere in the forums as proof that PTI is a stickler for rules.
RE: Blog Hop Winner
I believe you can post as many blog hop cards as you wish. Just like MIM entries. That's why Leigh has won so many.
The single entry requirement is for the blog hop forum question contest which is separate. You leave a comment for that separate contest.
05:59 Wonder what the actual conversation between the customer and customer service REALLY was? Half-truths abound.
9:08, Rick, is that you again? Shouldn't you be fixing that sham of a website?
NH blog doesn't say if you can enter multiple projects or just one. She should clarify though. Most people probably think you can only enter 1 project.
She does say that you can enter your "projects" in the gallery after the blog hop.
Dayum, cara entered 5 cards.
8:53 - you're welcome!
I am not a unicorn but I agree with those that said rules are rules. It makes some things easier.
I do have a question on the matter - is this what was really said or rewording from a disappointed customer?
"7/24 received message back from CS that said sorry...no can do.
I should have paid more attention to their blog and website"
Can the orginal poster post the actual quote before I judge?
Received my order from Impress Rubber Stamps today. Ordered late Saturday, packed (in Seattle) Monday, mailed Tuesday, and on my doorstep (in DC) today. Nicely wrapped and with a lovely, hand stamped thank you card.
^^ forgot to add that I received my shipping notice on the evening it left their warehouse for the post office (i.e. a REAL shipping notice).
9:49, why do you need to see the original response from PTI CS? The twopeas poster copied the bitchy CS response that basically said, "We don't need your business."
That is what everyone on this board is reacting to.
9:08, go away. Making false accusations without any proof. What reason does the twopeas poster have to lie about the exchange with CS? She was gracious enough not to name PTI . . . EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE ON THIS GREEN EARTH KNEW WHAT SHITTY COMPANY SHE WAS REFERRING TO.
And if you have access to the truthful statements, by all means share them, (Rick).
I am not the one who asked to see, but as you are saying, "PTI basically said" The reason she may want to see is because people have a way of twisting around what is ACTUALLY said by putting their interpretation of it and calling it what they BASICALLY said. It happends around here all the time. So, yes one may not be able to form an opinion until they read something quoted vs. a loose interpretation.
If I understand the post correctly, everything that was written was paraphrased with the exception of this
"If you do not agree, I completely understand and realize we may not be the right company for you."
This was a direct quote and is what rubbed so many people the wrong way.
^^, 10:25 here. Thanks for saying (in a much clearer fashion) what I was trying to communicate. THERE WAS NO PARAPHRASING when it comes to the bitchy CS response.
I'm not 9:49 (the person who asked to see more of the original quote), but I too am very curious to see exactly how Julie worded the part saying the customer should have paid more attention to their blog and website. Would you please post that part?
i ordered SAF stamps on sat and received my package today!
This business highlights exactly why I don't want PTI to have sales. From the customer side, I don't want to have to keep track of the exact days and times of the sales or a promo code or whatever. From PTI's side, they'd be bombarded with people saying, "I didn't know. Can you give it to me anyway?" and it will be a bunch of time and hassle for them to deal with it. I much prefer their system of giving rewards for MIM and blog hops.
I ordered midday on SAF (i.e., not front of the line), and my package will be here (west coast) on Mon. I think that shipping time is a big improvement. It used to be that if I ordered even 20 minutes after release, it took 10-11 days.
The OP is on 2Peas and is probably unaware of this blog.
^^ some of the other 2Peas responding to her post know about this blog, or at least have read other blog entries about the poor customer service.
Yes but only the OP knows exactly what was said in the email exchange with Julie.
I was answering the person that wanted the OP to post her email exchange.
Okay, but the "rewards" for MIM and blog hops are randomly given to only a very small percentage of their customer base. Whereas a sale would benefit all who wanted to get the discount.
11:32/11:48, OK, thanks for clarifying, I realize that now.
Trell, I saw your card. It was very nice. I loved your interpretation of the colors and still staying true to your style. Most of the other cards are so PTI that they all look the same to me.
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