Any speculation as to why PTI hasn't released a new color in over a year? Is that right? I think the last two colors released were Limeade Ice and Winter Wisteria, which were in 2012, correct?
So many companies are popping out new colors: paper and ink especially. And there are definite holes in the PTI color collection (a true navy, medium gray, mint green, a darker baby pink, teal, a primary blue, etc.). Nichole has been evasive when asked the question, but there has to be a reason, right? Obviously customers want new colors. Why not make one or two a month and give customers what they want?
I don't think they have the money to invest and I know several companies who wish they didn't offer cardstock because shipping is expensive and corners get bent, etc.
No idea of course. None. But I too wonder if PTI's sales are way down. Rick posted the list of top selling stamp sets and they are all very old sets. I am hoping that PTI turns the corner and moves back up in sales. also suspect that they are working on pigment or chalk type ink and will announce new colors and new ink as part of anniversary would love to see that and hope it happens sooner rather than later.
For awhile they were releasing new colors every other month or some such schedule. Then they also introduced the "boutique" products and ... you never heard another thing about it. It's like they were trying to keep up the momentum but just sputter out on things.
I can't imagine that they would try to do yet another ink formulation. People are getting kind of sick of that deal. And there are so many great choices now that weren't around when they first introduced their own matching inks.
Also, they set themselves up a bit to have it all with the color products. Cardstock, ink, ribbon, buttons, felt.... That's a lot if they feel a new color means having every product in that color, too. I think it's been too long and a lot of people have moved on to other sources.
Plus, the only "matchy-matchy" types I hear of anymore are SU people.
If they are set on having their own cardstock, and if the ink is okay now (I have no idea... burned once is enough), they should just let the rest go. PTI needs to carve out a new niche for themselves.
PTI is going through what SU went through. Very bad internet chatter decreased sales dramatically. So did major uptake in competition. Not saying that either company is folding, but clearly has a much lower profile on the net. Maybe folks are buying but not posting on the web but I doubt it. I see PTI on PTI DT blogs and not nearly as much as before outside those blogs.
Even worse with su. the only SU I see is from SU demos and geesh their big demos are lousy stampers. I guess boring, 1980s look sells. whatever.
so i hope PTI increases sales as I love the company and want to continue to get the products
MFT has been doing new colors with pretty much each release, and they have all the matchy stuff...buttons, ribbon, ink, cardstock and they're obviously making it work! The problem isn't that people don't want it, the problem is PTI!
I still love PTI's cardstock because of the quality and price. I just wish they would release some new colors. I haven't bought any of their ink since the disaster of their first batch. I'm not interested in matchy-matchy, so I've found other inks that make me happy.
I've been able to find alternate cardstock/ink for almost every color PTI has, so I'm not so concerned. It must not be a big moneymaker for them unless they can do the cardstock/ink together. Obviously, new inks are out of the question.
What are the top selling stamp sets listed by Rick?
I never visit the forum. And I've lost my password. I tried the forum once 2 or 3 years ago and couldn't take the craziness. The posters treated the releases like the 2nd coming.
I don't get the matching ink & paper thing. I prefer white cardstock and then I will ink up matching paper if I need some for a card. If I need a coordinating mat, I'll ink the edges only. Now if I could only use or get rid of my huge patterned paper stash. Sigh!
Being an international it's hard to invest in matching cardstock, especially with shipping charges and customs. I prefer Bazzill Cardshoppe, the only issue is it is more expensive per sheet than PTI.
The Avery Elle ink packaging is the exact same as Fresh Ink, A Muse, and Mama Elephant. These must all be the same formulas! I use Fresh and A Muse and they are identical in the way they stamp. They are priced the same too.
I love it! I love the colors, and it stamps beautifully.
I also use Versafine, Versamagic, Distress and Adirondack. But Memento Luxe is really my new favorite for most color stamping when the color choices are really important. I'll use Versafine, Memento and sometimes Brilliance for browns and blacks, outlines and sentiments, usually when I want a good detail ink. Memento Luxe actually handles sentiments really well too though.
I have all 24 Memento Luxe ink and I LOVE them. They are my favorite pigment ink. I have several Fresh inks, and while they stamp beautifully, I don't love the colors as much as the Memento inks. I just picked up all 8 of the new Heidi Swapp inks and they are pretty awesome, too. Dye ink (not pigment), but they stamp really well. Although they stain my stamps a little (something that doesn't concern me too much).
I just got 8 of the Impress Fresh Inks. Not impressed at all. I'm trying to use it with two different solid stamps and I'm getting a lot of blotchiness.
Always buy the reinkers with each new color. Almost every pad I have gotten has needed ink. I know, seems like a pain and expense, but the result is absolutely worth the trouble. They are amazingly gorgeous!
I am so overwhelmed with all the inks out there. Memento Luxe inks sound wonderful. Do these have foam or felt pads? I love the pads of the versafine inks.
^^I felt the same way initially but I would pay $12-$15 per pad for these because they are so superior. I decided just to get over it and do what I needed to do to have pads that made all my hard work worth it. I stamp seriously and I do not like poor impressions, uneven color, etc. I have tried just about every pad out there. This formula (whether you buy from IMpress, Amuse, ME, Avery, etc.) is THE best thing I have ever used. Gave away all my other pads (yep, all the Colorbox, SU, PTI, Adirondack, Tim Holtz, Versafine, Memento, Close to My Heart, and a bunch more) to an after school program and have never looked back. I love this ink, the matte texture, the blendability, and the chalkiness, but most of all the richness of it. Kind of like velvet where ink is concerned. I don't work for/sell for any of these companies. I am just one satisifed Seattle resident who loves having Amuse and Impress right on my doorstep.
I just bought a bunch of MFT inks. Those inks are awesome in my opinion. They are vibrant, juicy, I can stamp solid images perfectly and they come out so smooth. And their inks don't stain...well at least I haven't found one that has and I've tried about 15 of their colors. I highly recommend them, they are well priced too. I have also tried a bunch if different company inks, but IMO MFT tops all of the ones I have tried.
Wanted to thank whoever had mentioned the Michael's Recollection 110lb cardstock. I found it, used a coupon and am so super happy! I got white today and the next coupon will be going toward the ivory, which does look super close to PTI's Vintage Cream. I am one happy girl to have the weight paper I love for so cheap and locally! Thanks.
My SU pads seem to fray on the edges and I sometimes get the inky frayed thread mark across my design. It can be remedied by examining the pads.before stamping. But it really goes back to quality.
I'm not a fan of the new SU ink pads. I bought 2 to use on my Christmas cards, and was very disappointed in them. I was doing sponging on my cards, and had to keep reinking the pads. There are pads I've had for years and have never had to reink, no matter what techniques I've done.
Yes. Impress Rubber has sales -- often 20% off. You should get on a mailing list or like their FB page and then check them out. I never get emails from them, but check out their FB page. If Amuse has sales I do not know. Their demos and the company itself does a poor job of marketing. not a clue what is going on. I need to check out their FB page too I guess. A muse is really into selling at home parties only although they permit online sales. maybe we don't see their marketing because we are online and not in someone's living room. Hello, it isn't the 1980s anymore
The advantages of Fresh Ink over A Muse is that Impress has more sales. Also, the Fresh Ink reinkers are much bigger, making them a better deal in my opinion.
anyone ever think of opening your own stamp company? I'm looking for advice. how much of an initial $$ investment do i need? I've convinced my DH that we can invest $5000 in start up but the rest is going to need to come from profits. I figure we have to pay for a web site, a lawyer to set up the company and an initial set of stamps and some miscellany like packing stuff. I'd like to start with 3 sets, but could go to 2 sets if needed. The lawyer is going to cost $2000. YES. I've checked with 3 in my town. he is going to incorporate us in a way that will protect our personal assets, review copyright stuff with me, etc. and give us tax advice. My hub and I will be the only employees. My goal is to net $10K a year after the first year. My goal for the first year is break even. I intend to offer 5 sets 4 times a year after the 1st year.
Is this realistic/ I don't know who to talk to!! I'm sure I am missing a million things but several of my friends say my designs are great. They are hand drawn. Help!
Go partnership rather than corporation. Makes a huge difference in your profits and still protects your personal assets. 20 sets a year is not enough. I would suggest about 60 sets a year to gain brand loyalty. If you go too slow, you will make only a tiny splash in a big pond and will be hardly noticed and certainly not the "cool" vendor to buy from.
thanks. maybe I said the wrong words about the corporation thing. he made a point of saying he would protect our assets the best way -- i will check in with him on this issue and if he doesn't have a good answer, go with someone else.
60 sets a year is too much for me I think at first, but I understand your point. I will have to think about this and see what else I can learn. appreciate your thoughts
Realistic?? I dont know how you can tell at this point. I would not spend more than you can afford to lose to start this company. Also I would not depend on friends telling you the truth about your designs. And they have not been buying them from you yet, have they? I would not go big right away, in any case. Or spend a lot of money on inventory until you really know whether there is any demand for your stamps.
thanks. I agree. we can afford the $5K. We can actually afford to lose more than that but are not willing to risk more. I also agree about my friends. I haven't offered to sell anything yet so i have no basis to judge whether my designs will sell. it is a risk. this is the fun part -- the planning the dreaming thinking up a name for the company, etc. the hard work hasn't happened. the market is so saturated that even if my designs are decent they may get lost.
To the potential stamp company owner. What is your goal for starting this company? If it's to make money, you will have to do a lot more sets per year and they better be good ones. You probably need to add dies to the mix too.
If you're only in it because you enjoy designing and don't mind if you're turning a profit, then you're probably fine.
I see too many small stamp companies fail because it's just a glorified hobby to these people. And no offense, but you need to know more than drawing to make a stamp. Do you know how to work with Illustrator? Don't depend on friends for real feedback. Of course, they're going to say they like it. Running your own business is hard. You will have to be graphic designer, accountant, office manager, customer service, shipper, etc. for your company. Not saying that it can't be done successfully, but you don't seem all that prepared for the reality of it.
For the most part, stamp company owners all seems to be super nice and willing to help others. I can't think of any owner (except maybe PTI?) who wouldn't be willing to offer you their own advice or share their experience of starting their companies. Maybe contact a few of the ones you like and/or have high respect for and just ask if they'd be willing to hear your plans and offer advice? I agree with others too, I wouldn't trust friends for honest opinions of your designs.
I'll give you my gut reaction to your idea: $5000 sounds awfully low to start a new business. Most of that will go to lawyers and accountants just to set it all up. As another poster said, in order for you not to be swallowed up by this enormous online crafting market, you will HAVE to have more available stamp sets initially and more frequent releases than every 4 months. People will forget to check back, even if you have people who initially liked your stuff. How do you plan to market yourself? Do you have a large blog following right now that could get you up and running with orders early on? Also if you don't expand your product line to include things like dies as well, that will turn a lot of people off unless your stuff is VERY different and VERY well liked. If your designs are just another take on the same old, same old people will buy similar stuff from other companies they know better and also offer the matching dies and such. To do it right, I think you need more committed and invested. It sounds a bit half-ass to me right now. Oh, and do not count on your friends' feedback to be really honest about your designs. They very well may be great, but I know if a friend of mine showed me her designs I would tell her they are cute. No. Matter. What. You can't tell someone their baby is ugly. I do wish you luck and I hope you figure out a way to follow your dream if this is it. I think you need to do more homework, though.
I know how to start and run a stamp business. Takes about $150K to make it through the 1st year.
You want to use your designs? Find a company to sell them. You get a cut, and they do the work. If that works out, and people like your work, and you build a following, and you learn how to do the artwork, and you make the vendor contacts, and you learn how to code a website... then you should consider starting a stamp company. I wish you all the success in your endeavor.
appreciate the advice. do not appreciate the name calling but it's a smack blog and I understand the small meanness of a few. Husband and I are continuing to explore but feel strongly about limiting our investment to $5K. We will work on the business plan, seek out advice from others with online companies and then decide on next steps, if any. maybe we'll take the 5K and go to europe for a vacation instead!
You cannot have much of a vacation for 2 to Europe for 5K. Son and I went to Italy for a week this fall and it was $10,000 and we did not do anything terribly fancy. Accomodations for simple ones were $300 a night, meals came to $200 a day for 2.
Who was name calling? I didn't read comments that called you names. There was some good, candid feedback offered. It seems like you are underestimating what it will cost to start a stamp company.
Just your liability insurance, copyrighting your label, website construction, PayPal set up, business license and taxes, will be over $10,000 before a single stamp is sold.
$5K is plenty. It doesn't cost that much to set up a blog with a paypal button. you dont need liability insurance, especially at first. who is going to get injured by your stamps. don't let these folks fool you or scare you. go for it!! no need to have dies or fancy schmancy. you just need to sell some sets. you aren't going to net $10K a year for a long time though.
ps. We went to England last year. $6000 for 12 days for 2. i'd rather travel than run some online company and always have to have someone around for shipping. not worth it.
I am planning to get myself some stamps, and I'm really confused as to what I should get(except the Wp9 fresh cut florals).
I tried googling for the most popular stamp sets of 2013, and got zilch. I'm hoping you could help me on that front. Which stamp sets do you consider to be best of 2013?
I didn't see any name calling? BTW, you never answered the question about what you wanted to get out of creating a stamp company. If you want to use it as a primary source of income, you WILL have to do all those things people mentioned upstream. If not, then go for it. You said you can afford to lose $5000.
I'm not really sure if you want real answers. It sounds like you don't want to take advice and don't have very much experience. Not a good combo. Sorry if that stings, but that's the truth.
Everyone has dreams but starting a new stamp company sounds extremely difficult at this time. The market is saturated. I suggest partnering with a LSS store, or like someone said, an established online company and see how your stamps sell. Its not.just the money it is the stress of owning a business. And ask yourself if you could handle all the criticism that goes with your designs and business practices.
Asking for advice (on starting a company) on a smack blog - you are not off to a good start.
* No. 1 piece of advice: Grow a thicker skin. No-one called you names here.
Try selling a few stamps on your blog, if you have one (I hope). Does it have any followers? You need a existing base of followers to get the word out. Or else you may as well just sell to the friends who say your designs are good.
Do an LLC on your own. If you already have a tax accountant, they can help you. You don't need a lawyer to start a business. Do some research.
The more money you put into it, the faster results you'd probably see - if the product is good. The more work you put into it, the more $ you can save, and the better results you'll see.
There's no cookie cutter formula for this. Research the cost of setting up and you'll know if you have enough. Look into manufacturing, advertising, and your webstore. Get quotes. Don't leave anything out. Be realistic. Crunch the numbers. If you can't do that yourself at the start, then you shouldn't go into business.
You may want to try to contract with a stamp company where you're a good fit and see if your artwork is a seller. Notice I didn't say find out if it's "good." You want to know if it will sell. People say they like things all the time and it doesn't mean they buy it.
Don't be tempted to go the digi route first. People may pay $1 or $2 for a one-time use or whim, but that doesn't mean they'll shell out $15 to $20 for a stamp set. It's not a good indicator of whether your stamps will sell.
If your work is at all amateurish (and a lot of these new companies' are) or not distinctive at all, don't bother. Sorry - just the cold hard facts.
hey I think the stamper came back to say this was all a lie. at least that's what I think 7:56 pm was saying. but I don't care about all that. Start a company or not. Lie or not.
Every once in a while I check out PTI again. I really like the products and keep hoping the place will change. I'm so naive. So I went to the forum the other day and saw the thread where someone was complaining about the design of the website. Did you see Nichole's response -- before Rick shut it down of course?
Thank you Nichole. Every time I think I might start buying again, you remind me why I do not. What a snarky response. Something along the lines of "if you have something constructive to suggest please go to our customer forum" site. I'd go back and cut and paste it here but Rick tracks who looks at what and I continue to try and win prizes! Hey just being honest.
Hey Nichole. You keep forgetting that you should NEVER post anything on the forum. Here's how you could have handled this. "Thanks for the feedback on the store. We continue to work on the website and acknowledge that, while it has improved tremendously over the years, it remains a work in progress. Help us out and post exactly what your issues are here and we will do our best to address your concerns."
That is based on the premise that all customer feedback is good feedback. There is no possible way to make the website so that everybody is happy with it. And your movement has already been tracked. You're screwed. No prizes for you. Ever.
I ordered after 10pm on the 15th and my package departed Cinci on the 16th. Fastest shipping ever.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear. I hope the February orders will ship fast too. Looking forward to do some shopping on the anniversary day.
ReplyDeleteAny speculation as to why PTI hasn't released a new color in over a year? Is that right? I think the last two colors released were Limeade Ice and Winter Wisteria, which were in 2012, correct?
ReplyDeleteSo many companies are popping out new colors: paper and ink especially. And there are definite holes in the PTI color collection (a true navy, medium gray, mint green, a darker baby pink, teal, a primary blue, etc.). Nichole has been evasive when asked the question, but there has to be a reason, right? Obviously customers want new colors. Why not make one or two a month and give customers what they want?
I don't think they have the money to invest and I know several companies who wish they didn't offer cardstock because shipping is expensive and corners get bent, etc.
ReplyDeleteNo idea of course. None. But I too wonder if PTI's sales are way down. Rick posted the list of top selling stamp sets and they are all very old sets. I am hoping that PTI turns the corner and moves back up in sales. also suspect that they are working on pigment or chalk type ink and will announce new colors and new ink as part of anniversary would love to see that and hope it happens sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteFor awhile they were releasing new colors every other month or some such schedule. Then they also introduced the "boutique" products and ... you never heard another thing about it. It's like they were trying to keep up the momentum but just sputter out on things.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine that they would try to do yet another ink formulation. People are getting kind of sick of that deal. And there are so many great choices now that weren't around when they first introduced their own matching inks.
Also, they set themselves up a bit to have it all with the color products. Cardstock, ink, ribbon, buttons, felt.... That's a lot if they feel a new color means having every product in that color, too. I think it's been too long and a lot of people have moved on to other sources.
Plus, the only "matchy-matchy" types I hear of anymore are SU people.
If they are set on having their own cardstock, and if the ink is okay now (I have no idea... burned once is enough), they should just let the rest go. PTI needs to carve out a new niche for themselves.
I have never cared for the matchy thing anyway. I like a bit of contrast.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind if they just release new cardstock colors. I don't care much for the buttons or ribbons. If there's no ink it's ok too, I'll live. Lol!
ReplyDeletePTI is going through what SU went through. Very bad internet chatter decreased sales dramatically. So did major uptake in competition. Not saying that either company is folding, but clearly has a much lower profile on the net. Maybe folks are buying but not posting on the web but I doubt it. I see PTI on PTI DT blogs and not nearly as much as before outside those blogs.
ReplyDeleteEven worse with su. the only SU I see is from SU demos and geesh their big demos are lousy stampers. I guess boring, 1980s look sells. whatever.
so i hope PTI increases sales as I love the company and want to continue to get the products
MFT has been doing new colors with pretty much each release, and they have all the matchy stuff...buttons, ribbon, ink, cardstock and they're obviously making it work! The problem isn't that people don't want it, the problem is PTI!
ReplyDeleteI still love PTI's cardstock because of the quality and price. I just wish they would release some new colors. I haven't bought any of their ink since the disaster of their first batch. I'm not interested in matchy-matchy, so I've found other inks that make me happy.
ReplyDeleteI've been able to find alternate cardstock/ink for almost every color PTI has, so I'm not so concerned. It must not be a big moneymaker for them unless they can do the cardstock/ink together. Obviously, new inks are out of the question.
ReplyDeleteMFT is fairly new to the ink game (matching with their paper, ribbon, buttons, felt, etc). And Jennifer McGuire is promoting MFT products now.
ReplyDeleteJan 23, 8:02 pm
ReplyDeleteWhat are the top selling stamp sets listed by Rick?
I never visit the forum. And I've lost my password. I tried the forum once 2 or 3 years ago and couldn't take the craziness. The posters treated the releases like the 2nd coming.
Whenever I check out the PTI forum (not to post, only to stalk), there are never more than 10 users online. Pretty depressing how things have changed.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the matching ink & paper thing.
ReplyDeleteI prefer white cardstock and then I will ink up matching paper if I need some for a card. If I need a coordinating mat, I'll ink the edges only.
Now if I could only use or get rid of my huge patterned paper stash. Sigh!
I always use a white, cream or kraft cardbase. I rarely use a colored cardbase.
ReplyDeleteAvery Elle introduced 15 pads today.
ReplyDeleteBeing an international it's hard to invest in matching cardstock, especially with shipping charges and customs. I prefer Bazzill Cardshoppe, the only issue is it is more expensive per sheet than PTI.
ReplyDeleteThe Avery Elle ink packaging is the exact same as Fresh Ink, A Muse, and Mama Elephant. These must all be the same formulas! I use Fresh and A Muse and they are identical in the way they stamp. They are priced the same too.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of Memento Luxe? Other than it is very, very juicy.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I love the colors, and it stamps beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI also use Versafine, Versamagic, Distress and Adirondack. But Memento Luxe is really my new favorite for most color stamping when the color choices are really important. I'll use Versafine, Memento and sometimes Brilliance for browns and blacks, outlines and sentiments, usually when I want a good detail ink. Memento Luxe actually handles sentiments really well too though.
Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteit is inky
ReplyDeleteI have all 24 Memento Luxe ink and I LOVE them. They are my favorite pigment ink. I have several Fresh inks, and while they stamp beautifully, I don't love the colors as much as the Memento inks. I just picked up all 8 of the new Heidi Swapp inks and they are pretty awesome, too. Dye ink (not pigment), but they stamp really well. Although they stain my stamps a little (something that doesn't concern me too much).
ReplyDeleteI just got 8 of the Impress Fresh Inks. Not impressed at all. I'm trying to use it with two different solid stamps and I'm getting a lot of blotchiness.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get your Fresh Inks juicy enough you will love them. I have a total of 82 Fresh Ink and Amuse pads and ADORE them.
ReplyDeleteAlways buy the reinkers with each new color. Almost every pad I have gotten has needed ink. I know, seems like a pain and expense, but the result is absolutely worth the trouble. They are amazingly gorgeous!
ReplyDelete^^^That was about A Muse and Fresh Inks, both.
ReplyDeleteI am so overwhelmed with all the inks out there. Memento Luxe inks sound wonderful. Do these have foam or felt pads? I love the pads of the versafine inks.
ReplyDeleteI just can't feel good about about a brand new ink pad needing reinked. If the pads need to be "primed" then they should be sold with a reinker.
ReplyDeleteI dont mean to sound bitchy but it does get pricey if you want a nice variety of colors.
^^I felt the same way initially but I would pay $12-$15 per pad for these because they are so superior. I decided just to get over it and do what I needed to do to have pads that made all my hard work worth it. I stamp seriously and I do not like poor impressions, uneven color, etc. I have tried just about every pad out there. This formula (whether you buy from IMpress, Amuse, ME, Avery, etc.) is THE best thing I have ever used. Gave away all my other pads (yep, all the Colorbox, SU, PTI, Adirondack, Tim Holtz, Versafine, Memento, Close to My Heart, and a bunch more) to an after school program and have never looked back. I love this ink, the matte texture, the blendability, and the chalkiness, but most of all the richness of it. Kind of like velvet where ink is concerned. I don't work for/sell for any of these companies. I am just one satisifed Seattle resident who loves having Amuse and Impress right on my doorstep.
ReplyDeleteAre they heat set? I hear comments about them not drying.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a bunch of MFT inks. Those inks are awesome in my opinion. They are vibrant, juicy, I can stamp solid images perfectly and they come out so smooth. And their inks don't stain...well at least I haven't found one that has and I've tried about 15 of their colors. I highly recommend them, they are well priced too.
ReplyDeleteI have also tried a bunch if different company inks, but IMO MFT tops all of the ones I have tried.
Wanted to thank whoever had mentioned the Michael's Recollection 110lb cardstock. I found it, used a coupon and am so super happy! I got white today and the next coupon will be going toward the ivory, which does look super close to PTI's Vintage Cream. I am one happy girl to have the weight paper I love for so cheap and locally! Thanks.
ReplyDelete11:37 are they foam or felt pads?
ReplyDeletefoam
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody use and love SU ink pads?
ReplyDeleteI do not like SU's ink pads. I make a mess just opening and closing them about 20% of the time. I tried I tried!
ReplyDeleteI hate SU pads, like 9:19 said they are supper messy and hard to clean off your stamps. Another MFT ink fan here.
ReplyDeleteMy SU pads seem to fray on the edges and I sometimes get the inky frayed thread mark across my design. It can be remedied by examining the pads.before stamping. But it really goes back to quality.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of the new SU ink pads. I bought 2 to use on my Christmas cards, and was very disappointed in them. I was doing sponging on my cards, and had to keep reinking the pads. There are pads I've had for years and have never had to reink, no matter what techniques I've done.
ReplyDeleteEver since SU would not stand behind and replace the sagging pads, I won't buy from them.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried these inks?
ReplyDeletehttp://kandrdesigns.blogspot.com/2014/01/fitting-in-adding-new-ink-to-your.html
Thanks 5:58. I won't buy them.. I don't like foam pads.
ReplyDeleteAre the A Muse or Fresh Inks ever on sale?
ReplyDeleteYes. Impress Rubber has sales -- often 20% off. You should get on a mailing list or like their FB page and then check them out. I never get emails from them, but check out their FB page. If Amuse has sales I do not know. Their demos and the company itself does a poor job of marketing. not a clue what is going on. I need to check out their FB page too I guess. A muse is really into selling at home parties only although they permit online sales. maybe we don't see their marketing because we are online and not in someone's living room. Hello, it isn't the 1980s anymore
ReplyDeleteI recently got A Muse at 20% off on the sale they had right around Christmas. I spent about $200 with them for ink, reinkers, supplies.
ReplyDeleteThe advantages of Fresh Ink over A Muse is that Impress has more sales. Also, the Fresh Ink reinkers are much bigger, making them a better deal in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteanyone ever think of opening your own stamp company? I'm looking for advice. how much of an initial $$ investment do i need? I've convinced my DH that we can invest $5000 in start up but the rest is going to need to come from profits. I figure we have to pay for a web site, a lawyer to set up the company and an initial set of stamps and some miscellany like packing stuff. I'd like to start with 3 sets, but could go to 2 sets if needed. The lawyer is going to cost $2000. YES. I've checked with 3 in my town. he is going to incorporate us in a way that will protect our personal assets, review copyright stuff with me, etc. and give us tax advice. My hub and I will be the only employees. My goal is to net $10K a year after the first year. My goal for the first year is break even. I intend to offer 5 sets 4 times a year after the 1st year.
ReplyDeleteIs this realistic/ I don't know who to talk to!! I'm sure I am missing a million things but several of my friends say my designs are great. They are hand drawn. Help!
Go partnership rather than corporation. Makes a huge difference in your profits and still protects your personal assets. 20 sets a year is not enough. I would suggest about 60 sets a year to gain brand loyalty. If you go too slow, you will make only a tiny splash in a big pond and will be hardly noticed and certainly not the "cool" vendor to buy from.
ReplyDeletethanks. maybe I said the wrong words about the corporation thing. he made a point of saying he would protect our assets the best way -- i will check in with him on this issue and if he doesn't have a good answer, go with someone else.
ReplyDelete60 sets a year is too much for me I think at first, but I understand your point. I will have to think about this and see what else I can learn. appreciate your thoughts
A general partnership does not protect your assets. You need to go either corporation of LLC.
ReplyDeleteI have been part owner in a legal partnership for 38 years. Yes, it does protect your personal assets.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably set up as an LLP.
ReplyDeleteRealistic??
ReplyDeleteI dont know how you can tell at this point. I would not spend more than you can afford to lose to start this company. Also I would not depend on friends telling you the truth about your designs. And they have not been buying them from you yet, have they? I would not go big right away, in any case. Or spend a lot of money on inventory until you really know whether there is any demand for your stamps.
thanks. I agree. we can afford the $5K. We can actually afford to lose more than that but are not willing to risk more. I also agree about my friends. I haven't offered to sell anything yet so i have no basis to judge whether my designs will sell. it is a risk. this is the fun part -- the planning the dreaming thinking up a name for the company, etc. the hard work hasn't happened. the market is so saturated that even if my designs are decent they may get lost.
ReplyDeleteDon't throw away your $5K. Not nearly enough to start a stamp company.
ReplyDeletecould you be more specific? i do not want to throw away my money. why isn't it enough.
ReplyDeleteTo the potential stamp company owner. What is your goal for starting this company? If it's to make money, you will have to do a lot more sets per year and they better be good ones. You probably need to add dies to the mix too.
ReplyDeleteIf you're only in it because you enjoy designing and don't mind if you're turning a profit, then you're probably fine.
I see too many small stamp companies fail because it's just a glorified hobby to these people. And no offense, but you need to know more than drawing to make a stamp. Do you know how to work with Illustrator? Don't depend on friends for real feedback. Of course, they're going to say they like it. Running your own business is hard. You will have to be graphic designer, accountant, office manager, customer service, shipper, etc. for your company. Not saying that it can't be done successfully, but you don't seem all that prepared for the reality of it.
For the most part, stamp company owners all seems to be super nice and willing to help others. I can't think of any owner (except maybe PTI?) who wouldn't be willing to offer you their own advice or share their experience of starting their companies. Maybe contact a few of the ones you like and/or have high respect for and just ask if they'd be willing to hear your plans and offer advice? I agree with others too, I wouldn't trust friends for honest opinions of your designs.
ReplyDeleteI'll give you my gut reaction to your idea: $5000 sounds awfully low to start a new business. Most of that will go to lawyers and accountants just to set it all up. As another poster said, in order for you not to be swallowed up by this enormous online crafting market, you will HAVE to have more available stamp sets initially and more frequent releases than every 4 months. People will forget to check back, even if you have people who initially liked your stuff. How do you plan to market yourself? Do you have a large blog following right now that could get you up and running with orders early on? Also if you don't expand your product line to include things like dies as well, that will turn a lot of people off unless your stuff is VERY different and VERY well liked. If your designs are just another take on the same old, same old people will buy similar stuff from other companies they know better and also offer the matching dies and such. To do it right, I think you need more committed and invested. It sounds a bit half-ass to me right now. Oh, and do not count on your friends' feedback to be really honest about your designs. They very well may be great, but I know if a friend of mine showed me her designs I would tell her they are cute. No. Matter. What. You can't tell someone their baby is ugly. I do wish you luck and I hope you figure out a way to follow your dream if this is it. I think you need to do more homework, though.
ReplyDeleteI know how to start and run a stamp business. Takes about $150K to make it through the 1st year.
ReplyDeleteYou want to use your designs? Find a company to sell them. You get a cut, and they do the work. If that works out, and people like your work, and you build a following, and you learn how to do the artwork, and you make the vendor contacts, and you learn how to code a website... then you should consider starting a stamp company. I wish you all the success in your endeavor.
appreciate the advice. do not appreciate the name calling but it's a smack blog and I understand the small meanness of a few. Husband and I are continuing to explore but feel strongly about limiting our investment to $5K. We will work on the business plan, seek out advice from others with online companies and then decide on next steps, if any. maybe we'll take the 5K and go to europe for a vacation instead!
ReplyDeleteSeriously.... PLEASE point out where you were called names? I didn't see ANYTHING here but honest, frank advice which is what you asked for!
DeleteYou cannot have much of a vacation for 2 to Europe for 5K. Son and I went to Italy for a week this fall and it was $10,000 and we did not do anything terribly fancy. Accomodations for simple ones were $300 a night, meals came to $200 a day for 2.
ReplyDeleteWho was name calling? I didn't read comments that called you names. There was some good, candid feedback offered. It seems like you are underestimating what it will cost to start a stamp company.
ReplyDeleteJust your liability insurance, copyrighting your label, website construction, PayPal set up, business license and taxes, will be over $10,000 before a single stamp is sold.
ReplyDelete$5K is plenty. It doesn't cost that much to set up a blog with a paypal button. you dont need liability insurance, especially at first. who is going to get injured by your stamps. don't let these folks fool you or scare you. go for it!! no need to have dies or fancy schmancy. you just need to sell some sets. you aren't going to net $10K a year for a long time though.
ReplyDeleteps. We went to England last year. $6000 for 12 days for 2. i'd rather travel than run some online company and always have to have someone around for shipping. not worth it.
save the $5K. there are already way way way too many stamp companies. give the money to me!
ReplyDeletelies
ReplyDeleteturn a lot of people off
ReplyDeletelet's discuss why this is so wrong
let's not. let's close down this blog. it is stupid and an embarrassment. thus i am reading it.
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI am planning to get myself some stamps, and I'm really confused as to what I should get(except the Wp9 fresh cut florals).
I tried googling for the most popular stamp sets of 2013, and got zilch.
I'm hoping you could help me on that front. Which stamp sets do you consider to be best of 2013?
To the smacker who saw PTI button jars at Tuesday Morning. Which city did you see them in? Would like to buy them :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't see any name calling? BTW, you never answered the question about what you wanted to get out of creating a stamp company. If you want to use it as a primary source of income, you WILL have to do all those things people mentioned upstream. If not, then go for it. You said you can afford to lose $5000.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure if you want real answers. It sounds like you don't want to take advice and don't have very much experience. Not a good combo. Sorry if that stings, but that's the truth.
Everyone has dreams but starting a new stamp company sounds extremely difficult at this time. The market is saturated. I suggest partnering with a LSS store, or like someone said, an established online company and see how your stamps sell. Its not.just the money it is the stress of owning a business. And ask yourself if you could handle all the criticism that goes with your designs and business practices.
ReplyDeleteAgain - the liar that frequents here could be making up a story.
ReplyDeleteAsking for advice (on starting a company) on a smack blog - you are not off to a good start.
ReplyDelete* No. 1 piece of advice: Grow a thicker skin. No-one called you names here.
Try selling a few stamps on your blog, if you have one (I hope). Does it have any followers? You need a existing base of followers to get the word out. Or else you may as well just sell to the friends who say your designs are good.
^^^^ Excellent advice. Develop a following before you really go into this. Link your blog here and we will tell you the truth.
ReplyDeletei do believe we have a winner!!! 10:11 am, step forward and claim your prize!
ReplyDeleteHaha -- "link your blog here"!
ReplyDeletePotential Shop Girl: Just a few things.
Do an LLC on your own. If you already have a tax accountant, they can help you. You don't need a lawyer to start a business. Do some research.
The more money you put into it, the faster results you'd probably see - if the product is good. The more work you put into it, the more $ you can save, and the better results you'll see.
There's no cookie cutter formula for this. Research the cost of setting up and you'll know if you have enough. Look into manufacturing, advertising, and your webstore. Get quotes. Don't leave anything out. Be realistic. Crunch the numbers. If you can't do that yourself at the start, then you shouldn't go into business.
You may want to try to contract with a stamp company where you're a good fit and see if your artwork is a seller. Notice I didn't say find out if it's "good." You want to know if it will sell. People say they like things all the time and it doesn't mean they buy it.
Don't be tempted to go the digi route first. People may pay $1 or $2 for a one-time use or whim, but that doesn't mean they'll shell out $15 to $20 for a stamp set. It's not a good indicator of whether your stamps will sell.
If your work is at all amateurish (and a lot of these new companies' are) or not distinctive at all, don't bother. Sorry - just the cold hard facts.
hey I think the stamper came back to say this was all a lie. at least that's what I think 7:56 pm was saying. but I don't care about all that. Start a company or not. Lie or not.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while I check out PTI again. I really like the products and keep hoping the place will change. I'm so naive. So I went to the forum the other day and saw the thread where someone was complaining about the design of the website. Did you see Nichole's response -- before Rick shut it down of course?
Thank you Nichole. Every time I think I might start buying again, you remind me why I do not. What a snarky response. Something along the lines of "if you have something constructive to suggest please go to our customer forum" site. I'd go back and cut and paste it here but Rick tracks who looks at what and I continue to try and win prizes! Hey just being honest.
Hey Nichole. You keep forgetting that you should NEVER post anything on the forum. Here's how you could have handled this. "Thanks for the feedback on the store. We continue to work on the website and acknowledge that, while it has improved tremendously over the years, it remains a work in progress. Help us out and post exactly what your issues are here and we will do our best to address your concerns."
PTI won't be getting a dime from me.
That is based on the premise that all customer feedback is good feedback. There is no possible way to make the website so that everybody is happy with it. And your movement has already been tracked. You're screwed. No prizes for you. Ever.
ReplyDelete6:25 are you serious?
ReplyDeleteI am serious. Of course I have nothing to do with PTI and I have never been on the forum. I am just a shit stirrer. Isn't that what we do?
ReplyDeleteNew post is up.
ReplyDeleteUh-oh! Do you think that EB/Theresa is posting here now?
ReplyDelete