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There are 2 sets I want in the mini, the price for the die cuts are (to me) worth it. I will buy fewer sets, only 2, whereas in prior minis I might have bought 3-4 sets.
Now the wrapping paper is insanely expensive, I will NOT buy it. I like it, but not THAT much!
Where do rumors come from? Somebody just makes them up right? In MT?
Hey I'm from MT- but I'm one of those demos that is actually making a profit at this . Everytime I make a sale- I have made a profit- after that it is just a matter of how I want to spend the money I have earned!
I love Stampin' Up!, i love their products, I love their wood, i love their rubber, I love their images, I love their paper, ink, ribbons- i think you get the picture! I don't even mind their prices-
Several points prefaced by the fact that until recently I was a demo.
Rumor has it that the demos have put out notices in a number of online places to come here and vote for the first option. I believe, for this reason, that the poll is quite heavily a vote of demos.
Secondly, as a demo, I never made a cent and I doubt anyone can unless they have huge sales. I averaged $4000 a year. After all my business costs such as bags, forms, deliveries made to homes, labels for catalogs, not to mention my time, that 20 percent did not begin to cut it. After I spent an average of $25 of my own money each time I put on a club or workshop, I would have had to make a huge total sale to even break even. This is not a way to make money and people going in to it for that are going to be shocked at how much money they are spending with SU to even maintain their business costs and keep things going. I honestly believe SU's main income is not the customers but what they require the demos to spend and many of those cannot even see that they are not making any money at this because they look at the sale only without putting all the additional costs into their bottom line.
One thing not mentioned is that while SU may be cheaper per stamp, but barely, it is very, very unusual that I would buy all the stamps in a set if I had the choice. I may use 1/2 the stamps so in my mind I double the price per stamp based on the fact that if I like a set I am forced to buy it in a set accompanied by stamps I really don't want and won't use. Comparing to single stamp purchases like A Muse is irrelevant. When I buy A Muse stamps I hand pick EVERY stamp so what I spend is well worth it. I am not buying useless excess because they give me a choice, which SU does not. Therefore, $40 for a set after tax and shipping has been added is outrageous when I will only use 3-4 stamps out of the set.
Wow....where are you hearing these "rumors"? 'Cause I'm curious...I checked SUDSOL to see if everyone was being directed her to vote in this poll and amazingly THERE IS NO MENTION OF IT WHATSOEVER!!! :shock:
Amazingly, there are demonstrators who don't give a rat's hindquarters what is said on this site...I know, wow, it's amazing to so many of us who hang out here and others who WISH they could, but can't, but the sun does not rise or set on Splitcoaststampers and the opinions expressed here.
Believe me, if there were posts all over the internet urging demos to come and vote on this poll, you'd be seeing a heck of a lot more than 500 and some odd votes, you'd see thousands. Yes, we are LEGION. :mrgreen:
I'm quite upfront with people who ask me do I make money at this and the answer is, no, I am not paying my children's tuition with Stampin' Up, I am not paying my house payment or even a car payment. I know there are those that do, but the lean business model is not mine. I got into this to have fun and get my stamps at a nice discount. The fact that I make enough to pay for my own habit is a bonus, the fact that I've made enough to send myself to convention three times is more than I ever expected.
But most thrilling to me is the FRIENDS I've made, both amongst my customers and on this website. That, and the self-confidence I've gained and the realization that I can get up in front of people and inspire them, make them laugh and help them have fun has paid off in more than money. This is truly the funnest, best job I've ever had and the benefits are not paid in health care or pension plans or many, many monies. My stamping friends from SCS, why they are like family to me. A big dysfunctional family, sometimes, but a family just the same. The SISTERHOOD OF STAMPING...geez, I'm getting all verklempt! :mrgreen:
So when Danyelle gets a bit mouthy about SU!, I don't take her that seriously, 'cause I know her...she likes to be fresh about stuff occasionally, so I take it with a grain of salt and let it roll off. I knew the 20% profiteers was pure snarky, fresh talkin' coming from Danyelle...I knew she didn't mean it like it sounds.
I just can't imagine having Daven's job, dealing with all these females who are constantly PMS'ing all over the place...Daven, I love ya, baby!
I just wanted to mention that your saying about "being crafty or drinking heavily" made me LOL....and your little icon buddy....I love the kids. My kids are grown and on their own now and I'm only 44!!! But I sure do miss those "crazy" kid days. Now I have two small dogs and my stampin to keep me busy. Thanks for the laugh....I needed it!
__________________ Bibby
'93, '07 Mount Aloysius College Alumni
Sorry I haven't posted again ... phew - I'm out of breath! I've been running all over the place to find fellow demos to post on this poll ....:rolleyes:
All right Tracey, I just got here to cast my vote!! Thanks for the invite!!;)
Where do rumors come from? Somebody just makes them up right? In MT?
Sometimes you read things in print that aren't true. I've know a rumor to get started by an uninformed article in a craft magazine. Have you ever read People magazine? All that stuff can't be true:mrgreen:
SU paper and A Muse stamps? That's waaay more expensive, unless you do the 'amuse' layout of one stamp and one layer of CS.
Actually it isn't.....I only use SU colored cardstock, and Neenah paper for the white base. Or I just use Fabriano Medioevalis watercolor note cards without any layers at all....it is simple, elegant....and I get them in bulk from an arts supply store, so I really save quite a bit of money. Personally I would much rather spend $7 for one stamp that I use all the time, than $30+ for a set of stamps that I only use one or two of.
__________________ �Truth isn't mean. It's truth." ~ Andrew Breitbart (1969-2012)
So SU DEMOS aren't allowed to have an opinion in this poll?? This thread is getting completely out of control!
IT IS JUST A POLL...NOT A PRESIDENTAL ELECTION!
mebbe we should ask for a recount....:mrgreen:
Seriously, I hope I loose weight running around to all these other places (who knew there were places besides scs:confused: I don't believe it..) telling everyone to come vote.
I certainly think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think it should be constructive. The title of this thread offends me (and I hazard to guess others) as both a stamper and a demonstrator. We all have stuff we do and don't like - heck, my upline and I are complete opposites when it comes to taste! As for cost, I have done the price comparison and they are right in the ballpark with everyone else. It is great to be able to discuss these topics amongst each other but please be sensitive about how you word things - inflammatory titles are probably not the way to go.
I certainly think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think it should be constructive. The title of this thread offends me (and I hazard to guess others) as both a stamper and a demonstrator. We all have stuff we do and don't like - heck, my upline and I are complete opposites when it comes to taste! As for cost, I have done the price comparison and they are right in the ballpark with everyone else. It is great to be able to discuss these topics amongst each other but please be sensitive about how you word things - inflammatory titles are probably not the way to go.
hello, i'm in Jax too! you should come eat cake with me
__________________ My BlogMy GalleryAll dog's feet smell like Fritos. I know you don't believe me, go check... See, I told you so.
yes, there are others, but this is the only one I know of with this awesome topic.
Hey, I even went on Stampin' Discuss (where I have not set my cursor in YEARS) to see if there were posts urging people to come and vote and nary a one did I find...interesting. I even went and looked on 2Peas and Scrapbook.com and nope...zip!
Don't make me bust out da microphone and sing again! :twisted: :mrgreen:
Quote:
Originally Posted by JanTInk
Hey, I even went on Stampin' Discuss (where I have not set my cursor in YEARS) to see if there were posts urging people to come and vote and nary a one did I find...interesting. I even went and looked on 2Peas and Scrapbook.com and nope...zip!
Don't make me bust out da microphone and sing again! :twisted: :mrgreen:
Such a great song though!
Just thought to mention - I was reading this thread earlier and I was (AM) surprised it's still here - even after the attack on tupperware! (I mean, who can hate tupperware?)
But anyone who spends $2500 a year on stamps should be a demo (for ANY STAMP company!) and be their own 20% profiteer! I mean, let's me smart about our money here.
Kirstin - the music on your blog is awesome!! I am so glad you had time to do that today!
Maybe it's the Tupperware consultants that are being told to come here and vote.
They definitely have an axe to grind.
I know, I know you think they are busy in the kitchen burping bowls, organizing their pantries and refrigerators with nicely lined up Tupperware containers, but when they are crossed I bet they can be a vicious bunch.
On a side note: I had a Tupperware party a few years ago and had people calling and asking me to invite them. You don't hear of Tupperware parties very often any more.
Maybe it's the Tupperware consultants that are being told to come here and vote.
They definitely have an axe to grind.
I know, I know you think they are busy in the kitchen burping bowls, organizing their pantries and refrigerators with nicely lined up Tupperware containers, but when they are crossed I bet they can be a vicious bunch.
On a side note: I had a Tupperware party a few years ago and had people calling and asking me to invite them. You don't hear of Tupperware parties very often any more.
Sigh...I *heart* Tupperware, but you gotta admit those cheapie throw away containers have put a serious dent in their sales.
I don't know anyone that sells it anymore, more's the pity. The last party I had was for my best friend who had just signed up...that's the one that never did a party for me when I signed up for SU!, but hey, I did my part! Now she doesn't sell it anymore and here I still am. :mrgreen:
I had a Tupperware party a year ago January and I won a big regional prize where everyone who was there....(3 of us) got a free fridge smart and I got a whole box of free stuff! I love it! But I have enough of it! I guess I could store all my winter mini stamps in it.
oh oh oh.....when I was cleaning the storage shed over the wknd. I found a tupperware back pack thingy that is posta be used for picnics. I ALMOST put it in the Goodwill pile, but changed my mind. It has a softside case thingy and has cups, bowls, plates, AND silverware.
oh oh oh.....when I was cleaning the storage shed over the wknd. I found a tupperware back pack thingy that is posta be used for picnics. I ALMOST put it in the Goodwill pile, but changed my mind. It has a softside case thingy and has cups, bowls, plates, AND silverware.
Oh, you are SO lucky! I bet it's worth the big bucks on Ebay these days!
The picnic thingy I had from ....oh, crap, it must be 1980 when me and my college roomate CLEANED UP at our TW party, was bright yellow with a rust colored sun embossed into the side. It was essentially a big Tupperware container with a bunch of smaller containers inside: yellow, rust and orange. Salt and pepper shakers to match...now what every happened to those things? I think the big container is downstairs somewhere....
I read this thread with interest -- and perhaps I'm the odd-ball here, but I LOVED the new big catalog and I LOVED the holiday mini. I do think SU is worth the money, to me anyway, and here are a few of my thoughts in that regard:
1) Big Catalog -- I LOVED those 3 themed pages in the beginning -- Boho West, Tapestry and Corner Office. I love the product they contained, but I also think the marketing strategy there was ingenious!!! Everything a busy customer needs, right on one page -- excellent selling tool for the demo, easy shopping for a customer!!!
2) Holiday Mini -- It REALLY appealed to me -- the attractive catalog itself, I loved many of the sets, I LOVED that the rubber was cut (I so dis-like cutting rubber), and I really loved their wide satin ribbon on rolls (only wish there were more colors offered). I think their gift wrap is so beautiful but personally, that is one item I would have a hard time spending that kind of money on -- but I'm so glad it's there for the women who wants it!!!
3) I think the thing I love most about SU in general is that I can get everything I need in one place, and I can get it all to coordinate -- paper, inks, markers, etc., you all know, but what really floats my boat is when I can also get all the Designer Papers and Ribbons (which are so lovely) to match as well -- I'm a real matchy type (LOL!!) and I LOVE that I can get so many things to cordinate so perfectly!!!
4) Shipping to me seems to be faster than ever, which is good!
5) Customer service is fabulous! I have never yet called about anything and hung up dissatisfied!!!
So, that's my 2 cents worth!!! And, yes, as much as I love SU product, I do use plenty of stamps from other companies, as well as papers, etc., many of which I have a great fondness for, and some -- not so much. I'm just so glad there are so many choices available to us all!!!!
I have to say that I LOVE the fact that this thread is still open. It has given me pure entertainment today both at work and at home. I have an opinion and I am not even an SU demo...just a new customer...of course, I am not going to dare give it as I casted my vote and will leave it at that.
It is a breath of fresh air to see a board where you can express your opinion no matter what your opinion is....I had a thread pulled today from another board for repsonding positively to a negative comment...and I was even politically correct. So keep expressing...it's nice to have a place to talk...
And to all of you who are adding the humor...it is fabulous!! You keep up the GOOD work!!
Okay, I have now read this whole dang thread (the first time I have ever done so).I very rarely come to this site because of all the negativity BUT sometimes I like to check out what other stampers/crafters are talking about. You see, for me this is an outlet. I too am a SU! demo - and it is a business for me BUT the most valuable thing I have earned being one is not the 20% but the people I have met and the friendships I have made. I served nine months in Iraq and missed my crafting terribly - not because I was pining for my cardstock, the smell or rubber, or the latest punch but for the fun I always have when hanging out with good friends with the same interests as mine. I don't like everything SU! sells, I doubt anyone does, BUT there are lots of places to buy from - isn't America great that way! We all have choices and so we should make the ones that are right for us. I have seen pretty cute stamps from lots of different companies but I choose who I buy from based on my desires and tastes! So, I would just like to give my two cents here and remind everyone to keep this in perspective and respect each other's opinions. Being nice while expressing an opinion is not hard - oh yeah, and it's free.
Awesome. I will cleaner' up tomorrow and post pics for all to see! :mrgreen:
Quote:
Originally Posted by JanTInk
Oh, you are SO lucky! I bet it's worth the big bucks on Ebay these days!
The picnic thingy I had from ....oh, crap, it must be 1980 when me and my college roomate CLEANED UP at our TW party, was bright yellow with a rust colored sun embossed into the side. It was essentially a big Tupperware container with a bunch of smaller containers inside: yellow, rust and orange. Salt and pepper shakers to match...now what every happened to those things? I think the big container is downstairs somewhere....
I gotta say I noticed a rather odd thing on this thread with some contributors who had just joined. Or rather should I say ONE contributor who seemed to join several times. Kinda suspicious. Course it could be many different people who all came to make their first post on a mostly SU site to say negative things. I would like to be wrong, but...
Awesome. I will cleaner' up tomorrow and post pics for all to see! :mrgreen:
If you can hang onto it for 25 more years you can have it appraised on Antiques Roadshow.
Hmmm, it's fun to think of what we use today that could show up on that show. I can just see the appraiser carefully handling a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig with gloved hands explaining to the television audience that it was used for exact placement of stamped images.
I wonder what my non-stamping family members would think all these odd looking tools are if I wasn't there to tell them.
I agree with your 2nd paragraph and I think this is true regarding most direct sales. I think the person who comes out best is the hostess who has a large party, if she doesn't put a lot of her own money into the party sales total, that is. Must be why my neighbor always serves wine, mimosas or some other form of alcohol at her parties. Lessens your inhibitions on spending $$$. She always has great parties and ends up with lots of freebies and hostess $$$. Obviously, these are not stamp parties. Can you imagine how the cards might look after a few drinks? We're talking some crooked images - LOL!
If the rumor in paragraph is true - how sad! It would be nice for it to have been a fair poll that shows how the general population of SU consumers feel.
Not to be snarky, but SCS is certainly not the general population of SU customers. If you want a fair poll, I am afraid that you'd have to send out a lot of postcards:^) Also SU demos are customers, too as stated by others. We obviously we don't all agree that we like the same things, so I think the poll is probably pretty fair representation of things.
JMO
karen
I had no idea that die cutting was such an expensive process that it would raise the cost so much. I wonder how much actually sticking them to the wood would raise the cost.
Susan,
Here is one for you. I had the absolute pleasure of touring Hero Arts and was amazed at what I saw. Everything was done right there. The die cutting, indexing and mounting of their stamps is all done by hand. It was amazing to watch those women work. Many of them had been at Hero Arts since they first opened. I so appreciate those stamps so much more now.
Not to be snarky, but SCS is certainly not the general population of SU customers. If you want a fair poll, I am afraid that you'd have to send out a lot of postcards:^) Also SU demos are customers, too as stated by others. We obviously we don't all agree that we like the same things, so I think the poll is probably pretty fair representation of things.
JMO
karen
SU demos might be customers, but asking if they feel the price is fair doesn't equate since they get a discount so they are not paying that price. Plus they are understandably biased due to the fact that SU is the company they work for and feel a loyalty to. Furthermore, I was speaking of the "general population of SU customers" here on SCS, since this is where the poll is being conducted. I understand it would be a sampling, but could give an idea of how the entire "general population of SU customers" might feel. Most surveys are not taken of the entire population, but of a portion. I didn't take your response as snarky and please don't take mine as being that way either.
Okay, I have now read this whole dang thread (the first time I have ever done so).I very rarely come to this site because of all the negativity BUT sometimes I like to check out what other stampers/crafters are talking about. You see, for me this is an outlet. I too am a SU! demo - and it is a business for me BUT the most valuable thing I have earned being one is not the 20% but the people I have met and the friendships I have made. I served nine months in Iraq and missed my crafting terribly - not because I was pining for my cardstock, the smell or rubber, or the latest punch but for the fun I always have when hanging out with good friends with the same interests as mine. I don't like everything SU! sells, I doubt anyone does, BUT there are lots of places to buy from - isn't America great that way! We all have choices and so we should make the ones that are right for us. I have seen pretty cute stamps from lots of different companies but I choose who I buy from based on my desires and tastes! So, I would just like to give my two cents here and remind everyone to keep this in perspective and respect each other's opinions. Being nice while expressing an opinion is not hard - oh yeah, and it's free.
I hear ya
