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Well if you look at CTMH for clear stamps being unmounted. I personally think they are almost the same price as SU with the wood. Some of thier stamps aren't any less expensive as SU's are . I'm looking into Tac to see what's going on with thier prices. Not that I won't be buying from SU because it's too hard for me to get away from SU alltogether. I love thier images too much.
__________________ WHAT IS A STAMPPIN ADDICT!
It's someone who buys stamps they didn't normally like at first,only to see it in Split Coast Stampers gallery in a different perspective.
UM, hello? THe markup would be the 20% - the commission that the demos get.
I still say even with the extra 20% retail I pay I love SU and I was just looking at some of my $7 and $8 stamps in my drawer the other day that I don't use as much and I can't emphasize how much the SU sets get used so much more and overall have cost me so much less.
Um hello pig fingers. Even with the 20% factored in, SU is making quite a pile. I would say profitability is greater than Michaels et al - they still have to pay for so much more. Owning a brick and mortar retail store will cut into profitability more than a mail order company. And let's face it - many of the SU demos are hobby demos who join for the discount. Yep Stampin Up is pretty smart. I have no problem with this, I will continue to buy SU and will continue to buy from Michael's. But I would also love to know more about SU's company profile, expenditure and profitablity. Design to sale.
My post was about interest, not complaint.
The mark up is the difference between the cost to produce and the cost the company sells them to the demos for. I have heard it is around 1200 percent but that was long ago.
It must take alot of energy to complain about something over and over for a product that you aren't required to buy.
It's simple. If you don't like it (because of whatever) reason don't buy it.
Um hello pig fingers. Even with the 20% factored in, SU is making quite a pile. I would say profitability is greater than Michaels et al - they still have to pay for so much more. Owning a brick and mortar retail store will cut into profitability more than a mail order company. And let's face it - many of the SU demos are hobby demos who join for the discount. Yep Stampin Up is pretty smart. I have no problem with this, I will continue to buy SU and will continue to buy from Michael's. But I would also love to know more about SU's company profile, expenditure and profitablity. Design to sale.
My post was about interest, not complaint.
$9 a YEAR! Holy smokes, that seems expensive, how many do you get for that price? I think I can find them cheaper someplace else...:mrgreen:
What do you suppose the mark up is on THOSE? I mean, you create them once and just sell people the same thing over and over?
For $9 I get ALL I WANT. Which is why I try to use them everyday, as demonstrated on this thread, the more you get, the less the price is on every single one, right?
Oh, there I go again with the smileys...I'm addicted, I tell ya! But cheaply addicted! ANd it's the same with my stamps...the more often I use them, the less they cost me every time I pull 'em out. If I make 100 cards with a set, it costs me less per card because I'm using a stinkin' cute SU! set than if I bought a set from another company for less that I didn't like as much so it sat unused...it's all the science of economics:
But I would also love to know more about SU's company profile, expenditure and profitablity. Design to sale.
My post was about interest, not complaint.
Suzy, SU is making a profit. No bones about it. The company is operating in the black. That's more than a lot of companies can say. They have almost folded before (that's why SAB was born, to boost sales in a "low" time of the year), but now they are growing steadily.
I read somewhere that the *average* local stamp/scrapbook store only lasts (under one owner) a year or two. There isn't enough profitabliity for them to compete with the big chains.
The big chains apparently aren't making enough to hire knowledgeable and helpful employees. I don't know how many times I've seen complained on here that the people in the stores have no idea where anything is or what someone's asking about. ;) Maybe they should stop discounting so deeply so they can afford to educate their employees and pay them enough to care about what they're selling. :rolleyes:
The way I usually look at the price is this .Why buy 1 stamp for $8.00 or more. When you can have a whole set For $24.00. Like In Full Bloom.
Now you take that entire set, break it down into 9 pieces and sell these individually. How much do you think this set will cost you now. If you had to buy each stamp from this set individually in a store. A LOT MORE THAN $24.00Look at it that way.
Go and take the measurements down . Then go to Michaels and price out each stamp by size, and see what you come up with.
__________________ WHAT IS A STAMPPIN ADDICT!
It's someone who buys stamps they didn't normally like at first,only to see it in Split Coast Stampers gallery in a different perspective.
Suzy, SU is making a profit. No bones about it. The company is operating in the black. That's more than a lot of companies can say. They have almost folded before (that's why SAB was born, to boost sales in a "low" time of the year), but now they are growing steadily.
I read somewhere that the *average* local stamp/scrapbook store only lasts (under one owner) a year or two. There isn't enough profitabliity for them to compete with the big chains.
The big chains apparently aren't making enough to hire knowledgeable and helpful employees. I don't know how many times I've seen complained on here that the people in the stores have no idea where anything is or what someone's asking about. ;) Maybe they should stop discounting so deeply so they can afford to educate their employees and pay them enough to care about what they're selling. :rolleyes:
YAY Belinda!! AND teach to make CUTE stuff!!!
Thats like me wanting to know what Suzy does, how much she makes, what she spends it on, open up the books cuz Im curious!
If SU! wants to charge $30 for one tiny stamp, and I LOVE it, and its exclusive and no other Stamp Co. has copied it yet, then I will pay to have it cuz I love it!!!
I dont really care if it cost them .12 to make it.
Does anyone question CTMH or TAC or SU! demo when they have a class they are charged for, "just how much did this pc of paper cost you ms.demo, and why are you charging me this price, and how much are you making on it, how much did you pay...."
People will complain about anything and everything because it's human nature. It's like the price of gas. Complain all you want, it ain't gonna change anything. Perhaps it makes people feel better to whine, but just like gas, just because the prices go up doesn't mean I won't buy the stuff. Gas or stamps...they are both MUST HAVES for me!
Honestly, I don't think she was whining. I think she clearly, articulately, and kindly stated her opinion. Which she is entitled to. And, Which is what we're supposed to be able to do in these kinds of forums.
I think mostly everyone has been civil in their posts! And funny, amusing, snarky and back to funny! I think we're all doin good in here statin' our opinions! No Mods jumpin' in yet!!
How boring if we all sat around and whispered!!
Thanks so much for spending the 9 bucks, I REALLY, REALL ENJOY YOUR POSTS!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JanTInk
For $9 I get ALL I WANT. Which is why I try to use them everyday, as demonstrated on this thread, the more you get, the less the price is on every single one, right?
Oh, there I go again with the smileys...I'm addicted, I tell ya! But cheaply addicted! ANd it's the same with my stamps...the more often I use them, the less they cost me every time I pull 'em out. If I make 100 cards with a set, it costs me less per card because I'm using a stinkin' cute SU! set than if I bought a set from another company for less that I didn't like as much so it sat unused...it's all the science of economics:
I found a few sets I will order for sure- I'm sure when the whole catalog comes out I will find dozens like always LOL. As to the price increase- this is a normal thing in the retail world gals- not a big deal. I have been stamping since '86 and have spent up to $20 on ONE stamp before and average is about $8 so spending around $30 on a whole set is NOT expensive in the whole realm of stamps. I personally do not like acrylic stamps (never have, never will) and just because that is the big "thing" right now, doesn't mean we all have to jump on the wagon. They did a push of acrylic stamps back in the late '90s too and it only lasted about a year before most hard core stampers went back to red rubber/wood. Cleaner image, easier to use and lasts forever too. JMHO- have a great day!
ITA! I am more interested and curious from an entrepeneurial POV. I find it fascinating. I do believe Michael's and their 40% coupons will hurt them in the end - they have such a markup, then have deep sales and these coupons. I am guessing they feel the customers who don't cut coupons will go for the sales, and the bargain lovers will feel a thrill with the coupons.
I really do believe in supporting your LSS. My LSS is like a Disneyland and the owner is Mickey Mouse for me. I walk and take a ferry to go see her once a week. I get excited like a kid. I go to visit her, learn, see what she has created (she has pictures, posts cards on the wall). Her prices are high (not her fault - it is our local 14% tax and the duty she pays on products coming in). She is so smart - she doesn't even try to compete with Michaels. She won't carry things the big box does. She knows where her forte is - customer service, knowledge, boutique brands, interesting trends. She is so amazing. In my gallery any time I say I have taken a class - those are her classes.
I see value in the way most all companies do business. But yeah, I do feel SU has a greater profit margin than my LSS and possibly even Michaels. Is that their right to do so? Yep. Will it stop me from buying? Considering I spend about $150 per month with SU, nope!
Quote:
Originally Posted by belindaking
Suzy, SU is making a profit. No bones about it. The company is operating in the black. That's more than a lot of companies can say. They have almost folded before (that's why SAB was born, to boost sales in a "low" time of the year), but now they are growing steadily.
I read somewhere that the *average* local stamp/scrapbook store only lasts (under one owner) a year or two. There isn't enough profitabliity for them to compete with the big chains.
The big chains apparently aren't making enough to hire knowledgeable and helpful employees. I don't know how many times I've seen complained on here that the people in the stores have no idea where anything is or what someone's asking about. ;) Maybe they should stop discounting so deeply so they can afford to educate their employees and pay them enough to care about what they're selling. :rolleyes:
Nothing jumps out at me really except Pick a Petal. To me the snake in Zoofari looks like he's got a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, not a tongue! :o :mrgreen:
I love the Zoofari set. I have 3 young children and would definitely get use out of this set...plus I love cartoon animals! I also like the petals with the different patterns, but not sure if I'll get that. Time will tell. I know that I am planning on getting some of the new IN Color inks and paper-just not sure about the 2 blues. There are so many blues now that I figure I could probably not get those and be okay but I like the other colors a lot. Can't wait to see the rest of the book. I also don't mind a little increase b/c if you break it down, it's still cheaper than paying the store prices for single stamps...plus I love that they come in a set so that they can all work together.
LOL Ally! That was my first thought ... in fact, I had to take a closer look!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ally
Nothing jumps out at me really except Pick a Petal. To me the snake in Zoofari looks like he's got a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, not a tongue! :o :mrgreen:
Anywhere from 20% (demo who only orders minimum, with no upline to earn on her sales) to 57% (top selling demo with top level upline) goes to the demonstrators. Some goes to awards for top performing demos. More goes to perks for demos (opportunities for earning free stamps, monthly and quarterly demo magazines, demo website resources, etc.). SU subsidizes events-- they only charge demos about half of the actual cost per person for convention, leadership, and region trainings. Then there's hostess benefits-- SU pays for those while *some* ds companies make their consultants pay for hostess benefits.
The rest goes to the happiest employees on earth (really! I've never spoken with a disgruntled SU employee!), manufacturing costs, and maintaining a beautiful distribution center and manufacturing facility which were both *PAID FOR* before ground was even broken for the buildings! SU is a company that operates completely in the black.
SU also keep as many jobs as possible in the US. If they can possibly get an item manufactured here, they will. That's more important to me (and to the economy) than cost. The wood for the stamps is grown especially for this purpose, and is a little more expensive than imported wood, but SU gets the more expensive wood to keep jobs here in the US and to be sure that they aren't "using up" wood.
If SU went to offer both mounted and unmounted, either the picking line would have to expand by about 1/2 or the stamp selection would have to be cut by 1/2. Either option would make the prices on product go up even more.
I have a new hero in the stamping world....SU! Thumbs up for being mindful of American employees keeping their jobs in buying American made. China is laughing at us all the way to the bank. Japan didn't win the WWII but it is busting their banks with their cars and products we buy. Most Americans try to be frugal, buying by the lowest price when in all actuality we are cutting our own throats. My DH is an ergonomic trainer, showed me a video of a Chinese assembly line. With every motion their lives were in jeopardy. Hubby's comment, "How can we compete with this?" We have to learn to read between the lines and care what we read....and it may cost us!
The Fall/Winter Preview is just that a preview. I like SU! stamps and will buy less for more when the new catty is released.
However, this is MHO about the price increases:
On the stamp price increase - This isn't too bad. I can live with shelling out an extra $1.15 on a $27.95 that used to be $26.95 after you include the shipping and tax (in MA). I love the fact they were wiser with the word stamps, putting less together with more of a theme.
On the stamp pad increase - I do like the SU! pads because of all the matchy-match that comes with them so I will shell out for this too. I do think I will be more inclined to call and complain if I get a concaved pad that seems dry instead of just ordering a reinker (making a single pad $9.20 if you include the pad, reinker, S/H, tax).
On the cardstock increase - I do think the hike is a bit much because there was a price increase last year. I will definitely be subbing GP for WW full-time. I will also be more likely to call and complain about a smushed corner of a new paper pack.
On the designer paper - I think the price increase of this is a tad overwhelming. I usually don't like all the paper in the pack making each sheet that much more expensive. I will be able to find pretty paper from AC for $.65 full price at my LSS (not chain), less when she has her specials. It's double-sided and I'm not stuck with something I will toss.
On the accessories - Way overpriced! The rhinestone brads are very expensive and I can GASP! get rhinestone brads at my LSS for $3.99 for 54 in a pack. I'm quite interested to see where the prices of punches and ribbon goes.
Thanks for listening!
__________________ Lauren
Obsessed with all consumables, but mostly paper groppi girl blogs
The big chains apparently aren't making enough to hire knowledgeable and helpful employees. I don't know how many times I've seen complained on here that the people in the stores have no idea where anything is or what someone's asking about. ;) Maybe they should stop discounting so deeply so they can afford to educate their employees and pay them enough to care about what they're selling. :rolleyes:
Amen, sistah, and I think M's is the worst offender! I went there to buy supplies for an in-class project, and the girl I asked for help didn't even know what the item I was looking for was! How can you work in an arts and crafts store and NEVER have heard of gold leaf?!? Other folks have posted to the forum that store employees were unable to help them with questions about odorless mineral spirits and other basic art supplies. When I was in Savannah I just gave up and only frequented the store near campus, which was owned by SCAD alumni and staffed with art students!
__________________ Rachel Proud SU! demo and Sci-Fi Geek!
My Stampin' Up! blog "I'm a time traveler -- I point and laugh at archaeologists." 10th Doctor, "Silence in the Library"
I have a new hero in the stamping world....SU! Thumbs up for being mindful of American employees keeping their jobs in buying American made. China is laughing at us all the way to the bank. Japan didn't win the WWII but it is busting their banks with their cars and products we buy. Most Americans try to be frugal, buying by the lowest price when in all actuality we are cutting our own throats. My DH is an ergonomic trainer, showed me a video of a Chinese assembly line. With every motion their lives were in jeopardy. Hubby's comment, "How can we compete with this?" We have to learn to read between the lines and care what we read....and it may cost us!
Too rich for my blood...yes, as others have said we'll have to become wiser when making purchases now! Not totally thrilled, but we'll see...I'm not sure SU has made the best decision-yes, I realize that prices go up, but when the rest of the stamp market prices seem to be going down with all the unmounted, etc. ...I wonder if people will see the benefits of SU or not?
Correct me if I'm wrong but... I believe the benefit of SU is a personal demo. Last time I went to Michaels or ACMoore I did not have an employee sit down with me and tell me about their products and allow me to use their product for FREE to make some cards or scrapbook pages to take home with me. Most of the time I ask a question they have no idea how to answer or I can't find anyone to answer. And if your demo isn't giving you personal service, I am sure you can find one that will. It is definitely a big benefit IMO.
Correct me if I'm wrong but... I believe the benefit of SU is a personal demo. Last time I went to Michaels or ACMoore I did not have an employee sit down with me and tell me about their products and allow me to use their product for FREE to make some cards or scrapbook pages to take home with me. Most of the time I ask a question they have no idea how to answer or I can't find anyone to answer. And if your demo isn't giving you personal service, I am sure you can find one that will. It is definitely a big benefit IMO.
FINALLY! Someone who appreciates the true value of SU!
__________________ Kelly He's BACK! (456 days, could you do it?)
Just FYI on the pricing...when you look at the sets as a whole the prices are actually pretty darn reasonable...
Take for example
Baroque Motifs = $25.95 - the average cost of each stamp is $4.32 - heck the swirly one alone at Micheals would probably be a $12-14 one...
to do the math on some of the others and compariable items that have been mentioned on SCS (pricing from Addicted to Rubber Stamps and All that Scraps)...I didn't figure in taxes and S&H just comparible retail value because unless you have a LSS that sells the stuff you would probably end up paying S&H and maybe even tax if you ordered the stuff on-line
Words sets (6) - $3 each.... (Amuse simple word stamps are about $6 each)
Pick a Petal (11) - $2.54 each... (Gel-a-tins Doodle Garden set = $27+ -and don't forget the acrylic blocks also.....no grab and go convience)
Seriously, they deserve to be making whatever profit the market will bare. (Bear? sp??heehee) Too clever! Also there was initial cost, I know it's long turned to profit but don't people who go out on a limb and use their money to invest in an awesome company deserve to make it big time if the company and products are wonderful. I'm thrilled they are in the black. I'd be horrified if not! Where on earth would I get such quality cardstocks? I hope they can pay their employees more. Or keep them employeed or whatever. I hope the lady who owns SU (Shelly?) is hugely rich, she makes a product that sooo many people love, she deserves it.
My demo is not local so no parties for me (although I'm invited if I want to drive down there 2 hours) but she calls me, and follows up and puts my orders in and once something was missing and she sorted it out and most times I only spend like $40 so she does over an hour's work for ten bucks which is cheap. Besides I've said before, she's my FRIEND and I'm thrilled that 20% of the money I spend on these particular stamps go right to my friend. It would be an even better deal if I had happened to fall in love with a local girl I'm sure.
That being said, I like the savings of UM (I'm a TAC girl ya know..) but it doesn't offend me when stuff is more than I can pay. I just don't buy that set and move on.
They may have priced some people right out of the market, but I bet they will still be just fine.
__________________ My BlogMy GalleryAll dog's feet smell like Fritos. I know you don't believe me, go check... See, I told you so.
WooHooo!!! Great for SU! I didn't know that about them and that will do a lot towards my dollars spent! We NEED to spend out money locally and most Americans do not realize just how much of America is outsourcing and importing and that amount of land actually owned by non-Americans- unbelievable but true.
Correct me if I'm wrong but... I believe the benefit of SU is a personal demo. Last time I went to Michaels or ACMoore I did not have an employee sit down with me and tell me about their products and allow me to use their product for FREE to make some cards or scrapbook pages to take home with me. Most of the time I ask a question they have no idea how to answer or I can't find anyone to answer. And if your demo isn't giving you personal service, I am sure you can find one that will. It is definitely a big benefit IMO.
Thank you on this....there are demos out there (for ALL companies) that do care about their customers...while I enjoy big orders....I would much rather teach my customers to utilize what they have and substitute what they already own instead of buying stuff just to buy it...in the long run that is what customer service is about...I frequent smaller stores that care about customer service...I would much rather have a customer who spends $20 a month over the curse of a year and USES what they buy vs one that makes one big $150 order and never uses anything and never buys again...
In reality the 20% ain't that much in the grand scheme of things and so what if SU makes money...last time I checked they never said they were a non-profit organization...heck my daycare which is a non-profit went up 10% this year...in order to retain good qualified people you have to grow and give them a raise - you also have to update your facilitities and benefits so people will want to come and work for you...and that all costs money...which is passed on in the pricing of your products...its the nature of the beast....
__________________ Jenni -Happy SU Demo - MY GALLERY & MY CHAOTIC LIFE One kid makes you a Parent - Two makes you a Referee
Do you know how often I use my SU stamps? Every single day (no kidding).
Do you know how often I use the individual stamps I've picked up here and there? Never. 95% of them not even ONCE.
They sit in one of SU's plastic storage cases (since they didn't come with their own) and they've never even had ink on them. They don't coordinate with each other, they don't match the papers, they're mounted crookedly, the foam is too thin and the rubber is inferior, not to mention the childish or poorly drawn artwork.
One of these days I'll stop and remember those ridiculous boxes of stamps I never use and WHY, before I buy.
The money I spent on the other stamps is wasted. The money I spent on SU has returned to me ten-fold. You get what you pay for.
__________________ Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek, Gold EliteSong of My Heart Stampers14-time incentive trip earner
I posted earlier about what I like and such. But, then I was thinking...
instead of the punch box, it would have been way too cool to make the Pick a Petal stamps a smidge smaller, with two different sizes and shapes of petals, but with the different patterns as shown. Then, the punch box could have come with some extra "flower" adornment options and two punches that would EXACTLY fit the size of the petals so we wouldn't have to cut them out.
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