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Post by jtmom on Oct 7, 2021 23:03:40 GMT
Anyone else think some companies are getting a little nuts with their prices? I saw some stamp/die sets today with the price tags of up to $80 for just a stamp and die. Your products are cute and I would love to use them and can afford them but no I am not going to pay that much. I know prices have gone up but other companies are not that high so I am not buying into it costs them more. Are they just figuring if the people pay it why not charge it?
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Post by Linda on Oct 7, 2021 23:12:32 GMT
prices like that price me (and I bet a lot of other people) out of the market entirely. We're in a better place financially than we were when I started scrapbooking nearly 20 years ago and had to rely on sales and clearance but I still can't drop $50, 60, 70+ on a stamp/die. That's nearly half of my weekly grocery budget
I'm guessing there must be people who not only CAN afford it but WILL buy it - otherwise prices will drop again.
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Post by kmage on Oct 8, 2021 0:07:44 GMT
This is why TM was such a great place...it allowed me to stretch my small crafty budget. I am with linda, there is NO way I could spend that. I have a strict grocery budget of 150 a week. To spend 1/2 of that on a stamp and die set would be insanity. Now, it is different if I get a GC to scrapbook.com or something for my birthday, then I might make a big purchase. But any other time, no way. Makes me wonder who can buy these...all my crafty friends are on a thrifty budget!  |
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Post by cbet on Oct 8, 2021 14:36:15 GMT
That kind of pricing is what will drive more crafters to purchasing knock offs at AliExpress. I know that's a very unpopular statement, and that we should support designers by not purchasing stolen designs from China, etc. - BUT when the counterfeit item is 1/4 the price of the non-counterfeit and is virtually indistinguishable from the non-counterfeit, anyone would be tempted. For myself, I try to control the amount of product coming into my house by telling myself that if I'm not willing to pay the price for the brand-name item, then I don't need it at the knock-off price either. But I cannot understand how a company like Gina Marie Designs can sell a nested set of dies (already cut apart), or a coverplate die, for $10 when every other company seems to feel they need at least $25 for the same thing. The quality between them is the same. If I didn't have them labelled, I wouldn't be able to tell what company any of my dies were from, except that some use colored metal and most are silver-colored.
To spend $80 on a stamp/die set, it would have to be a REALLY SPECIAL set that I'd be able to use on cards for any occasion and have it look different each time. And it should color itself in. And glue itself down in proper position.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 15, 2024 22:03:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2021 14:41:47 GMT
That’s part of the reason I’ve been so DIY for the past year or so.
I either try to pick up something similar on Amazon, knowing that the quality might not be the same, but the recipient of my card is never going to know the difference. Or I just try to print and cut free stock images via my silhouette.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,548 
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Oct 8, 2021 14:42:49 GMT
I can get a die cut file for my Silhouette for $1, true it doesn't come with a matching stamp set... but I can resize it any size I want.
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Post by kmage on Oct 8, 2021 14:56:17 GMT
And it should color itself in. And glue itself down in proper position.  Too funny! |
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Oct 8, 2021 16:39:57 GMT
I think also they mark the prices super high so they can have sales and make customers think its a good deal. Ugh.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 8, 2021 18:22:33 GMT
I can get a die cut file for my Silhouette for $1, true it doesn't come with a matching stamp set... but I can resize it any size I want. They sell print and cut files, too. I have a lot of those. With my Silhouette subscription, I get them for far less than $1 per design. Plus, I often use my Silhouette to make matching cut files for my stamps (both old ones without matching dies, and new stamps with dies that I don’t want to have to buy). I just use the cut first, stamp second method, which usually gives me better results than if I stamp and then try to line up the die with the stamped image. When stamping and die cutting multiples of the same image, the cut first, stamp second method is so much faster!I love my Silhouette Cameo 3. |
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Post by miss2peas on Oct 12, 2021 2:09:45 GMT
I noticed a while back prices were going up with different companies and I wrote it off due to the covid issues etc but it seems like they are still going up and just way too fast. 12x12 stickers sheets are 3.99 at least now and 6x8 paper pads are 7.99 or 8.99 a piece. Let’s be honest, there’s not even that much paper in there, it’s getting harder and harder to justify the prices whether I like it or not.
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Post by Citygirl on Oct 12, 2021 10:36:10 GMT
Prices really are getting a little nutty. Glad I have a ridiculous stash.
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Post by needtime2scrap on Oct 12, 2021 12:47:58 GMT
Its been one of the reasons I've left SU! behind many years ago. They would have a stamp set for $50-65 and then you'd have to add shipping etc. I remember looking at their stuff and saying there were multiple other companies that had cute stuff for cheaper. Mind you those other companies are raising prices too. Still not as much as they had though. I don't mind paying for product when the value is there, but I have my limits too. Unfortunately I can't just shop at TM or any discount place because I'm in Canada and haven't found a discount alternative. So I'm stuck, I do tell myself I'm helping the industry but I definitely don't drop the $$ that I used to back in the hey day.
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Post by cbet on Oct 12, 2021 13:29:20 GMT
I can still get sucked into SU!, because they have so many demonstrators showing really lovely cards, and then I think I need that set. But to be very honest, I could go for YEARS without buying a thing (except, probably adhesive, and maybe white cardstock).
Some of these companies need to keep in mind that cardmaking/scrapbooking are completely self-indulgent hobbies. You can easily purchase a card for less than what it costs to make them. And your finished result is not something terribly useful. If your hobby is knitting, or crocheting, or sewing, when you are finished you have something you can use. You knit a scarf - you probably could have bought one for less at Walmart, especially if you figure in the cost of your time, but you have a useful item and the feeling of accomplishment that you created it. With cards, you get that feeling of accomplishment, and it's enjoyable to look at, but you can't wrap a baby in it or use it to keep warm (unless you light it on fire). Not saying that it's not a worthwhile hobby - it's great psychotherapy. But, when money gets tight and the price of necessities like food and heat climb higher, the crafting budget is going to be the first thing I cut back on. I would imagine that would be the same for a lot of people.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,044
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Post by pinklady on Oct 12, 2021 14:15:19 GMT
I get that the prices of everything, food, gas, clothing, etc. has increased dramatically over the last 2 years but those are necessities. Stamps and dies are not.
I don’t want craft companies to go out of business but the prices are getting ridiculous. If they don’t step back and realize that, it’s going to hurt them in the end.
There is absolutely no reason why metal dies are so expensive. I know AliExpress is a taboo word that will get you banned from most groups but as the poster above said, Gina Marie sells die sets for $10. If these two companies can sell inexpensive dies, so call all the big companies.
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Prices
Oct 12, 2021 14:40:12 GMT
Post by tealpaperowl on Oct 12, 2021 14:40:12 GMT
Agreed pinklady!
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Post by cbet on Oct 12, 2021 15:51:54 GMT
I get that the prices of everything, food, gas, clothing, etc. has increased dramatically over the last 2 years but those are necessities. Stamps and dies are not. I don’t want craft companies to go out of business but the prices are getting ridiculous. If they don’t step back and realize that, it’s going to hurt them in the end. There is absolutely no reason why metal dies are so expensive. I know AliExpress is a taboo word that will get you banned from most groups but as the poster above said, Gina Marie sells die sets for $10. If these two companies can sell inexpensive dies, so call all the big companies. I understand that the crafting companies probably may have higher overhead than Gina Marie - warehouse expenses, more employees, etc - but she certainly isn't selling hers at a loss. And hers are snipped apart and packaged nicely, which most of the other companies don't bother with (except Gina K - hers come snipped apart and packaged on magnet backing, so there is some added value there). I wouldn't really mind paying somewhat more than the $10, but 2-3 times as much? Not so much. SSS has a coverplate die that I love (it has a pierced design), but no matter how much I love it, I will. not. spend that much for it. If I do, that tells them that I think it's worth the $35, and it's not to me. I'll wait and see if it goes on clearance at some point, or I'll do without it. It's not like I don't have many, many background dies and embossing folders that can give me a look close enough for what I'm doing. I love it - I don't need it. |
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Oct 12, 2021 16:59:27 GMT
I noticed a while back prices were going up with different companies and I wrote it off due to the covid issues etc but it seems like they are still going up and just way too fast. 12x12 stickers sheets are 3.99 at least now and 6x8 paper pads are 7.99 or 8.99 a piece. Let’s be honest, there’s not even that much paper in there, it’s getting harder and harder to justify the prices whether I like it or not. Agree completely. I don't have the kind of budget where I can spend $8 on a few sheets of 6x8 paper or $4 on a sticker sheet! So I hunt for bargains where I can, buy from facebook marketplace, and even big box stores when they have sales. I picked up some things from HL this weekend (all paper studio products were 50% off) and it may seem "generic" to some folks on here who buy name brand/designer products, but it's in my budget and designer stuff is often not. |
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Post by mom on Oct 12, 2021 17:07:37 GMT
I can get a die cut file for my Silhouette for $1, true it doesn't come with a matching stamp set... but I can resize it any size I want. They sell print and cut files, too. I have a lot of those. With my Silhouette subscription, I get them for far less than $1 per design. Plus, I often use my Silhouette to make matching cut files for my stamps (both old ones without matching dies, and new stamps with dies that I don’t want to have to buy). I just use the cut first, stamp second method, which usually gives me better results than if I stamp and then try to line up the die with the stamped image. When stamping and die cutting multiples of the same image, the cut first, stamp second method is so much faster!I love my Silhouette Cameo 3. Just ignore me being jealous over here. I have a Cameo 3 and still don't know how to print & cut. |
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Oct 12, 2021 17:36:34 GMT
Prices really are getting a little nutty. Glad I have a ridiculous stash. Same, I'm glad I have enough stuff to keep myself busy for quite a long time.  |
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Prices
Oct 12, 2021 18:27:00 GMT
Post by Linda on Oct 12, 2021 18:27:00 GMT
I noticed a while back prices were going up with different companies and I wrote it off due to the covid issues etc but it seems like they are still going up and just way too fast. 12x12 stickers sheets are 3.99 at least now and 6x8 paper pads are 7.99 or 8.99 a piece. Let’s be honest, there’s not even that much paper in there, it’s getting harder and harder to justify the prices whether I like it or not. Agree completely. I don't have the kind of budget where I can spend $8 on a few sheets of 6x8 paper or $4 on a sticker sheet! So I hunt for bargains where I can, buy from facebook marketplace, and even big box stores when they have sales. I picked up some things from HL this weekend (all paper studio products were 50% off) and it may seem "generic" to some folks on here who buy name brand/designer products, but it's in my budget and designer stuff is often not. same here - at this point most of my purchases come from HL - I occasionally find something at TM still and once, maybe twice, a year, DH will order my shopping cart at an online store (but I think only once have we earnt free shipping - that was when he bought me a gemini jr for my birthday) |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 12, 2021 18:55:57 GMT
They sell print and cut files, too. I have a lot of those. With my Silhouette subscription, I get them for far less than $1 per design. Plus, I often use my Silhouette to make matching cut files for my stamps (both old ones without matching dies, and new stamps with dies that I don’t want to have to buy). I just use the cut first, stamp second method, which usually gives me better results than if I stamp and then try to line up the die with the stamped image. When stamping and die cutting multiples of the same image, the cut first, stamp second method is so much faster!I love my Silhouette Cameo 3. Just ignore me being jealous over here. I have a Cameo 3 and still don't know how to print & cut. , there are online video tutorials. I think that I just used instructions either from Silhouette’s site, or from Silhouette School. It was basically a one time calibration, and it was easier than I expected. I do print and cut a lot of the time now. |
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Post by riversong1963 on Oct 13, 2021 13:10:26 GMT
I use the Pixscan mat with my Silhouette Portrait machine to cut out my stamped images, and I get really good results. It takes a little trial and error at first, but I got good results the first time I tried it and got even better with practice. It really isn't difficult, and like scrapnnana said, there are lots of video tutorials available. Being able to cut out my stamped images is the main reason I got the Portrait 2, the other one being the light-weight, portable design. I love my Cricut Maker, and it is my go-to machine, but they still haven't developed anything that works like the Silhouette PixScan mat. It's saved me a lot of money on matching dies. |
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Prices
Oct 13, 2021 20:57:46 GMT
mom likes this
Post by papersilly on Oct 13, 2021 20:57:46 GMT
that's why i don't mind buying used stuff on the secondary market.
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