MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Nov 7, 2023 12:03:48 GMT
Spellbinders has a bundle sale going on right now! Three machines for $299. Glimmer, Betterpress and the Platinum. ETA: saw this as an ad on Facebook but now can’t find it to link here.  |
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Post by dewryce on Nov 7, 2023 18:26:51 GMT
If I end up with a P6 I for sure won’t get rid of my Gemini. Maybe I’ll keep an eye out for a used one. I wonder if the info on the different sandwiches required are on the web somewhere. Surely someone has figured it out and posted to help out their fellow crafters! From everything I've watched, there aren't really any different sandwiches with the BetterPress. The only adjust comes into play depending on the thickness of paper you are using. If you use the paper Spellbinders sells that is designed for the system (118lb cotton paper), you use all three shims inside the chase. If you use the double weight paper they sell (220lb cotton paper), you remove all of the shims. If you are using some other type of cotton paper, you would just need to play around with the shims to find the right amount of pressure. I know Angie Hunt (owner of LDRS) said in one of her lives that she gets the best results using two shims with her LDRS branded watercolor paper (110lb/300gsm). I'm not sure what the gsm rating is on the Spellbinders cotton paper as they don't include that info in the description on their website. I will say, I love the idea that the BetterPress plates can be used in the Glimmer foiling system. It's really made me rethink whether or not I want to get a BetterPress now. Unfortunately, the reverse isn't true though. While you can use the BetterPress plates to foil, you can't use the hot foil plates to letterpress due to the differences in thickness of the two types of types. The hot foil plates will damage the BetterPress platform. Oh, I meant sandwich info for your Empress to be able to use all of your embossing folders! I wonder why they didn’t make all of them interchangeable? Perhaps the hot foil plates need a different depth to the cuts to work properly. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt! |
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Post by CoffeeCrafter on Nov 7, 2023 20:28:20 GMT
Oh, I meant sandwich info for your Empress to be able to use all of your embossing folders! That's what I get for responding to messages when I should be sleeping!  |
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Post by CoffeeCrafter on Nov 7, 2023 20:33:16 GMT
Spellbinders has a bundle sale going on right now! Three machines for $299. Glimmer, Betterpress and the Platinum. ETA: saw this as an ad on Facebook but now can’t find it to link here.  It's one of their Holiday Gift Bundles*. *Note: I'm an affiliate for Spellbinders, so I might make a small commission (at no cost to you) if anyone purchases using this link. |
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hockeyspaz62
Full Member
Posts: 127
Sept 26, 2023 1:01:24 GMT
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Post by hockeyspaz62 on Nov 10, 2023 21:41:25 GMT
USA Amazon has it for $66.94 right now for the base set. If you have Prime, it’s free shipping.
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Post by kiwikate on Dec 14, 2023 11:01:29 GMT
For anyone thinking about trying this out, I finally succumbed and got it! I have been working with it for a few weeks on and off, and my final conclusion is that I really really like it. I particularly like the large font words and the detailed flowers etc. Not such a big fan of the borders and frames. I have been using regular watercolour or mixed media paper and find the Versafine Clair inks work much better than the Betterpress inks and give a beautiful finish. It also works really well the Tsukineko gold and silver ink pads.
I put a clear plastic sheet over the platform to minimise the ink staining as this was really bothering me!
I hope this review helps someone else who may be thing about it :-)
ETA: I use it with my Big Shot Switch and need no extra shims etc.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Jan 6, 2024 17:35:12 GMT
I just got mine from Amazon this week and am excited to try it! I ordered more inks and two other plates from the Spellbinders NYE sale and those should be here this week.
Does anyone have a favorite set of sentiments? I looked for them at the sale but didn't see a lot. I mainly want them for inside of birthday/get well cards.
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buttercup
Shy Member
Posts: 46
May 8, 2022 19:09:24 GMT
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Post by buttercup on Feb 7, 2024 16:17:01 GMT
It’s awesome that the plates can be used for hot foiling. That makes it so much more appealing. It seems odd that Spellbinders didn’t hype that from the start. Anyway, I’m holding off buying for the moment as I’ve done almost no crafting for the past few months- I don’t need to add to my guilt of having even more supplies sitting unused.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Mar 28, 2024 23:44:53 GMT
Well. I finally had some time to play with my BetterPress. I've had it since it was delivered January 2nd and never opened it. I was surprised to see that one of the corner supports (that goes up and down, spring like), was broken. I had just taken it out of the box! I'm so disappointed.
I did reach out to Amazon (who I purchased it from) and they said the window to return it closed Feb. 2nd, and to reach out to Spellbinders. So I wrote them an email and enclosed a picture. I'm hoping they'll send me a replacement.
To those of you who have ordered one - don't wait to take it out of the box and check it!
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,501
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Mar 28, 2024 23:54:31 GMT
MDscrapaholic, that's such a bummer. I've had good luck with SB's customer service. The handle kept coming off my brand new P6, and I was working on the C&C homework! They immediately sent a new handle assy.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Mar 28, 2024 23:57:19 GMT
Well, I got an email from them saying they're closed now, and to expect 24-48 hours for a response. Fingers crossed they can help. I know it's my fault for not checking it right away. Dang it all.
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Post by MichyM on Mar 29, 2024 0:29:41 GMT
I hope it all gets sorted out! In the meantime, it is useable with that one corner?
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Mar 29, 2024 1:05:17 GMT
I hope it all gets sorted out! In the meantime, it is useable with that one corner? I don’t know. I’m afraid it will break completely off. I can see it’s got a metal piece in it, as the plastic is cracked. |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 1, 2024 23:31:39 GMT
Well, I finally heard back from Spellbinders Customer Service. They asked me to send the photos to another email box - amazon@spellbinders.us. So I did. Waiting to hear a response. Here's a photo of the broken press...  |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Apr 2, 2024 9:15:14 GMT
Wow. That Spellbinders has a dedicated mail address for Amazon issues says a lot, doesn’t it?
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,060 
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Post by pinklady on Apr 2, 2024 14:19:56 GMT
Wow. That Spellbinders has a dedicated mail address for Amazon issues says a lot, doesn’t it? I'm wondering if this has more to do with accounting than sending defective products to be sold off Amazon. Even though the website does not state the betterpress machine, all other machines have a 1 year warranty. (I'm guessing the website just missed getting updated.) They probably need to know where it was sold to properly account for the cost of fixing or replacing a machine. |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Apr 2, 2024 18:11:24 GMT
Oh, no, I was implying that Amazon's shipping department was being shoddy and that's how the products are getting damaged!
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Post by MichyM on Apr 3, 2024 19:53:56 GMT
I hope this is getting sorted out, please update when you have a chance! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 8, 2024 16:57:38 GMT
Well, it's been a whole week and I haven't heard a thing. I just resent the email to the amazon email address and copied the Spellbinders Customer Support (who told me to email them). I asked if there was a warranty on it, and if they could help me. I guess my next step (if I don't hear from them by the end of the week) will be to go on social media and try to get a response that way. I don't like doing that, but how else can I find out if they can fix it for me?
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Post by craftmepink on Apr 8, 2024 18:11:39 GMT
Spellbinders Customer service is not very good. I placed an order from them on 3/6, received the order a week later, but there was a missing item. I sent an email asking about the missing item and they said it was sent separately.
Still haven't received the item 3 weeks later, so I sent 2 emails last week inquiring about the missing item.
They finally responded today (4/8) that they're going to send the missing item. We'll see if I actually get it.
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Post by MichyM on Apr 8, 2024 22:27:48 GMT
MDscrapaholic and craftmepink it totally stinks that you both are having problems with Spellbinders. Please keep us posted, and if we can help by commenting to a SM post let us know. :/
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 9, 2024 0:18:52 GMT
I tried calling them, no one answered the freaking phone. I am so over this.
I just sent them an email asking for the warranty to cover it. I answered all the questions they asked on the website and included my invoice and a photo of the damages. Even though the BetterPress isn't specifically named on that page, it does say Spellbinders will repair or replace a defective product or parts without charge with proof of purchase within the one-year warranty. If the product is damaged due to misuse or neglect, the warranty is null and void.
Wish me luck!
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 10, 2024 0:18:31 GMT
So, I sent them an email yesterday asking for them to honor the warranty - they responded to that email the same way they did to my first one.
Thank you for contacting Spellbinders Customer support!
Please contact Amazon@spellbinders.us for a solution.
The amazon@spellbinders.us email address has not yet responded either of the two emails I sent them (one on 4/1 and one yesterday 4/8). They must have a lot of emails to that address if they can't respond in a timely manner.
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lokismom
Full Member
Posts: 293
Aug 22, 2023 13:00:18 GMT
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Post by lokismom on Apr 10, 2024 13:35:59 GMT
Normally, I would never recommend this, but since no one is providing you any type of customer service, it might be easier to buy a new one from Amazon. Swap out the broken one and then return it back to Amazon as defective since the return window is still open and get a credit.
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Post by MichyM on Apr 11, 2024 19:16:00 GMT
So, I sent them an email yesterday asking for them to honor the warranty - they responded to that email the same way they did to my first one. Thank you for contacting Spellbinders Customer support!
Please contact Amazon@spellbinders.us for a solution.The amazon@spellbinders.us email address has not yet responded either of the two emails I sent them (one on 4/1 and one yesterday 4/8). They must have a lot of emails to that address if they can't respond in a timely manner. Man, I'd be totally annoyed by now. Have you seriously considered trying to reach them via SM? What an absolutely stinky situation to be in. |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 12, 2024 13:28:05 GMT
MichyM , I have considered it. I would consider that a last resort. When I received the second email from Spellbinders Customer Support (see above), I immediately wrote back and said "I did, twice, and they have not responded to me. What do I do??" And they just got back to me saying "Someone will be in contact soon, if you have additional questions or concerns feel free to reach back out to me. I would be more than happy to do my best to assist you." I'll give them another week, and then I may take lokismom 's advice.
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lokismom
Full Member
Posts: 293
Aug 22, 2023 13:00:18 GMT
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Post by lokismom on Apr 12, 2024 13:36:09 GMT
I'm really disappointed to hear how poor their customer service is. I love my Gemini, but I also like having a regular die cutting machine and was thinking of getting the Spellbinders one, but now I'm not certain.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Apr 12, 2024 15:03:56 GMT
I'm really disappointed to hear how poor their customer service is. I love my Gemini, but I also like having a regular die cutting machine and was thinking of getting the Spellbinders one, but now I'm not certain. I am too. I have spent so much money buying plates and inks for this. I also signed up for the May card event. I was thinking about getting the Glimmer, but not anymore. |
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Post by craftmepink on Apr 16, 2024 21:36:26 GMT
Hope they resolve your issue soon MDscrapaholic. So a month and four emails later, I finally received the missing item from Spellbinders. |
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,501
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Apr 16, 2024 22:20:31 GMT
MDscrapaholic - I'm sorry to hear that you're still waiting for a response. Maybe the Amazon seller is not actually spellbinders. Like a third party warehouse that just processes the orders. At the very least there should be some sort of manufacturers warranty that they should honor. I would be tempted to do what someone posted above and buy a new one then return the broken one.
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