postage for Christmas cards
Thank you, Meg, for bringing it to my attention that some people are experiencing an issue with mailing their Christmas cards from my kit.
First of all, I would never try to mislead anyone. We honestly sent the completed cards (assembled, as you would send them) before we made them available for purchase, and had no problems with the postage. Here's what we did to ensure cards could be mailed for $0.41:
- Matched postal regs in weight and size exactly
- Took samples into the post office and had them confirm $0.41 cent postage
- Sent a couple samples from different post offices using $0.41 with both metered and stamped postage. We included a couple papers to represent a family Christmas letter.
In fact, I just got my parents' Christmas card yesterday (they're so cute to use my card kit!). The $0.41 stamp worked like a charm. Yes, they included a picture and their text was printed on cardstock. All of this was included in the card.
So from what I can tell, most of you are NOT having a problem. Thank goodness. Unfortunately there are a few of you who may and I'm very, very sorry about that. Seriously - I'm so bummed about it. It seems to be an inconsistency issue with USPS. You may want to mail the cards and don't ask the post office if you need to pay more because they'll say "yes" and take your money. But that's up to you, and I can't guarantee anything.
It makes me crazy that a few post offices are not being cool about this.
Hey - while we're on the subject, if you have some constructive feedback on my Christmas card kit, I'd love to know. This will help me understand what you like & what you don't for my next card kit. : )
Have a happy day.
First of all, I would never try to mislead anyone. We honestly sent the completed cards (assembled, as you would send them) before we made them available for purchase, and had no problems with the postage. Here's what we did to ensure cards could be mailed for $0.41:
- Matched postal regs in weight and size exactly
- Took samples into the post office and had them confirm $0.41 cent postage
- Sent a couple samples from different post offices using $0.41 with both metered and stamped postage. We included a couple papers to represent a family Christmas letter.
In fact, I just got my parents' Christmas card yesterday (they're so cute to use my card kit!). The $0.41 stamp worked like a charm. Yes, they included a picture and their text was printed on cardstock. All of this was included in the card.
So from what I can tell, most of you are NOT having a problem. Thank goodness. Unfortunately there are a few of you who may and I'm very, very sorry about that. Seriously - I'm so bummed about it. It seems to be an inconsistency issue with USPS. You may want to mail the cards and don't ask the post office if you need to pay more because they'll say "yes" and take your money. But that's up to you, and I can't guarantee anything.
It makes me crazy that a few post offices are not being cool about this.
Hey - while we're on the subject, if you have some constructive feedback on my Christmas card kit, I'd love to know. This will help me understand what you like & what you don't for my next card kit. : )
Have a happy day.
at
8:20 AM
74 Comments:
Hi!
Really liking the card kit so far.
My post office is the type to ALWAYS charge extra so I'm thinking about stamping them and dropping them in a random mailbox in Phoenix. ;)
I have one small comment on the christmas card. The card that had the brackets on the front. On the circle piece of chipboard that fit between the brackets there was a hole and nothing to put into the hole. I tied some ribbon through and really liked that but my typa A side was wondering what was supposed to go there or what the purpose of the hole was.
Otherwise i've really liked the card kit and am hoping for a new one next year!
Thanks,
Amy in Holbrook AZ
Hi Becky
I totally agree with what you said! Just mail the cards and don't go in and ask! Most likely they will get delivered just fine! My local post office will ALWAYS say everything is extra! If I just mail my stuff without asking - it goes just fine and I don't pay extra!! I have also found that if I bring my stuff to a post office in a different town - it goes much better! Good Luck everyone!
Thanks Becky - I LOVE this kit!! It is so festive!
Merry Christmas!!
Cindy
I really liked the kit but didn't want to send pictures to EVERYONE - I wish some of them came picture-less. I just left off the photo strips on the ones that didn't get pictures, but then it felt really plain. Also, the one that had the brackets on the front either had to use the "JOY" chipboard (that had a hole in it that didn't show on the sample) or the "JOY" envelope closure. Since I didn't see the hole on the sample, I made it with the envelope closure the first time around and was sad that I wouldn't have enough matching closures now.
Thanks for addressing this. To tell you the truth, I am freaking out! If I gamble & just send them but they catch it ( I spent much of yesterday afternoon searching the USPS website-it's a no-no for $0.41 because it contains something bumpy) then I risk them being returned with hideous marks/stamps all across the darling envelopes. And not only that but I usually don't get any returned due to "moved or undelivered" until AFTER Christmas. Hence the freaking out part.
Christmas cards is my FAVORITE part of the season. I emailed KOTM@ck last night, we will see what they say.
I do love the kit, festive, colorful and especially the envelopes. It's the Post Office that's Grinchy here..
I like to send my cards in the clear envelopes 1 year I decided to go to the post office and ask if it was ok 1st they said no has to be in a white envelope they had there I could buy! And I needed extra postage. So I remembered friends of mine sending out their cards that way and being a regular stamp so I walked out (I was afraid they would do something to them) and threw in a mailbox a few blocks away! Not a 1 returned been doing that every year and no problems.
A few random questions/requests for ya Becky...
You go to lots of Christmas parties - any fun games/entertainment ideas?
& will you pretty please show us your Christmas decorations?
Love you!
Emily
I totally agree with the fact that they try to make you pay extra when the cards will get there without it. Happen to me a couple of years ago. The postal worker tried to tell me they were too bulky. I just mail them regular and to my knowledge they all made it.
My fear is if i send these with just the 41 cent stamp, that they may not be returned to me, but sent on and arrive with postage due! That would be really embarrasing, and I would never know!! I know they do this, because i just received a letter last week that the mailman brought to my door with postage due, and that wasn't the first time i have gotten such. It's a dilema...
Stamp and drop FOR SURE... I didn't use your kit although I LOVE it and really wanted it. But I made my own and I used brads and ribbon and I took it in and they said because they couldn't run it through their machine that I had to pay more. But if I wouldn't have asked they wouldn't have charged! Sucks for me but might help someone else! :)
I also saw the hole in the chipboard tag and ended up putting a large brad in it from the kit, somehow it worked out that I had enough extra...it looks like the tag is bradded on the card front so it worked for me. I would rather not have the strips on the inside of the card, I didn't put them on some of them, but the holes are still there...I'm trying to create a "filmstrip" to put in the card, that's what is holding up my sending them out right now...
Becky... I'm getting scared. I am from Canada and I ordered 2 kits the day they went up for sale. I still haven't got them in the mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIKES! Have you had many comments about the Canadians not getting them? Thanks for your concern.
Hi Becky - You are such a doll for being so concerned. I feel so bad that you are going through this. I am not one of the people who mailed out the cards (we use the good old Costco photo cards), but I feel bad that you have to deal with this. I highly doubt that anyone who knows you would think that you were trying to be deceptive. It's just an unfortunate misunderstanding.
Hi Becky,
Loved the kit. Purchased three of them. Took them to the post office on Monday and they said they were fine. Put it through the little slot to see if they were too bulky, but they were not. However, it's a really nice post office and people who really want to help.
Wendy
The only thing I don't like is that my order got misplaced, (I placed the order on Nov 1) so I won't be able to mail them out this year because the won't come until the 14th of Dec! :( Other than that, I think, don't ask, just mail them, and honestly, I think it's worth a little bit extra in postage to have family and friends receive darling Christmas Cards!!!
Kay
I love the cards, but maybe will use for local neighbor gifts, teachers and such to eliminate the postage altogether. I think that is totally out of your control. Sounds like just certain post offices.
Like others mentioned, I noticed the hole in the one embellishment. I just didn't punch it out. I had to be very carefully about the backing though on some as it would pull a layer of the chipboard off. Also, for me personally, there was too many brads. Just because it became cumbersome as I don't have the best desterity in my hands. And one card was dated with the year. Not an issue for me, but last year I ordered Lisa's card kit and did not get them put together until this year...if someone doesn't get these cards done and wants to use them next year instead, they might be disappointed when they open them and can't use the one dated set.
Keep the great stuff coming. I printed all your recipes this weekend and can't wait for more ideas, recipes and everything you so generously share with all of us.
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Hey Becky! I'm loving the kit so far... I had the same issue with the "Joy" card, though... the chipboard tags to go on the front had holes in them (unlike the picture) and I can't figure out what I want to put in the hole. I, too, originally made it with the sticker closure, thinking the chipboard "Joy" was one of the bonus tags included. Oops! I was able to pull them off, but haven't figured out yet what to put in the hole. Haven't tried to mail them yet.... For me, there were also too many brads. They started hurting my fingers after a while. I think I may just leave out the strips in the rest of the cards I put together, and glue or just tuck a picture inside or something.
I agree with the above-poster... I would like to see pics of your Christmas tree and/or other decorations!!
Thanks for asking for comments... I wanted to ask about the hole in the joy??? I did just like another girl-- I used the env. closure thinking that was the one- without a hole and later figured it all out. Also, a friend used all of her env. closures inside the card {thinking they were just extra goodies} and now doesn't have any for the envelopes. I felt like the directions just needed another step or two added. Please don't get me wrong... I LOVED MY CARDS... (minus the fact that my fingers are raw from all of the brads :) --no pain, no glory!!) I will be looking for another Becky kit next year!!! You do a great job!
Hi Becky,
As with everyone else, I too loved the cards. They are beautiful and I am sure that my friends and family will love receiving them. I make 65 of them...and with making that many, everythign just got cumbersome!! My reall issue was the envelopes. I absolutely loved the design, however when I sealed them with the sticker, I found that the stickers were peeling off and the envelopes were opening up. With no other adhesive on the envelopes, I had to scotch tape the four flaps. It sealed it fine, but ooked kinds sloppy. In the future, it would help if the envelopes were sealed on the three sides. I just didn't want the card and all the goodies falling out, you know how "gentle" the are at the post office!! Merry Christmas and thanks for a great kit!
I personally LOVE the kit. I ordered 4 of them and enjoyed putting them together, brads and all. I too noticed the joy chipboard having an extra hole in it. I left it as is and added it to the front of my cards. As I was adding our picture and newsletter last night, I began wondering about the postage. Thanks for addressing it today. I think the cards are awesome and I loved the strips inside to add the newsletter too. GREAT DESIGN! I loved the colors too.
I mailed my cards yesterday and had no problem with the postage...I LOVE your cards and hope that this will become a tradition every Christmas. I'm kicking myself b/c I only bought one kit and needed four..I have been outbid three times on ebay..dang it.
Anyway, I did a 2007 year in review for our son's picture card. I did a picture for every month and it turned out so cute when I inserted it into the strips..
Love your work Becky...We are so much alike I think we could be sisters...
Oh, I just read the comment by macnnoah, and I am from Canada too. I contacted CK and told them that I placed my order for three kits on the 1st of Nov, and then they just contacted me and said they wouldn't arrive until Dec. 14. So I don't know if that helps?! :)
I am excited to get the kits, but sad I have to wait until next year to use them!!! I am sure they are awesome though!!! It's BH! :)
Kay
Hi, Becky!
The kits are adorable, no question there. You did a terrific job! The few issues I would raise are these:
-The shipping on the kits was way too slow, as I'm sure you've heard. It took three weeks for me to receive my order.
-If you could create cards that use fewer brads and more stickers, that would be helpful. One of the designs uses 8 brads, and when you're making 3 kits' worth, it really does a number on your fingernails!
-I didn't realize until I read the others' comments that I was using the "Joy" envelope seals on my cards when I should have been using the chipboard. If the envelope seals came in a separate baggie, that would make it easier to figure out what's what.
-Also, unless I had read your blog, I wouldn't know that the transparencies have a protective film on top to be peeled off. If the instructions could be a little more clear, that would help.
I do love the cards, though, and I am so looking forward to sending them out. Thanks for all you do to inspire your fellow scrapbookers!
Lauren
Becky,
I too love the kit and noticed the extra hole in the Joy but thought it would be fine. A brad tip I think I heard from Lisa Bearnson was to use your paper piercer to open and seperate the brads works GREAT! I liked the use of the brads, then I didn't have to mess with any adhesives. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us all your great ideas, recipes and family happenings.
Have a Blessed Christmas
Nancy
I love the kits, too, but agree about too many brads. I like the look of them, and they are way better than eyelets, but I got tired of spreading their ends apart and my fingers got sore, so I ended up quitting and just doing boring photo cards this year. Maybe if I do a few here and there or I am able to start on them earlier in November (my shipping took a long time, too), I'll send them out next year. :-)
About postage: if you letter is BULKY, they charge extra - even if it meets weight regs, because it doesn't actually meet size regs. I sent a mini RAK in mine & had to pay extra postage (but I was anticipating that) but that was the reason why when I asked.
About the KIT: it was okay - not my favorite. a little too paint by numbers for me, but great for adding a letter & a photo. Oh - and I missed that there were enevelope seals! LOL - I sent them inside as part of the RAK, so at least someone can use them. But I had to tape my envelops shut anyways because they were bulky. Oh - and the brads TORE up my nails, mostly I think because there were SO many! But they did look cute! :) Oh - the envelope without adhesive or preassembled was a bit frustrating!
About deception: in no way were you deceptive. We just have the joy of dealing with the USPS - that's all! :)
About peppermint fudge: it rocks!! made it last night & my coworkers and I have DEVOURED it today! Thanks for the recipe! :)
Becky
I LOVE THE CARDS! I thought the brads were great. What else could be so easy and add so much? I just added a star eyelet to my "JOY" cards. I thought it was perfect and easy to only add to 5 cards. It would have taken a lot longer to make my own homemade cards than it was to open some brads! And hopefully everyone will think I worked really hard on the cards! I mailed all my cards out on Monday and crossing my fingers they all arrive safely! I also made a photo like your hybrid card to put in my cards. I love all your ideas and I have tried so many new things from reading your blog (cooking, crafts, etc.)
Thank you for sharing your genius!
I love the cards too. But I agree with the comment about not having the strips inside. I actually had a problem finding a website to print 3x5 pictures so I am using 4x6. I am putting the picture on the other side of the strips and writing my message between the strips. I can't leave the strips off becasue I am too anal and don't like the holes there. :) Look forward to ordering again next year!
I would bet my last dollar this is a USPS error!! I work for a college and we're mailing stuff ALL the time. We recently created a new publication for mailing and confirmed and double-confirmed it was the right size/weight for the postage rate we wanted. We mailed 1000's without a problem...then suddenly they were all being returned as 'insufficient postage'!! Went down there and they said we had been quoted wrong...asked another employee...they said it was right. I sometimes thing even USPS doesn't know what USPS is doing!
To Macnnoah and all other canadians I too am from Canada and I have called numerous times and the only thing is that they have told me 3 different stories as to when they'll arrive. That totally worries me. I ordered and pd for 2 kits as well on Nov 1st and have yet to see them!!!! Lets hope we didn't get duped.
Carolyn
Hi Macnnoah and Carolyn,
You both read my mind! I'm also in Canada. I've been freaking out too and have actually had to start using alternative cards in order to get all mine out in time. I too ordered the kit on November
1st and have emailed the website to find out why the delay, with no response-kind of frustrated since I did some other online shopping at other US scrapbook sites after I ordered these cards and have since received those orders. So hoping they come soon :(
HI Becky,
First, I just want to say I LOVED THE KITS and would buy them all over again....and I bought 3. You asked for feedback...here it is.
{delivery} I got them very fast...within a week.
{postage} All of mine were delivered...i hope, but I havn't recieved any back
{exta hole in JOY tag} I just used a bigger green brad
{envelopes} would not stay sealed with just the sticker tag...so I used ZipDry to seal them...I didn't want to risk my stuff falling out in the mail
{strips} I used the strips for holding my letter, but I had to fold it kinda small
{the brads} they were kinda tedious, but they look great, so it was worth it. The only problem I had with the brads was the ugly split backing that shows on the other side. For the inside, I just taped my holiday picture over the brad backing splits that show....but they still showed on the back of the card.
So, that is what I encountered....but I would do it all again today. LOVED them!!
I had sent a birthday card that had a couple of brads in it and it came back to me in two peices. Yes it was torn in half. I was very sad! Went in to the post office and they said that is was to bulky and that is must have gotten caught in their machine. The clerk told me that next time I need to bring it in to have it hand checked not to have to go through their machine. It does cost more but it is worth it not to have it come back in two peices. I would hate to have this happen to Beckys beautiful x-mas cards. I will pay the extra. Hope this helps.
I know I commented earlier, but wanted to add that I thought the price was FABULOUS for the amount of stuff we got in the card kits... I SO loved the designs... would love to see you do an "all-occasion" card kit in the future!
I'm kind of freaking out now. Not only about the postage and bulkiness, but about the stickers that held them together. I am in Milwaukee, and when I dropped them in the mailbox Monday night, it was COLD! One of the stickers actually fell off. The kit was great, but in the end, if all this hard work turns into a disaster, I will be very disappointed. I not only made 40 of the cards, I put in newsletters (which I had to fold 4 times!). The thought of my babies pictures on the post office floor literally makes me want to cry. We'll see if they make their destination within the next couple of days...
Good news! A friend of mine just called to compliment me on my awesome Christmas card. I have never been so relieved; they have made it to at least one destination unharmed!
In February I will arrange a "scrappening" in Pitea, Sweden and beacuse I find your sketches so inspiring I will ask you for an exclusive layout or card sketch for that "scrappening" called "Pyssel i Pitea".
Hi Becky, I'm sure no one blames you for this, but I, too, am Canadian, and I, too, placed my order Nov 2, and I, too, do not have them have to go buy some pre-made cards if I want to send out anything this year.
So for next year, either they really need to fix the Canadian shipping, or your cards should be the KOTM for October to ensure everyone gets theirs in time.
Hi Becky!
Like the Canadian ladies, I placed my order on Nov 1st, and my kits haven't yet arrived in Australia.
I rang CK yesterday morning, and they said because it's with normal post they are unable to track the order.
I'm very disappointed as I bought something else from America two weeks ago and it made it here in just under a week - which was very surprising...but it made me panick as I thought the kits have gotten lost.
Is there any reason why the international customers are waiting so long for it to arrive?
I'm hoping it will arrive within the next week so that I can still make them for this Christmas - I'm planning to give them to family with their presents...so I'm still hopeful...
Marianne :)
Sydney, Australia
Becky,
First of all, I think I am your biggest fan. Second, the KOTM cards are awesome. I can't wait to mail mine and hear all the responses. PLEASE do these again next year. As for the JOY chipboards I placed a pre-stickered diamond rhinestone over the hole. It looked AWESOME. I also added a small red rhinestone on the top of the Christmas tree card. It looked HOT! Lastly, after making 6 card kits, I personally do not care if it is going to be a little extra money to mail them....because my Christmas cards are a gift to all my friends and family that I only hear from during the holidays. I think my cards are a token of love to others. Thank you for all you do and inspiring others. Hilary
I thought the kit looked great but the shipping costs to Australia were so expensive. I am a seasoned shopper and the postage rates seemed way high as with all of CK stuff.
Hi Becky, I ordered 3 packs on Nov 1st and am still waiting on delivery to Sydney, Australia. All other orders placed with CK (your new book which is fantastic being one!) came within 2 weeks. So my feedback would be to make the Christmas kit available from Oct 1.
Thanks and God bless
Tracy
Becky,
Thanks for all your hard work and ideas that go into making our lives so much easier. I'm sad that people would complain to you about "extra postage"! You saved them hours of work putting together their "own" Christmas cards and that, to me, is priceless! Keep those great brain waves flowing!!! Merry Christmas!!!
Hi Becky,
I have to echo the thoughts of most of these ladies - the kit was pretty awesome! I have never made cards before, so I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it, but it all worked out great. A couple things, though.
1. I agree about the brads. There were just too many. Also, I was short 1 brad for one of the designs.
2. It was super hard to find an online photog processor to do 3x5 pictures. So I ended up printing myself, but it took forever (sent out 60 cards). I would love it if you could incorporate room for 4x6 prints next year.
THANKS again, it was a super fun kit!
Hi Becky,
I just wanted to clarify my earlier post. You have some huge fans here in Canada and we know you can't control the shipping, we're just frustrated because we are anxious to get this kit. It sounds great from reading other's comments, can't wait to get it:)
Loved the Taco soup by the way!
Heather
Hi Becky, Iam still waiting for my Card kit. I was told by the CK Customer Service people I should have it by 17th Nov, it is now the 6th Dec and I still do not have my kit. I paid $23 in postage to have the kit shipped and in total over $40 AUD for the kit.Some people would call me mad but the cards looked so lovely made, that i thought it was worth it. My kids finish school tomorrow and I was hoping to make some cards for the teachers, this will not be happening now. Your response is much appreciated From a very Disappointed Customer
Thank you so much for addressing my concerns Becky! I was so upset and worried when I found that message board post the morning after I sent my cards.
I am very happy to say that I know at least 2 of my cards made it with no problems :) I took the stamp and drop approach because a) you said 41 cents would be fine and b) boy was the line long!
Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful card kit. My only comment, like many others before me, was about the joy chipboard with the random unmentioned hole. I put a brad in half of them and ribbon through the other half. It worked out just fine :)
Hi Becky!
LOVED your KOTM!! The colors & designs are so FUN! I've never been the type of person to make my own cards but HAD to have the kit when I saw how Ana Cabrera used it as a mini album in the idea gallery on the KOTM website!! I don't think I'll get to it in time for this Christmas but LOVE the cards & will have so much fun making the album. THANKS so much for the FANTASTIC kit & all the great ideas & recipes! YOU ROCK!!
I can't say I'm having postage problems because I haven't seen my kit! I too am from Canada and placed my order on Nov 3, got an email promising it would arrive on Dec 3. After emails and 2 calls they still can't tell me when I will get my kit. And, to make matters worse, I thought I had ordered 2 kits (one for me and a friend) only to find out that my order was for one and I paid $14.15 for shipping! So, I spoke with CK customer service yesterday AGAIN and after much discussion, she promised me she would send them Fedex and that I would get an email with the tracking number today. So far, no email so I am crossing my fingers for a Fedex package. Becky - can you help your Canadian fans here? I'm sure you don't want your blog loaded down with complaints. We just want our kits!
Hi Becky,
I made the mistake of asking and I paid .58cents per card. I couldn't use a Christmas postage because they didn't have any for that amount. I am very happy with the kit although some of the brads were missing a leg and I have to use a different color, but I don't think it matters. They look great and they are in the mail for my family and friends. Thanks! Yanina
Hi Becky
I love the card kit, it took a few weeks until I got it. But the same they I start making the cards and in less than hour and an half I was done. Very easy, cute colors, too much brads, haven't mail them yet.
Bluett
I don't know if this has been mentioned, but if you have a slightly bumpy card, you can put a regular stamp on it and write "Please hand cancel" somewhere on the front of the card. They will not charge you extra and they will do the card by hand instead of putting it through the machine.
I am also from Canada. Ordered Nov 1 then emailed and the reply said it would arrive Nov 23, not here yet. When I click on Track my Order it says not such number.
I did order with the intention of using these for next year, didn't hold out hope that they would come in on time.
Canadian gals FYI - I heard that customs is really backed up because of our dollar doing so well that they people are ordering so much from the USA. But on the other hand I did order 2 other things from the USA (and hubby ordered something too) and all has arrived already and some where ordered after Nov 1.
Hey Post Office ~ we're in Canada not Mars!!
I got both my kits quickly, withing one week. However, I am a little worried now about the envelopes sealing. I also thought the envelope sealers were the card things, and the Christmas Wishes card I had used the envie sealers on the front of all the cards, poked holes in them with the brads...ah! I didn't realize the chipboard ones were for the front of the card...so maybe next time the directions can be a little more clear on what the extra tags or goodies are and what is supposed to be on the front of the card. Love the kit!
Hi... I had a friend in Iowa purchase my kits and then send them on to me in Sydney, Australia. Seems that this was a good idea both cost and time wise. Mine arrived, have been put together, photo taken, written, addressed and about to be posted. Not sure what will happen with that. Hand delivered 10 today and everyone LOVED them. Thank you, I think they are wonderful.
For those of you who are saving the kit for next year -- remember there is one set of cards with 2007 printed on it!
Another Canadian who is beyond bummed that my cards (ordered Nov 3) haven't arrived, and that CK gives me a different answer every time I call to inquire as to their whereabouts. I'm in the process now of trying to cancel my order. They won't be here in time to use this year, and some have the date on them so I can't use them next year. Making a unique card each year is one of my favourite parts of the holidays, and I am so so disappointed that I don't have time to get something else together and still have it sent out in time for Christmas. I'll have to go with a packaged card this year and that sucks. Sorry to be such a downer, but you asked for feedback and there it is - I'm really disappointed.
As for the comment about Canadian customs holding things up - the last story CK gave me was that there was a 3 week delay getting shipments out of the warehouse - even card kits ordered Nov 1 didn't ship out until at least the 19th. So the problem is not just Canada Customs; it's also CK not having their act together.
Becky -
There have been tons of comments so far so I just want to say thank you for making my card making so easy. It only took me 20 minutes to make one batch. Love that! Yes, the brads tore my fingers up but so does washing the dishes three times a day!!! I haven't sent my cards yet and will check with the post office before I do, plus I will glue the card shut just to make sure.
Just so people know...Costco does
3x5 pics. You just have to ask them. Only 16 cents each. They fit perfectly in the card and won't take up too much room on someone's fridge...
Becky thanks again for the great idea and the great price!
I have the same problem at my PO. I make all my cards, all year long, and if I go inside to mail ... it always takes more postage. If I drop outside in the box, no problem. To further frustrate me, if I do to the PO 20 miles away and go inside -- they never make me use extra postage! So if I'm running errands, I go by the other PO and get them to hand stamp it w/ no problems. So, I would say it's definitely a discrepency at the USPS and not the card kit.
I emailed CK again and they said my order "should arrive in the next 2 weeks". That's only 7 weeks after I ordered.
Oh and I looked up the 2 other US orders I placed in November (not from CK)one was shipped on the 8th and received the 26th and the other was shipped the 13th and arrived the 27th. That's only 9 and 12 business days (there was a holiday in there). So why would this take 7 weeks?
Becky ~ can't wait to get the kit, it looks really awesome, I guess I really will be using it next year...that's a long time to wait. Maybe you do a Christmas kit in September next year.
I just tried calling CK and it says that "the number you are calling is not avaliable in your area" So I guess I can only email customer service, to which I get the 'standard' you-will-be-receving-your-items shortly type reply. And when I click 'track my order' it has an error and won't find it for me.
Very disapppointed in CK and their ordering process, will not be ordering again from them. But if you do something on your own Becky or switch I would try ordering personally from you, since your stuff is very nice.
FYI....If any of you haven't sent your cards yet, let my experience keep you from having it happen to you! SEAL the card somehow in addition to the sticker!! I just got a phone call from a friend that received an envelope without the card...the sticker is not effective and the cards are falling out...I am so sad after all the work I put into making the cards!
The kit was a great idea, but after my experience I would have to pass on it in the future.
oh my goodness! I'm so worried that my cards will come open. I just found these comments today after my difficulties at the post office.
I mailed them today. & yes, I had to put an extra .17 cent stamp on them & mark each one as "non-machinable" since they were too bulky. My post lady said that was the best way to avoid them being destroyed in the machine.
I'm having the same problem with my cards opening. I had them done for a few days before I mailed them and never had them open up, so I didn't know there was a problem with the seals not sticking.
So I paid for the kit, paid for the pictures and newsletter paper I put in them, paid to mail them, only to have them show up empty. The really weird thing is that somewhere along the way, the post office taped them shut, but they were already empty. I've already had two phone calls from people who received empty envelopes. So now, I'm going to either have to live with them not having anything from us or make new cards and print new pictures and re-send them, thus costing me twice as much. Not happy about this. ANd I was so excited about these cards, too :( Thank goodness only 20 of my 85 cards were this type.
My cards were dropped in a mailbox on Monday (after I added extra adhesive to the flaps that kept coming unstuck) and they have started to return to me today. I have received 5 cards back. Three of them say that I need to add 17 cents in additional postage. The other two were torn open, taped shut, and returned for more postage as well. I, unfortunately, purchased 60 cards and will now have to purchase who knows how many more as those that have been returned are beyond repair. Just very disappointed and will probably not purchase again.
Hi Becky! I thought I was the only one who had not received my card kit. I too am from Canada and am sooo disappointed. I was excited about mailing out home-made cards this year with the help of your kit. My visa was charged on Nov. 2 (the day after I ordered the kit) and still nothing. I thought maybe I could use it for next year but didn't realize that some of the cards have the 2007 date. I know that it is not your fault but I know how you take pride in your work and would want to be aware of these things. Still waiting......
My mother didn't receive the card I sent over a week ago. I put 57 cents in the card, so I don't know how many more people didn't get them. I might have to be calling everybody just to make sure. I hate the idea of loss cards because my boys pictures are in them. I do love the idea of the cards I just thinking next time I will wait for other peoples comments before I order them. I love the cards. Thanks, yanina
Finally got my cards today. I went to the post office and told them I didn't know if they needed extra postage. They said no $.41 was all. They weighed and put through the slot to check thickness.
Laura
Love this kit. I ordered 5 of them because DH thought they were great and we're using for his clients too.
Brad: Too many brads (mostly bceause I was assembling 5 kits, if it has just been 1 kit, I think it would have been fine.) Maybe a sticker set for each set of cards would work for next time. Loved the self adhesive chipboard!
Envelope not sticking: I assembled all of the cards one night and when I woke up the sticker labels had popped open. Just used a glue stick to put the enveloped back together.
Joy chipboard. I just added some white fiber through the hole 0 I liked adding a bit of a personal touch to the card.
Picture size: I just ordered wallet sized photos and they fit perfectly between the strips. (Love those strips!)
Thanks for the fun kit! Everyone has loved the cards so far.
reply I got when contacting CK: "We apologize, there was a delay in the shipment of this item. Generally for us to ship to Canada we ask to allow 3-4 weeks. We apologize, we are unable to track in item that leaves the United States. Please advise us if you do not receive your kit by December 21, 2007. We sincerely apologize for any delay or inconvenience this may have caused."
Dec 21...I paid for my kits Nov 1 and in case you don't realize the 21st is 4 days before Xmas (with 2 of those days being the weekend). There will be NO TIME to make these and send them out.
I so did not realize that there was a year printed on some of them. I'm sorry, to complain on here publically, but I see no way to personally email you.
I am VERY VERY disappointed with this whole situation.
Oh my goodness, I was actually a recipient of one of these cards and I'm so mad at myself that I didn't buy the kit. They are really adorable, it was so fun to open and see a little note from my friend and have an adorable photo of her darling little boy included. Next time I won't hesitate to buy a kit that I'm thinking is a little to much.
Can't wait for a future kit. BTW it made it here fine with 41 cent postage.
April
I just got two envelopes back today in the mail with no cards in them. Just what I was afraid would happen.
I LOVE the cards from the kit!!! Mine did cost .58 to mail because they registered at 2 oz at both postage scales that I weighed them on. So I only mailed about 20 of them and used the rest for "personal" delivery Christmas cards.
The only other problem I had was the envelope seals did not stay sealed so I had to glue them closed, and then put the seal on - that was a little but if a pain:)
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