Hi friends. This just in.
First a bit of bummer news: Project Life will not be available today.
We were expecting Project Life and all the new products to be on sale by TODAY. In fact, earlier in the week we got some news that indicated it was possible that we were ahead of schedule. As it turns out, our shipment has been unexpectedly held up at Customs.
You know how security works at the airport, where people are randomly selected to get the pat-down? Or they randomly select your bag to be inspected? Customs works just like the TSA. And unfortunately for all of us, our shipment was randomly selected.
How long is the delay?
I wish we knew. No one is able to tell how long Customs will take to do the full inspection. We are hopeful that they’ll release our products this weekend. Once they do, it should be fairly quick to get the stuff to Amazon. We have done absolutely every single thing we can do on the backend of prepping Amazon. This means that as soon as the truck full of products hits the doors at Amazon, they open up the system and sales & shipping begin immediately. Amazon proved this to us last year. They’re incredibly efficient.
Will I get my product in time for Christmas?
I know many of you are hoping that Project Life will arrive in time for you to put under the Christmas tree for a loved one … or yourself (nothing wrong with that!). As stated above, we just don’t know the exact timing because it’s completely out of our control what they’re doing at Customs. Our hands are tied, but I can assure you that we are working hard to make sure that all of our ducks are in a row once they release our stuff. Bottom line: There is a possibility we’ll receive product in time for Christmas and there’s also a possibility that we won’t get them in time.
The good news is …
It is really important to me to stay in touch with you. As soon as I have answers, I will keep you in the loop. That way you don’t have to stalk your computers and refresh pages all weekend. You have more important things to do.
As long as you get my feed via Facebook or Twitter, or check here on my blog, I promise to do my part and keep you as informed as possible. The more you know, the more you’re able to plan ahead.
…..
Printable gift
We have designed a gift flyer in case you don’t receive your product in time to give to a loved one for Christmas. Hopefully you won’t need to use this. BUT … for the love of planning ahead and being prepared and in case it helps alleviate some stress, all you need to do is print this on a regular piece of 8.5″ x 11″ paper or cardstock. Roll it up and tie it with a bow … or put it in a box and wrap it up. Don’t forget to sign the bottom! Click HERE to download and/or print.
Side note on timing.
We absolutely, positively did not intend to have this release of new products happen right around Christmas time. In fact, we didn’t even want to touch December. Our intention was to launch the new stuff in November. Earlier this year, we were mid-way through designing the new school kits when we literally had to halt that progression and switch gears to get the new Project Life stuff done in time. We tweaked and made improvements and tweaked some more until everything was just right. That caused some delay, but a little delay is better than not having everything absolutely perfect for you.
…..
Digital Project Life
I’m pleased to tell you that we’re just about ready to launch the new digital Project Life as well! There will be two new designs (Amber & Turquoise, just like the kit versions) and we’re keeping the Original Edition there also.
…..
Thank you.
I want you to know how much I appreciate your support. We’re a small company. We’re a young company, only beginning this journey just last year. We’re doing the very best we can and learning a lot along the way. This round is already so, so, so much smoother than last year. Thanks so much for being a part of it all. It’s an exciting time, and I know that so many of you are super excited to begin a Project Life book for the new year.
I’ll be back in touch as soon as I have another update on timing. In the meantime, have a happy weekend! Hang in there. We’re sooo close.
Tags: customs, Project Life
Thank you so much for the update. I know that as eager as we are to order and receive Project Life, you are ready for us to have it in our hands.
I am really excited to rediscover scrapbooking through this product. Hang in there!
Thanks for keeping us in the loop! Appreciate it.
You’re doing an amazing job Becky. Thanks for keeping us informed. Hope its not stressing you out. Looking forward to placing my next order with your company.
Wow that is bad new for you guys! I recieved my Amber kit yesterday, and apart from a faulty set of stickers I love it! Sat there playing with it until late last night! I found it hard to choose between the two kits as the pictures didnt show much but Im very glad I picked Amber – the colours and patterns remind me so much of Life is Good by Echo Park and I LOVE that collection! Looking forward to the 1st of Jan!!
Thanks for the update. I am thrilled about both designs being available for the digital version. You may be a small and new company but you are doing so well.
Thanks so much for the update! I’m looking forward to receiving Project Life whenever it becomes available! Keep up the good work!
Becky THANK YOU SOOOO much for all the updates!!! I hope you know that all of us are patiently waiting and KNOW that you are doing ALL that you can for us!
Whatever day Project Life arrives will be the BEST DAY!!!
until then… the people in Customs are getting BLESSED to be the ones to handle them first!!! LOL
You have an amazing product that I don’t mind waiting for. Thank you for keeping us posted and keep up the good work!
You are the coolest for always updating, being on top of things and so professional.
Gloria
Thanks for the update Becky! It’s ok. I’ll just be thrilled to get it by the first of the year, if possible. Whenever it comes, I know I’ll love it. Thanks for making two versions. I have little boys and think the blue one will be perfect. Thanks also for making vertical page protectors. I love that. Can’t wait, actually!
Thanks so much for keeping us posted! Great part of the new, young company is the fabulous service and the way you work to keep us in the loop. I am so excited about the Turquoise kit and will be very thankful if I can just get it before the New Year. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the update, its appreciated. Hopefully it can surprise us and make it for Christmas. I guess next year youll move the planning dates up a bunch. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for the update!! You have done an awesome job!! Your kits are AMAZING!!
Sandy
Thanks for the update Becky!Don’t you fret! There is absolutely nothing more you can do! Even if it is after the first of the year before we can get it , that will help alleviate the “after-Christmas let- down” We know we will have something to look forward to. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for the updates. Can’t wait for the digital version! I emailed Ziblio a few days ago, but so far no repsonse as to when it will be released? Thanks!
How DID you know I was stalking my computer today?
At least now I can stop. For today, anyway. 
For a new business, I think you’re doing a great job!
Thanks for the updates, Becky! The extra time you’re taking to keep us in the loop is appreciated. Looking forward to the next update!
congrats becky
you are going above and beyond the call of duty keeping everyone informed!
im in New Zealand, so got my kit yesterday (friday) and I LOVE IT!
all your fans will be thrilled and they’ll forget that they had to wait a couple of extra days when they see it !
I wasn’t planning to do PL this year but I’ve become so excited reading your posts and your readers’ comments that I think I’m going to jump in. Yeah! Thank you for your honest updates, even if it’s bad news. I also love how you put a positive spin on things. Probably why you’re so loved! Merry Christmas!
thanks for being so upfront!
Thank you for your honesty and hard work. It will all be worth it! You are the best!
Thank you Becky, We are all looking forward to project life. Such a wonderful way to record our lives with so much flexability. I am addicted and am looking forward to ordering. I loved hearing you on paperclipping roundtable and realize your product fits the needs of so many. The amber addition has me “drooling”! Much grace to you and your family. Enjoy.
Bah Humbug!! I know these things happen…right, but I have been stalking my computer for the last, two weeks in hopes of getting this kit for a dear friend for Christmas. I am totally disappointed, but understand at the same time. I guess I am like my kids right now, waiting for Advent, for Christmas and Santa!! This makes it easier to understand my three year olds tantrums!!! (At least she has an excuse.)
Thank you for all the up-dates. I’m sure the new Project Life will be worth the wait. I’m looking forward to the new kit, I have the other two and enjoyed everything about them. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. It must be frustrating for you…but I KNOW it will be worth the wait. Gee, waiting is so hard, but it will be over soon. I plan to order as soon as they hit Amazon. Hurry up, Customs!!!!
Business owner, mom, 12 days of christmas producer, kids hand crafted works of art gift maker, blogger…. how do you do it all? I did keep refreshing amazon.com on my iPhone today, like 80 times… then I got a little clue that I should probably come to the blog and see what’s going on.
Thanks for keeping us all updated. I was admiring my 2010 project life album last night. I’m proud of the year my family has had. It’s been great and i’ve gotten to experience a lot of special moments that as of today have all been recorded. It’s all thanks to your easy system. I appreciate you helping me so much
Another very happy camper here in NZ with mine arriving during the week. Has far exceeded my expectations and definitely worth the wait. Love the extra page packs and will be including some in this years album as have nearly run out for that one! Thank you.
This is like waiting for Santa to come! Becky, all we ask for is communication and you have provided that – upfront, honest and no excuses. I, for one, appreciate that. I hope Amazon has lots of extra elves working because they will soon be very, very busy. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Becky. With everything that you do, especially as a wife, mother and homemaker I am constantly amazed at how considerate you are of all of us. Many, many thanks!
Not to worry – thanks for the update. Relax and enjoy the Christmas holidays. Everything will work out beautitfully
Thanks so much for letting us know AND for the cute lil announcement! Don’t worry about PL coming late…we know it’s out of your control! Thanks for working so hard on behalf of your readers/customers…we DO appreciate it!
I’m so surprised. not
Hi there
Can you tell me if this affects the product that will ship from Canada?
thanks
REnee
I totally am ok with this… I am just so glad that you keep us informed. I love mine from last year and can’t wait to order this years… Don’t stress, enjoy your hubby and kids and this holiday season!!
Here’s to catching up on my 2010 Project Life while I’m waiting for the 2011 PL to release. Love the new designs, and the thought of a “clean slate” for staying current. Thank you Becky for always being honest and considerate despite unforeseeable changes. You might be a new company, and a small company, but you are certainly an honorable company. It matters, and we appreciate it!
Customs is part of the shipping/ import part of running a company. Usually,paperwork is the reason for the hold up, hopefully it will get cleared soon and we can all enjoy project life. Thanks for the quick updates.
I love both of the new designs so this will give me a few more days to figure out which one I’m getting. I worked on my 2010 version for a little while today and I’m just about all caught up!
Thank you, Becky for the updates, you are the best. We support you and your company and trust it.
Thanks for the update; oh the joy of shipping and customs. Sorry to hear the PL’s have been delayed, maybe you will get a few more customers when the customs staff see them!!! Looking forward to ordering mine as soon as they hit Amazon, yay!
Oh Customs. Drats.
Becky, you and your elves may be running a new business, but you are well versed in the customer service arena. Your use of social media is superb; I feel like you’re talking directly to ME. From the comments, each of us feels similarly.
Convince yourself that you’ve done everything possible to create a smooth process once Customs releases the shipment. No more tweaking! : )
p.s forgot to say SO EXCITED to hear that you were mid way through designing a new school kit. my wee man turns 5 in 2012 so it will be great timing to buy it next year :>
[...] most of us are left still wishing (and pulling out our wallets, waiting for the moment Project Life is released on amazon.com), one of you is verrrrrrry lucky today . . [...]
Thanks for the update, Becky! Things like this happen, don’t worry (too much!) about it! Eventually the kits will all arive, just like last year! I,m really looking forward to do PL again this year!
Thanks, Becky, for keeping us informed. Boy, can you believe what a difference this year is compared to the Project 365 fiasco year before last? That was absolutely INSANE. I still shake my head remembering trying to order that day it became available and how scary upset people became. (I was one of the lucky ones who got one.) This little hold up is nothing compared to that. You’ve nailed customer service! Merry Christmas.
I hope that handling all of this, right smack in the middle of Christmas week, doesn’t stress you out too much! Don’t worry, it will all turn out fine. Everyone will get their orders and be delighted. You have such a great way of handling the customer service side of your business-thanks for keeping everyone informed. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Becky,
Thank you for all your hard work and for keeping us up on what is going on. Your customer service and concern for all of us us amazing and that is one thing that makes me love you more everyday. When it is ready we will be ready to order!! God Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Well, I give up. I will no longer be buying the kit but will put my own project together. I’m don’t have a lot of time on my hands so it’s hard for me to start the project then have to re-write it and put it together again once the kit gets here. It’s too bad because I was really excited about this. It would be a better idea to plan months before the holidays to have this out in time.
I’ll add that I really don’t mean to sound rude to you, Becky, but whomever is in charge of the release of this thing really needs to get with it. I missed out last year because of all the issues of it being late, shipping, etc. and I was hoping to get on board with the project for this January 1st
I can’t hold my breath anymore.