Stamp in up was a good place for me to start this hobby with and I learned a lot. I went to non stamp in up shows and discovered a whole new world of unlimited possibilities years ago. Now retired and on a tight budget, I find that I cannot spend enough to keep up with stamp in up. I did bulk up my stash before retirement 2 years ago. I keep satisfied by trying new techniques on old stamps. Believe me, I understand your need to fly! Best of wishes, looking forward to seeing you fly.
Congratulations! I’m with you. October is my 20 year anniversary and then I’m out. I think I’ve stuck it out long enough and, like you, I’d like to purchase items from other manufacturers. Have fun with the pouring, I’m fascinated by it.
Thank you Peggy! If you like pour art check out the video coming out Friday. Sorry to hear about 20 years. At first I thought it was a waste of time but it was definitely a learning experience. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I used to be with SU several years ago and like you, I wanted to expand my creativity. I made a card using the new ‘Colorburst’ products and shared it on a private FB page. My up line saw it, loved it and wanted me to demonstrate it at our next meeting. However because SU didn’t carry this product (yet), she asked if I could duplicate the effect using SU inks. When I couldn’t do it to get the same effect, I was uninvited to show my beautiful card. About a year later, SU started carrying the product. Another pet peeve, I don’t go along with SU retiring their colors as often as they do and frown on someone using a product that is no longer related to the current line. This causes a demonstrator to waste a lot of money! I never made a video as I had no one to teach me how or what I would need to do it. Admittedly, over the past 2 SU catalogues I’ve only seen maybe 3 or 4 new stamps that I care enough about to purchase. I love it when someone does a video for a new stamp or die set, a new color of ink, such as Tim Holtz, or a new technique using an array of manufacturers. These talented people are using what they like/love and want to share it with the viewers.
They retire products so often because they are an MLM and the demonstrators are their real customers, so they try everything to force them to buy as much product as possible. I doubt they would make it without all their demonstrator customers.
Though I do still think they would do well even if they showed down some to show respect to their customers, they clearly have lots of very loyal customers, so it must be greedy.
Haven’t liked many stamps or papers for a few years and I think it started when shelly handed over to Sara. A lot of demonstrators have been leaving for the same reasons as you so good luck for the future. Odd how some of the top demonstrators work with products not sold by SU and get away with it.
@Virginia and Sarah Hodgins - Handmade Expressions I am a new hobby demo. In very little time, I realized that I am too much of a mixed media artist to be a good fit with SU. When I placed a large order, I was shocked at the shipping cost. The entire order ($675.00 plus tax and shipping = close to another $150.00) could have gone into a large USPS flat rate box@ $22.00 I am wanting to create mixed media videos; but no sooner than I signed up... realized that there is a policy conflict. Unfortunately; my new friend " recruiter " is going to be disappointed with me! But, I am interested in following your creative journey!
I understand where you’re coming from. The politics behind these companies are something to be desired. I’m not a demonstrator, nor would I ever want to be at my age with health challenges. I am, however, a discount shopper. I love the coordination of colors. To me, it’s an extremely addictive hobby & I like being able to purchase products ahead of their release dates to others. When I was ordering through a demonstrator, I was spending the required amount quarterly anyway. Everyone has to do what makes them happy. Good luck & if you find out your new adventure isn’t satisfying you either, you know you can always return to SU if you want. Best to you & have fun.
I've been thinking about doing this as well. The StampinUp product is beautiful. I love it all... but it's expensive to maintain a 25% discount. I can't maintain the cost anymore. For instance I can buy much cheaper consumables (adhesives for instance) but I can't tell anyone when I'm in demo mode /sigh.
I understand.... I don't like a company that limits your creativity..... I understand that they do that for the good of their companies, but I don't like to be limited on what I can and cannot do.... wishing you all the best ...
I totally understand what you are saying, I’ve only been a demo since Jan 2021, I cant hold workshops, dont know many people, Ive done letter box drop and still no customers, my upline is lovely ans she managed to sign me up one person but she doesn’t purchase anything. I have all of the ranger inks and distress inks, alcohol inks from different companies and like you I would love to do my own thing too. I was thinking about having 2 youtube channels so that i could still use SU products and other companies stuff but separately. Anyway good luck with your new adventures.
I've noticed a few deomstrators leaving because of this. With any company when you sign up, there is a policies document explaining these things and reminders in updates. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
No it is not a surprise, but I am itching to do other things. I still have not figured out how they can tell me what to post on a site I pay for they have nothing to do with it. I could see if my blog was still linked to their site through the DBWS portal but it is not. I pay for the name of my site and the annual fees but they tell me not to monetize or run adds on it. Yet you can when you place on TH-cam...
I left because I wasn't able to use what I wanted, when I wanted. I also feel the insistence of CTMH and SU to use a copyright stamp on anything you make is bulldust. I buy a product and then use MY ideas - I don't give credit to my laptop company for typing this note, or the power company for providing the power to run my laptop. To me there's no difference :)
Stampin' Up is the very definition of a 'long con'. Noone should be forced to pay $400 worth of overpriced product every 3 months (like a subscription) in order to get a 25% discount. The crafters and hobbyists who aren't demonstrators are punished with overpriced products by 4X which pushes them into getting the demonstrator status ($400 sales or purchases every 3 months), even though they aren't doing demonstrations or selling. They actually buy the product themselves just to maintain status to get the 25% off. The pressure to buy is VERY high. I know this because my mother is ruining her finances by being manipulated by this abusive cult mindset. Stampin'Up must be reported to the FTC. Its one thing to sell crafting products, but its another when the company's covert business strategy is to be: "an elaborate confidence game that develops in several stages over an extended period of time wherein the con man or swindler gains the victim’s trust, often bypassing small profits with the goal of reaping a much larger payout in the final maneuver: The key to pulling off a long con is giving your marks the illusion of control while you and your team manipulate their choices."
One more thing. Stampin' Up products follow a planned obsolescence cycle of 3 months. This forces demonstrators and non-demonstrators to always buy their latest expensive crafts in lock step. I bet Apple would really love everyone to buy new phones every 3 months instead of 3 years!
It's never really thought of it this way but you may be correct. I was in it for the strict idea of loving paper crafting. But I fell in love with other things outside of its realm.
It is a typical Multi-level Marketing company. They are pyramid schemes, even though most people think that having a product to sell means it isn't. To advance, you must recruit people. That is a pyramid scheme. The market is saturated with "hobby" demonstrators (yes, I am one) to the point that a new demonstrator doesn't even have a sufficient pool of potential demonstrators to recruit.
@@cheryldawnejackson Yes where I am now North Carolina which has the largest amount of demonstrators after Texas. So this area is seriously saturated with demonstrators and people who already have someone they are buying from. 😔
@@cheryldawnejackson Thank you Cheryl for your comment. I agree with you. The purpose of these schemes is always to benefit those at the very very top, while everyone else is fooled and suffers. I believe it's financial fraud and abuse. There are legitimate victims here - often older women who are reaching for community and a false promise of making money.
Stamp in up was a good place for me to start this hobby with and I learned a lot. I went to non stamp in up shows and discovered a whole new world of unlimited possibilities years ago.
Now retired and on a tight budget, I find that I cannot spend enough to keep up with stamp in up. I did bulk up my stash before retirement 2 years ago. I keep satisfied by trying new techniques on old stamps.
Believe me, I understand your need to fly! Best of wishes, looking forward to seeing you fly.
Thank you James
Congratulations! I’m with you. October is my 20 year anniversary and then I’m out. I think I’ve stuck it out long enough and, like you, I’d like to purchase items from other manufacturers. Have fun with the pouring, I’m fascinated by it.
Thank you Peggy! If you like pour art check out the video coming out Friday. Sorry to hear about 20 years. At first I thought it was a waste of time but it was definitely a learning experience. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I just subscribed as I'm interested in what you'll be doing in the future.
Thank you Karen
I'm not buying as much as I've bought since 2002. Started stamping in the early 90's. I find they're putting out reruns of similar stamp sets I have.
Yes they do. I only purchase 2 or 3 sets from the current mini catalog.
@@Stampinwithaheart I got the New Horizons bundle and the Cactus Cuties stamp set, plus the 3 pack of twine.
I used to be with SU several years ago and like you, I wanted to expand my creativity. I made a card using the new ‘Colorburst’ products and shared it on a private FB page. My up line saw it, loved it and wanted me to demonstrate it at our next meeting. However because SU didn’t carry this product (yet), she asked if I could duplicate the effect using SU inks. When I couldn’t do it to get the same effect, I was uninvited to show my beautiful card. About a year later, SU started carrying the product. Another pet peeve, I don’t go along with SU retiring their colors as often as they do and frown on someone using a product that is no longer related to the current line. This causes a demonstrator to waste a lot of money! I never made a video as I had no one to teach me how or what I would need to do it. Admittedly, over the past 2 SU catalogues I’ve only seen maybe 3 or 4 new stamps that I care enough about to purchase. I love it when someone does a video for a new stamp or die set, a new color of ink, such as Tim Holtz, or a new technique using an array of manufacturers. These talented people are using what they like/love and want to share it with the viewers.
They retire products so often because they are an MLM and the demonstrators are their real customers, so they try everything to force them to buy as much product as possible. I doubt they would make it without all their demonstrator customers.
Though I do still think they would do well even if they showed down some to show respect to their customers, they clearly have lots of very loyal customers, so it must be greedy.
I predict SU will “refresh” their ink pads (again) to be similar to CTMH, requiring demonstrators to purchase all new ink pads.
Good for you! I like to buy from everyone….I’m also interested in lindys magicals, alcohol inks, stitching cards, and acrylic pouring.
Haven’t liked many stamps or papers for a few years and I think it started when shelly handed over to Sara. A lot of demonstrators have been leaving for the same reasons as you so good luck for the future. Odd how some of the top demonstrators work with products not sold by SU and get away with it.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Because one heart is not good enough for this comment. You took the words right out of my mouth!! I could not agree more.
We have noticed that, too. More often than not!
@Virginia and Sarah Hodgins - Handmade Expressions I am a new hobby demo. In very little time, I realized that I am too much of a mixed media artist to be a good fit with SU. When I placed a large order, I was shocked at the shipping cost. The entire order ($675.00 plus tax and shipping = close to another $150.00) could have
gone into a large USPS
flat rate box@ $22.00
I am wanting to create mixed media videos; but no sooner than I signed up... realized that there is a policy conflict.
Unfortunately; my new friend " recruiter " is going to be disappointed with me!
But, I am interested in following your creative journey!
Good for you. I agree Stampin up has good quality supplies but I became frustrated with Color changes so often. Good luck going forward
Thank you.
Wishing you luck with your new endeavour! This is the first I have seen you and will check in from time to time.
Thank you Nora.
ARE YOU ABLE TO SHARE THE DIRECT LINK & PARAGRAPH IN ARTICLE WHERE IT SAYS YOU CAN'T CREATE YOUR OWN POUR.
Thank you! you just saved me $99 and a big mistake.
I understand where you’re coming from. The politics behind these companies are something to be desired. I’m not a demonstrator, nor would I ever want to be at my age with health challenges. I am, however, a discount shopper. I love the coordination of colors. To me, it’s an extremely addictive hobby & I like being able to purchase products ahead of their release dates to others. When I was ordering through a demonstrator, I was spending the required amount quarterly anyway. Everyone has to do what makes them happy. Good luck & if you find out your new adventure isn’t satisfying you either, you know you can always return to SU if you want. Best to you & have fun.
So sorry to hear this but happy you will be able to continue your artistic talent and still be around doing videos! Congrats.
I've been thinking about doing this as well. The StampinUp product is beautiful. I love it all... but it's expensive to maintain a 25% discount. I can't maintain the cost anymore. For instance I can buy much cheaper consumables (adhesives for instance) but I can't tell anyone when I'm in demo mode /sigh.
Good luck to you!
I too find this, and I am moving on too
I understand.... I don't like a company that limits your creativity..... I understand that they do that for the good of their companies, but I don't like to be limited on what I can and cannot do.... wishing you all the best ...
Thank you Nyoka
I am not a fan of MLMs. I watch the demonstrator videos for fun, but I wasn't going to buy from them.
I totally understand what you are saying, I’ve only been a demo since Jan 2021, I cant hold workshops, dont know many people, Ive done letter box drop and still no customers, my upline is lovely ans she managed to sign me up one person but she doesn’t purchase anything. I have all of the ranger inks and distress inks, alcohol inks from different companies and like you I would love to do my own thing too. I was thinking about having 2 youtube channels so that i could still use SU products and other companies stuff but separately. Anyway good luck with your new adventures.
Thank you!!
I've noticed a few deomstrators leaving because of this. With any company when you sign up, there is a policies document explaining these things and reminders in updates. Shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
No it is not a surprise, but I am itching to do other things. I still have not figured out how they can tell me what to post on a site I pay for they have nothing to do with it. I could see if my blog was still linked to their site through the DBWS portal but it is not. I pay for the name of my site and the annual fees but they tell me not to monetize or run adds on it. Yet you can when you place on TH-cam...
I left because I wasn't able to use what I wanted, when I wanted. I also feel the insistence of CTMH and SU to use a copyright stamp on anything you make is bulldust. I buy a product and then use MY ideas - I don't give credit to my laptop company for typing this note, or the power company for providing the power to run my laptop. To me there's no difference :)
are you serious??? Stampin up sounds a bit like Scientology!!
Stampin' Up is the very definition of a 'long con'. Noone should be forced to pay $400 worth of overpriced product every 3 months (like a subscription) in order to get a 25% discount. The crafters and hobbyists who aren't demonstrators are punished with overpriced products by 4X which pushes them into getting the demonstrator status ($400 sales or purchases every 3 months), even though they aren't doing demonstrations or selling. They actually buy the product themselves just to maintain status to get the 25% off. The pressure to buy is VERY high. I know this because my mother is ruining her finances by being manipulated by this abusive cult mindset. Stampin'Up must be reported to the FTC. Its one thing to sell crafting products, but its another when the company's covert business strategy is to be: "an elaborate confidence game that develops in several stages over an extended period of time wherein the con man or swindler gains the victim’s trust, often bypassing small profits with the goal of reaping a much larger payout in the final maneuver:
The key to pulling off a long con is giving your marks the illusion of control while you and your team manipulate their choices."
One more thing. Stampin' Up products follow a planned obsolescence cycle of 3 months. This forces demonstrators and non-demonstrators to always buy their latest expensive crafts in lock step. I bet Apple would really love everyone to buy new phones every 3 months instead of 3 years!
It's never really thought of it this way but you may be correct. I was in it for the strict idea of loving paper crafting. But I fell in love with other things outside of its realm.
It is a typical Multi-level Marketing company. They are pyramid schemes, even though most people think that having a product to sell means it isn't. To advance, you must recruit people. That is a pyramid scheme. The market is saturated with "hobby" demonstrators (yes, I am one) to the point that a new demonstrator doesn't even have a sufficient pool of potential demonstrators to recruit.
@@cheryldawnejackson Yes where I am now North Carolina which has the largest amount of demonstrators after Texas. So this area is seriously saturated with demonstrators and people who already have someone they are buying from. 😔
@@cheryldawnejackson Thank you Cheryl for your comment. I agree with you. The purpose of these schemes is always to benefit those at the very very top, while everyone else is fooled and suffers. I believe it's financial fraud and abuse. There are legitimate victims here - often older women who are reaching for community and a false promise of making money.
Bye
Bye! Thanks for watching.