SU! Question

[joyfullyhis]

I know this may have been asked here before, but I wanted to know: what is your opinion on SU!? What do you like about their products (and the company itself)? What don't you like? I've just started getting into their products myself, and I wanted to see what other people had to say.

[twotallz]

Hi there! I am not a demo, but I do sell my creations to others. When I started I would buy products from whereever. I mostly purchased SU, but paper, ink, embellies, I would just pick up elsewhere. But when my selling started to take hold, I found it really nice how everything matches. That was one thing I moved away from in the begining and now love about the company. Also, love their papers....very good quality.

[frogwoman]

They have great paper, ribbon, and stamps.

[jeannie barron]

I love the quality that Stampin Up! offers and how everything goes together!

[terry serman]

I like the color coordination too. I have been making a few cards using non SU patterned paper today, and it is very difficult matching the greens, pinks, and blues in the paper to cardstock and ink colors I have. I will buy stamps from anywhere but I stick with the SU 48 colors for inks, markers, cardstock, embellishments, etc.

[postcardgirl]

Another vote for color coordination. I'm sure other places have that benefit too, but I have SU! so that's what I stick with! I also love the cardstock & dsp weight.

[GreenDragonLady]

I love the coordinated product lines, too...and they really stand behind their products.

[Aleska901]

I like the new clear mount style stamps. That makes a huge difference when space is limited. I am totally excited about that and the price is right. I love their ink and paper too.

[Kathryn Rae]

Another vote for SU matching cardstock and designer papers! The quality is also much better than most of the others I've tried. I like the stamp sets too...everything coordinates.

[laura6]

i like the detailed embossing powder.... i had never used any before and it made a huge difference in my embossing

[Kristy Davis]

I buy SU ink only. I get my cs from other places, but I have both some of their cs for special occasions.

[meluvstampin]

Actually i am getting away from SU.
Most of my SU sets are gone and I have discovered so many other stamp companies that have stamps that I like more.
I am also in process of using up my SU cardstock and I will be placing large orders next month for PTI & Ginak cardstock. This cardstock has yummy rich colors and is thicker than SU and I love it.
They also have matching ink/ribbons.
I have had 3 orders in a row from SU that either had missing item or a wrong item.
One I can see but not 3 in a row. Thats just bad.

Su does have quality products but I have more of my own reasons for not being a SU lover anymore.

[Ellibelle]

I really love their card stock, but I have to find another brand for some of the in colors that I loved that aren't available anymore. I love the idea of the incolors, but wish they didn't retire them after just one year. At least they could keep the bestsellers for a little longer.

Their stamps are great quality but I have a "cute image" style, so I don't have many of their newer stamps.

[bb&kk]

I love it all but most of all I love the color coordination. I also love the quality of the rubber of the stamps. And lastly, I love the company themselves, wouldn't demo for them if I didn't think they were on the up and up.

[gails]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bb&kk

I love it all but most of all I love the color coordination. I also love the quality of the rubber of the stamps. And lastly, I love the company themselves, wouldn't demo for them if I didn't think they were on the up and up.

I feel the same way and really like their cardstock. I will add though that as much as I am into SU for my stamping and scrapping, I am not into the home decor vinyl.

[isewquilts2]

Yup, I'm with the majority on this thread--color coordination is their biggest selling point for me. Cardstock, ink, designer paper. Stamps I get from everywhere/anywhere.

[jeaniebean55]

Quality. I don't think SU! is the only company that offers a quality product, but with SU! you know you're getting quality (with the exception of the large ink pads, IMHO).

The color coordination and color families another huge plus.

[Allistamps123]

They have very high standards and everything is high quality. I've looked at times at Hobby Lobby, Michael's and Archivers and I just go round and round trying find things that match. So, like everyone else said, I like it's all done for me. I LOVE their felt flowers and snowflakes. It's hard to find high quality felt embellishments. I've looked! I like the extensive amount of colors they have. I haven't found another company with 48 colors plus neutrals plus six new in-colors each year.

[Allistamps123]

Also, I love their punches...great selection and again, high quality.

[kikikaren]

Pros - good quality products that a company backs up, color coordinated products, lots of stamps to choose from, okay prices (they're better now that they're offering cling mounted stamps), ability to get bonus products through parties and/or party sized orders, ability to go and see and feel product in person (if you have a demo that is willing near you)p decent/good prices when you stick to core products (paper, ink, stamps) but generally bad prices when you go outside of that (an exception to that is ribbon).

Cons - Overpriced and super slow shipping (especially considering many stamp companies offer free shipping over a certain price and UPS is the super slow boat), some paper prices have gone up over others in the market for similar product, not a huge variety of styles and recycling of past styles in papers and stamps, limited scrapbooking products.

I've used SU products for over ten years and have found the above things to be consistent over time. It's a good company, but is not the only good company out there.

[trilatius]

I really like their cardstock, especially for scrapbooking. They have a nice selection of colors, and everything coordinates. I also like the exclusive Big Shot dies.

[kikikaren]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allistamps123

They have very high standards and everything is high quality. I've looked at times at Hobby Lobby, Michael's and Archivers and I just go round and round trying find things that match. So, like everyone else said, I like it's all done for me. I LOVE their felt flowers and snowflakes. It's hard to find high quality felt embellishments. I've looked! I like the extensive amount of colors they have. I haven't found another company with 48 colors plus neutrals plus six new in-colors each year.

Minus the in colors, CTMH has, I think, 60 regular colors. I haven't counted them in a while, but I know they were very close to comparable to SU on breadth.

[stampencamper]

this site sold me on the great color combinations in the gallery and challenges.
I am not sold totally on their stamps, too expensive, but glad to see they are going unmounted, though still more expensive then most. I use copic markers in the last 6 months, and my choice is other single images for coloring

[Allistamps123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kikikaren

Minus the in colors, CTMH has, I think, 60 regular colors. I haven't counted them in a while, but I know they were very close to comparable to SU on breadth.

Oh, thanks! I"ll check out CTMH. I'm branching out a bit from SU and I should check out CTMH a little better!

[DLS881]

I like the cardstock and ribbons, but can also find good quality of both in Archivers.

I haven't been buying their stamps lately, I'm waiting for more variety...just too many floral and same old every year. But their stamp set prices are good considering the number of stamps you get in a set

[she's_crafty]

I love Stampin Up so much that I decided to become a demonstrator because I was buying so much it made sense in order to earn the 20% off discount and the ability to pre-purchase new items. What first drew me to SU was the fact that everything coordinated. While that is still a huge draw I find that they are always releasing the latest trends.
I would love to share a sampling of quality papers and ribbons with you. If you like....PM me your name and address and I will pop them in the mail and you can see first hand their quality and fabulous coordination.
~Laura

[basketballmom]

The colour coordination, matchy-matchy thing. The stamps match the punches. The inks match the paper match the ribbons match the embellishments match ... well, you know.

I am hopelessly colour challenged.

[barbaralynn]

Add me to the list of those that really like SU--I love their papers and all of the coordination that others spoke of. I love thier DSP and ribbons! I think that part that sets them apart from online stores is the demo that I work with. I get to see, feel, play, etc, with all of the toys that I can not visualize in an online store. That said, I do have PTI paper--I love their white and cream so much better than SU. I too have lots of things from Gina K, but that is because I saw her products at a stamp show 3 years ago and loved them! Now, I do live 45 minutes from her store, so I go get to see things in person, but I also place online orders when I "need" to! I also love Whipper Snapper stamps, but again have their home store 20 minutes from me and like Gina K, I get to go to the store and see all of the awesome card creations in real life! I would not pay their high shipping costs if I had to order online!

So, this is probably more information that you wanted, but my thoughts!

[jeaniebean55]

Yeah, Barb's right ... being able to play with something before you invest is another big plus.

And Gail's right about all the matchy-matchy.

And the whole 'set' thing ... that's nice too (as long as you're really going to use most of the set ...she says as she studies the toe of her shoe ...)

[sewsplendidstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeaniebean55

Yeah, Barb's right ... being able to play with something before you invest is another big plus.

Like dating? LOL

I personally love SU and love that they have a core collection of colors but every year bring out something fresh with the In Colors.

[sewsplendidstamper]

Also the value on the ribbon is amazing. You get a huge amount IMO.

[barbiejo]

LOVE the coordinating stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[joyfullyhis]

Thank you all so much for your advice!!! IMO, SU!'s only drawback is that you have to order either online or through a demonstrator. I would buy so much more SU! if I could go to a craft show and buy things (maybe that's a blessing - my purse sure is heavier because of that!! ) But I would have to go with the majority and say the the coordinating paper, ink, etc is a huge plus. Also, the elegance and style of their stamp sets is, imo, unequaled by any other stamp company. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of SU!, and hope to use their products for years to come!! Thanks again to all who replied to this thread - your feedback is appreciated!!

[meluvstampin]

Mnay people love SU, some like it and buy SU along with other company products, some don't like it at all.
I suggest you get a good demo. Study the catty. But also look at other companies and become familiar with your style, likes and dislikes before buying a bunch of stuff.

Here is my A-Z websites of stamp related companies.

WARNING: this thread can be dangerous to your budget!!

A-Z WEBSITE STORES

[inkyimages]

I LOVE all SU products -- that's why I had no choice but to sign up because I knew I was going to be my own best customer, lol. That was 6 years ago and, in my humble opinion, SU keeps getting better and better. I really like the new clear-mounted stamp sets that SU now has in the Occasions mini catalog.

[quirky62]

I, too, love all the coordinating accessories; the paper, inks, and ribbons are great. The stamps are usually not my taste. IMO, they lack innovation and sophistication.

[53queenbee]

I guess it depends on where you live and the shops available. SU is ok but if I can find the stamp locally (or something really close) I buy in my area and save the shipping. I only buy because I am in a 'stamp camp' monthly. Truthfully, I have a store locally that coordinates everything. SU is highly overpriced but I am doing it as a favor to a friend. The stamps are good quality but I have found many other companies to be just as high quality. I guess it just depends on ease. SU is easy--easy to coordinate, easy to copy, and easy to purchase in one stop shopping.