Today, I have a change of plans. Who would like to join my for a ProvoCraft/Cricut BOYCOTT?
Add your name to the boycott list by leaving a comment at the bottom of this this post!
I have a LOVE/ HATE relationship with their company: LOVE some of their products, HATE pretty much every business decision they make. I am a firm believer of companies with a conscience and Cricut has not lived up to my expectations.
Why, you ask? Oh, let me count the ways in which PC has thoroughly disappointed some of its most loyal (i.e. those of us who have spent THOUSANDS on their products) consumers:
- A high-priced Cricut Imagine that does not work out of the box as it was promised to work (we get the "updates are coming in the future" and many months after the Imagine hit the market, the updates STILL don't do everything that was promised at the Imagine launch).
- The inability to unlink cartridges from the Gypsy. Once your cartridges are linked, you have to sell them WITH your Gypsy if you ever want to get rid of either one.
- The numerous problems with the Gypsy and how it didn't work properly right out of the box.
- Numerous complaints of Imagine machines just dieing and having to be replaced. Some people have had to wait months for the machines to be replaced even though they all should have been working out of the box.
- A high-priced Circle club that has not delivered what was promised to its members (can anyone say SCAM??)
- Lack of customer service and lack of communication.
- Heavy moderation of their forum so that ANYONE who says even the slightest things negative towards their company is moderated and/or banned.
- Raising their prices to their retailers PER cartridge anywhere from $5 more to $27 more for EACH cartridge!
- Allegedly stealing the Cake idea from a cake designer who pioneered the idea. She was sharing the idea long long before they ever had the cake machine and she was not given proper credit or compensation for her work. More details: http://deseretdesigns.com/rich_text_1.html
- Allegedly stealing SVG files and other artwork from other designers online.
- Stealing the idea of a Cricut magazine from the makers of "The Bug Magazine", rather than working with them, they shot the idea down, stole their magazine name and gave them nothing in return.
- Allegedly stealing their new logo design from "The Bug Magazine" people.
- Failing to follow through on their Cake promotion (buy the cake, get two cartridges of your choice for free) many people have complained that after MONTHS of waiting, they received the wrong cartridges and PC's only excuse is "we ran out". . . HELLO?! PC freaking MAKES the cartridges!
- When the Cricut original machine was first announced, it was promised to be exclusive to NON mega-chains and then the smaller stores NEVER got their orders. And the big box stores DID get to sell the Cricut and had sales that the smaller stores couldn't compete with.
- And the final straw for me is their lawsuits against so called "third-party" software companies (not that I believe they have much of a legal foot to stand on for most of what they claim, but I think they can simply squish the competitors because they have LOTS of money that we gave them!)
Let's show PC that being ridiculously greedy and alienating their consumers is NOT OK and let's hit them where it hurts -their pocketbook! Who is with me?!?
What I am pledging in my boycott:
*No purchasing anything made by ProvoCraft, including the Cricut Imagine, Cricut Expression, Cricut Create, Cricut Cake, or Cricut Cartridges, or Cuttlebug stuff. . .
There are plenty of alternatives to their machine so I don't NEED them for my crafty fun. I am going to spend my crafty money somewhere I feel is better deserving of my money.
PS. . . I just want to add that I will continue to USE what I already have, but I am going to be putting a disclaimer on EVERY.SINGLE.POST of mine that contains any reference to Cricut. That is going to be my project for next week!
Here is my little disclaimer that you are going to find:
**I am on a ProvoCraft/Cricut Boycott! They won't get another dime from me! Got a Cricut? Well use it! Don't have one yet? Consider a different machine!! Click here for more details about my boycott and how I got here!!**
EDITED TO ADD: I have been "suspended" from the PC message board :O)
And I found this interesting little tidbit... so keep on using those Cricut machines ladies and gents! You can buy your comsumables from someone else and not give PC another dime!
"For those wishing to boycott a bullying company, you should be aware that Gazelle mats and blades work with the E. Blade holders, blades, and embossing, engraving, etching, and pen tools for the Pazzles Inspiration also work with the bugs. Don't support bullies!"
I totally agree! PC has just added the final straw! I was a loyal customer who still bought carts after buying MTC-never again will they get a penny of my money! PC lies and does not make a quality product that LASTS! I'm joining your boycott!
ReplyDeleteSamantha, I am with you!
ReplyDeleteI agree too! I'll put this button on my blog's too!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for finally taking this step. I purchased my last cartridge over a year ago (at a greatly discounted price), and avoid PC as much as possible. I still have my original Cricut from years ago, and refused to give them more money.I have used SCAL for a couple of years, and really like it.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe they suspended you for having an opinion. I have had my own personal boycott of Provo Craft products since I had a really bad customer service experience with them almost a half year ago. Haven't bought anything from PC since. But now because of these lawsuits, it had really pushed me to look into other options and support a company that has better customer service and it willing to listen to their customers.
ReplyDeleteGirl you knew that suspension was coming didn't you?!? LOL!!! Oh well, at least you can't be repressed on your own site! When they announced the Craftroom and how it worked I thought, Well there it is....the way they lock us down and out. It's just the final piece to the monopoly puzzle. I applaude you for standing up for what you believe! ~Kris
ReplyDeleteLove your post and thanks for being a part of our FB page -- for those that have not been there yet please stop by and "LIKE" our page
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/BoycottProvoCraft#!/BoycottProvoCraft
I love everything that you have said :) Nicely put you have a new fan :) lol lol
ReplyDeleteYOU GO GIRL!! I'M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!! THANKS FOR THE INFO ON THE CONSUMABLES!!!
ReplyDeleteNO MORE OF MY $$$$$ TO PROVOCRAFT!!!
Deb
I am with you! I can't believe that PC would do this, they are shooting themselves in the foot just to prove a point. oh, and I am your newest follower! now I just need to figure out how to boycott them (re-sticky my mats, etc).
ReplyDeleteSam: Thanks for all your work. I have lots of cartridges and also have SCAL. I have not used SCAL a lot, but with "this" situation now I'm so convinced I need to learn how to use it and I won't buy any more items from PC.
ReplyDeleteThe only motive to PC is $$$$$, SHAME ON THEM!
Gina L.
happymom2010learning at gmail dot com
I am shocked to read about the lawsuit. I am certainly with you all on this and have 'Liked' on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteSign me up for the boycott :) I too have been moderated on the cricut board for saying negative things about the gypsy and PC's terrible customer service. No more PC products coming into my house!
ReplyDeleteCarol A
It is pretty typical of provo craft. They seem to be money hungry. Love how much easier Scal is then pc program (which I bearly used) And I bought the imaagine and do not like it at all. Will no longer purchase things from Provo.
ReplyDeleteHey Sami, don't forget to boycott their over priced magazines, too! I would never buy them because of the price, but now there's an even better reason not to!
ReplyDeletePretty sad when the Big companies and Government control what we do with our Hard earned Money,I am going to be saving for another machine and disposing of my E and Cake, I will not sell them due to PC will still make money off of them. If Scal or MTC is not allowed to be used. It would force some one into buying the expensive, uninteresting cartridges. Happily Boycotting PC
ReplyDeleteI'm so out of the loop but I think I've caught on by now...as much as I love my Cuttlebug and my E...I am also grateful to MTC for making it fun to use my E. I spent my hard earn dollars on these products and should be able to use them with whatever software I see fit, so I will be boycotting PC products too. I will however continue to use what I have until it breaks down because I can't afford another cutter at the moment. Shame on PC for their bullying tactics!
ReplyDeleteI was boycotting before I read your post. Basically, I was still buying PC stuff, the warranty on the machine was only 1 year...If they had allowed us to purchase a longer warranty or perhaps a program that did something like SCAL, I totally would've jumped at it.
ReplyDeleteI bought some markers with Cars and Disney princesses in the target dollar spot. They work in the expression, you just have to watch how you load them. :-)
Sign me up...I am going to use what I have, but not buy any thing else!!
ReplyDeleteI've also started my own one-person boycott of Provocraft. I have purchased a non-Provocraft cutter and my cutter, gypsy and jukeboxes have found a good home. I am currently going through my cartridges (OMG - what an investment!) and will be giving these new homes as well. I won't go so far as to destroy anything - but I am donating my Crapcut stuff in hopes that my donations prevent what would have otherwise been purchases from Provocraft.
ReplyDeleteI'm with ya! These software lawsuits are ridiculous, and are totally meant to restrict us to only purchasing from them, instead of being able to choose our own software and accessories to go with the machines that we have already purchased from them for hundreds of dollars.
ReplyDeleteCan you please add my name to your boycott list? I am Daniela C. from Italy
ReplyDeleteI DIDN'T GO AS FAR AS BOYCOTT THEM, BUT AT THIS POINT IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE A BAD IDEA. I DID POST IN THE REGULAR AND CIRCLE MESS BOARDS - ABOUT MY OPINION ON THIS WHOLE SCAL PC ISSUE, I TRIED TO KEEP IT POSITIVE AND EVEN THEN IT WAS TAKEN DOWN.
ReplyDeleteC'mon over to Silhouette, friends! We don't have those kinds of problems! I sure am glad I bought what I did and saved those thousands for my consumables. I had a little bitty problem one day (it was with a converted SVG file) and the Sil guys wrote a bug fix and had it to me within an hour. My jaw hit the floor, but their customer response is just awesome. Also, I pay less for a 10-foot long roll of vinyl that you do for 2 sheets of it. I'm shocked at the prices you guys have to pay for their products. I have a great machine, great software that works with my computer (no cartridges to buy at all), and great customer support.
ReplyDeleteI got a Cricut for Christmas and have barely used it. We have just had a 'conversation' on the phone with Cricut Tech and after talking to them and explaining that we understood what was happening, and after mentioning we would consider a class action lawsuit of all Cricut owners against PC, they decided they would replace our Cricut for us. Gee thanks.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this company seems to have no integrity and we were wary about sending them the machine and waiting for a new machine that is basically useless to me without software that allows me creative license. We were told that SCAL or MTC 'fried' their Cricut and that was the problem; that even if I were to remove SCAL there was no guarantee that the Cricut would work afterwards; that the warranty was void if I had SCAL or MTC on my laptop. My husband is tech savvy, and called their bluff. The SCAL software could not corrupt the Cricut hardware. It’s just not possible.
I hate to suggest this, but there’s a possibility that in order for the Cricut to no longer work with other software programs, they would have had to write something into their firmware update to this effect. I’m not saying they have, I’m saying that it makes the most sense. Think about it....why would SCAL or MTC create a program for the Cricut that doesn’t work with Cricut? My Cricut stopped working when I downloaded Cricut’s trial CDS and tried to update the firmware (like it told me to do).
So in the end, we opted to return our StoryBook bundle to Costco, who are happy to take it back and reimburse us our money (Cricuts are not included in their 90 day electrical warranty and they will take them back anytime). Now I can go and buy something that better suits my needs.
As a side note...I have never been so frustrated in my life trying to make something work. As far as I’m concerned, they have an overpriced product with overpriced cartridges, and they are anything but consumer friendly on a number of levels. I’m so done with them!
Add me to the list of ever growing unhappy EX Provo Craft users!!!
ReplyDeleteI only bought my Cricut Expression BECAUSE the third-party software exists. They should be thanking the little guys, not suing/punishing them! My next cutter will NOT be from PC, and my future "supplies" for my current bug are going to be from other manufacturers.
ReplyDeleteI only got my E at Christmas as an upgrade from the Create. Looks like i'm gonna be selling it as I don't want anything more to do withvor to buy from PC again (not until they reverse what they have done to Andy and soon to do to Tod).
ReplyDeleteMessage to PC:- Why do you see them as a threat? All they have done is increase the sales of your products.
Add me to the boycott PC list--thanks!! Just ordered my new Black Cat Lynx. Buh-bye "E"
ReplyDeleteAnn
add me to the boycott list...I can't at this point buy new so I'll just use what I have and start using my SCAL a LOT more....will be saving my pennies for an upgrade to a more customer friendly/company - machine. I'm hoping they get ecraft working with SCAL soon because I'm really liking the looks of one of those.....but it will take me a while to save that many pennies.
ReplyDeleteI just found your site from the FB boycott page. Thanks for expressing your displeasure with PC. I was leary to join the boycott at first, but I am signed up now. No more PC for me. I love, love, love my SCAL.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl, see you on FB and the Boycott Provo Craft Wall (Lynn Att....)
ReplyDeleteI bought my Expression thinking I could use any software I wanted to create things with. Wasn't too long before I found Make the Cut and went from there. Then PC sued MTC. Not only do there machines suck but then going after someone who is only out there to help people create what they wanted in the first place. Dont they see MTC, SCAL and the others are only helping them. Provo Craft is NUTS!! VERY BAD business practices. Just sitting back waiting for it to fail and file bankruptcy just like the bank that bought it a yr ago. Im buying a Black Cat Lynx!!
ReplyDeleteI am SO in agreement with you. I joined the Boycott Provo Craft last week when a friend sent me the 'settlement' information about MTC. That was on March 14th when I received the information.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to see the "Boycott PC" FB page getting popular. I'll be deleting the bug from my home soon!
I too have been frustrated with PC, my complaint is the stupid cartridges. I bought MTC and fell in LOVE with it, and now they tell me if I upgrade the firmware or MTC, it will stop working. I am in the market for a new cutter! In the meantime I will use my MTC with my bugs (no updates for now) and look forward to the day I am PC-free!
ReplyDeleteI recently received my BossKut Gazelle and am very happy with it. My E and all 138 of my cartridges are in the crafting closet in case of emergency, but I am done purchasing PC products. Never have been their biggest fan, but the lawsuits were the end for me. BTW....the Gazelle is a great machine....was up and running with MTC within 10 minutes!!! It cuts FAST and CLEAN!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this and am definitely joining the boycott. Also, I found out today (before learning about the lawsuits/boycott) from a very reliable source that Cricut is looking to break from PC. They are looking for another company to team up with. I don't know of course, when or if this will actually come about but I heard about it from someone who works for Cricut. Since I teach art as well as create for my own enjoyment I buy a lot of products. I will not buy another PC item however! Thanks for putting this out there, Samantha. I just found your site and will be back!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you!! I am a new follower!! I love my MTC!!
ReplyDeleteWell said !! New to your site - looks good.
ReplyDeleteWell said ! New to your site - looks great.
ReplyDeleteI just learned about PC boycott. I have been disappointed with Provo for a long time :0(
ReplyDeleteSince I bought my first machine I have been displeased with the company for the reasons listed below.....
1. The lack of user materials given with the machine....I had figure things out by wasting materials. I finally learned about the machines from outside sources to learn all the tricks to using the machines. "U-tube"
2. When I bought my 1st Gypsy it did not work. The charger did not fit properly nor would it charge "NO REFUND" I had to purchase another one. AND TO TOP IT OFF!!!!!! I LOST ALL THE CARTRIDGES I LINKED TO IT "BEYOND MADDING" Now my 2nd Gypsy is in need of a connection cord my imagine does not recognize the gypsy when it is plug in :0(
3. When I bought the 1st cricut cake.......It also was not in working order. The machine could not adjust the pressure for cutting "NO REFUND" I had to purchase a second machine!!!! Still no proper hand book for this machine either.
4. After a long debate with myself "I did buy a cricut circle membership" I wanted to have the cartridges, the extra reward points, insider tips on how to use the new machines and I thought it would help grow my studio classes......I HAVE NEVER FELT SO RIPPED OFF IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE YET TO LIKE ANY OF THE CARTRIDGES RELEASED FOR THE CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP......I GET BETTER INSPIRATION FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES...."THE OTHER BLOGS I FOLLOW" AND NOT ONLY THAT!!!!!! I DON'T FIND IT FAIR THAT CERTAIN MEMBERS GET THE CARTRIDGE WEEKS BEFORE OTHERS!!! WE PAID THE SAME PRICE AS THEY DID!!!!
5. I have never received good customer service when working with Provo Craft. I have always had to wait longer than normal "wait times" when calling and no one has yet to help any of the issues I had :0( I never had my emails returned either.
So as all you can see.....I have had many issues with this company. I always turned aside because I did not think there were other options out there. Now with knowing, I have other options I will join the ban against Provo Craft. I will look into purchasing a different machine that will work with SCAL and MTC!!! AT this time I am unable to throw out my PC products due to DT work I promised. However, in July when my DT's end I will not work with their company until they reverse and fix the problems they created.
Okay Sam,
ReplyDeleteI knew it was you to start the PC Boycott. Way to go girlfriend see ya on FB. You are fabulous! You need to take this credit for this because it surely belongs to you. You have brought to light, very valid points and I think your actions are commendable. Thank you, I have always disliked the PC because I feel they cheat innocent women and rob them of their dollars.
Very well said, I on the other hand purchased my Cricut strictly because of SCAL way back years ago. I found it limiting in what it could do. So I upgraded to a Cougar. Provo Craft doesn't realize that people that have cricuts and carts and 3rd party software, are still going to purchase carts, They love the best of both worlds. And I have seen carts, that I love I just won't pay the price for them. It is crazy. I bought one cart. Tags Bags Boxes and More on ebay for 20.00 and I had a 10 dollar coupon. I think of all the people Cricut has hurt and it is disgusting. Mine will sit on the shelf and rot before anyone ever uses it. And no I don't have a lot of money, but why should I pass problems on to someone else.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you I have spent so much on cartridges but today I had 3 unopened and back to the store they went. Now I can go buy some svg's
ReplyDeleteI also have a love/hate relationship with Cricut. I've seriously considered switching over to Silhouette, but my husband just spent a crapton of money on the Imagine for me in December. And honestly? I haven't used it a single time. Granted, at first I was too pregnant, and now I'm busy with the new baby. But I just have no desire to use it. And, I've been a Cricut user for three years, I've had three different machines (kept upgrading) and I have spent hundreds on cartridges. Do I really want to just throw away that whole investment to switch over to Silhouette? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteSigh...
I have found the PC software totally useless and now it is continuing to fail. MTC is such a great software and I love all that you can do with it, otherwise the Cricut would be deemed useless. The carts are way to expensive for what they are and they are very limiting to creativity. PC really missed the value when they no longer would allow, SCAL and MTC to be used with their machines. I wish the cougar would be a lot more competitive with their prices - for I hear it is a terrific machine. I also realized it is best to have mat when cutting.
ReplyDeleteI will join the boycott! The lawsuit against Craft Edge was the last straw. I will happily continue to use SCAL and will NEVER buy another crartridge since I have more than enough already. Same with cuttlebug. I can get my dies and embossing folders from Sizzix.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter wanted to buy me this overpriced machine for my birthday, but I told her not to waste her money.
ReplyDeleteThe lawsuits against MTC and SCAL & the woman who originally decorated cakes with a Cricut, before the Cricut cake machine was even launched or thought of, was the FINAL STRAW for me. I also no longer support any Provocraft brand, due to their lack of honesty, integrity and BAD customer service.
ReplyDeleteSami, I admire anyone with principle. I agree with your post and have been reluctant to purchase any of the cricut machines because of the long term cost of using there product. the only reason that I purchased a used machine from(Craigslist)was because of SCAL. I just could not make myself pay 40-80 dollars per cartridge to use a very expensive up front cost machine. Tammy
ReplyDeleteThis greed shown by Provo Craft may be symptomatic of the culture. Bear with me through my reasons and you may agree.
ReplyDeleteMy worst customer service experience ever was with R. C. Willy the furniture store. After full payment including delivery charge and a week of waiting they brought out a cabinet with misaligned doors. Four weeks later and two more rejects I finally got comparable to the showroom piece.
A good friend who’d been promised the family bible as inheritance was cheated when members of a certain church visited the incapacitated Grandmother in a retirement home and had the bible signed over to them for their genealogy research. My friend told his story and of how much his family history recorded in that bible meant to him but they kept it anyway.
My ex-husband, new to the start-up insurance owned by member of same religion, went out of town for company set appointments. The arrangement was his paycheck was issued upon close of the contract only and the hotel/travel expenses were on us. The perspective customers did not even meet the eligibility requirements for the program. Of course the contract we signed did not mention that the company was responsible for clearing the contacts THEY made. We were not reimbursed.
And a year ago I had a member of the same religion replace my roof at the recommendation of two of his church members. The new roof leaks worse that the old one and after two trips back it still leaks and my calls are not returned. He, by the way, was paid in full. I’ll end up in court.
At first I thought it was just those individuals but since the roof I now believe it is an attitude of superiority and the greed is partly to funnel money to the Big M _ _ _ _ _ Money Machine. When it comes to money, there is no integrity with these folks at least those I known.
So I eagerly join with you in the boycott of Provo Craft. Hey there’s info on the web about re-doing the cutting mats (which I have not tried yet). Guess PC will be suing the manufacturer of the adhesive! I’ve been waiting for the outcome of the law suit before buying SCAL. I know I’ll be getting another companies cutting machine next time. And if I buy, my Daughter-in-law to be, a cutting machine, it will not be from Provo-Craft!
I am joining your boycott!!! I have 80 plus cartridges, 3 cricut machines (one is broken),and many other products from them. I hated to see many of the people that was selling their carts lose the ability to sell at a competive price let alone the SCAL product loss. I use my Cricut as a tool to craft, I do not craft so I can use my Cricut!! I just purchased an eCraft and will be working hard to adjust to it. I am boycotting Provocraft. They have gotten their last cent from me!!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I am sick of spending a fortune on cartridges. I am tired of products that do not work brand new out of the box and have to spend shours of my time on the phone trying to get it to work I am furious that you have to spend a ton of money in this ecomony to join the 'Cricut Circle' to buy exclusive cartridges which are overpriced. I am really tired of it and will not purchase any machines etc from them in the future.
ReplyDeleteI am ready to stop buying anything and everything from them at this point!
KimMJ
bast830@comcast.net
I'm in.
ReplyDeleteI first saw the Cricut at Michael's at a whopping 500$ and 90 bucks a pop for each cartridge. Until then I didn't even know of a such animal as a personal cutter, but at that price I just figured I'd never own one.
My Honey bought me one for Christmas a couple of years ago, but I only just opened it up a couple of months ago. I think I was part intimidated by the machine and part intimidated by the thought of buying those cartridges.
Then I found out about Sure Cuts a Lot. I bought the software and finally opened the Cricut box. Now I'm pi**ed that they didn't even have the decency to give me what I need to get going on a project. All I got was one regular blade and a couple of cartridges. You'd think at that price point they'd give you a starter pack of paper, both blade types and whatever tools you need to work with. Oh no I guess that is too close to the right thing to do.
Anyway, now I'm scouring the internet for any generic or outside brand that'll work with my cricut. I've got great sources now for vinyl at nearly a third of what cricut vinyl costs. Blades and housings etc. I won't buy anything Provo Craft ever!
xoxo
Kimberley
I just wanted to add that I'm now saving my pennies for a cougar. From all the research I've done since this Cricut fiasco, the cougar looks like the way to go. No software limitations, and it looks to cut even intricate designs like a hot knife through butter.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kimberley
I found this article the day I was going to upgrade to the expression 2. I purchased the Silhouette SD instead. Very happy with it. I was already getting consumables else where. I did get SCAL and love it. Plus for newbies like me they have very reasonable art sets.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that I purchased a cutter, I should be able to use it with 3rd party apps.
Thanks
I've been having a time trying to post with my Google account. I hope anonymous works. :-)
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list as well. On PCCrafter I have "purse" money still sitting there. The don't even support their long time forum at PCCrafter which is now non-exsistant thanks to their greed. They have the worse customer service I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. As far as bullies; they are numero uno! Sharks who enjoy going around and eating little guppies. Shame on them....aaarrrrrgh!!! I amd truly D-O-N-E with them and their ways.
After purchasing my Silhouette who has the most amazing customer service I've ever seen that lousy little bug can go jump off a bridge. I am so impressed with my Silhouette; I even started a forum to help out other Silhouette users. There are many there who felt stabbed in the back by PC.
Now they have come up with their own version of the Silhouette...ha!ha!... what fool would buy one of theirs after the reputation they have made for themselves.
If any of you want to talk about a reliable company, vent about your dealings with PC you are all welcome to join our group forum.
Here's our web addy:
http://z15.invisionfree.com/Silhouette_Plus/index.php?act=idx
Best crafty wishes,
Debbie aka doodlingdebbie
I unfortunately, made the mistake of buying the original Cticut and to add to my misery bought the Expression. I find I have problems all the time and also need more and more cartridges to fulfill what I need to do. So I purchased a Sizzix BigShot and joy of joys it is marvelous leaves Cricut for dead. invest in a BigShot and have more fun, all dies work with it and a lot can be bought on special.
ReplyDeleteI have bought a ton-- like most- cried from happiness at the gift of my first Cricut personal. I now have Expression, DS, and a very large $500 paperweight of an Imagine.I will take a SLEDGE HAMMER to them all before giving OR selling it to anyone else- I will not support PC nor will I let the product I bought support PC by giving them or selling them to anyone. I am A DIE HARD ANTI Provo Crafter... Everything they make or post ALSO belongs to PC. Per there machine usage- no one can even sell anything they make online-- And no Licensed carts cut outs or projects can be SOLD AT ALL! ANd the machine is for PERSONAL use only- So using it to sell stuff VOIDS your warranty. They are greedy little people that will meet with their fate one day for all the things they have done badly to people and others..
ReplyDeleteI have been boycotting Provo Craft for quite awhile now. I work for a law firm and have tried, unsuccessfully, to get them to look into suing Provo Craft for defrauding the public with their b.s. Maybe one day I'll be able to convince my bosses that there's a case to be had against these hacks. Until then, I will continue to go else where for my crafting products.
ReplyDeleteI just found your website and I TOTALLY agree with all that you've said. PC is so overpriced! I have 2 Cricuts and they sit on the shelf. I also own a Silhouette SD and absolutely love it, PLUS I have MTC. No more PC for me!!
ReplyDeletewowza! i just took a little bit to read and check things out-i'd like to say i'm floored but i shouldn't be...so much yucky business being run all over. it's said that they didn't just partner up and do things right all along-is it really so hard to be honest. apparently so. i don't have the imagine, cake machine or the gypsy so i'm staying clear! thanks for sharing the info and i'm definitely passing this along!
ReplyDeletetfs!
xo
sarabeth
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you... I was thinking bout getting away from PC products and then the law suite hit and my mind was made up... I now own a new and better machine from a different company and am so glad I made the change. I save money every project I make... No more expensive carts that I only need one thing on, cutting mats that do not hold their sticky over a cut or two, bad customer service and so much more...
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you... I was thinking bout getting away from PC products and then the law suite hit and my mind was made up... I now own a new and better machine from a different company and am so glad I made the change. I save money every project I make... No more expensive carts that I only need one thing on, cutting mats that do not hold their sticky over a cut or two, bad customer service and so much more...
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you... I was thinking bout getting away from PC products and then the law suite hit and my mind was made up... I now own a new and better machine from a different company and am so glad I made the change. I save money every project I make... No more expensive carts that I only need one thing on, cutting mats that do not hold their sticky over a cut or two, bad customer service and so much more...
ReplyDeleteI bought a Cricut Imagine for my wife for Christmas on Black Friday. Just hooked it up and the damned thing won't update. I wish I had found this page before I bought it.
ReplyDeleteI have had a cricut since xmas and love it. I havn’t had any issues w/ it or anyone at the company. I never heard such bad things on such a large scale! I love my cricut and everything it does. I have very very little PC products though, I mean I’m just getting started. Any suggestions for us newbies that don’t have any products but are dying to spend money on more carts?? What other product brands will work in my expression? Mats? Blades? Carts? Where do I go from here if I don’t want to support a hateful greedy company?
ReplyDeleteI bought my baby bug a few years back and loved it!!! I also, on black Friday, was struck with the awful idea to buy the imagine. Sure it kinda worked for awhile and I only gave $187 for it pre-tax so the price was right (not for what it wound up being mind you!). About a month ago is when the real fun started, I was in the beginning stages of planning my daughters bday party and loved the images on lori's garden so I bought it. now, I refuse to pay over $35 for carts but I bought it online for $29 pre-tax. now, lets define kinda worked, it would randomly not see the black lines and just spit the mat out at me, the print quality was fair at best, and the cuts were not as soft as I had assumed such a "quality" machine would produce. So back to the timeline, when I actually started trying to do a project with this machine it would not cut and print as advertised. Sure it would cut, and it would print but would never cut near the print. Odd. So after 4 hrs of trying to calibrate it (test page fine still did the exact same thing) I wound up emailing provocraft begging (literally in tears I was so frustrated) them for help. no response. The next day I posted on the fb page for the imagine. No response aside from a lady trying to be supportive who was not affiliated with pc. To my knowledge the post has not been removed. So the day after that I emailed them yet again, short and sweet. no response (wait for the kicker). Yet again, 4 days after main issue began, I contacted pc. I called and asked for help they suggested that I myself clear the hard drive reformat it and then re update it. which is an exceptionally ridiculous request for someone like me. so I put my husband on the phone and he argued with them for about 1 hr trying to convince them that I just want something else, anything else really. Eventually they agreed to ship me an expression 2 upon receipt of my current imagine. So, I'm still waiting for my new e2 after footing the $76 shipping bill to send a defective item back to the manufacturer. Cricut cust. service finally, after 8 days, responded to my email asking for help with a simple "update your machine", as if I missed the neon orange sheet of paper telling me to do so included with the imagine. perfect. I most truly respect your boycott and would dearly love to participate however, I cant afford another machine after being bled dry by provocraft. As for the carts, I'm kind of a vanilla person and tend to be pleased somewhat by the carts I have. I would love to make my own designs or even purchase some from scal that cricut for some odd reason refuse to include in a cart, but I find the prospect of switching to a different cutter and not being able to rely on my carts for some bland inspiration a daunting one. I've found the perfect way to re-sticky my mats and rarely buy blades so aside from the carts (which I find at a reasonable price on amazon.com) I'd be happy to join in. Also, when I grow out of my e2 I promise to take a much closer look into the other cutting machines! I became aware of these issues with provocraft only after having troubles with my imagine and if I could have returned it I would have (I threw away the box):/
ReplyDeleteI am joining. My expression stopped loading mat/paper after maybe 15-20 uses. Won't be buying anything else from them!
ReplyDeleteA cricut Expression in Australia costs $795. They only deal with one importer so there is no competition. I purchased a machine from the States through a Craft company and paid around $300 plus $200 postage which still worked out cheaper than the local price. Of course on arrival the new Expression did not cut properly. A message to PC got the reply "It appears your machine is faulty." OF COURSE IT IS!! When asked what could be done, they would not stand by any warranty as the machine was not purchased through the Australian supplier. I had the power supply from an original Cricut which was suitable for the Expression so that was not the reason for the fault. Several emails and discussions with a lawyer in the States were not able to resolve this situation. I have purchased nothing since, and am in the process of selling the hundreds of dollars worth of cartridges I purchased for my original cricut. Never again will I buy any product from Provocraft. Because of them only having the one importer for the whole of Australia they were able to dictate very severe rules with regard to price, advertising and use of the machines here, they had the monopoly on the market. Not any more! I am currently paying off a new Sizzix Eclips which does more than the cricut, works with SCAL and is hundreds of dollars cheaper here. Their customer service (for the Eclips) is fabulous, they have information videos and workshops on their site and know more about keeping customers satisfied than Provocraft will ever know! JMHO and good luck with your boycott.
ReplyDeleteWhat are they waiting on?? For someone to get hurt or there house burn down? I bought 1 cart and got 2 with the 2 machines I own but that's all. I bought a Lynx last year and haven't bought a single thing from PC since and never will. I posted on there site that I hope the Attorney General in Utah investigates them.
ReplyDeleteADD ME TO THE LIST! They make the dumbest decisions and deserve everything they get.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list!!! I have 2 cricut expressions and not either one of them work, when I asked for advice of what I can do to get them to cut, they told me to pretty much reset the machines but that didn't help, and was told there was nothing else they could do for me, so I told them how I felt about their poorly made machines. I just recently bought a Sizzix Eclips and I very much happy with the machine, I will never buy another cricut product!!!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list!!! I have had a lot of bad experiences with the cricuts, they have poor customer service and their machines are poorly built, I am now a owner of a sizzix eclips. Will never buy another cricut product!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Boycott this greedy company with crappy CS andnever repairs its product - just comes out with a new one that does not work either!
ReplyDeleteADD ME TOO PLEASE!!!!! Fair enough I brought my gypsy on line and not through a authorised dealer here in Australia. I'm willing to PAY for it to get it fixed!!!! I emailed the tech supporter here in AUSTRALIA and their reply was SORRY WE CAN'T HELP YOU CAUSE YOU DIDN'T BUY IT HERE. WE ONLY HELP CUSTOMERS WHO BUY HERE. WTF.... What a load of bull... I'm sure I'm not the only one here in Australia that brought on line so you think they'd help anyone who has brought CRICUT STUFF general.
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