UC2019 (Nº7) Annual Deck by Montenzi: Fulfillment in Progress

[Mike Ratledge]

Mike - I was not trying to talk crap about Jirs and although I am removed from the direct interaction with him, I gather that he is doing a good job. My comment was not about him but about production orders being pushed back to the tune of three months and that, in my book, is difficult to justify.

I am also not sure that USPCC is good benchmark here - it is a fairly low threshold to clear.

No, that's not how I took that, really. My perspective is very close to the same, but my point is that I am not going to hold my breath for USPCC to appoint someone even to be a facilitator, but they (Cartamundi) did long ago. I have Jirs cellphone, but like most people I prefer to handle business during business hours. I bet he agrees.

By the way - I thought about using EPCC to compare, but...

[hsbc]

USPCC being even worse at quickly replying to customers doesn't inherently make Cartamundi any better And I am NOT attacking any single person, I'm sorry if I came off that way. I am saying that as companies, both Cartamundi and USPCC ought to A.) be a LOT better about answering emails and B.) improve production time estimates. These are solvable problems.

Again, these are international multimillion dollar corporations we're talking about - Cartamundi has over 2,000 employees. There's no reason aside from money why this continues

[Mike Ratledge]

USPCC being even worse at quickly replying to customers doesn't inherently make Cartamundi any better

Absolutely not. The thing is that when people come to me (like Dr Immy Smith did two months ago), I know exactly where to aim, regardless of who her salesperson is - or even which country / division.

And I am NOT attacking any single person, I'm sorry if I came off that way.

As I said, maybe a little bit touchy? Obviously, I don't work for either company.

I am saying that as companies, both Cartamundi and USPCC ought to A.) be a LOT better about answering emails and B.) improve production time estimates. These are solvable problems.

Exactly, again. Part B) is why I started advising e'rybody to add 2 months to the expected deadline / fulfillment date on KS regardless of printer. Three if you are involvíng more than one in any combination.

[Bradius]

And that is exactly why I get exasperated at folks that whine when their decks are a week, or even two or three month's late. It is rarely the creator's direct fault. Even when they do share some of the blame, custom cards from any of the major manufacturers often takes a long time. Heck, I haven't seen NPCC crank out their decks super fast all the time either. I guess the fastest are places like MPC, who I am getting more and more impressed with what they can produce. I really am liking the handling of the decks I have received from them lately, like the 2019 NPCCD decks. I still prefer USPCC and Cartamundi though, so I am fine with waiting and have a few cold beers along the way. Anyway, my bank account needs recharging between campaigns.

[hsbc]

I guess the fastest are places like MPC, who I am getting more and more impressed with what they can produce. I really am liking the handling of the decks I have received from them lately, like the 2019 NPCCD decks.

Are you mixing up EPCC and MPC, or did MPC print the 2019 NPCCD decks???

[Bradius]

MPC, although you did make me go back and check. I don't know if EPCC has this feature, but MPC can make this thick ink on the cards that gives the ink depth and texture. The previous deck I have with this type of ink goes way back to Impressions Cardinal Edition (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ma ... ying-cards). I forgot, this campaign was actually by MPC. Although I never opened them, so didn't really get a chance to handle them.

[montenzi]

We'll, "let me say this about that" - Jirs Huygen is their Playing Cards Ambassador and he does a darned good job, but sometimes his hands are tied and we never seem to get used to the weird holidays and bank holidays in Belgium, so it is just a matter of time once in a while.

I agree 100%! But we all need to clone Jirs. He is super busy! There is nothing unexpected!!!

I contacted USPCC recently about one of my next projects. It's always a pleasure working with USPCC. The approval process and all communication are 10/10 there. But the USPCC delivery date is 2020 already for all contacts signed after 01/Nov. It's a very busy season for everyone. When they are not busy, it takes one month to print a deck. Recent examples - Black tiki - 30 days, Red/White Tiki - 15 days approval + 30 printing.

Cartamundi and USPCC are the best in terms of time spent on production (end of year excluded).

Our KS delivery date is Feb/2020.

Anyway, my bank account needs recharging between campaigns.

I can design and sell you a "Recharger" playing cards deck, $15 only.

[Bradius]

I can design and sell you a "Recharger" playing cards deck, $15 only.

Seriously, If you can sell these decks for $15 without tucks, we need to chat.

[Mike Ratledge]

MPC, although you did make me go back and check. I don't know if EPCC has this feature, but MPC can make this thick ink on the cards that gives the ink depth and texture. The previous deck I have with this type of ink goes way back to Impressions Cardinal Edition (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ma ... ying-cards). I forgot, this campaign was actually by MPC. Although I never opened them, so didn't really get a chance to handle them.

Really? Somehow that was lost on me, and I pay attention to things like that. I am not sure if I am ready to pay top dollar for MPC decks, yet. Perfect for prototype runs and similar, but I haven't really looked that closely lately. I am certain that they have improved (again / more) and I know that they are offering some really great French and German made bond stocks now.

The process you are talking about is an extension of their spot UV technology which allows them to deposit depth on cards with very high precision.

[Decknowledgy]

I guess the fastest are places like MPC, who I am getting more and more impressed with what they can produce. I really am liking the handling of the decks I have received from them lately, like the 2019 NPCCD decks.

Are you mixing up EPCC and MPC, or did MPC print the 2019 NPCCD decks???

The NPCCD 2019 Palace decks are all printed by MPC, but I just reviewed a standard one (Spade Gate) without the embossing today, and handling and stock weight are PERFECT.

[Bradius]

If you handled the 2019 NPCCD cards and couldn't tell they weren't from one of the major card producers, that says something to how far MPC has come in card production.

As for the cost of these decks, I think a good bit of the extra cost is in the custom case Alex made for these. I still think the 2017 NPCCD decks are my favorite, but these are a close second.

[montenzi]

KS UPDATE:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mo ... ts/2723494

I want to tweak the back design for both unlimited decks

Before - After:

cut2862.png (605.19 KiB) Viewed 4753 times

After:

cut2864.png (710.54 KiB) Viewed 4753 times

[macstrat]

KS UPDATE:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mo ... ts/2723494

I want to tweak the back design for both unlimited decks

Subtle.

Personal Opinion:
The after gets on my OCD a little, just because its hard for me visualize the end on the orange petals(?). Still pledging a deck...or 12 tho

[kem-collector]

I really like the look of these cards! I wasn't around for the KS, but I noticed there was a pre-order page listing a shop. The issue is that the shop website seems to be a bit suspect as it won't send emails when you create and account or request a password reset - so I can only assume it will also not send an email when you order something. Shame.

[montenzi]

I really like the look of these cards! I wasn't around for the KS, but I noticed there was a pre-order page listing a shop. The issue is that the shop website seems to be a bit suspect as it won't send emails when you create and account or request a password reset - so I can only assume it will also not send an email when you order something. Shame.

Thank you for this bug report! It was a problem in server's configuration. In short, Gmail rejected some (or all? ) emails sent from scripts. I hope it's fixed now.

When a new order placed, I always confirm it anyway.

[kem-collector]

Thanks for the quick work! I just placed an order for all three. They look wonderful!

[kem-collector]

Also, the email I got from wordpress to reset my password as well as the order confirmation email ended up in my gmail spam. I had to fish them out.

[montenzi]

Also, the email I got from wordpress to reset my password as well as the order confirmation email ended up in my gmail spam. I had to fish them out.

At least they are being delivered now. Gmail is not the worst provider, but sometimes their "anti-spam" filters are too aggressive. Yahoo and hotmail are much worse in terms of reliability.
I always turn off all filters on my business email accounts, including gmail backup montenzi.nz@

As for the problem - I forgot about reverse DNS (PTR record) for a main server's IP after a server upgrade. I am slowly losing my IT qualification.

Subtle.

Personal Opinion:
The after gets on my OCD a little, just because its hard for me visualize the end on the orange petals(?). Still pledging a deck...or 12 tho

All feedbacks are very positive so far. It's a done deal.

[montenzi]

Project status: Cartamundi does not respond. Our deadline is February, and I still hope

Me trying to get in touch with Cartamundi:


Me checking emails:


Backers waiting for their decks:

[Bradius]

Is the next option to check with EPCC?

[montenzi]

Is the next option to check with EPCC?

Brad, it's not an option! I will never use EPCC as a printer. And I wouldn't say I like their cold foil.

It's actually a sad situation as I planned to produce my next deck with cold foil at Cartamundi. Now I am not sure. I cannot afford months of waiting when I have no idea who is responsible for what at Cartamundi. Communication is critical, but I feel like they don't need our business anymore.

Have you noticed that they are not active on Instagram? They make one-two posts per month now. It's a sign.

[chicken_ql]

who's business do they do then?

[hsbc]

I will never use EPCC as a printer. And I wouldn't say I like their cold foil.

Is that the only reason why?

[kem-collector]

who's business do they do then?

Well, since they now own USPCC, maybe they are just going to offload projects like this to that part of the company and they can continue on with printing Uno cards or something.

[hsbc]

printing Uno cards or something.

Actually the recent Titanic Tarot Cards KS project had an update where the creator went to China -- he visited WJPCC and said they're about to sign with Mattel to print Uno cards Technically hearsay though so

[Harvonsgard]

Well, since they now own USPCC, maybe they are just going to offload projects like this to that part of the company and they can continue on with printing Uno cards or something.

While it is in the realm of possibilities, I would say it is highly unlikely. The production plant in Belgium has, as far as I understand it, has a fairly new production line for their specific high quality playing cards (the B9 and former C9 finished cards). You could not easily outsource that to USPCC.

[kem-collector]

You could not easily outsource that to USPCC.

I wasn't thinking in terms of them outsourcing it to USPCC. I was thinking more along the lines of the USPCC division that deals with KS and custom artists original project taking over that aspect for Cartamundi. You never know what happens when a huge merger occurs. The company that I have worked with for the past 10 years was purchased by another larger company and it has been a complete cluster-fark since then. It wouldn't surprise me if the same was going on with USPCC/Cartamundi.

[chicken_ql]

who's business do they do then?

Well, since they now own USPCC, maybe they are just going to offload projects like this to that part of the company and they can continue on with printing Uno cards or something.

Time to start collecting artisan uno cards i guess :/

[kem-collector]

Time to start collecting artisan uno cards i guess :/

[chicken_ql]

Time to start collecting artisan uno cards i guess :/

zl5xj3d2qea41.jpg

those need some more cold foil