The Successor by TGW/Kevin Cantrell

[TheGentlemanWake]

Decks have arrived in Germany. The USA detachment should be arriving soon.

[TheGentlemanWake]

prototype (left) vs. final production (right)



On the card backs we changed some gold ink elements to black and darkened the black so that the 'black' deck was less gold overall. Inverted the banners so Red is more prominent giving more visual interest.

On the tuck we replaced Purple with blue so that the black deck matched better with blue/red decks. Added inner tuck pattern

[laitostarr777]

Wow, Excellent improvement! I like it!

[STLBluesNut]

the production versions look better. great choices.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Fulfillment has begun!

[rousselle]

Much rejoicing.jpg (55.5 KiB) Viewed 10846 times

[TheGentlemanWake]

Image from Deallez below... assembling and kitting in progress.

Question, and maybe I've been out of the loop... but what's this chatter about Deallez not being responsive on another project? My dealings with Bao have all been above board so far.

[Bikefanatic]

With Deallez shipping to the US, we don't get a reliable tracking number or not one at all. Other than that, don't know.

[brownsl]

I had an order disappear and they refused to replace without me launching an investigation into the USPS and having me jump through hoops.

[Strag]

Yeah Deallez can be a real pain to deal with. I do wish there were better fulfillment houses for our industry. FWIW Gambler's Warehouse does seem to the best of the bunch, even for international shipments.

[steampunk52]

Agree. Communication is not great. Also find their packaging quality (boxes) poor for international. Had a package arrive that looked like it had been beat within an inch of its life (open on arrival). Generally, stuff inside has arrived ok, but doesn't instill confidence. Agree that GW, and I would add SoCal, are the best, in my experience.

[sms69x]

My experience with deallez has been quite good. No complains about the packaging either...

[Fenrir]

Deallez is the slowest fulfillment company I can think of. Their packaging has gotten better lately but was terrible, previously. Doesn’t stop them from being insanely slow.

[TheGentlemanWake]

The level of stress that comes from fulfillment is something that I don’t think the average customer or backer understands. I have been meticulous in my planning. Several emails, calls and text messages sent explaining every facet of every layer of every step I want accomplished and I can say that at every level— from production, to QC, to accounting, to shipping and finally fulfillment—vendors have disappointed me, ignored me, made mistakes and frustrated me. No matter how much preparation and instruction and thought I poured into the project mattered. And I understand that as a producer this is my SINGULAR focus and that conversely to my vendors my project is just one of many… but it’s shockingly obvious that no one puts the level of care and attention I would want them to and barring me spending tens of thousands of dollars and acruing hours and hours of sleep deprivation traveling from country to country, from factory to packing plant to shipping hub to fulfillment center to PERSONALLY inspect and supervise the entire project from minute one to final delivery it would be impossible to have it all go right. The customer expects a perfect product for his $19 … no DEMANDS it… and offers very little in the way of consideration or empathy for what it entails. Kickstarters are hard to bring to fruition. I think people trust the TGW brand because somehow in spite of all this they are generally happy with the end result—but it clear to me why so many producers struggle and ultimately fail. As a producer you must be exacting and unforgiving because through no fault of your own your project will not 100% deliver. I mean people may get their rewards but never without a bit of compromise. Decks will be late, some decks will have errors, some numbered sets won’t be matching. … business owning is a constant barrage of problems.

I really admire that Jackson has built up his business to the point that he’s been able to assume control of things like Fulfillment. If you want something done right do it yourself

[JacksonRobinson]

The level of stress that comes from fulfillment is something that I don’t think the average customer or backer understands. I have been meticulous in my planning. Several emails, calls and text messages sent explaining every facet of every layer of every step I want accomplished and I can say that at every level— from production, to QC, to accounting, to shipping and finally fulfillment—vendors have disappointed me, ignored me, made mistakes and frustrated me. No matter how much preparation and instruction and thought I poured into the project mattered. And I understand that as a producer this is my SINGULAR focus and that conversely to my vendors my project is just one of many… but it’s shockingly obvious that no one puts the level of care and attention I would want them to and barring me spending tens of thousands of dollars and acruing hours and hours of sleep deprivation traveling from country to country, from factory to packing plant to shipping hub to fulfillment center to PERSONALLY inspect and supervise the entire project from minute one to final delivery it would be impossible to have it all go right. The customer expects a perfect product for his $19 … no DEMANDS it… and offers very little in the way of consideration or empathy for what it entails. Kickstarters are hard to bring to fruition. I think people trust the TGW brand because somehow in spite of all this they are generally happy with the end result—but it clear to me why so many producers struggle and ultimately fail. As a producer you must be exacting and unforgiving because through no fault of your own your project will not 100% deliver. I mean people may get their rewards but never without a bit of compromise. Decks will be late, some decks will have errors, some numbered sets won’t be matching. … business owning is a constant barrage of problems.

I really admire that Jackson has built up his business to the point that he’s been able to assume control of things like Fulfillment. If you want something done right do it yourself

I'll fulfill your next project, I'm not gonna be as cheap as gamblers or the like but it will be done right.

[double_left]

Not sure how this statement is remotely true when you can’t even fulfill your own subs with matching numbers over the years like we’ve asked. Seems to be problem where others can pull this off.

But pulling “private reserve sets” out before your team fulfills is possible though right?

Omar, keep doing what your doing.. why pay more

[GandalfPC]

I do believe that JR’s fulfillment operation is new this year and was put in place to remedy old problems

(if he had no old problems why would he bother?)

I have never had an issue with matching numbers myself, nor any other fulfillment issue that wasn’t resolved perfectly by JR’s team.

No idea what the private reserve accusation is about - all shippers keep extra decks in case of issues in shipping if they have any idea how things work, and all print jobs have overruns for cards. I am quite sure if there is a shipping issue there is no “private reserve” that will not be reached into to fulfill an order.

[EvilDuncan]

Yeah I'm not sure what this "private reserve" issue is. Is this about him pulling out low number decks to keep for himself? If so, then that's some thing that lots of designers do (Omar and Lorenzo included).

I've been buying from Jackson since his beginning in 2013, and have never had a single issue with numbers or anything else. Others have obviously, but things will always slip through and the system does have its kinks, but Jackson and his team will do their best to respond to any reasonable request. He clearly cares quite a bit about his distribution process, and I think having him distribute your project is not a bad idea.

[PiazzaDelivery]

For those of you that don't follow the Oath Patreon thread, we don't talk to that guy; every word he types is irrational and negative and doesn't deserve a response. Join us in ignoring him!

[laitostarr777]

The level of stress that comes from fulfillment is something that I don’t think the average customer or backer understands. I have been meticulous in my planning. Several emails, calls and text messages sent explaining every facet of every layer of every step I want accomplished and I can say that at every level— from production, to QC, to accounting, to shipping and finally fulfillment—vendors have disappointed me, ignored me, made mistakes and frustrated me. No matter how much preparation and instruction and thought I poured into the project mattered. And I understand that as a producer this is my SINGULAR focus and that conversely to my vendors my project is just one of many… but it’s shockingly obvious that no one puts the level of care and attention I would want them to and barring me spending tens of thousands of dollars and acruing hours and hours of sleep deprivation traveling from country to country, from factory to packing plant to shipping hub to fulfillment center to PERSONALLY inspect and supervise the entire project from minute one to final delivery it would be impossible to have it all go right. The customer expects a perfect product for his $19 … no DEMANDS it… and offers very little in the way of consideration or empathy for what it entails. Kickstarters are hard to bring to fruition. I think people trust the TGW brand because somehow in spite of all this they are generally happy with the end result—but it clear to me why so many producers struggle and ultimately fail. As a producer you must be exacting and unforgiving because through no fault of your own your project will not 100% deliver. I mean people may get their rewards but never without a bit of compromise. Decks will be late, some decks will have errors, some numbered sets won’t be matching. … business owning is a constant barrage of problems.

I really admire that Jackson has built up his business to the point that he’s been able to assume control of things like Fulfillment. If you want something done right do it yourself

I'll fulfill your next project, I'm not gonna be as cheap as gamblers or the like but it will be done right.

Yaaaah Buoi!!! Jackson wants to step up as one of the Kickstarter fullfillers!!!

[TheGentlemanWake]

From Gambler's: "Fulfillment has begun and we should be able to finish early next week."

From Deallez: "Im finishing the export documents for non-EU packages. and then, they are all good to go next Tuesday 2. May. I will send you the tracking this weekend"

[PaulF]

From Gambler's: "Fulfillment has begun and we should be able to finish early next week."

From Deallez: "Im finishing the export documents for non-EU packages. and then, they are all good to go next Tuesday 2. May. I will send you the tracking this weekend"

Fantastic news!

The table is set.... the plates, utensils, glassware are all in place... A nice bottle of wine on the table...

Serve it up..............

[PaulF]

The level of stress that comes from fulfillment is something that I don’t think the average customer or backer understands. I have been meticulous in my planning. Several emails, calls and text messages sent explaining every facet of every layer of every step I want accomplished and I can say that at every level— from production, to QC, to accounting, to shipping and finally fulfillment—vendors have disappointed me, ignored me, made mistakes and frustrated me. No matter how much preparation and instruction and thought I poured into the project mattered. And I understand that as a producer this is my SINGULAR focus and that conversely to my vendors my project is just one of many… but it’s shockingly obvious that no one puts the level of care and attention I would want them to and barring me spending tens of thousands of dollars and acruing hours and hours of sleep deprivation traveling from country to country, from factory to packing plant to shipping hub to fulfillment center to PERSONALLY inspect and supervise the entire project from minute one to final delivery it would be impossible to have it all go right. The customer expects a perfect product for his $19 … no DEMANDS it… and offers very little in the way of consideration or empathy for what it entails. Kickstarters are hard to bring to fruition. I think people trust the TGW brand because somehow in spite of all this they are generally happy with the end result—but it clear to me why so many producers struggle and ultimately fail. As a producer you must be exacting and unforgiving because through no fault of your own your project will not 100% deliver. I mean people may get their rewards but never without a bit of compromise. Decks will be late, some decks will have errors, some numbered sets won’t be matching. … business owning is a constant barrage of problems.

I really admire that Jackson has built up his business to the point that he’s been able to assume control of things like Fulfillment. If you want something done right do it yourself

I can understand this .... But you have created a masterpiece !!!! ... A stunning work of art !!! .... Should you be standing on the podium at the end of the year, accepting all the 2023 awards for this project, then there will be no doubt that all your stress, frustrations, etc. was well worth it. And I have a feeling it just gets better going forward, judging from Goldsmith... lol

I'm here giving you a standing ovation and a gigantic thank you for your thoroughness, care, effort, and dedication given to this project.

[TheGentlemanWake]

The level of stress that comes from fulfillment is something that I don’t think the average customer or backer understands. I have been meticulous in my planning. Several emails, calls and text messages sent explaining every facet of every layer of every step I want accomplished and I can say that at every level— from production, to QC, to accounting, to shipping and finally fulfillment—vendors have disappointed me, ignored me, made mistakes and frustrated me. No matter how much preparation and instruction and thought I poured into the project mattered. And I understand that as a producer this is my SINGULAR focus and that conversely to my vendors my project is just one of many… but it’s shockingly obvious that no one puts the level of care and attention I would want them to and barring me spending tens of thousands of dollars and acruing hours and hours of sleep deprivation traveling from country to country, from factory to packing plant to shipping hub to fulfillment center to PERSONALLY inspect and supervise the entire project from minute one to final delivery it would be impossible to have it all go right. The customer expects a perfect product for his $19 … no DEMANDS it… and offers very little in the way of consideration or empathy for what it entails. Kickstarters are hard to bring to fruition. I think people trust the TGW brand because somehow in spite of all this they are generally happy with the end result—but it clear to me why so many producers struggle and ultimately fail. As a producer you must be exacting and unforgiving because through no fault of your own your project will not 100% deliver. I mean people may get their rewards but never without a bit of compromise. Decks will be late, some decks will have errors, some numbered sets won’t be matching. … business owning is a constant barrage of problems.

I really admire that Jackson has built up his business to the point that he’s been able to assume control of things like Fulfillment. If you want something done right do it yourself

I can understand this .... But you have created a masterpiece !!!! ... A stunning work of art !!! .... Should you be standing on the podium at the end of the year, accepting all the 2023 awards for this project, then there will be no doubt that all your stress, frustrations, etc. was worth it. And I have a feeling it just gets better judging from Goldsmith... lol

I'm here giving you a standing ovation and a gigantic thank you for your thoroughness, care, effort, and dedication you've given to this project.

Thanks Paul!

[hsbc]

I got a shipping notification today

[TheGentlemanWake]

I got a shipping notification today

Yup! At least half of backers should have tracking. The rest to follow soon!

[Timmargh]

I got a shipping notification today

Me too! But … I didn't order any items; I chose the "Pledge without a reward" option so that I could follow along.

[TheGentlemanWake]

I got a shipping notification today

Me too! But … I didn't order any items; I chose the "Pledge without a reward" option so that I could follow along.

Hmm, that's weird. I'll have to check on that. lol

[TheGentlemanWake]

I got a shipping notification today

Me too! But … I didn't order any items; I chose the "Pledge without a reward" option so that I could follow along.

Yeah, that package is going to Japan. LOL. Someone made a mistake. BUT THANKS FOR THE $9 TIP PLEDGE!

[Timmargh]

Yeah, that package is going to Japan. LOL. Someone made a mistake. BUT THANKS FOR THE $9 TIP PLEDGE!

Haha! And you're more than welcome; just a small token to wish you luck with the campaign, not that you needed it.