Boss Kut Gazelle: Placing the Order

When I decided for this machine, the Boss Kut website stated their machine was on preorder and wouldn’t ship until January 1st, 2013.  I wanted the machine before Christmas so I looked around and they were out of stock everywhere!  The retailer I found it at was charging $600!  No way!  So went for the preorder.

The website isn’t as fancy as the more mainstream ones like Cricut, Cameo or even a lesser known like Pazzle with nice landing pages with flash pictures that change every 3 seconds to showcase their products.  To be blunt, they need to revamp the website to showcase their product properly.  The layout is cluttered and there’s inconsistent font type and size.  A retail website is supposed to draw you in to buy more. 

The price was $389 with $30 deposit.

When I did manage to place the deposit of $30, I didn’t realize it but it invoiced me something link $8 shipping.  So I emailed them.  They acknowledge their error and asked if I wanted to apply to the final payment, which I said ‘no problem.’  At the end of it, they just charged me $30 and then $359 when they shipped.

Clearly the company is more focused on their customer service and product (which is a great thing) which does make up for a website but did make me wonder what I was getting myself into. However, I’m convinced this is still right choice.  I’m committed.  I already have the machine!

Purchased a Digital Die Cutting Machine!

Before I put West Coast Origami and Cindy Ho Designs on hiatus last year, I made a decision to buy a digital cutter to grow my design business.   Well, 18 months later, I got one! 

Before making this critical decision, the problem was, I had no idea what was out there!  My friends from Scrapbooks by Design and Lucky Charms Card Collection had the Cameo and Cricut respectfully so they were considered, but I wanted to make my own cutting files and something that would cut more then paper, chipboard and vinyl.

Research began with the 2012 version of this same link:

2013 Die Cutting Machine’s Review

Great way to short list them by features, materials options, capabilities and customer service.  If you are looking for your cutter, I think this is a great start.

Additionally hours were spent reviewing YouTube, forums and blogs.  If price point is that important to you, I highly recommend reading reviews of customers who actually invested time and money in their machines. 

The best comparison reviews that I’ve found was here:

Under a Cherry Tree: Reviews of Electronic Cutters

What did I end up choosing after my hours of research? 

The Boss Kut Gazelle met most of what I wanted in a cutter but it was really my 2nd choice.  My first choice was the Black Cat Cougar but this was twice the price as the Boss Kut Gazelle.   I can always upgrade when the business grows but you never know, maybe this machine will be my last machine.

I did notice it was hard to find alot of information on the Boss Kut Gazelle.  Mostly forums who gave their opinion.  So I paid close attention of anyone who owned multiple machines.  Most were positive and there was only one one negative review specific to the machine.    Other than that review, most of the complaints was you can only get it in white and pink. 

By the way, I love the colour.  Even if I didn’t, it wouldn’t deter me.

Before making new designs for my business, I have to learn how to use it it first.  Since I had tough finding information, I decided to blog my learning curve experience so anyone whose thinking of buying one can at least ready about my experience.  In the next few weeks, I’ll keep you posted.  If you have any tips or comments to help me learn, please drop me a line!

Sold My First Photo on Foap

I’ve been trying Foap since last year but I’ve been neglecting uploading new content for the last few months during the last stage of our house build.  I have many files to process before getting caught up!

Imagine my delight when I received an email stating I sold my first photo!

Messy House Sign

This one is really one of my favourites.  This was taken Country Village in a trip to Bothell, Washington last year.