A number of customers have experienced quality issues with the Blendabilities product line, which has resulted in frustration for everyone. Due to the nature of the defect, Stampin’ Up! has concluded that difficulties, dissatisfaction, and product returns will only become more widespread. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem in a manner that assures the product would meet Stampin’ Up!‘s high quality standards and provide us customers with a stable, long-term solution. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation and in order to prevent further disappointment, the Blendabilities product line has been discontinued.
Certainly you can use and enjoy the Blendabilities you have on hand.
What’s the problem you wonder? There is an issue with the way the tip is welded to the barrel of the Blendability, all too frequently leaving microscopic holes that allow the alcohol to escape and the marker to dry up prematurely. There is a 30%-40% of this defect before leaving the factory and it only escalates when it arrives at Stampin’ Up!‘s warehouse. Stampin’ Up! realizes that turning off the product availability buttons creates frustration with customers and that the situation is definitely one of “no win”. I give the company huge kudos for biting the bullet and withdrawing a product that all too frequently causes frustration and disappointment by the end user: US.
Work around? How about using your Aqua Painter or Blender Pen or good old Stampin’ Write Markers? Remember them? Squeeze the lid of the stamp pad into the pad itself, leaving an inky imprint on lid and then pick up the color with either the Aqua Painter or Blender Pen. I’ll do some posts on this technique in the next days and weeks.
Yes, I’m sad, but I’m also grateful that Stampin’ Up! commits to quality over sales, even during Sale-a-Bration. It sounds like they will be looking for a new manufacturer for more in the future. But—it’ll certainly be awhile!
