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Vamp Stamp News is a monthly printed magazine.
You will find each issue packed with techniques, projects,
beautiful artwork, product news and information
for people who love the art of rubber stamping and paper crafts.

Online Shopping Cart Questions

Most people seem to breeze through the Online Shopping Cart without problems, but occasionally a problem will pop-up. Here are the questions I’ve heard come up:

1. I’ve been a VSN subscriber for years, but when I try to renew my subscription using the Online Shopping Cart, it doesn’t recognize me!

This sometimes trips people up because they try to sign in as a “Returning Customer” when they have been a VSN customer for a while but have never registered to use the Online Shopping Cart. If this is your first time using the Shopping Cart, choose “New Customer” to register. It will go to a new screen and then ask for your shipping and billing information and your email address.

The Online Shopping Cart is not connected directly to VSN’s subscription database, so it won’t know how many issues you have left on your subscription or what you’ve ordered outside of the Cart. If you are renewing a subscription for yourself, choose “Subscriptions”, then “Renewal (for self)” and “Add to Cart”. Enter your Account Number at checkout if you know it. (You’ll find it on your renewal reminder notice or your issue envelope.) I’ll renew your subscription behind the scenes and confirm by email.

2. When I try to enter my address on the Online Shopping Cart, I can’t enter the State.

The State field is a drop-down field. Most people are fine with these, but every now and then, someone can’t seem to use them successfully. Here’s how it should work:

There should be a blue box over to the far right end of the yellow State field with a V arrow. If you click on the yellow field or the arrow, it should open up a larger box with a list of different states. Then you can use the blue scroll bar on the right of the field to scroll down to your state and click on the state to choose it.

If for some reason, you simply can't do drop-down fields on your computer, you can alternately print out one of the print-and-mail order forms found on the Order page of VSN’s main website, fill it out with your address and credit card information, sign it and mail it to VSN.

3. Why do I have to give you my email address to use the Online Shopping Cart?

The Online Shopping Cart is set up to use email to keep you informed. When you place your order, you’ll get a confirmation email. When I actually charge your credit card, you’ll get another email to confirm that. You’ll get another email when your order ships or your renewal order is completely processed. I also might use the email address if there is a problem or a question about your order.

I do not sell, loan or otherwise share email addresses. I won’t use your email address to harass you with spam. If you order a subscription, I may send a single email when it is time to renew, so you have an easy convenient link to the Online Shopping Cart. (This is not something I’ve set up now, just something I’ve considered for the future; it was an idea well received in the Readers Survey at the end of 2008.)

4. My credit card was declined but I know that it is a perfectly good card! What’s up?

I’ve noticed that most declines are almost immediately followed by a successfully authorized order being placed. This tells me that most declines are just simple typing errors. The easiest mistake to make (and the easiest to overlook) is choosing the credit card type. For example, if you leave it set to Mastercard, and you have a Visa, then no matter how carefully your type in the account number, it’s not going to go through! (I’ve done this myself; it’s a very easy mistake to make.)

If your card is declined and you know it is good, check that you’ve entered the correct card type. Check that every digit of that l-o-n-g account number is typed correctly. (Some people find checking the digits in reverse order is helpful in seeing errors that are otherwise missed.) Check that you’ve entered the correct expiration date and the three-digit number from the back of the card. If it still won’t work, call your credit card company to see if they have put some type of security block on your account.

5. Why can’t I just email you my credit card information to place an order?

Please NEVER email credit card information (to VSN or to anyone else). This is a very insecure way of handling credit card information. For your own protection, I will not accept any credit card orders via email. If you wish to place an order by credit card, please either use the secure Online Shopping Cart or print one of the print-and-order forms, fill it out, sign it and mail it to VSN. VSN also accepts US checks or money orders by mail.

6. Can I just write my credit card info on a piece of paper (make my own form) and mail you that?

No, the print-and-mail order form is specifically designed to conform to the credit card company’s requirements for credit cards. To place a credit card order, please either use the secure Online Shopping Cart or print one of the print-and-order forms, fill it out, sign it and mail it to VSN.

7. I want to order back issues but I don’t understand how to do it on the Online Shopping Cart.

To order back issues using the Online Shopping Cart, first use the Back Issues page on the main VSN website to decide on the specific back issues you want. Make a note of the issues and count them up to get the total number of back issues you plan to order.

For back issue orders that will be shipped within the US, there are three pricing tiers: 1-4 back issues, 5-39 back issues or 40 or more back issues. Use the total number of back issues you plan to order to pick the correct back issue tier on the Shopping Cart by clicking on “More Information” under that tier.

Then select the Recipient (for self or for a gift). Once you do this, the quantity box will appear. The default number in the quantity box is the minimum number for that price tier. So for example, if you are ordering 12 back issues, choose the 5-39 tier and change the quantity in the box to 12. Then add it to your cart.

When you are finished shopping, check that the items in your shopping cart are correct. (Orders are final as of shipping and non-returnable, so you want to be sure you order correctly!)

Then check out. List the specific back issues that you want in the back issues text box at check out. Please be sure that the number of issues you enter here matches the number of issues you actually ordered!

Once I receive your order, I will process your credit card. Orders placed on the Online Shopping cart and paid by credit card are typically shipped within 24 to 48 hours (not counting non-mail days like Sunday.) You will receive email confirmations of your order receipt, credit card processing and order shipping so you will know exactly where your order stands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Questions

1. Who makes the stamp image on page 10 of the current issue?

If you are looking at a back issue, look for the stamp credit list near the end of every issue – usually on the inside back cover. In newer issues, the stamp credits will either be found next to the image/artwork or in the art's description (on the back of each color page.) Occasionally a contributor will send artwork without stamp credits and they will be listed as *Unknown. When the credit is obtained, it is printed as an update in a later issue.

2. If I subscribe now, will I get the ____ issue?

Subscriptions are started immediately with the current issue unless you ask that we wait until the next issue or you have already purchased the current issue directly from VSN or tell VSN you already have the current issue. The month’s issue is current through the about 19th of that month and then becomes a back issue. (The monthly mail-out is usually on a Saturday, so the date may be adjusted to fall right before that.) Ex: February is the current issue from its mail-out to February 19th. Then March becomes the current issue. Etc. December usually becomes a back issue around December 15 and January becomes the current issue that day (because the January issue is mailed about a week early.)

3. Can you start my subscription so that it begins four months ago?

No. Subscriptions begin with the current issue (or the next issue if you request it). Also, subscription renewals begin no further back than the current issue. Back issues are sold separately.

4. Can I email you my credit card number or use Paypal to begin my subscription?

No. If you want to use a credit card, please either use VSN's secure Online Shopping Cart (link found on the Order page). If you don't want to use the shopping cart, you can alternatively, print one of the print-and-mail order forms, fill it out and and mail it to VSN.

5. I’m looking for stamp company xyz. Can you provide an address?

Check VSN’s web site list to see if the company is listed. Then you can get the current contact information straight from the company.

6. Can I order a sample issue from VSN?

Yes. See the Order page. Or, for more immediate gratification, check VSN’s Store List page to see if a store in your area carries VSN.

7. Can you add my web site to your list?

Sure! If it is stamp related, I’d love to know about your site. That means sites that focus on: stamps, scrapbooking, altered books, deco books, polymer clay, ATCs, art products, craft supplies, etc. Please send the URL (web site address) and I’ll check it out for inclusion in the next update. (Note: the web site list is updated once a month.)

8. I remember an article in VSN on Shaving Cream Backgrounds but can’t remember which issue . . .

Easy! Go to the Back Issues page and use your web browser’s FIND function to do a search on that page for “Shaving”. You can do this for many subjects. It makes a quick and dirty index to all of VSN’s issues going back to 1993!

For example, I use Internet Explorer 7.0. Pressing Ctrl-F opens up a search box where I can enter the word I’m looking for on that page. If you are unsure of how to do this using your browser software, try checking the browser’s HELP and look for information on how to find text on a page.

9. I live outside the US. Does VSN sell overseas subscriptions?

Yes. See the subscriptions section of the Order page. VSN's Online Shopping Cart accepts credit card orders from overseas customers.

10. Can I email you a list of back issues that I want and then stick a check in an envelope to you?

Please don’t do this. The payment and the order need to come together to avoid errors in your order. Please send the list with your check. Some people use the abbreviated back issue list near the beginning of each issue as a check-off list. Others write or type out a list of month/year for the back issues. Back issue pricing is on the Order page of this web site. Please note that there are price savings for ordering larger quantities of back issues.

11. When does my subscription end?

Check the "Last Issue" field on the top of your subscription envelope's address label. The first two digits are the year and the next three are an abbreviation for the month (YEAR/MONTH). So for example, if your envelope's Last Issue field reads "10AUG", then your last issue is the August issue of 2010.

12. Can I order, subscribe or renew online?

Yes, VSN now offers a secure Online Shopping Cart. The link to it can be found on the Order page.

13. Where can I purchase the current issue locally?

There is a list of stores carrying VSN in each issue and on this web site's Store List page. Each list is updated once a month.

14. Can I email you a picture of my artwork or stamp room?

Yes. Keep in mind that if you mail the actual artwork, it is easier for me to see the details and to be sure the color is correct. (Colors often shift when they are scanned or photographed in electronic form.) But if you are unable or unwilling to part with the original art, I will accept it electronically via PC formatted disk or via emailed attached file. For stamp room photos, if you took the pictures with a digital camera, then for best quality, send the electronic files.

Please see the Get Published page BEFORE YOU EMAIL ANYTHING for more details on submitting artwork, articles or stamp rooms.

15. Where can I find products mentioned in Happenings or Product Picks sections?

Always check your local stamp store first. If they do not have it, check the contact information at the end of Happenings or within the Product Picks descriptions.

16. How can I get my catalog or product reviewed?

Send one copy of your catalog and one mounted stamp (or unmounted if you only sell unmounted). I will contact you when your catalog gets to the top of the catalog review queue with questions and to get permission to print your images. Wait time varies by how many catalogs are in line at the time your catalog is received. Products can also be reviewed. Please send product, any directions and return postage so I can return your product to you.

17. Why doesn't VSN have a phone number so I can order by phone or call to chat?

VSN is an unusual magazine in that it is put together by a single person. It is also a monthly publication in an industry where most stamping magazines are bi-monthly. My time only stretches so far. I can either talk on the phone for many hours each day OR I can get your issue to you on time each month. I unfortunately can't do both. I think that most readers are happy that their issue arrives on time each month - "like clockwork" as many readers have observed.)

18. How can I find fellow stampers in my area?

If you have a local stamp store, it is a great place to meet fellow stampers. (See the store list inside VSN and the Store List page on this web site.)

19. Is the new issue out?

I try to mail VSN so that it arrives right around the beginning of each month. Subscription issues are sent via First Class mail, but can take as long as two weeks to arrive - longer around the holidays or if there is bad weather delaying mail. Most issues are mailed around the 18th - 20th of the month. I'll update the website with the new issue cover just before it goes out.

If your issue doesn't arrive by the 11th, check with VSN to see if there is a problem with your subscription. People often get confused about exactly which month's issue is actually missing and misname the issue. If possible, check the home page of VSN's web site to see the current issue before reporting an issue missing.

20. I'm looking for a stamp of a pig . . . or a gypsy . . . or whatever. Can you help me track down companies that selling this?

I see so many stamp images from so many companies that I couldn't possibly inventory them all in my head. I really am not the best source for this type of search. If you are online, your best bet is to post an ISO (In Search Of) message on one or more stamp email lists. These lists pool the knowledge of many stampers and stamp sellers who may be able to direct you to a company selling the image you want.

21. Why do overseas subscriptions cost so much more than US subscriptions?

Most of the cost of an overseas subscription is to cover the postage to your country. I figure the price by taking the US subscription price and figuring the extra postage cost.