A Few Newsy Tidbits

Close To My Heart has just finished their annual Maker convention, so I thought I would give you a few heads up about changes that are coming in the new core catalog on August 1st.

from pngtree.com

 

 

1)  Shipping is increasing

After many years of maintaining our shipping fee at its current rate, Close To My Heart have come to a point where we need to increase it to offset rising shipping costs. Effective August 1, there will be new shipping rates in effect for all markets, including increased costs for expedited shipping.

US shipping fees beginning August 1:

• Standard Shipping: $8.95 USD or 8.95%
• Hawaii, Alaska, APO/FPO/PR/Guam/VI: $15.95 or 15.95%
• US Overnight: $34.95 or 34.95%
• US 2-day: $24.95 or 24.95%
• US 3-day: $19.95 or 19.95%

 

from pngtree.com

 2)  General price increases

It is no surprise to anyone that many factors including inflation in raw materials and labor costs as well as supply chain challenges have put pressure on business all around the world.  Close To My Heart is no exception and now Close To My Heart feels the need to raise prices.  It has been four years, since 2018, when CTMH last made significant price adjustments.

While trying to keep the current increases as small as possible and without passing along the full increased costs we are experiencing, you will see that about 70% of the products have increased in price.  In general, it amounts to about an 11% increase.

Core product lines such as stamp sets, paper packets, cardstock and stamp pads have an average price increase of $1 USD.  Other categories have increases of $2 USD and albums $7 USD.  The largest price increase is our die-cutting and embossing machine which will go up $30 USD, due to the increases in materials and shipping costs. 

While these increases are unavoidable, we encourage all customers to join the VIP program, if they already have not, in order to get the 15% benefits with every purchase they make (of eligible products).  VIP Credit can really bring your overall crafting costs down, in addition to VIP access to special workshops and other product offers.

3)  Starter Bundles 

Right in the first few pages of the new catalog you will find a collection of products designed especially for beginning crafters. These Starter Bundles feature Cut Above® kits paired with other essential items needed for a successful creative experience. With both scrapbooking and cardmaking options, the materials available through the Starter Bundles will be a new go-to resource for getting started in a new crafting hobby.

I hope these little tidbit of news are useful.  On July 1st, I will have access to the new core catalog and I cannot wait to share what new and exciting with you.

Thanks so much for using me as your CTMH Maker.  I appreciate your business.