Exemplar Wet Palette Fulfillment Update 2022 #5 | The Final Push + Sneak Peek
about 2 years ago – Fri, Apr 01, 2022 at 12:39:34 PM

Hello Painters!

A lot has been happening since the last update as we prepared to get the final pieces together and prepare to wrap up fulfillment. Derek and I also made the trek (12 hour drive in the rain and snow) to AdeptiCon 2022, and we had an awesome time seeing new and old faces! The energy at the convention was amazing and everyone seemed so happy to be back in Chicago for some mega hobby time! Thanks to all of you who stopped by the booth and said hi :D While we were gone the rest of the team continued to prepare parts and pledges back at the office for the finale.

-----

Fulfillment Update

This should be the last of the biweekly updates because WE ARE IN THE FINAL PACKING QUEUE!!!! Other than a few here and there that I needed to personally take a look at, all the remaining shipping labels were purchased and the final pledges are being packed this week/end.

As of right now we have all the Exemplar Refills and Stretch Goal packs packed that we need to finish out fulfillment and the labels are on the packing tables ready so the next few days will be dedicated to getting the last of the pledges out the door.

If you did not receive an email from BackerKit with your tracking information please check you spam box to make sure it didn't get stuck there. You can also log into BackerKit and look at your past projects and find the tracking information there.

Backers Without Tracking Assigned - I will be reaching out to some of you whose addresses did not verify. It looks like mainly language/characters the shipping service had trouble with. Keep an eye out for a message from me. 

Inter EU Shipment Update - We are just waiting on a pickup time for the carrier which should be next week.

Stalled Tracking Jan 31/Feb 13 Backers - The ASAP requests have been reshipped and the remainder of these missing packages will be heading back out this week with the remainder of the pledges.

Everyone Else from Kickstarter - If you haven't received you pledge yet this is you! Pledges are heading out the door this week/end so be prepared to paint!

Preorder Supporters - You are on the deck to be fulfilled as soon as the remainder of the Kickstarter pledges head out the door. We will be locking addresses for you next week, so keep an eye out for that email from BackerKit.

If you need assistance please email [email protected] and we will get back to your shortly!

-----

What's This, Something New?

Almost every year since it was launched I have released an improvement on the simple yet oh so useful Brush Beam whether it was the material or the design. It is a great little piece that can help your brushes, hobby knives, pens etc. from rolling all over your desk. I bit the bullet, finalized the design I had been working on for a while and got an injection mold made for it. Officially launching soon on our shop is the new flexy silicone Brush Beam!!! 

-----

That is all for now! Thank you all so much for your support :D

Kit + Ali

Exemplar Wet Palette Fulfillment Update 2022 #4 | What Goes Into "Fulfillment" + AdeptiCon 2022
about 2 years ago – Wed, Mar 09, 2022 at 10:48:12 PM

Hello Happy Painters!

I hope everyone had a good start to their week. We have been hard at work putting together Exemplar Wet Palette components and packing pledges! The weather has been wonderfully mild the last few days, and while I still have a very limited sense of smell after my COVID experience, getting some fresh air into our lower level cave/office was welcomed by all XD

In fresh office news, we just got the keys to our new warehouse/shipping/retail/studio/growth space we have been waiting for the previous tenants to vacate since the beginning of January! While it is a little late to help with the campaign, the new space will allow us to turn the original Game Envy suite back into the mad scientist creation lab maker space so we can set up new equipment for making the best miniature painting and hobby accessories out there!

-----

Fulfillment Update

I wanted to start by letting everyone in all regions still waiting on their pledge know that by the 25th all remaining backers will have their tracking information, and we have been burning our good midnight oil to make sure this happens! With that said, I wanted to share some information about fulfillment and what getting a single pledge out the door entails. Hopefully, this informs and enlightens those wondering about the speed of the whole process, and lets you see what is behind the curtain a bit.

What goes into fulfillment? All these steps make up the “fulfillment process” aka “ongoing assembly and shipping” for the campaign, and, other than Step One, all happen on a daily basis to ensure your pledges are going out every single day.

• Step One: This was done and completed just a few weeks after the end of the campaign and that was getting all the components delivered to the office. These included approximately: 6000 lbs of Exemplar Wet Palette bodies; 120,000 uncut flat sheets of Exemplar Wet Palette Paper; 80 lbs of Exemplar Sponges (ok, that one is not that impressive); 10000 blotter sponges, 8000 Exemplar Squeegees; 1800 feet of copper foil; 7500 Thank You Cards; 12000 stickers; 2500 lbs of shipping boxes; 5000 feet of packing paper; 15000 zip lock bags; tape; shipping labels; this; that; and the other thing. Needless to say a lot of components.
• Step Stretch Goal Bags: This fun multi-step process includes cutting blotter sponges to size with the Sponge Slicer 9001, cutting the antimicrobial strips to size with a weird measuring tool I created, cutting the stickers off their roll, and then sorting the 6 individual components and bagging them.

• Step Exemplar Paper and Sponge Packs: While we originally were cutting the Exemplar Wet Palette Paper 50 sheets at a time on the die press, it was taking too long, so a local printer agreed to cut 1000 sheets at a time on their super cutter (for compensation of course). While we now have CUT paper they are in those stacks of 1000. The next part now is weighing out 50 sheets of paper on our counting scale and stacking those stacks in boxes. The final part is watching TV while putting Exemplar Sponges and Exemplar Wet Palette Paper into bags.

• Step Put Boxes Together: This is one of those steps that seems like it wouldn’t be too bad, but imagine thousands of boxes worth of cardboard cuts on your forearms >.< The boxes take up more space than anything else, so we put them together as we pack now.
• Step Shipping Labels and Packing Lists: In BackerKit we created various segments (a segment is simply a grouping of backers, and in this case, pulled together in a way to make packing easier) based on what is in any given pledge, mainly focusing on the color of the Exemplar Wet Palettes. These segments are exported from BackerKit and imported into our shipping software where it builds out the package weights and packing lists and purchases the postage. We then print all the labels and sort the rolls to provide an even distribution among regions, pledges, and variety.
• Step Pack the Pledge: This one you have seen in the photos. We have boxes of the Exemplar Wet Palette bodies and all the components we assembled at hand on the pack station and we go through the rolls packing pledges per the packing list. At the end of the day, we load them into our little blue hatchbacks and they are dropped off at the post office the following morning.

• Step Tracking Uploads: Once a segment is done being packed and dropped at the post office I export all the tracking numbers for that segment from the shipping software and upload those back into BackerKit. At this point, an email is sent from BackerKit with the tracking notification.

Rinse and repeat for 68 business days ;D

-----

AdeptiCon 2022

We love to support the hobby community, so we have continued our sponsorship of AdeptiCon this year with some sweet SWAG, VIG, and Charity goodies including a brand new piece of Game Envy gear never before seen! The Game Envy team will be in the first row of the Exhibitor Hall at Booth 105, so be sure to stop by and say hey. We cannot wait to see some new and familiar faces!!!

-----

General Updates *salutes*

• Jan 31/Feb13 Stalled Tracking Backers: You should have all received an email with a link to a survey about your pledge. If you haven’t received it please check your spam folder for an email from [email protected]
• Support Requests and Inquiries: Please send support requests and inquiries to the [email protected] email address. This is the most reliable way to contact one of us and the easiest for us to keep track of. Someone at the office reads everything that comes into this box.

-----

That is all I have for now. Thank you all for the amazing support!

Kit + Ali

Exemplar Wet Palette Fulfillment Update 2022 #3 | FAQ + Setup Guide
about 2 years ago – Mon, Feb 21, 2022 at 10:02:39 PM

Hello Amazing People!

First and foremost thank you all for your patience and excitement for your Exemplar Wet Palettes to arrive :D We have been seeing so many popping up on social and the reception has been amazing (as expected haha). I know backers are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of pledge rewards, and we are doing our best to get them out to as quickly as possible!

Let's get to it so I can get back to packing XD

-----

Fulfillment Update

Generally, expect these updates to go out on a Monday because this gives up the most accurate picture of fulfillment with the previous weeks shipments being marked shipped by USPS over the weekend. 

We are getting closer to completing fulfillment every single day as more and more pledges go out the door. Obviously it has been taking longer than we estimated for numerous reasons, and continuing getting pledges out the door is our top priority. We are not taking it lightly, but are staying positive as we continue to push towards the finish line.

Since the last update more than 750 more palettes and even more add-ons have gone out the door. This includes all pledge types and countries like we mentioned before. This insures an even distribution while keeping the packing process streamlined. We have a few country specific updates, but rest assured, if yours wasn't specifically mentioned your pledge is being packed as normal :D

UK Backers - We started shipping these via the traditional method again after trying to get a better quote and have about 1/3 left to head out the door.

Australia Backers - We are working through the UPS customs paperwork for each pledge which is a lot more work than shipping it via the USPS, but we have tracking numbers and pledges going out now, so keep an eye out for those.

EU Bulk Shipment - Your pledges are packed, marked and bundled and will be heading across the ocean shortly. When we receive the tracking from our shipping partner we will forward those along.

Every pledge heading out the door at this point is getting a special coupon and the chance at some additional goodies as a "Thank You" for your patience as we work through wrapping up fulfillment.

-----

Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide

Here is the new Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide in case you missed it in the previous update.

We collected feedback from painters of different skill levels and  based on this we clarified the written steps and rephotographed the Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Instructions sheet! The revised version is  much clearer. Download the new Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide here!

-----

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. I received an email with my tracking number, but it is says the USPS is still waiting for the package. Is there an issue with my shipment?
• A. If you received your tracking number from BackerKit then your pledge has shipped. Because these are being dropped off our local Post Office, sometimes they don't get scanned in when we leave 100+ boxes on the loading dock. They will be updated at the regional sort center in a few days. NOTE: today is a federal holiday and we are waiting to hear back from our local Post Master.
• Q. Where can I buy refills for my Exemplar Wet Palette?
• A. Starting soon you will be able to get palette REFILLS from our website. The Exemplar Wet Palette will be available after all pledges have been shipped.
• Q. Can I still change my address?
• A. As long as your pledge hasn't left the office we can cancel your label and update your address if needed. If it ends up going to the wrong place, we will be happy to get it to the correct place for you.

If you have any other questions you can reach out to [email protected] and we will do our best to get you taken care of! I will be in the comments when I can, but your best bet it to shoot us an email.

-----

Thank you all for the support. We truly can't wait for everyone to experience the awesomeness of their Exemplar Wet Palette and other Game Envy new gear!

Kit + Ali

Exemplar Wet Palette Fulfillment Update 2022 #2 | Setup Guide + Tips & Tricks
over 2 years ago – Thu, Feb 03, 2022 at 12:14:27 AM

Hello Painters!

Welcome to the second biweekly Fulfillment Update! We hope all is going well for everyone and that you are keeping warm/cool in whatever season it is where you are (it is tough writing to a global audience haha). It has been unusually cold and windy here in Maryland the last couple of weeks, so post office runs have been a bit unpleasant XD

-----

Fulfillment Update

Fulfillment has been progressing nicely, and we continue to get more and more pledges out every day working our way towards 100%. Right now about 2000 Exemplar Wet Palettes have gone to their new homes across the world, and we continue to receive wonderful feedback about them and the other new Game Envy gear!

•  Intra-EU Shipment Backers - There has been enough time to verify this is the full group, so we have packed and prepared your pledges for shipment to our EU shipping partner! I will provide details on your shipments through BackerKit.
•  Remaining UK Backers - After reviewing the bulk shipping quotes and arrival time frames we decided to just ship the remaining UK pledges the traditional route which will get them to you much faster! Since we needed the weights and dimensions for the quotes they are already packed and will be heading out shortly!
•  Retail Backers - Most of you have filled out the survey, but if anyone still has not received it please send an email to [email protected] and we will get that resent! 
•  All Other Backers - No special notes just your pledges are continuing to head out :D

I did want to clarify that no pledge is or has been postponed or shipped earlier due to its contents or add-on selections. We have more than 1000 package groups that we are pulling from in organized randomness to insure a nice distribution across the board. This is the fairest way to do this since shipping has to take place over a period of time instead of all at once.

If you have any questions that weren't answered here or need to contact us please send an email to [email protected] and we will get you taken care of ASAP.

-----

Something for Your Patience

As a "Thank You" for your patience as we continue to work through fulfillment we have begun adding an awesome coupon for Exemplar Wet Palette Refills to every pledge going out in February. We are also adding Exemplar Booster Packs (25 Sheets of Refill Paper) or a Phalanx Size #1 Singles to random pledges. There might even be a special edition Brush Bastion in some of those boxes ;D

We are so grateful for EVERYONE'S support and sincerely thank those of you still bursting with excitement waiting for your pledge to arrive and hope this makes the waiting a little easier!

-----

Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide + Tips & Tricks

Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide

We collected feedback from painters of different skill levels and based on this we clarified the written steps and rephotographed the Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Instructions sheet! The revised version is much clearer. Download the new Exemplar Wet Palette Setup Guide here!

Wet Palette Tips & Tricks Video

We worked with the fantastic Lyla Mev "The Mini Witch" to create a special wet palette Tips and Tricks video for folks just starting with a wet palette or those wanting to get more out of theirs. She produced a very useful and informative guide, so be sure to check it out!

Enjoy!

-----

Thank you all for the support in bringing the Exemplar Wet Palette to life!

Kit + Ali

-----

Exemplar Wet Palette Fulfillment Progress & FAQ Update 2022 #1
over 2 years ago – Mon, Jan 17, 2022 at 10:17:51 PM

Hello Hello Hello!

First, I want to thank everyone for their patience as we move through the fulfillment process; we are working hard to make sure your Exemplar Wet Palettes make it to your mailboxes soon! Second, we have been getting messages and comments daily about the folks who have received their pledges and we are so happy the Exemplar Wet Palette is going above and beyond expectations! Finally, I am going to be putting out biweekly updates for now to keep everyone in the loop. The plan was monthly however it sounds like people would prefer more frequent and up to date information, and I am happy to provide that! I want everyone to feel confident in Game Envy and our products :D

The fulfillment update section will be general percentages but pretty accurate. I will also follow up with a FAQ section to restate/clear up/answer any questions that came up since the previous update.

If you have any questions that weren't answered here or need to contact us please send an email to [email protected] and we will get you taken care of ASAP. 

-----

January 2022 Fulfillment Update (1/2)

• As of Saturday 1/15 we are right about 50% done with the fulfillment for those pledges going via traditional direct shipping methods.
• The EU split shipment, Australia, New Zealand and others with restricted shipping (around 5% of the backers) were pulled into a separate queue for quoting that I am handling personally and am shipping via their special routes.
• Pledges have been arriving in mailboxes since the middle of December, and as we have recovered from COVID-19 (and hopefully won't have to deal with it again at the office) and made it through the holidays we have streamlined the process and are making great progress.
• Conservatively, continuing at this speed, fulfillment should be complete for all backers in about 4 more weeks. During this time packages should be arriving in mailboxes daily!
• Everything is being sent Priority or First-Class International, so they should be relatively speedy arriving once sent. The USPS doesn't consider a package lost for insurance purposes until 14 days after the maximum estimated delivery time, so keep an eye on those dates before getting worried about a lost pledge. We will get you taken care of!

-----

January 2022 FAQ (1/2)

• Q. What order are pledges sent out?
• A. We ship in Package Groups.
• Q. Ok... What is a Package Group?
• A. Package Groups are orders with similar items in them and are a very efficient way to pack and ship pledges where options such as color and add-ons are available. We start by breaking the backer list into segments based on pledge type and selections. The nest thing we break out is what color palette was selected. This lets us know how many boxes to pack with certain color palettes in them. These boxes are packed, stacked and marked. From there we narrow lists into more specific groups and purchase shipping labels for those. We then pick a roll and each pledge in that roll should need the exact same items in their box! We rotate between colors to make sure there is a relatively even distribution leaving the office. The priority is placed on getting pledges out quickly and accurately.

• Q. I received my pledge and something was incorrect/missing/broken what do I do?
• A. Send an email to [email protected] and we will take care of it! 
• Q. I have since moved or I need to update my address. Can I do this?
• A. If your pledge hasn't been shipped we can absolutely update that for you. Send an email to [email protected] and we will make the update to the mailing list.
• Q. I am a retailer, and I have not received my retailer access yet. How do I get that?
• A. If you haven't received your link yet, email [email protected] and we will resend it and PM in KS.
• Q. Will I receive notification and tracking when my pledge ships?
• A. Yes! You will receive an email from BackerKit with your tracking number within approx. 24 hours of your pledge being shipped. Due to the speed of Priority shipping you might receive your pledge before your tracking information. 

More questions? Send an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you ASAP!

-----

 Game Envy Update

While we work on fulfillment of the Exemplar campaign I continue to tweak the workshop organization to best compliment a speedy process and use our space as efficiently as possible. Most recently I combined the die cutting area, sponge and paper weigh station and the refill packing station into one well organized area that makes sense! That's all XD The rest of the time is spent on fulfillment.

-----

Thank you all so much for the support. We can't wait for you all to get your new gear!

Kit + Ali

-----

P.S.(A.) Don't stop your sled by using your face as the break... >.O