So, I've been marinating on this update, but, as the title says, this is not entirely good news.
Let's start off with something fun: washi tapes made it through UPS purgatory! They're in the states, they look great, and I will probably slap a few of them on regulars' sticker envelopes.
I am done arguing with UPS for this project, and frankly, I could not be fucking happier. They can go back to their war with FedEx about who can be worse at the job I pay them to do.
The fun is over: let's disappoint some people.
Due to [gestures at everything happening in geopolitics, tarrifs, and economy], as well as GOLDEN AGE PARROTS' quality issues and pin remakes, we are eyeing a very precarious late June arrival for pins and stickers.
This isn't great, because one, deadlines, and two, pride month and Anthrocon stock.
I'm in talks with my pin manufacturer about splitting CRIMES' and PRIDE PARROTS' pins into a separate DDP order, and paying out of pocket for a second round of freight. We're still well within budget, so if they are willing to do this, we can hopefully dodge this problem. Our sticker guys aren't in China, just busy, and my order and artworks were delayed due to other shit happening.
Late June pin and sticker arrival leaves very little room for me to print packing slips, sort stickers, and grade pins before my only vendor event this year. I want to be up front that, with extended customs clearance times, we may be delayed on fulfillment.
This means CRIMES' pins may be for sale at Anthrocon before backers get them. While this is technically not unethical, I still feel a little dirty about it. In the event that you are attending Anthrocon in Pittsburgh, PA this year, please reach out to me and see if I can put together a pickup for you.
3 out of 35 CUSTOM CRIMES currently have sketches or complete artwork. I am slacking like hell on this as I clean GAP's inventory up and manage a sinking ship at my night job.
I am hoping to address some this week, but like other dates, I can't guarantee it. I am tackling sketches in the order they get to me: if you have a deadline, such as for a convention, reach out, and I'll see how I can accommodate you. My goal's to get everyone approved and printed for fulfillment.
I am, unfortunately, not offering framed options due to price increases. The little ones I was looking at jumped from just under $2 on my end to over $4. I can't offer these without a crazy upcharge to CUSTOM CRIMES backers. This is kind of dirty and I don't like asking you for more money. If you were interested in this, hit me up with your 3" or 5" print option alternative!
I'm off to try and finish inventorying GAP's pins and getting the shop rehaul up. Thank you for being patient.
