How Do You Like It? With or Without?

I actually read them all. I like to know what I am getting.

Even if I don't read all the listing – I like to have it – especially if not all are shown in the preview! But i am most likely to purchase based on the preview.

I am new to the digital world but I first look at the picture then look at the listing… so both!

I never read the listing. I always buy from what I see in the preview & the examples from the CT members.

I voted for a general number, but really it doesn't matter much to me. I prefer a really good preview, preferably with a couple pictures of all the elements. I want to actually SEE the elements – because really, “4 ribbons”, etc. could mean just about anything. The previews are much more important to me than the descriptions, although as a writer myself I certainly appreciate a well-written, vivid, and most importantly, accurately descriptive description! (Whether or not it includes a detailed listing of elements )

i look at the preview first then i always read the description ive found if you buy by just the preview you can be very disappointed, even bought kits and they used something that weren't in the kit.

we all have fav elements and if they kit has a lot of these i like and know i can use im happy to spend my money if not. im terrible and wait to see what others have created

I've also dismissed a kit by the preview some designers don't put a lot on the previews. but then spied some tasty items on the listing and purchased it

I read them … I like to know what i'm getting. I also look at CT layouts as well because sometimes what the designer calls something, isn't what I would have named it, so I look at the preview and CT layouts to see if I can figure out what it is.

I definitely prefer a detailed list. Sometimes I can't tell from the preview exactly what is included. Most times, if there isn't a detailed list, I won't buy the kit.

I generally look for elements list… especially if I'm looking for particular elements for a challenge or a special LO.

I actually do read the listing. Partially my ocd and partially to make sure that it's not just my lust over the preview that's making me want the kit. Sadly, I have bought many beautiful kits with drool-inspiring previews that I have never, EVER used- except to use one or two elements here or there when making a LO with another kit(s)! I know it takes a lot of a designer's time to detail all of the elements in a kit, but I (for one) appreciate it.

Only occasionally am I looking for something specific in a kit, in which case the detailed listing is super handy. Most of the time, though, a general 'over 50 elements' type of thing is good enough for me.

I've been burnt too many times buying kits that end up being not much of anything so I always read the description and list now. I've passed on kits I liked (especially in the higher price ranges, over $7) because the designer hadn't specified what was in the kit. Sometimes kits and themes are so overdone (ie everyone's done one) I like to know what's in it because I may open and have all the same things in a different kit same theme but different colors by that same designer or worse by a different designer same theme colors and basic contents.

I think mostly it shows me the designer is being open and honest about what is in the kit, I consider a sign of good customer service. That they are organized and want to keep doing this for a while so they are doing everything to make sure you become a loyal customer. Plus a simple list of contents helps me feel more justified in my purchase that I'm getting a good deal. And living with tight household budget I have to be confident that it's worth the price before I lay down the money, even if I love the designer and have practically every kit they've put out, I still read the whole enchilada of info.

Great question thanks for asking Aaron!

I read the listing. I am mostly scrapping pics of my dh and myself, so I really want to know that the elements are going to work for me. I could scrap a hundred life times with my stash, so I want to make sure I am getting new stuff that I will actually use.

I much prefer getting to see layouts in there in the product preview (ya know in the extra images part) than see a list of what all is in it.

Are you discouraged when you don't see layouts in the additional images?

Makes sense…what types of things do you look for in the previews?

Thanks for sharing your feelings! They all make sense. I know as a shopper myself, I like knowing what I am getting before I buy, too.

Ok, so let me ask you this…what if you are looking for something and there isn't a detailed list? Does that deter you from buying the kit?

Well I am glad to hear that you appreciate it! As a shopper myself, I know that I like to check it out too.

Ohhh good point! I hadn't thought about searching for a specific item for a specific LO.

I agree, especially when there are things that aren't seen in the preview. You do such a good job of creating these lists, too Suzy.

That's a good point, I hadn't thought about certain elements going by different names. I try to be as basic as I can when naming things so that there are no questions about what it is.

Interesting…I like how you use both together. What are some of the favorite elements you look for?

You hit the nail on the head about previews…you need to SEE the elements. Sometimes, it's hard to make sure that all of the elements are there and can be seen well, so a description comes in handy.

What do you do if there aren't any CT layouts?

An excellent way to shop, especially as a newbie. Welcome to digiland!

Do you find that you “study” the preview, or does it have to be love at first sight?

An informed shopper like myself. If there isn't a listing, does it deter you from buying the kit?

you know I don't think I ever have. Not sure why…I guess the people who I really like do it! Often when you all put stuff together if you have embellishments on a seperate view they are all so grouped together that the only way to really know what is in all those goodies is to see your list. I am a big believer in seeing something before you buy it. If I can't see everything then at least I can buy knowledgably (is that a word)

Hey lisa glad you found him! I posted my blog primarily for you to know my favs so I am glad you already found Aaron…Def in the top 5 best designers in digiland

You are too kind! Thank you.

Usually just looking at the preview is enough for me. If I see something I really like, I will buy the kit. Whether or not the elements are individually listed, makes no difference to me.

I really like the list because if I have certain photos in mind when I buy a kit, I like to know if it has what I'm picturing in my head. I also use it sometimes when I'm comparing two kits to decide which to purchase, not how many elements, but how many of certain types i.e. flowers, ribbon, ric rac…

I really like CT layouts, if there are not any, it doesn't stop me from buying the kit, but I tend to move past them faster. It just helps to see what can be done with the kit.

I study them, looking at the elements and papers, I really like when there is a preview of papers and elements seperate in addition.

i like more unsual darker elements … strings stitching.. crocodile clips… staples.. i like to multi layer a lot of things but i don't come from the scrap-booking world.

Im a terrible buyer though as i love all different things im in love with this kit one week that a next i have no one set person i have to buy every kit from and no set style…

I actually do refer to the list… but only to see if there is more than what is shown on some kits. I don't like when there are so many things that you can't see the papers and there is no preview of papers only, patterns only, all and some examples. That said, I think your previews are good. I can see everything. Better to list, than not to list — those who want to see it can, those who don't will skip over it anyway!

Thanks!