ROYAL DISASTER WITH ROYAL MAIL (We lost money) | Small Business Diaries

Okay okay, we have run into a bit of a disaster this week as we battle head on with the Royal Mail Shipping Disasters. 2023 Is really testing me as a small biz owner so far 🤣 but we will tackle this together!
It's always nice to show the aesthetic beautiful part of owning a small business, the gentle packing orders, the soft music tinkering in the background while we work on art, but the reality is it's risky and often comes with added suprises and stress which can be out of your control! This is just one of those weeks 🤣
✩ DTF TRANSFER WALLET ✩
If you guys would like to grab the A3 wallet used for my DTF transfers you can find it right here:
amzn.to/3wnHwiy
I hope you enjoyed this vlog!
YOU DA BEST
Love,
Catherine
🌱 l i n k s 🌱
✩ katnipp ✩
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🌸 Chapters 🌸

[@KatnippStudios]

How is everyone getting on with this royal mail disaster :')? Its been a pain in my bum, not the best start to 2023 lol anywayyyyy If you guys would like to grab the A3 wallet used for my DTF transfers I have a affiliate link right here: amzn.to/3wnHwiy 🌸

[@mintvioletcompany]

A lot of people mentioned using Transglobal express and apparently the prices are not too bad. I am posting all international tracked so from today this is also opened back for business via Royal Mail.

[@jillanderson4576]

Sending a hug for all the stress ☹️🤗

[@Papershire]

OMG It's been awful! Mail we sent from early December still hasn't arrived because of the combination of strikes, seasonal volume and the cyber strike. It's just been unbelievably stressful. I hope you're seeing your sales go back up again!

[@relaxationoasis2753]

I’ve been using transglobel and have integrated my Etsy shop to make printing shipping labels easier. So far it’s been great. Half of my orders are international too!!! So it’s been a nightmare before using transglobal.

[@lcojom36]

I'm sorry you're going through this as a business owner, I hope that things clear up soon!

[@karendavis2380]

You could put them on the back of a Tshirt. A larger transfer works well on the back of a shirt. You could then put a smaller transfer on a pocket. 🙂

[@PeachTabby]

I agree with this!!! Maybe the Katnipp logo on the front in the corner (like where a pocket would go)? I would totally purchase one 🥰

[@jkurashima]

I agree, I think it would look super cute on the back! Then your Katnipp logo on the front left chest! 😍😍

[@Sarahmari]

Came down here to say the same! Would be such a cute idea

[@catarinafernandes1940]

I was going to write a comment saying exactly this😍

[@uniquefeminist]

Was jumping to the comments to suggest this!

[@rosalieedith]

That DTF transfer design would be so cute on a kitchen tea-towel!

[@nalleryscraftytreasures]

Oh digital stickers would be so cool with your characters. I personally would LOVE that.

[@melibwin]

I would love digital stickers for good notes! Digital planner pages would be cute too

[@vickygonzales1341]

You can create new sets of digital stickers for the digital products, thereby, keeping your original characters for your physical products. As for Lunar, this could be renamed and be a new character, maybe her cousin or sister....just a thought. Also, I love when small business owners show us the good and bad days of owning a business. There are a lot of us who are working on starting our own business and to see the real struggles and joy that happen day to day are inspiring. That is reality.....so please let us know what happens....the good and the bad...and how you overcome the obstacles. It helps us and we can help you along the way too. Keep up the amazing job and can't wait to see what the future holds for Katnipp. 💕

[@KatnippStudios]

Thank you so so much 🥹🤍🤍🤍🤍 this is honestly so motivating for me! I will keep showing the reality the ups and downs! 🌸🤍

[@mintvioletcompany]

I think the transfers would work nicely on a beach towel or a pillowcase 👍

[@JustCallMeInsane]

Luna's arms just 'melt' back into her body when she's not using them! :)

[@KatnippStudios]

Hehehe 😂❤ love this!

[@katrinasnyder3786]

That cat design is so dang cute you could use the accidental large size for a wall hanging/flag! Either just a rectangular canvas wall hanging that could be mounted with those really pretty magnetic wood strips that go on the top and bottom or a canvas bunting shaped flag. (I hope that description makes sense lol) Either way, it's definitely not a loss because the design is so good!

[@TenTenJ]

That’s what I was going to suggest. Print it on a larger fabric and secure it like a flag over a thin wood pipe. They sell these at home decor stores, i’m in the US and it’s called World Market. Don’t know what you call them in the UK.

[@mrs.quills7061]

Ohh I’d love a flag or wall hanging that’s a good idea.

[@leeleescraps]

Great idea

[@KatnippStudios]

Oooooo that sounds like such a cute and unique idea 🥹🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@NadyaStarkova]

Oh, Katie. This kitten is so cute. You could make a pillow case out of them. He would have turned out so soft, cute and fluffy. I would like to hug such a pillow all the time.

[@SGandartstuff]

Being honest is motivational. It’s authentic. It’s real. Seeing you overcome the hard times shows us that even with the hard time you can still soldier on and it’s not the end of the world. Thank you share your struggles!

[@zoeanastasia1204]

^^^

[@KatnippStudios]

Oh my goodness thank you so so much 🥹🤍🤍🤍 I am glad you managed to get something from it hehe ❤

[@jenniepoo085]

Please don't be sorry for being human. As a newer small business who wants to make a leap and grow, this is so helpful and healthy to know that sometimes the universe thinks it's funny. But to keep going, it will get better and is NORMAL.

[@jlynnkate9123]

A jumper with the cutie boba cat would be so cute!!

[@Jaydee-qo8jp]

Digital stickers would cool but I'd really love a whole katnipp digital planner!

[@bleh329]

Yessssss

[@GalacticatStudios]

It’s still motivational for us creatives to see the downsides too because we know that even if things go bad, not to give up and to work through it. You’ve been an inspiration to me for many years and I appreciate the transparency of your struggles as a small business 💜

[@MythicalFamilyYT]

Oh digital planner stickers!!! Yasss!!! Also that huge bubble transfer would be amazing on sweatshirts (a jumper I guess you call it)

[@jenniepoo085]

What about pillows for the transfers! I would love the digital form of the stickers. But I would also worry about other printing them as well and selling them as their own.

[@BiancaHaeckDesigns]

Not gonna lie, a less troubles more bubbles sweater would be RIGHT up my street! Cats and bubble tea? HECK yes!🐱

[@MsTagestraumer]

I would totally buy a jumper with the bubbles transfer! Or just the transfer to make my own. It’s so cute!!

[@mysoulrambles]

As a small business owner myself, I have to say I LOVE digital products and 90% of my customers are in the states and I'm in Portugal. It's great! Your stickers are perfect for it 👌

[@KatnippStudios]

Awww thank you so much! I might trial it out in this launch! ❤

[@keeliekalayidol8876]

The transfers on the back of a hoodie would so cute! And then your quote "You Da Best" down one of the sleeves!

[@KeyushTheStuntDog]

The royal mail cyber incident is crazy, I'm amazed they still haven't fixed it! I sell everything through my website so I have had to take international orders off of my site for now, but I do have 5 orders waiting for royal mail to be fixed, I've emailed the customers to let them know there will be a delay but the postage would have been over double to send via parcel force or risk not using tracking! I wouldn't sell digital stickers, like you said, you know someone will try and make a profit out of selling your design.

[@natashaellis3970]

I think it’s resolved now, isn’t it?

[@KeyushTheStuntDog]

@@natashaellis3970 I checked their website yesterday and it wasn't, but haven't checked today.

[@KatnippStudios]

@@natashaellis3970 its sstill not resolved properly yet, although they have started moving post through the system! I know digital products scare me so much, but I do think that alot of people are moving to digital planning, I also had the ideo of Icon packs for customisation for the phone! I think this would be soooo cute heheh 😍

[@natashaellis3970]

@@KatnippStudios I think icons for your mobile would be a great idea! I really want to customise mine like that but have no idea where to start! Definitely things like note pages, letter heads, and other printable downloadable are really popular so it’s a great way to go down! 💕✨

[@Alisha_79]

@Katnipp You could put a watermark, small one into the design. Digital is a risk though.

[@TrueEnglishRose83]

I’m steering away from digital designs as I’ve had way too many designs being resold. I’m now working on turning my designs into a physical product.

[@Lisasplace]

luna is just taking a chill year. she's vibing. i mean mickey from the 50's doesn't look like 2023 mickey but it's still mickey

[@Galaxxi]

1. some people really like t-shirts with large prints on them! it could work to have it be a print-on-demand sort of deal, some people might really like that :) 2. i think it's really helpful and authentic to show the downsides of small business, a lot of people only show the cutesy aesthetic side but it's important to show it's not all pastel pink filters and cute packaging. it's also messy workspaces, mistakes (both on your own part and through companies you have to work with), and sometimes a lot of stress and losing money 😂just this week i completely miscounted how many printer labels i thought i had and now im out, i am now unable to ship anything until friday, and THAT'S assuming they come on time. Shit Happens!

[@TechnoToastx]

Seeing all the highs and lows of small business is SUPER motivational to me! When things don't go quite right or there's disruptive things that happen out of your control it makes your business (and vlogs!) feel much more real than the super dolled up, aesthetic tiktoks and insta posts I see everywhere else. Seeing you survive the harder times makes me want to bring that energy of being a flexible problem-solver and adapt when things aren't going right in my own business!💖 Also: since the Luna pins don't have her holding anything you can easily say that she only "grows" her arms when she's interacting with things, easy fix. 😉👍

[@amandab304]

What if you put the decal transfer on the back of the jumper? Then you can maybe put your logo or coordinating artwork really small on the front in the "pocket" area of the jumper? Or is there a way to use it on some kind of wall hanging like your pin pennants? They're too cute not to use! 😻

[@sparklefurs]

I think the design would look great on bigger sizes! A lot of the time I tend to feel disatisfied with the sizing of a picture on a shirt when it just Stops and theres a lot more fabric to go because i wear a bigger size - i think theyd be nice for that! Could label it an "oversized" sweater type thing if u worry abt appealing to everyone?

[@KatnippStudios]

That’s a good idea actually! I could maybe start it from a medium or large! Hehe thank you so much! ❤ I’m with you on that! When I was a size 22-24 I always found print designs would sometimes look a little small in comparison to the model photos!

[@bajaboolie]

Maybe you can put the oversized print on a larger fabric to be a wall decoration, like a poster. I bet those would look cute and cozy in a dorm room :-)

[@craftangelonline]

Aw bless you... hope things get sorted ASAP. I'm looking forward to the day that every town has a Katnipp stationary shop OMGOSH!🥰 keep up the amazing work... you deserve the best! Shilpa xxx

[@leahcouzensartist]

The bigger transfers would look really lovely on fleecy blankets x

[@rainzosprinkle]

Royal Fail are so problematic lately. Feeling it here too.

[@DaniHoneycuttStickers]

I would 100% purchase digital stickers because all I use for a planner is digital planning!

[@BjorkL]

Understanding that this is an older video, but if something like this happens again, you can always use Printify which uses manufacturers around the world, and it would keep your shipping prices low and orders moving. ❤ 13:45

[@AngryVampiress]

I would totally buy a jumper with the giant boba cat on it

[@user-bi8ko7kc6h]

Same! it’s so cute.

[@elizabethb.9524]

I would buy a comfy sweater with the kitty and bubble tea on it! Adorable! :)

[@shareepeplinski8028]

A limited jumper would be CUTE 😍 I would absolutely buy one!

[@fuzzydragons]

giant jumpers with that design would be perfect!😍

[@noeleenbyrne5197]

What about aprons for the cats?

[@bystphie]

Yes!

[@danielsandoval8591]

Put the big transfers on a throw or small blanket! That would look so cute!

[@CarolinaSwt]

I have a small business myself, and back in spring there was a cyber attack at my shipping provider (elta - the greek equivalent of royal mail basically). Their system was down for 4 weeks and I couldn’t ship anything. I was arranging to ship all the accumulated orders with fedex express, but the cost would be an extra 1k-1.5k. Thankfully my customers are lovely and none complained! A day or two after mey initial contact with fedex, the cyber attack got under control and i shipped all my orders like normal. It was a freaking roller coaster… i hope royal mail gets a hold of things soon :(

[@beachblythe]

As an oversea buyer I totally support you NOT eating the shipping costs! I expect that shipping will cost me more and it’s understandable.

[@bleh329]

That's so sweet 💝

[@umbilicalbeat]

They're the perfect size for a t-shirt nightgown! But the DTF transfers sold on their own would work too. I would probably put it on a blanket.

[@alexis4247]

I would absolutely LOVE to get some of your digital stickers! I only use digital planners and I'd love to decorate it with your designs! 💖

[@MISSLEONAJB]

Hey Catherine ☺️ please don’t apologise, I’m sure all of us appreciate your honesty and giving everyone a realistic view of what running a small business is like. Onwards and upwards in 2023! 🥰 xxx

[@ScreemBean]

😂 I do think Luna can have and not have arms. I like to imagine she tucks her little hands into craters, like sweater pockets, when she wants to get cozy. 😌

[@KatnippStudios]

Heheheh 😂❤ this is suchhhhh cute imagery hahaha I love it! ❤

[@gegeboucher]

Hi Katherine! You could do a wall print with the big transfer? Or jumpers like you said. hehe!

[@keturahmckitterick9200]

Yes was thinking the same, wall print on Canvas! But I do like the idea of bedding, pillow cases!❤️❤️❤️

[@artpotato9838]

I'm a digital artist and I do custom pieces for people too print out themselves. I think if you create digital assets it could be great as well, they could be sold as emotes for things like twitch or youtube live. You can also set up a large folder of digital assets for programs like illustrator, Clip Studio Paint.

[@nataliep5795]

You talking about mistakes and moving past and carrying on is incredibly motivational!

[@GIZAGOGAME]

the "cyber attack" has crippled my business. It's incredibly frustrating!

[@breannapitacreatureartist]

Luna just has their arms behind their back! :)

[@kurehaashiya30]

I appreciate your honesty. I been working on creating a small business and it is super challenging. Especially, with all these price hikes in the USA. I think it is important people who want to start small business know how hard it can be at times. Therefore, they will see the whole picture and not just when things are going well.

[@mrs.quills7061]

I know the price hikes on our shipping in the us is disgusting!! First class even for a very small item is 5 dollars plus!!

[@bunniaster]

yess make jumpers with the massive ones! thatd be so cool and a fun experiment! if you dont like it, you havent wasted anything

[@user-oz7gc9bi7w]

Yes to the front of a baggy jumper!! I don't really like the small centred designs on jumpers. I'd prefer to have a big cute picture on a nice cozy round the house jumper!

[@Rougaria]

Oversized hoodies with that kitten on the back would be AMAZING! Or maybe cutting it so it's a peeker kitty

[@81tinkz]

I would definitely purchase your digital stickers if you made them. I have been wanting to purchase your stickers but no longer have a physical planner to put them in. Also l love watching all your videos. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and for always being so inspirational!!

[@leeandrarickard5509]

I am fortunate enough to have a nice printer and sticker printer paper, so I would be happy to buy digital items I can print myself and avoid big shipping fees. 😊 Good idea!

[@iamkaylawinter5026]

So sorry about the royal mail but I love the massive images, you could do blankets or towels. Love that folder too!!

[@Beanjast]

Yes i would use digital stickers and it would them a lot more accessible to me too.

[@ljaynek2]

I run a wedding stationery company via my website and also on Etsy with about 50% of my orders going overseas. I've seen a real drop in sales as I've had to raise my delivery prices. I've been trying Transglobal Express and Evri, but the process of buying labels takes about 4 times as long and I'm so over it! Hopefully this is sorted soon!

[@CupcakeCottage]

In my experience, these disasters happen to make me think about how to change things for the better in my business.

[@beebearcraftycottage5407]

I greatly appreciate that you show the hard side of owning a small business! I am 1 year into starting mine, I know we should not compare our self to others but it hard to watching others be so successful and feeling like they never makes mistakes.. idk it tends to really bring me down and make me question if Im doing the right thing. But then I get to watch you, someone who is successful and isnt afraid to show the hard side and the mistakes and it makes me want to keep pushing. Thank you for being true ❤

[@zoeanastasia1204]

Could you do printable stickers? I’m someone who buys sticker paper and prints some of my own designs at home, so I think that would be super cool!!

[@whitneykopsie9772]

Do the dtf transfer on a blanket, picnic or throw blanket would be cute.

[@leanatruong]

YES!!!!! DIGITAL STICKERS PLS 🥰 that would be so awesome!!! Making them for notability and goodnotes would be so useful, I was just thinking the other day that I would love to use your digital stickers on my digital planner. All love! 💕

[@ChantelleArts]

The Royal Mail have been having so many issues lately, I hope things get easier for you soon 🥺

[@nalleryscraftytreasures]

YES! You can put them on jumpers. They would be so cute. I’d buy one.

[@keishataylor]

i personally love when creators show the lows of their small businesses, keeps it realistic. i hope more document the lows in the future.

[@melissachadwick5717]

I love that you keep things realistic. You really are motivational even when there are problems. Keep up the good work! I think the citrus transfers would look cute on that white sweatshirt.

[@bethieboart]

I'd legit get a jumper with the oversized design as soon as i have the spare cash to do so if you were to do them. I would adore digital stickers, I love the idea of doing both digital and traditional products. Whilst I doubt you need it I would love to be help with goodnotes sticker packs because I'm so excited about the idea of it.

[@daniellemoore5178]

I plan digitally, so digital stickers would be great:)

[@capncate]

YES. I’ve been begging for digital stickers!

[@nilewfer]

Yes to digital stickers! With permission for personal use only. I have a cricut so it would mean I could cut my own stickers. Or print a full sheet like an a5 or a4 for my own personal use.

[@artycrafting2371]

I would use the big ones on a bed duvet covers! Or a tea towel!

[@leeraxd]

when you put up the print to your pink sweater, I was like OMG that would make such a cute sweatshirt!! Hoping for it in the future lol

[@vidotter]

Having different lines for your digital products makes sense - making sure they have your brand name in there somewhere so people can’t sell and claim them as their own - maybe?

[@bleh329]

That's going to happen regardless, some people have no scruple. But that just means you might as well do it anyway! 😋

[@abrahgriggs5944]

I think you should put the large DTFs onto nice fabric and sell them as wall hanging / flags! Super cute in a kitchen or something?

[@suzanneurbanart]

Disney (well, on this side of the ocean-(: )calls them 'style sheets' to refer to characters. I so relate to your issue about forgetting certain details, something that happens when one has a lot on their plate as you do. But to share these honest foibles with your audience is so refreshing! Thank you Kat!

[@IncubusGirl06]

The moment you held up the design it looked like a win for a sweatshirt/shirt/hoodie.

[@firebutterfly]

Wall flags would be a great use for the oversized prints. Similar to the pin flags, but larger, possibly a silk like material :)

[@katek3724]

Heat press them onto canvas and make into a wall hanging. Piece of dowel & string on the top.

[@nalleryscraftytreasures]

You are so smart. You’re right the shelves to store DTF’s would take up too much space. I just never thought your idea would even be an option for that size of paper you know.

[@isleofartistica1068]

I would absolutely love digital versions of your stuff. Stickers i could print at home for my bujo would be so cool or alternatively just digital

[@bekki2308]

Digital planners and stickers but priced near physical stickers so it’s fair for you 🥰

[@emska_]

I would adore the Citrus the Cat print on a white oversized fit 💖 I would 100% get it when the shipping outside of the UK works again!

[@CandiWare]

super real vlog, I hope everything gets better with royal mail. I'm so sorry that your having such grief with mail. I think its so motivational seeing the highs and lows with you. Thank you for taking us with you, and taking the time to film your week. Have a wonderful rest of your week.

[@amanimaedesign]

I've just been waiting it out... as of TODAY Royal Mail International Tracked orders are back up!!!!

[@azzuparis]

Sorry to hear about the Royal Mail disaster. I hope they will soon resolve the issue. About the cat decal, how about tea towels? They would be sooo cute 🥰 Thanks for being honest about running a small business! ❤

[@raechelsaunders]

still inspiring even on the rough days

[@Janelleybean23]

I love your honesty about the reality about running a small business. Thanks!

[@linatopia9393]

Luna isn’t armless, she’s just all tucked in for the night. I would love to buy a DTF print to make my own shirt!

[@maribelfeliciano6155]

OH MY GOSH!! I'D BUY A HOODIE WITH THAT CAT ON IT!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@yoshstudio16]

you can use them on wall poster canvas too. they are so cute to ignore

[@mariaescobar1359]

Someone else already said it in another comment, but I'll say it again: that big transfer would look great on the back of a shirt or jumper! big designs work great on the back and you could put something smaller on the front and it would look amazing

[@ebonyknight3948]

Even when the universe seems against you, you’re so smiley and upbeat. I know it’s not always good and perfect, but I really appreciate you showing us those times, but also that you don’t quit ❤

[@KatnippStudios]

Thank you so much! ❤ I think I have quite the stoic philosophy so I try not to dwell on stuff too much for too long especially if it’s out of our control hehe ❤ YOU da best!

[@ellascottagecompany2044]

Your honesty and transparency is one of your biggest attributes. Now the large decals could go on a baby blanket, lap blanket, wall hanging, car decal, window decal. Also putting them on something that could be hung could add the possibility of donating say 20 to local preschools and elementary classrooms to A) cheer up some classrooms & B) garner some new fans for Katnipp. Diversifying into digital products is definitely an area to consider. It seems to be a good idea though ❤. I’m sorry your having such a difficult time x

[@KatnippStudios]

Ohhh thank you so much for the ideas and inspo ❤❤❤❤❤ and your thoughts on the digital planners! This is super helpful! ❤

[@elisabethverte7061]

I was just cahatting with another UK-based creator about this- they had to find an alternate shipping for international orders. What a nightmare for everyone involved! And related to the huge transfers, maybe a canvas banner for your wall? I love that design so much- maybe trim off the wording for smaller sizes? Although that would be a shame! As for running a small business, you and other business owners have my immense respect- there is SO MUCH work involved in runnign your own business! I was so overwhlemed just trying to set up an etsy shop that I decided not to go that route. Keep it real love- we love and support you and cheer you on! Like your jumper says- you're a tough nut to crack!

[@abundantwildflower1276]

Putting the dtf transfers on the jumpers is a great idea! Also, what about some big throw cushions? They might look cute on a sofa or the bed 😍 Obvs don't know how easy or affordable blank cushion covers are, but I think people would like them ❤ p.s. Thank you for sharing the downs as well as the ups, its real life and I'm glad you share that too. Hooe things get better soon. Sending hugs 💖💖

[@rachh7569]

Just bought a booklet for my DTFS!

[@dianehowe4996]

Large DTFs would look great on an oversized tshirt nightie!