It’s Monday after Christmas, and we survived! Sort of. I will do a recap in the next post.
I wanted to talk to you a little bit about the merchandise store. We made the decision to pause the ordering.
Lack of Inventory
Christmas season is very busy for our supplier, and they are out of most things. This is not just because BDH placed almost a 1,000 orders, most of them for multiple items, but also because our supplier provides printing services to a bunch of Etsy stores.
As of now, we still have 226 orders in production, meaning they are waiting to get blank mugs, mouse pads, etc., so they can be printed and shipped out. If you order more stuff right now, I have no clue how slow it will get to you. On my end, I can only see that the item is in production or that it has been shipped, but not how long it will take.
Errors and Reprints
We’ve shipped 209 BDH mugs, 36 Ripper Cushion mugs, etc. Some of these mugs arrived broken, which is inevitable considering the sheer volume of packages going through at Christmas time. We replace these mugs at no cost to you. Please do not hesitate to let us know if the mug is broken. It’s not a bother. You are not inconveniencing us. We want you to be happy.
While we are here, that thing I worried would happen did happen, and it is now known as the Great Tote Bag Catastrophe. Some of the Cutting Edge tote bags have been printed with a mirror image on the back side. Nobody can tell me why this happened or how many of them went out that way. I’m resolving this on our end and will be issuing replacements.
Please look at your Cutting Edge tote bag. If it is a member of the exclusive Mirror Image Club and you would like a replacement, please email to store@ilona-andrews.com with your order number and a photo of the calamity. There is no need to return the Mirror bag. Please keep it as a spare.
We need to make sure everyone is happy before we take any more orders. And I want to see the correctly printed bags from our supplier.
Time
When I watched many hours of dropship store tutorials, I was led to believe that it is mostly an automated process. It is not. It eats time like crazy. People email a lot. Some of it is unintentionally funny, like a customer who sent me an email advising me that their post office is closed and if I could “redeliver” the package to their house, they would really appreciate it. Of all the times to not have one of those Harry Potter owls handy, hehe. But most of the communication involves looking up orders, offering explanations and screenshots, and apologizing, all of which must be done with care.
If you look at the prices in our store, they are a lot lower than typical merchandise prices. It wasn’t designed to be a money maker. It was set up to recoup our costs and let you get fun stuff. Our primary income stream is writing. The store isn’t making enough – because it is designed that way – to allow us to hire someone to manage it and if I manage it, we are going to run into significant writing delays.
Which is why the merchandise store is going to be a seasonal thing. When we are between projects, we will open it for orders, keep it open for a couple of weeks, and then mothball it again for the next writing session. This will allow us to get new designs in, set up international stuff, and generally get a better handle on things.
Sounds like there were ripper cushions to opening the merchandise store! The BDH appreciates all the thought HA puts into this and Imyself will happily wait for the next opportunity to score some swag.
So many Ripper Cushions.
It’s actually one of our top 3 selling items somehow. I honestly thought nobody would buy those.
love that there was a chance for some to get swag, bummed I told myself to wait. Happy it did well, I knew it would. Sad it isn’t smooth. Cheers to the New Year!
Yeah, I didn’t order because I was traveling and thought to wait until tomorrow. Bummed.
I’ll jump on it the next time it opens. Hopefully there will be more ripper cushions.
Whenever I need a smile I think about Helen and her ripper cushions. So here’s to Helen and rpper cushions!
I have my eye on the Ripper Cushions merch; I was just waiting for payday on the first of the month. Mugs and the actual cushion. They just make me giggle every time.
Ripper cushions became my favorite phrase the day I read it. You nailed it with that one.
I didn’t order ripper cushions but I sure thought about it. Like many said, it’s a quote that never fails to make me smile. No worries about the store! We will take advantage of the next open time. Just sorry it turned into a time sink for you.
That’s one of my favorite lines in entire book! I’ve adopted it into my everyday vocabulary with our grandkids. “Isaiah, if you don’t stop teasing the cats, there will be be ripper cushions!”
It was too funny not to order it.
I now regret not getting my order in when I could. I was trying to decide what things to order instead of ALLLLLLL the things. (I wanted 6 different mugs, etc.) I will have to wait for the notice that it is open once more. And yes, I wanted Ripper Cushions! That was definite. It was the other things I was trying to choose between. So many fun things.
Adore this comment beyond all measure. Thank you. 🙂
Mirror printed tote bags — after 30 years working in and with the printing industry I can say that the most likely reason for this problem is that someone stacked the bags before they were dry. If the ink bleed through from the front to the back, you would see the printing on the inside of the bag as well as on the back.
I understand. I was waiting until after Christmas to buy myself something, so I am kicking myself now though. ????
I guess I will just have to be patient (????) and wait until it reopens and then pounce!
????
It’s funny because it’s true, you actually did think that.
A seasonal merchandise shop sounds like a good compromise if you aren’t going to just say the experiment failed. Because none of us in the BDH want to see the shop cause writing delays!
The experiment definitely didn’t fail, it just got a bit bigger than anticipated hehe.
What is happening with the international merch store? Is that being mothballed now, or will it still go ahead? I’m in the UK, and am desperate to order some swag ????????
There will be a downtime now until the next seasonal opening and the international merch store is one of the things that will be set up during it ????.
I’m in the U.K. too and can’t wait!
Woo hoo!!
That is so comforting to hear! Thank you for the confirmation. 🙂
I’m in NZ and have been eagerly waiting for the international store! Would love to score all the prints as keychains.
Sounds more than reasonable, will watch for store reopening!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
sometimes growth is painful
but it is all good because it is somehow serving a purpose
or is that porpoise :)))
Merry season and hugemog us wishes for a healthy, happy and prosper us new year!
hugs
a friend of mine learned the same thing after taking over museum gift store and also designing and running paleozoic pals plushie store. so much shipping and answering emails so i feel pain. even if it means that i will have to wait to get my swag later. my credit card will thank me
As the proud owner of both a BDH mug and a Ripper Cushion mug…I can attest to the excellent packaging. They came in great shape and have each survived two trips thru the dishwasher without any disasters. Here’s hoping everyone can say the same.
I will wait (im)patiently for the next opportunity. I will have Ripper Cushions eventually!
We are not just the Book Devouring Horde, we are the Merchandise Devouring Horde. I planned on waiting until after Christmas to order my Ripper Cushions merch, so I’ll hop on that next time it opens.
Thanks for the update and providing us with cool stuff.
We are actually the AHADH Anything House Andrews Devouring Horde. (I started with HADA but House Andrews Devouring Horde just sounded wrong and dangerous ????)
I love the loot, especially the ripper cushion, but would rather have more books! Great compromise.
I was waiting until after Christmas to place my order too. I had thought to let the shipping madness die down a little bit. Oh well. I will wait for my shirts next time.
Totally do what’s best for you guys. I say this as I relax in my Cutting Edge sweatshirt. I still have some pending orders but they’ll ship eventually. No worries here.
Definitely don’t let the store take away from writing all the books.
Hey, those mirror image bags may become collector’s items, when they have coins with defects they become quite valuable, since a tote bag is much bigger than a coin *lol*
My first thought was Awesome how do I score one of those?
This is such a good idea.I will be looking forward to the next opportunity to get some merch from the store.
I’ll look out for the next opportunity with glee 🙂
Am I right in thinking that the international store didn’t launch yet? and that is due in 2023?
many thanks
The international merch store hasn’t been launched yet, no ????
We’ll update as soon as we have news!
yay.
Sounds like a plan!
I totally want something ripper cushions lol. I didn’t have the money while it was open, but thats fine, it won’t kill me to have to wait to add another mug to the bunch I already have.
At least one other author I follow opens their shop 3 or 4 times a year for much the same reason. Its a lot of work!
I was waiting until after Christmas too. Next time, I’m going to catch them all!
Happy we will have another opportunity.
That makes a ton of sense! Thank you for your thoughtfulness in this process!
I bought my daughter some Ripper Cushions. I got her hooked on Innkeeper and my husband already loves everything HA as much as I do. So this summer we binge listed to the GraphicAudio adaptations of Innkeeper during our road trips. I will treasure that experience for a long time. Thanks for writing something delightful I can share with my kid (and my hubby and my sisters too).
I was waiting to order as well but totally understand the need to pause so I’ll just look forward to the next time the store is open. ????
It says a lot about you that you care so much about getting us quality merch in a store from which you aren’t even making money. It’s no wonder you have such loyal and devoted followers.????
I adore my Ripper cushion and BDH shirt!
Totally understand the madness and will wait as patiently as possible for the next seasonal opening ????
Sounds like a wonderful plan♥️
Very sensible decision! My wonderful stuff arrived last week and I’ve been enjoying it all very much. But not more than my Kate re-read and SotB. What you write is so magical. Love my coffee cups, but devour your books!
But I wanted one of those totes with the mirror image. I had it in my cart but was planning on waiting until after Christmas, then I checked again to see availability and noticed the picture had changed and the mirror image was gone! Oh well…
I am happy to wait as need international post. loved looking at the store and mentally buying merchandise.
Ripper cushions! Sounds like a solid plan going forward. Hope you have a great New Years!
Hmmm. Well, while I like a sharp deal as much as the next coupon cutter, I also think there’s nothing wrong with taking a reasonable cut for your intellectual/creative efforts. Hiring a manager would contribute to the world economy, the Horde will shop til we drop, and you can keep on writing while the coin rolls in. (I’m bummed because I put off ordering until after the holiday rush, and now my snoozin’s left me loozn’!)
I actually received one of those mirror totes. Yes, I thought it a bit odd for it to mirror on the back, but I just deemed it a fun quirk. Not to mention alot of places only put an image on one side. So even having a back image (even if mirrored) was a perk. So no I don’t need a replacement. I find that I prefer the mirror image as it gives a nice symmetry to the sides of the bag. It came in just in time for a long drive with my toddler for a wedding. It was nice and big and held all my distraction toys for the little one. I love my bag! I hope the store doesn’t stay paused too long so that others can have a chance to buy some goodies as well.
Sorry this is taking away from writing time…I, too, waited because $$$ is short in December at Chez Murray and since my birthday is in January, I thought I would wait until after Christmas to order. Oh, well…I guess I now am suffering ripper cushions due to enertia.
Sorry the ripper cushions were so time consuming! The BDH is always happy to support the choice of writing vs. email, or eating, or sleeping..
????
Umm, I meant, take care of yourselves! Glad you are choosing to!❤️❤️
Thanks for all you do! Your writing is a bright spot right now.
The seasonal store sounds like a very reasonable and healthy alternative option. I hereby predict the mirror image bags will become collectible first editions and that the Hoard will devour merch like ravenous fiends in record time thanks to fears of not getting theirs before it closes again. LOL You may have to watch for scalping resellers in the future.
I can’t wait to buy the fun BDH sticker next time around 🙂
Wow.
When I mentioned this store to Hubby he said: “I love them. And this will hit hard snags over the holidays.”
His advice is what you’re doing–take a breath and give yourselves room to work.
He is also swooning for a “Jazz-fins” T-shirt. He just finished the book last night.
There were tears over Magnolia Green. It hit him hard. He loved Oond for his peacefulness. We’ve had a lot of tragedy in our family and that helped us a lot. Thank you.
We’re both looking forward to the New Year and wishing good things for everyone.
Mary Beth,
Oh my, I hadn’t considered “Jazz Fins” merch. ???? (I’ve been restraining myself from begging for more options, because … honestly … I’d never stop!)
I agree with ya’ll on the peacefulness of Oond’s scenes, they were charming and calming. The perfect balm for craziness.
Kira
Ok. I love the Ripper Cushions. Can’t remember if I ordered it though. Hopefully, so,e time in the future.
The H stands for a bunch of hoarders… who need M O R E MUAAHAHAHAHA!
I’m glad I bought what I could at the time. I don’t usually wear sweatshirts but the Kate one called my name. I am wearing it right now and it is super comfy. Thank you for setting expectations on the vibrancy of the print. I still love it.
Well fiddlesticks I missed the store announcement post and now it’s closed. I’ll be more diligent now to make I look at all the posts.
glad it was a smashing success hehe
I, too, decided to wait until after the holiday crush. Oh well, I get goodies when the store re-opens. I put stuff in my cart and would have bought it next week.
My daughter, the professor *needs* the “Doctor Loose Cannon” notebook. Her hubby could use something in that line, too. He is “currently finishing SotH”, I understand.
Goodies like the merchandise in the shop do not spoil if stored for a while. We in the BDH will wait until the chance comes around again. Do expect an even larger flood when you reopen the store. Those who missed out won’t want to risk missing again.
Luckily, I bought my Dream of Dragons tote the first time around. I might have gotten a new mug or two this time, but I really hope the “Here, kitty, kitty” shirt makes the grade and goes on sale. (We wants one, Precious, we *wants* one…)
I was actually waiting for more merchandise. I’m a t-shirt collection person. So I was hoping for more t-shirt choices. Hopefully when the store reopens, some of the BDH merch suggestions will have been added.
Glad you are stepping back. We would much rather have you spend you limited time and energy on writing than emailing about orders!
Since I’m in Germany, I haven’t had a chance to order anything yet, but I hope that the international store will be available soon.
I know just how much time an online shop takes up, so I’ll be happy to get things when the shop is up and running and you have time for it.
Thank you for making these wonderful products available to us in the first place! ❤️
Aaaaaaaaagh!
What a time for me to be financially responsible and wait until after the holidays to order.
I understand the logic for closing the store, just bummed personally I didn’t go with my gut and get the merch when I could’ve.
It will be back! ????
I bought three mugs and a phone case that I adoreeeeeee. It’s a little blurry, but it makes me smile every time I see the little purple monster stomping around. It was a Christmas present to myself that I didn’t know I needed after a stressful, crappy year. Thank you for making dreams come true, HA!
Mirror image tote bags, inverted jenny. 2.4 million. Hmmm. Hang on to those totes people!,
Can I get some help – where is this magical merchandise store??!
The store is here: https://houseandrewsmerch.com/ however, as the article updated is, it is on a temporary break ????
“This is not just because BDH placed almost a 1,000 orders.”
And I haven’t even placed my order yet. I was waiting until after the rush. The next time it opens again, I will be first in line. We appreciate the time you took on this and I know you were surprised by the volume, but I am not. You have created some memorable characters with memorable phrases and we must have ALL THE THINGS.
This is a treat for the BDH and we don’t want it to stress you out, so I will wait until it is open again.
I’m so impressed with your decision to have the store open in between your writing sessions! That’s perfect, clever, incisive and kudos to you for keeping it fun for yourselves and for the BDH. Meanwhile, sorry you’ve run into those beastly start-up lessons we all get when getting new projects up and running. You put so much effort into F U N for us … thank you so much for everything! Am reading Sweep of the Heart now, just about halfway thru and so looking forward to reading the ending!!!! (I haven’t read your questions and answers post with the spoilers yet … gotta keep the tingles of excitement going!!!!) Wishing you a stunningly fine, gloriously satisfied, deeply content 2023.
Totally off the blog subject, however I had to tell you how much I love my print copy of Sweep of the heart. It is smooth and heavy, with nice quality paper and beautiful artwork. I have followed the installments since the first book, but having all the print books is so wonderful. The story seems even richer and although I know you add and smooth, what can I say I become very old school and enjoy turning the pages. I then reread Sweep of the Blade. Thank you both so much. Made a happy time for me.
Love the seasonal opening approach. An artist that I buy prints from uses the same approach, and it’s something that his regular patrons have gotten used to.
I opted to wait until after the Christmas rush to order merch, so I’m glad I’ll still get a chance down the road. Thank you for indulging our wishes and taking on what seems to be even more work. It’s really appreciated.
Would HA consider selling downloadable images that we could then print on our own stickers, coasters, etc? As an international fan, I would greatly appreciate that option, especially when shipping may very well break the bank (and possibly the mug 😉 ).
There will be a dedicated international store which will do reasonable and safe shipping fees ????. Only a little bit more patience!
Thank you for CREATING the merchandise store. I am just sorry that it has turned into such a huge management headache.
I have my Ripper Cushions mug, my BDH Mug, and my sweatshirt….and I smile every time I see them. I am now re-reading the series, because I want to savor the new release….and when, or if, a new merch announcement is made, I will hop immediately to the site!
Thank you for being such magnificent authors. Your books make the world a happier place (at least for me!!)
Ok… that’s a lot of information and wooosh, what a huge time sink! I’m sorry it’s eating a ton of time and I love this seasonal store concept. And so does my wallet!
My 3 sisters and I are all proud members of the BDH but only one of us lives in the USA! And it’s not me 🙁
I’m so jealous of my US-residing sister! Her husband even bought her a considerable amount of swag from the merch store for Christmas! She promptly sent us pics to brag/taunt the rest of us, because that is what siblings do, of course!
My husband, a non-IA reader, loved his Roland mug. He giggled when he opened it. He used it this morning and reports that it holds black coffee as expected. ????
The packaging made eco me happy. Just enough to make the trip safely without being crazy. I actually opened it and went “Oh, that is clever!”
I know you do this out of a generous heart, but I am sure I speak for many of the BDH when I say you could add a little to the price and at least make enough for a spa day (or yarn spree, as the case may be) after a merch session!
does this mean next time the store reopens it will have more stuff to choose from? (like stickers?)
i will happily wait on the store rather than have it delay writing.
Going to become hot commodities now the BDH knows it will be “for a limited time” hehe like precious Jewels or rare loot we will wait uncompromising for a chance to add to the collection!
FYI though I got the Cutting Edge sweatshirt and I LOVE IT!!
I need ripper cushions desperately
can’t wait until the store reopens. Also can’t wIt for new books so. . . .
My order was sent quickly and arrived early and it was perfect. Not many things happen that way at our house. I am thrilled with my merch. Thanks!
Will there be any items with the covers from the books that were self published, such as the the Innkeeper series, the Julies’ book and Kates’ novella. I would love a mousepad or phone case with some of those images.
I was going to wait until after Christmas but one of my kids wanted ideas for me on 14th. I said funny you should ask and sent her links to the store. ????
I’m extremely happy with my Ferret Heist and Rippercusion swag. I bought a mug for my sister too and it made it in time for Christmas. Count me in for ordering more whenever you bring the store back!
Ilona,
I love the t-shirts and mouse pad I ordered! I am feeling a bit guilty though. Here’s why:
The mouse pad didn’t arrive with the shirts(it was sent later) so at first I was afraid it was among the missing. In retrospect, I should have just waited a while to see if it showed up, but since I thought it might have been a problem with the new store, I sent you an email right away.
I had no idea you were the one doing the follow-ups on issues! I am therefore so sorry to have added to your stress, and I want to thank you so much for the genuine care you always show for your fans. It means so much and that’s why we all love you guys!
I think a seasonal store is a fine idea, and like the rest of the BDH, I think that while the merchandise (as lovely as it is) is nice to have, your writing and the stories are what we most treasure. They are everything. This is why I never want to do anything to cause you more stress or make this not fun for you anymore.
Here’s wishing you a very, very Happy New Year, and a healthy, happy, wonderful, and hopefully stress-free 2023!
No worries, no stress was added. 🙂 Unfortunately, each item ships separately and they kept running out of stock, which cause further delays. My email is full of messages congratulating me that a particular mug/shirt are back in stock and I am like, “Why were you out ion the first place? Did you not know Christmas was coming?”
I’m glad I didn’t cause added stress (I really was worried about that!) You seem to be taking all of this so well…I can only hope I would be as calm! In any case, enjoy New Year’s with your family. ????
Books more important than merch… but not by much. Please do take care of yourselves, your family, etc, write books, and do merch in down time between the rest. But this member of the BDH is going to be (somewhat) patiently waiting for the shop to reopen.
The ‘Did you not know Christmas was coming?’ was a totally logical thought.
Oh, top of my list was Ripper Cushions, Ferret Heist, BDH, Cutting Edge… but the list was long and there were multiple items of each…
I love Kate Daniels, Innkeeper, and Hidden Legacy so much. It’s really difficult to choose. So many fun characters.
Love my BDH sweatshirt! Makes me smile just seeing in the closet!! Practicing self control at the holidays and only ordered the one item, but my cart is full of items to order whenever you reopen. And excited to hear that there will be additional choices!
But I totally understand making this a seasonal shop so you can focus on writing. Your books are amazing and I love them all.
Happy New Year to you, your family and Mod R!!
I opened a dropship store with a friend as a social enterprise for the disability community and as a way to create some level of employment for our disabled teens, goodonu.ca, and – I hear you. Suppliers woes sometimes make us despair.
I finally got all of the stuff I ordered. They came is a few separate shipments but all in great condition. I had a IA merch fund so I was went a little nuts. I love the sweatshirts and the BDH tote the most. I will again start another fund, since I had planned to get mugs and the ripper cushions in January.
I received my shipment! Glad I ordered but sorry I contributed to the scrum by ordering multiple items. I love my iPhone case but my husband upgraded my phone for Christmas so now it’s outdated! I’ll wait for the next open store and just drink from my ‘Book Devouring Hoard’ mug until then!
No scrum ????, no worries, it’s just a few details that have to be ironed out and a printer that didn’t adequately prepare for the Horde hehe.
So glad you’re enjoying the mug!
Thanks for doing this for the BDH. We love you guys and appreciate all the heart you put into everything you do for us. Do what you have to do and ignore the complainers. You are doing great. Happy 2023!
Go international…yay! Best bit I read in this post!
Wow, I hate I waited to order now it’ll definitely be more waiting. Oh well hopefully next time I can get some ripper cushion pillows. I’ll just have to be on the ball when it comes to ordering.
Thanks for the information. I really, really would like to have a Ripper Cushion mug!!! When do you start to deliver to Germany, where I live?
I ‘ve read your books so many times, I know most by heart now,and can’t wait for the next ones.
Hi Birgit,
We don’t have a firm date yet, but we will be sure to announce it to everyone on the blog as soon as we do ????
I received my 3 mugs Christmas Eve. woohoo!! They are fantastic. I will probably order something everytime you open the store! WhenI drink my tea from one of my mugs it brings a smile to my face!! Thank you opening the store!!
Any chance for a Doolittle mug? I am tempted to order a Doctor Loose Cannon mug when you reopen, but he is even closer to my heart. I have had to try to help patients who just make the wrong decisions about how to do first aid many times, and having that bit of dialogue where he rescues Kate from people who think pouring alcohol on a wound is a Good Idea made me realize how well you all think through your character’s viewpoints. His frustration with Kate getting injured all over again and again–I really can relate. Y’all are good writers. Just a weird suggestion–hire some nice college students to run the merchandise and you two sit back and drink hot chocolate and watch some cheerful anime. You are allowed to take care of yourselves!
My awesome mug and mouse pad arrived in perfect condition. only downside was having to explain what Rippercussion meant to my husband. I finally just played the appropriate scene for him on Audible. The light dawned…. Thank you souch for my treasures
Last night at dinner, my darling child had my cutting edge sweatshirt between her teeth and my dad was all, “well, your sweatshirt does have a monster on it so it fits that one is chewing on it.”
I received my tote bag, it is the dual image, but I LOVE it! The tote bag is much larger than I anticipated, which is a plus. Thank you for shipping to APO as some businesses (understandably) don’t support that. It brings a bit of home and comfort in our overseas location. Thank you again 🙂
Oh no! So much to unwrap.
I waited to order…I also forgot. Now I have a cart full of wishes. ???? When you say seasonal does that include holidays like Passover and Valentines Day?
Small shops are really struggling this year, it’s not just you. The turn around times all increased and supply chain constructions made everything more complicated. It’s always complicated but I’m really sad it was so difficult for you.
Mirror printed totes actually sound pretty cool. Add a material flaw section and let the BDH decide how cool.
Hi Brody,
“Seasonal” here isn’t really meant as “around the holidays”, more to denote that it will be open only on certain occasions- namely between writing projects ????
The next time the shop opens is likely to be around the release of Magic Triumphs ( January 17) and stay open for a few days ????
Is there any chance of a waiting list for any merch? I’d love to be on a list for a Ripper Cushions mug, once they’re up and running again. Or do I need to check back periodically to see for myself that the store is active again?
Hey Melinda,
The merch store will open again during release week next week, and is likely to stay open for about 5 days.
We will do our best to announce it with plenty advance ????
Hi, is the merch store back up yet? I have my eye on the BDH mug, and I would hate to miss it.
It’s not up yet, a lot is happening backstage, and we hope to have updates either this week or the next 🙂 . Thank you for your patience! (but rest assured the designs are not going anywhere!)