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Showing 1 of 13 conversations about:
radellaf
4
Feb 14, 2016
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$40 ink? And I thought the $28 MSRP Iroshizuku was crazy.
Feb 14, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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radellafMaybe I shouldn't say anything because I've never seen these inks in person, but I somehow doubt they're worth it—even though Bungbox inks are obviously generally more subtle and well-blended than many "custom" color inks. After shipping, we're looking at close to $40 per 50 ml bottle ($0.80/ml); more than enough incentive to try and ship direct from Japan. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure these are "Massdrop exclusive" colors or something—and they are gorgeous.
My point is, wow this ink is niche, and if you're just getting into fountain pens THIS IS A BAD IDEA. Obviously, if you know what you're getting into this might be perfect for you—the chocolate would be a lovely match for the new Limited Edition Pelikan Grand Place, so lawyers, trust fund kids, and hip hop moguls take note. If you're just trying to fill up the converter on your first Metropolitan, there are MANY inks considered VERY HIGH END that are cheaper than this ink. I was recently part of a Faber Castell two-pack drop; I got EXCELLENT quality ink at about $30 per 75ml ($0.40/ml). Pilot makes quality inks, as does Sailor and Pelikan; heck, even Caran d'Ache inks are cheaper at this point!
Feb 15, 2016
Arctic_Wolf
20
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianI would have to agree with your sentiment about the ink being "worth it" however, to be quite frank, this is (unfortunately) the best deal we're gonna get in the US if you're interested in the ink. Bung-Box now sells on Amazon in the US, for ~$35 a bottle. This would be expensive, but not far off what you'd pay for it in Japan at 3240 JPY (Price-gouging at its finest; Bung-Box used to be 2160 JPY, or ~18 US, before the huge surge in popularity, and it came in nicer looking, more functional bottles). Unfortunately, Amazon charges an additional $22 PER BOTTLE to ship (Absolutely ridiculous!) and you won't get free shipping with prime on this. You used to be able to purchase directly from them if you sent an email, however when I last sent one (at the start of the previous Bung-box ink drop) the reply I received was essentially "Thanks for your interest in our inks, you can buy them through US Amazon, we can't be troubled to take the time to ship individually to the US." Of course, you can always go through a buying service such as White Rabbit Express to try to get it directly from Japan, but then you're looking at an additional $1 per item, $4 fee per shop, 12.5% service charge for the total cost of the items, AND you still have to pay for the shipping. While probably still cheaper than Amazon, you're looking at ~$33 after the item/shop fees, $35 after the additional 12.5% surcharge, and then you still need to pay to ship it. So if you've been saving up for a Bung-Box ink, even just to try, maybe wait for another drop on a color you like better, but understand that, sadly, this really is the best deal you're gonna get.
Feb 15, 2016
TheSleepyCat
25
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianJust FYI it won't be cheaper to get these from Japan, Bung Box only ships EMS so it's only cheaper if you buy 3+ bottles from them at a time. Also, these aren't massdrop exclusive colors, these are seasonal colors, meaning they are only available during this time of the year and are made in limited quantities.
And btw these inks are made by Sailor, sailor has their standard line of inks and they also mix exclusive colors for different stationery shops in Japan (bung box being one of them), so think of this like Lexus being the luxury brand for Toyota... there's a reason why bung box and other sailor exclusive inks are highly sought after, they are saturated, well behaved, writes like a dream, and color selection is vast. If you don't want to participate in this drop then fine, but why discourage others from joining? I think we're more than smart enough to do the maths ourselves and decide if we're willing to pay the premium for these inks.
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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TheSleepyCatI was discouraging people who are new to fountain pens from joining. I stand by what I said; you can get inks that behave just as well and look just as good for much less. It's true that you can't get certain colors or shades unless you get a special ink like BungBox; I don't think that's an issue most beginners are concerned with. I think people are more than smart enough to read what I wrote and make the decision for themselves. It's not like my criticism literally legally stops people from joining, and it's not like I'm spreading lies or misinformation.
Feb 15, 2016
Arctic_Wolf
20
Feb 15, 2016
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TheSleepyCatTo add on to that, it won't be cheaper period for customers in the US, as they will no longer ship directly to the US, and only use Amazon. This is the email I received from them (my info edited out, of course) when asking about purchasing directly from them because $57 a bottle of amazon is absolutely insane. http://imgur.com/2yuHLzE
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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Arctic_WolfIf BungBox doesn't watch out, some other ink manufacturer will take notice and start producing interesting, subtle ink colors, selling them at a fraction of the cost of these overpriced BungBox inks. Just look at the J. Herbin special edition "sparkle" inks, and then look at the Diamine response, the Shimmertastic line. Many people (myself included) find the Shimmertastic line to be SUPERIOR. I'm not paying THESE prices for this ink, but if someone came into the marketplace at the "lower" level that premium inks from Pilot, Faber-Castell, etc. are priced at, I'd spend quite a bit of money indeed.
Feb 15, 2016
TheSleepyCat
25
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianyou were spreading misinformation by suggesting it will be cheaper to get it from Japan, it isn't, this drop is the best available price. You can also get these inks from Vanness (but i believe they are out of the pink one and might have sold all the chocolate at LA this weekend) ... and these inks are made by Sailor... look at the bottle... those are sailor proprietary bottles... smh.
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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TheSleepyCat"More than enough incentive to try and ship direct from Japan" is not suggesting it's cheaper, it's suggesting it's worth looking into. I get it though, you're one of those people who takes it personally when someone even PARTIALLY critiques something you're buying.
Feb 15, 2016
Arctic_Wolf
20
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianPersonally, I'm not a fan of cleaning the shimmer inks, despite how gorgeous they look. I do hope someone starts to undercut them with an equivalent product though.
Feb 15, 2016
Tony_Clifton
13
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianYou have ZERO idea what you are talking about... I can only assume you work for a competing ink manufacturer.
Feb 15, 2016
CaroleT
15
Feb 15, 2016
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Arctic_Wolf"Bung-Box used to be 2160 JPY" -- the 'standard' Bung-Box inks, in the old-style (i.e. non- Sailor) bottles, are still listed at 2160 JPY (~19USD) on the Bungubox japanese website. As others have pointed out, the 'problem' is getting these shipped to you (unless you have a chum in japan who can get them at the japanese price!). If you want it, at the moment I think you have to pay top dollar! Or grab the limited edition colours when you can if you REALLY want them that much (but since when did price on its own deter us serious pen freaks........ :-) ).
As regards Pilot Iroshizuku, you CAN get then much cheaper off japanese websites, and since (unlike the Bung Box inks), these aren't shop-specific or limited edition, you can scan a few japanese websites until you find a decent price. I haven't yet tried the shipping agent route, because many of the japanese suppliers do ship themselves, at a decent price. Capitalism in action, when there is ONE supplier, they charge what they can get!
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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Tony_CliftonYou're adorable. Do you have an actual argument or point to make?
Feb 15, 2016
Tony_Clifton
13
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianYou don't so I don't... Ill call in the morning Japan time and come back with the facts for your silliness.
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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Tony_CliftonSo, "I know you are but what am I?!" and "I totally know stuff that will blow you out of the water. I'm totally gonna put you in your place really soon! Just you wait!" is basically your response. I'm not surprised.
Feb 15, 2016
Tony_Clifton
13
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianGo back to Reddit and engage.
Feb 15, 2016
Tony_Clifton
13
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianAnd yes i am going to be sure of my facts before I let my ass guide my mouth.
Feb 15, 2016
TheSleepyCat
25
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbriani don't have a problem with criticism but you were spreading false information and you're full of contradictions
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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TheSleepyCatWhat are you referring to specifically?
Feb 15, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 15, 2016
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Tony_CliftonYou mean except for the four posts you've already made where you didn't contribute ANYTHING, just snark and personal attacks?
Feb 15, 2016
Tony_Clifton
13
Feb 15, 2016
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dropbrianI don't take trolls seriously at all. You know nothing about Japanese boutique inks. You don't like them because you think they are expensive and that's fine. You made you point so move along. Goto your local Mercedes Dealer and tell their customers to buy a Honda since they both have 4 wheels and windshield. Lastly you asked me if I have anything to contribute related to inks? Sure do... and if you would like some of that knowledge you can go Google it.
Feb 15, 2016
Tambone
7
Feb 16, 2016
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Arctic_WolfShipping isn't quite $22 per bottle. It starts at 22, but if you order 4 bottles, it's actually $31.32, which comes to an extra $8 a bottle. Still makes this mass drop a better deal, but it's all about what colors you like.
Feb 16, 2016
dropbrian
116
Feb 16, 2016
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Tony_CliftonI really don't care what you think you know about inks at all. Generally the point of these discussion forums is to, you know, discuss the drop. I didn't realize the drop discussion page was a place for you to lord your *giggle* ink superiority over all of us.
You have literally done nothing in here but bluster and attack. That's fine—it's kind of funny, actually—but now when you try to take some kind of moral high ground it's just precious.
And I'm sorry you're still hurt for whatever I said to you at Reddit.
Feb 16, 2016
Arctic_Wolf
20
Feb 19, 2016
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TamboneThanks, I did not know this! After seeing $22 for shipping I simply thought it was per item, like most of Amazon is. Sorry for the misinformation!
Feb 19, 2016
Tambone
7
Feb 19, 2016
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Arctic_WolfNo worries! I only know because I was toying with buying some... still too rich for my blood. If folks are looking for different bung box colors, right now Vanness Pen Shop has them for $40, and shipping is free for orders of $40 or more. Definitely worth checking out.
Feb 19, 2016
ambersroses81
2
Feb 20, 2016
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Tony_CliftonHe didn't say that he didn't like them, he said that they're probably not the right ink for a beginner just learning what they like and that it would be worth looking into shipping it direct from Japan if possible...how about you get your panties out of your crack and grow up dude.
Feb 20, 2016
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