International Fulfillment Update, Bonus Octopi and Videos!
about 3 years ago – Sat, Feb 27, 2021 at 03:50:17 AM

Let's get to the most important part first:

International Fulfillment Update 

International Fulfillment has started processing.  We apologize for the confusion and we should have mentioned this sooner but for international orders only we did have to split shipments. 

•  ArchRavels & Deluxe Wooden Bowls are shipping from Hong Kong
•  Neoprene Mats + any other add-ons that you might have ordered (such as pins, patches, copies of other XYZ games, etc...) are shipping from the United States

Why are we so focused on that?

We've had a lot of questions from International Backers over the last day or so asking why they have received tracking information for their Mats and Addons - but there is no mention of the Game. Thank you for letting us know! Thanks to your heads up we dug into it.

Here's what happened:

The majority of the orders from Hong Kong containing your game and bowls have been prepped.  Which means they're ready to go out the door! So, that's good. The next step after prepped is that they would be handed off to the couriers that will get them to you.

However, in between those two steps: You're supposed to automatically get a tracking number! Which did not happen. Meanwhile at the other fulfillment center (mats, addons, etc...) - things happened as expected. What was going to be smooth coordination between multiple warehouses, experienced a little hiccup. Sorry about that.

Good news is that if you got a shipping notification for your mat/addons - one for the game and/or bowls should be coming shortly.

We're stumped as much as you as to why the tracking numbers were not emailed out. We're waiting for an answer but if by the end of the day today there's no response, Team XYZ will literally click the "send tracking email" button for each order ourselves either late tonight or tomorrow morning.  What this may mean is that you might receive multiple tracking notifications; so please disregard if you receive duplicates.  

If you have any questions or concerns or feel like the above doesn't quite cover your situation then as always feel free to reach out to [email protected].

And now some fun stuff!

We are so excited that so many folks are starting to receive their games! For those of you wondering why upon searching #ArchRavels you're seeing a bunch of crocheted Octupi, it's because we included a little bonus crochet pattern in those boxes... 

Look at how cute! The Pattern was developed by Lily's Dragon Nest.  At Gen Con 2019 she saw ArchRavels, loved the artwork, and came back to us later that day with a crochet octopus! We've had this little guy ever since and worked with her to add the pattern to the game. 

If you make your own crocheted Octupi or if you get ArchRavels to the table, please be sure to tag us @xyzgamelabs and use #ArchRavels! We'd love to see your games. 

Unboxing Videos

We've seen a few requests for an unboxing video. Our friend, Rachael Blaske, has decided to make one for us because she's the best. Check out her unboxing video as well as another unboxing video from a crocheter fan who was so excited to share the game!

Learn How To Play ArchRavels Livestream

Did you miss our Learn How To Play ArchRavels Livestream? Not to worry! It's uploaded on our YouTube where we walk you through set up, chat about our lives, and play through a game! 

Again if you have any questions, comments, concerns about your order or if you have to sell ArchRavels at your game or yarn store, please email us at [email protected]. 

Thank you for your support and keep crafty, 

Team XYZ

Fulfillment Questions & Learn How to Play
about 3 years ago – Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 10:22:51 PM

Hi Crafters! 

Fulfillment is Happening!

We've absolutely loved your photos and we're so happy that ArchRavels made it to the table for some of you folks this weekend. If you share any photos of ArchRavels, please follow and tag us @xyzgamelabs and use the #ArchRavels hashtag! We'll definitely reshare the photos. 

FAQs About Wrong Addresses or Damaged Goods

If there's anything weird about your shipment, reach out to us at [email protected]. For example, 

• If you didn't update your shipping address, hopefully you still have mail forwarding set up. Then USPS can send it to the correct address so it should be set. If you haven't received your package after 2 weeks, please email us. If your package gets returned back to sender (us), then we'll reach out. 
• For any damaged games, please snap a photo of the product and packaging and send the photos via email to us as well. We'll send replacement parts as needed. 

Just so you know, we'll handle all damaged or lost packages after backer fulfillment is complete. 

Rate ArchRavels on BGG

Once you've played ArchRavels, it would mean a lot to us if you'd Rate ArchRavels on BoardGameGeek. BGG is the largest network and resource for tabletop games. Since we're so small, we read through every piece of feedback and it all counts. 

Again, we are so appreciative of your support. We literally could not have made ArchRavels without you. 

Learn How to Play ArchRavels Live TONIGHT @ 6:30PM CT

Do rulebooks intimidate you? Are you worried about breaking that seal because learning a new game can be exhausting? We got you covered! 

Join us for a live playthrough of ArchRavels on Twitch TONIGHT at 6:30PM CT. Throughout the game we'll share stories of the design and we'll answer any of your questions during the stream. 

Also, we know the past year has been tough especially with social distancing. We encourage you all to play (for free) the digital version of ArchRavels on Tabletopia with your friends and family!

Keep Crafting and we'll see ya tonight, 

Team XYZ 

P.S. Quick reminder that we're closing the yarn ball refund program on March 31st. If you haven't already, please fill out the ArchRavels Refund Application. We adjusted the form so that your kickstarter number isn't required. Thanks! 

Fulfillment has begun.
about 3 years ago – Sat, Feb 13, 2021 at 08:12:57 PM

IT'S HAPPENING!!!!!

Ahem... Sorry. Got a bit excited...

 Shipping of ArchRavels has begun. (yay!)

Our fulfillment partners have officially started picking, packing and shipping your goods.  Some of you might have already received tracking information. If you haven't yet, be on the lookout! 

We expect all orders to be processed and packages handed off to couriers within the next 2 weeks. For domestic orders that means you'll likely receive your orders in the next 2-3 weeks. For international orders it will likely be 3-5 weeks.

That's it. Update complete.

- Team XYZ

No really... Why ya scrolling? 

You're still here? Aww... thanks!

Btw...

Happy Valentine's Day!

You're great. We're big fans. So we made ya something! Just scroll down... 

(If ya wanna use these yourself, free to save the images below OR we also made a printable version. )

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out at [email protected]

Keep Crafting,

Team XYZ 

Fulfillment Progress & Status of the Resin Yarn Balls
over 3 years ago – Fri, Jan 29, 2021 at 01:29:46 AM

This update is a big one...

Fulfillment is just around the corner!

ArchRavels and almost all of the add-ons have arrived at the fulfillment center. 

All told in this campaign we have 21 different items you could get as a reward and as of right now 19 of those have arrived. They are ready and waiting to go… We expect to have packages start shipping in the next 2 weeks.

Here’s the list:

• ArchRavels (the game)
• Wooden Bowls
• Four sticker designs
• Four pin designs
• Four patch designs
• Postcard Pack
• Tote Bags
• And any other XYZ Games you added to your pledges. (RobotLab, Inoka, Tiny Tina)
   

There are two outstanding items that have not yet arrived:

•  Playmats - Cleared customs! Apparently, there is congestion in the LA Port so it’s just waiting its turn in line to get shipped to the fulfillment center. The shipping company expects those to arrive in the next week or so.  
•  Realistic Resources / Resin Yarn Balls - We’ll talk about those below…
   

Realistic Resources (aka resin yarn balls) STATUS:

We have decided to cancel and refund the yarn realistic resources. It was not an easy decision. However, due to a combination of manufacturing availability and the effects of 2020 on the timeline, we could not get the fit, finish, and quality we wanted in the timeline we needed.

If we would’ve continued to produce the yarn balls it would have taken another 4-6 months before these could be delivered. It also would’ve doubled our fulfillment costs by requiring a 2nd wave of shipping.

Considering the extended waiting period for our backers, the additional cost implications, and the strain that it would put on our team, we decided that our best course of action is to not produce this item AND to offer refunds to everyone who ordered this component.

We hate not following through on this component, but we hope you understand our decision.

Resin Yarn Balls Refund Process 

There are two ways you could’ve ordered the Resin Yarn Balls:

• ArchRavels Deluxe Edition
• Realistic Resources Add On 

ArchRavels Deluxe Edition is a bundled discount that included the Resin Yarn Balls. Those orders are eligible for a $8 refund.

Realistic Resources Add-On is a standalone item for $12 and those orders are eligible for a $12 refund.

Here’s how to apply for the Resin Yarn Ball refund:

• We can not issue refunds directly back to your original method of payment. It’s just been too long since those transactions occurred.
• We can issue the refund in any of the following methods: PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, XYZ Credit or paper check.
• To apply for the refund just fill out this form (ArchRavels Refund Application) letting us know who you are and how you want to receive it.
• We will be verifying the submissions against your original orders so please use the same personal details when applying for your refund as you used to make the order.
• We will issue refunds for every copy of the item that is on your order.
• Please apply promptly. We’ll send out additional reminders but we plan on closing the application form March 1st, 2021 and start sending out refunds shortly after that.
• If you choose XYZ Credit as your refund method, your credit will have no expiration date and can be applied to purchases from shop.xyzgamelabs.com, the pledge manager on our future crowdfunding campaigns, or buying stuff directly from us at conventions (ya know, when those happen again…)
   

While we’re sorry we can’t deliver the Realistic Yarn Balls, we hope the refund makes that sting a bit less for everyone.

Thanks for all your support, and as always send any questions or concerns to [email protected]

Keep Crafting!

- Team XYZ

It's all coming together...
over 3 years ago – Sat, Jan 09, 2021 at 03:04:23 AM

Hi Crafters! 

It's been a tough week but this update is full of GOOD NEWS! 

1. En Route To The Fulfillment Center!

ArchRavels has cleared customs and is officially on it's way to the fulfillment center! For those of you who may not be familiar with this process, customs can delay and hold back packages for a long time. This is actually quite faster than we expected and we're thrilled by this good news! Our current estimate is that rewards will start shipping at the end of January. As always, if anything changes; we'll let ya know!

2. Dice Tower: Best Family Games of 2020

Tom Vasel of Dice Tower listed ArchRavels as #9 in the Dice Tower Best Family Games of 2020. Yes, yes, we know that TECHNICALLY ArchRavels is being released in 2021 - no matter, we're still incredibly honored that our cute, cozy fiber arts game was recognized in this way. If you haven't heard about The Dice Tower or are new to gaming, check it out. It's a wonderful resource for anyone interested in board games.

3. Advanced Retail Copies to Previewers

In mid-December we sent a handful of Advanced Copies out to the previewers and reviewers who helped us spread the word during the Kickstarter campaign.  Unfiltered Gamer had the chance to unbox the final production copy and they've said wonderful things about the quality of ArchRavels. 

"#ArchRavels by @xyzgamelabs has amazing quality and art! Excited to get into this one and Calli loves this one!" - Unfiltered Gamer

 4. BoardGameGeek: Most Anticipated Games of 2021

Each year the BoardGameGeek community votes on what titles they can't wait to get their hands on in the new year. Nominations are happening RIGHT NOW and we'd love if you'd help us break into that Top 20 list. 

Please cast your vote for ArchRavels for 20 Most Anticipated Games of 2021 by clicking on that green button beneath the ArchRavels thumbnail at the link. (If you don't have a BGG account - no worries, it's free and easy to set one up.)

That's it for this update - If everything goes according to plan: The next time you hear from us ArchRavels will be en route to your table.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected]

Keep Crafting, 

Team XYZ