And somewhat disappointed  
 
Let me start by saying that the package arrived earlier than expected. Packaging was perfect, folding too and same goes for the back of the card.  
 
But... the smell is terrible! My cats, always curious, started sneezing after sniffing at the cards and apparently it's that strong that they don't go near the cards anymore (which by itself is a good thing )
After holding the cards I had to wash my hands several times before I dared to touch food. It's a chemical smell which doesn't go away (made me lightheaded) - those of you who have smelled it will know what I mean.
 
To be able to compare the glossy cards, I ordered the same cards from GCU and Zazzle. Where the surface of the Zazzle cards is smooth, the GCU cards look like someone has been using a blowdryer on high speed to dry them. They're all 'rippled'. Not deep ripples, but clearly not as smooth as the Zazzle cards.
 
I've put the cards in the open air in the shed - can't stand to have them in the house - and I truly hope the bad smell will fade away as I have to send them soon.
 
 

Yes, its sad but true
Clearly GCU printer is still learning and sometimes gets it right and sometimes does not.
 
For that reason I don't like to post a permanent negative forum comment  on a transient problem
because I am sure they will get it right . I wish this post would vanish soon after gCU reading
 
We have received several orders of multiple cards recently from GCU, nearly perfect with no spell on cards , printed 1 day before we received  them. At the same time others reported smells .  
Sometimes cards are great, sometimes less than GCU goals.  
 
We use entirely gloss finishes with blacks and intense color and recently purchase cards from GCU and Zazzle  and there is a difference.
 
 I will  gladly mail samples of same card images from both to GCU so they may share with printer and help them understand,learn and deliver the best possible card.  
 
its best for printer to see with their eyes whats going on and learn
I know GCU and all the artist want the BEST
 
i noted that zazzle and GCU use different card papers and this might effect printing
GCU uses a grayer recycled paper, while Z has whiter non recycled paper.
 
there is also traditionally a sizing issue with designs because  GCU somehow stretches our 5x7 images and then sometimes has wide cut lines. Our 5x7 design prints and is cut perfectly on Z, while on GCU cards  images are clearly stretched, lighter, bigger and cut lines vary and sometimes crop
 
its best for printer to see with their eyes whats going on and learn
I know GCU and all the artist want the BEST and i will gladly contributed to their learning

Stinky-poo !
 
Third time writing regarding this subject, I am quite bummed about the horrible smell ! Yes a BIG
 
I too have had to wash my hands after touching the cards.  The smell stays on your hands - a very bad chemical varnish smell.  
 
Additionally, as stated before - I ordered over 3 dozen of my holiday cards to send as a promotion of my work.  I'm so very disappointed with this awful smell from the cards.  It is a negative promotion resulting in a loss of sales and a waste of my money and time.
 
poopers.

the smell issue is very strange.  
All of our cards are printed in glossy and i had cards shipped on nov 29 and nov 30  and there was no smell on any of the cards we had mailed.
 
on the 29 Antinette had cards printed that smelled
 
I have previously received cards with the smell , but the last 2 batches had no smell to them and we live local to the printer and get them next day after mailing.
 
SO, even cards mailed the same day have a variation in smell
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Jason,
 
  Thank you for addressing my communications, I'm responding to your question.
 
I have written 3 times regarding the smelly cards of 2 different orders/shipment dates.
 
- order No. 395684  mailed on Nov 24, 2010  
- order No. 397343  mailed on Nov 28, 2010
 
I also notice, the Vertical cards are cut off at the bottom (interfering with the text), whereas the Horizontal shaped card is fine.
 
PS - you look so young for a print manager, you must be a baby-genius !  Parents must be proud !  
 
TANITU • Creative-Paradise
 
Tanya

Jason , i have sent two emails concerning my color issues and wondered if you would check your messages thanks.  if you have answered, i have missed it somehow.

Quote from Jason_147364 on Dec 20^th, 2010, 3:43pm:

 
Hi Jason,
 
I have been following Denise's question about color profile and can not find your response.  Could you or Denise put a link here so I can get her questioned answered for my own sake?
 
Thanks...and you are right, Bennett is amazingly cute!  Congratulations papa!  Your first?

I just tead this whole thread.  Marie got her order today we ordered last week. prompt mailing, gorgeous printing.  But!!!!! the smell is horrible!!!  We have had them in the kitchen window all day with the window open.  I didn't want her to send them the smell is still strong, but she's mailing them in the morning, from the north-midwest to east coast.  Hope they don't still smell when they get there.  What really has me worrird though is I had GCU mail mine and they were mailed Saturday.  One going to my sister-in-law in Indiana who is in her mid-eighties, with asthma, and frail health.  I thought this issue had been addressed and taken care of?