rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 I recently bought a bundle from USCutter on Ebay. The auction made it appear that both pieces of software were included. I did not receive PSN's for either piece of software when I received everything. So I first asked for the PSN for VinylMaster Cut. I then remember that the auction showed both pieces of information and it looked like both were included. So I contacted support to ask for the SCALP PSN and was told 'you already picked'. Well, I read the fine print and it does say there is a choice. I was never asked before the package was sent. When asked about it support said most people throw away the software card because they don't see a CD. But if I was SUPPOSED to choose which piece of software I wanted, why did they not ask me before they shipped everything? Instead, it was the weekend, which is the only time I had free, and found out I can't use the cutter that I've been drooling over all week. But they shipped it. And I inadvertently CHOSE one of the software packages. I haven't installed it yet so the PSN hasn't been used. I had read further in the description for SCALP that's good for rhinestone templates which are something I wanted to get into, no exclusively but just in addition to everything else. So I asked would that be a better choice than VinylMaster Cut. Support wrote back saying I can do rhinestone templates with both pieces of software and they don't offer design support. So all that said..... I hate to ask this same question in both forums, but hopefully, some of you here have used both programs. Which program is 'better'? If SCALP does anyone know of a manager or someone I can talk to see if I can get SCALP instead since I haven't activated/used the PSN for VMC? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 Post the link to the bundle that you purchased from EBAY... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=302226062190&view=all&tid=1358086887020 At the top of the main description is says "These packages are offered at a discounted prices, and include the following items:" And those following items list VinylMaster Cut AND Sure Cuts A Lot Pro. It doesn't say anywhere 'to choose'. The only part that they can get out of giving both is above that in small letters that they offer a software choice. But then list the package contents as having both pieces of software. So I either am owed both or they need to let me pick SCALP if it indeed is better. And if complain too much that the auction clearly states both pieces of software are included, I'm afraid they won't help me with the stand for the cutter. It's not wide enough, though the cutter is sturdy, the brackets bend at a slight unusual shape when tightening down the screws. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 I can't get the link to go anywhere.... This purchased item information is no longer available. There are a number of reasons why this information isn't available. The most common reason is that item details for purchases are not kept for more than 90 days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 So which cutter did you purchase? Maybe I could look at completed listings..If I knew what I was looking for, and when did you purchase? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 try this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/302226062190?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=601067366724&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT When I look at it, it says "the listing below has been updated by the seller, but you can see the item you purchased here", so I gave you that second link I clicked. If that link doesn't work type in 302226062190 in the search box on Ebay and that will take you to the auction. It does say the package includes your choice of cutter, and lists both pieces of software as being included in the package, not that it includes your choice of software. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 Ok you had a choice,, So you should have left your choice in message to seller when you made your purchase.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 They are telling you what each software works in Mac and or PC, So make a choice.. Your choice would go in message to seller at purchase... Many sellers use Message to seller also for color choice of decals, or other items that need a choice being made. You choose later... "We've included software choices: VinylMaster Cut (recommended for PC) and Sure Cuts A Lot Pro (recommended for MAC. Please note: VinylMaster Cut DOES NOT work with MAC computers, while SCAL Pro works with both MAC and PC computers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 The auction doesn't say that. It clearly showed both pieces of software are included. They said, "the following items are included". It didn't say "pick from the list below". I guarantee you Ebay would side with me if I decided to file a complaint. But I don't want to do that. They've been nice and respond quickly to my inquiries and I want to have a good business relationship with USCutter.... But software is a very big part of this package... if I could afford to just buy anything else I wouldn't have needed to buy a value cutter to begin with. I don't have the money for that. And I think they should give more thought into helping me since I've already pointed out that the auction is contradictory. But besides that, why would they ship it out if I didn't let them know. Common courtesy and customer service would dictate they needed to ask me. And when I asked about it they just send me a PSN for VinylMaster Cut without verifying which piece of software I wanted. So is VinylMaster Cut a bad choice? Does SCALP do anything it can't? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 You get this: Vinyl Master Cut OR SURE CUTS A LOT PRO COPIED FROM AD... ITems that come with laserpoint II are NEW Vinyl Cutter Floor Stand (Optional for 25" cutter) VinylMaster Cut or Sure Cuts A Lot Pro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 You didn't even look at the auction I sent you. And you haven't read what I've typed. They did NOT choose for me. If they had, they would have shipped the PSN for whatever THEY CHOSE with the package. When the auction BOTH states they've included software choices AND that the package includes both pieces of software, then that's called a contradiction. I'm not trying to get something out of them that I'm not owed. I'm not trying to get both pieces of software. I'm trying to make sure I get the best piece of software. In this forum, they list SCALP as having features unmatched by any other software. Nowhere on this forum do they say "but we recommend this only if you have a Mac". So back to my main question, is SCALP better than VinylMaster Cut and if you think so why? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 6 minutes ago, MZ SKEETER said: edit.. OK I see where you are seeing that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 like I said I'm not trying to scam them. I'm not trying to get BOTH. Will VCM be good enough for me is all i wanted to know Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 The auction that I am looking at has these dates and user IDs Is this your auction? This is not the updated auction, User ID Variation Price Quantity Date of Purchase a***a( 5 ) Model: 25" with stand (PC) US $386.99 1 Feb-28-17 13:01:28 PST d***l( 6 ) Model: 31.5" With Stand (PC) US $431.99 1 Feb-27-17 11:30:46 PST o***o( 698) Model: 25" with stand (PC) US $386.99 1 Feb-26-17 22:38:41 PST e***y( 93) Model: 31.5" With Stand (PC) US $431.99 1 Feb-26-17 18:01:52 PST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rastoma 1 Posted March 15, 2017 MZ Skeeter - thank you so much for your time. I know you're really trying to help me and I so appreciate it. I just feel so lost. I haven't installed any software, I haven't powered up the cutter yet. Before I install what I was given I'm just scared I got the wrong piece of software since I don't get to try both. No I'm not listed in that auction. My Ebay username is rastoma as well. But you're right about only 1 piece of software. I'm not worried about that. My intention was not to try and get both pieces of software. I just didn't actually get to knowingly pick and I'm afraid I picked wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 I tried Scalp as a demo. Didn't like it at all. Too much like a clunky craft software. Vinyl Master on the higher version is more like a real software... Cut more a basic version. I use Flexi software and have for 10 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted March 15, 2017 To answer your question, If you use PC computers I would recommend VM so it sounds like you picked my fav of the two already HOWEVER The cut version is limited in abilities. The VM platform is a really good program and in the upper levels is a superior value to just about anything out there in a bang for the buck scenario. They also have a tech here on the forum who answers a lot of newbie questions and gives a lot of good info. That being said there are several here who also get good results with SCALP but many (Primal for sentence) like the newest iteration of the program. I tried out a beta version of SCALP when it first surfaced and found it lacking. If you use mac (and I do) then you will probably be happier to get the SCALP or you'll have to run parallels or something to get the VM to run and there could be glitches that way. Know this. If you get to the level that you can't design what you want with the program you can also download a Inkscape for free. This is a full function vector design program and I believe BOTH VM Cut and SCALP will cut from Inkscape. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 There are demos for BOTH software online. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted March 15, 2017 http://www.craftedge.com/download/download.html Bottom of the page download demo http://www.uscutter.com/VinylMasterCut-Software-Value Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Primal Decals 621 Posted March 15, 2017 Its a matter of preference and choice of software,,I have my own opinion but hey lol.....I tried Vm and tried Scalps 4 pro and went with Scalps instead... Just saying lol... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted March 15, 2017 I've used both and prefer the vinylmaster - scalp is software that was designed as a cruicut hack - and had to be taken out of the market after being sued by cricut - then it reappeared with drivers for other cutters after the suit - it has proven in many instances to be buggy (usually cured with an update) I know of one member that really likes it - the vast majority prefer vinylmaster as it was developed for the sign/decal business and is more like the more expensive vector software programs. I believe the main reason it is even still offered is that it is mac compatible. just my 2 - As skeeter pointed out the auction you linked to says Items that come with laserpoint II are NEW Vinyl Cutter Floor Stand (Optional for 25" cutter) VinylMaster Cut or Sure Cuts A Lot Pro In your opening statement you said "So I first asked for the PSN for VinylMaster Cut" at that time you made a choice - for the record I do not work for uscutter and am not paid by them - I volunteer to help on the user forum 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted March 15, 2017 33 minutes ago, Primal Decals said: Its a matter of preference and choice of software,,I have my own opinion but hey lol.....I tried Vm and tried Scalps 4 pro and went with Scalps instead... Just saying lol... Can you give us your thinking on why? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Primal Decals 621 Posted March 15, 2017 (edited) 17 minutes ago, slice&dice said: Can you give us your thinking on why? After looking into Vm and scalps, I felt Vm was more Windows 3.1 version. I tried it for about 2 weeks and just could find what i wanted etc,It was just hard for me to work around ,And when i tried Scalps,everything just seem to pop out ,it was right there ,simple to find and get things done,.,,,There are several people on here who wrote me asking my opinion between the two and i said just download scalps and try or i can show you by viewing my Pc live view and they had VM. After them seeing how scalps worked etc they went with sclaps, And they had never used a cutter program before... So there you have it lol... My 1 cent out of a dollar lol. I still have tried Vm and it just doesnt work for me and ended up deleting it recently ,like i said earlier, its a matter of preference and choice,, I just feel scalps is more user friendly and simple.. Thanks Addded info. I have used Scalps for signs,banner work, Decals, Lettering,layers, etc,Heatpress T-shirts etc ..I dont do printing if that makes a difference in Vm..lol Edited March 15, 2017 by Primal Decals added info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted March 15, 2017 scalp is easy for crafters to start quickly on - vm is designed more like the other software designed specifically for sign/decal making. but that is why they make different software for different preferences and expectations 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Primal Decals 621 Posted March 15, 2017 (edited) to help out with more .>goto my website and see what i have cut using scalps 4 pro. http://www.pippindecals.com/ Oh and everyone always asks me about the Metal Mulisha lol. I did not cut that , i installed it .i have tons of people asking me for it and i say buy it on ebay or amazon and i will install it for a fee lol...... Oh and since your there check out my photography i guess lol.. Edited March 15, 2017 by Primal Decals updated info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
