• PCF is an eBay Partner. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Is Quality Control a common problem? Or am I choosing the wrong Vendors? (1 Viewer)

stevecronin

stevecronin

Waiting List
Joined
Aug 23, 2019
Messages
8
Reaction score
13
Rewards
0
Location
Houston, TX
Howdy, new poker chip enthusiast here. I've been ordering samples the past couple months and have really been obsessing over trying to buy my first set that I also really love. Through my sample adventures, I've picked out a few chips that are a decent beginner price point for a first set, but man, I've been having some problems. Here are some examples.

1. Outlaw
I discovered these chips from Hobbyphilic's YouTube channel. They are clay with metal inserts and, I think, have a pretty cool design. I couldn't find any sample sets from Apache, so I ordered some from this vendor on eBay. The samples I got from him were great! Bold and vibrant colors - loved them! I decided to purchase this 500 piece set from Amazon. I was so disappointed when they arrived. The face of the chips had the bold & vibrant colors like the samples, however, the edges of every single chip were faded & worn to the point where they looked like a completely different color. What the heck!? I returned them. Unfortunately, buying the chips I need from that eBay vendor would just be way too expensive because of his markups.

2. Monaco Casino
These are also clay with metal inserts. I really like the colors (especially that lime green) and the design. I ordered a sample set from here: https://www.discountpokershop.com/25pc-135g-monaco-casino-clay-poker-chips-colors-p-605.html

Same issue. The face of the chips were great, the edges were lighter in color and faded to the point there was no consistency; stacking the chips made the edges look like they were all different colors.

Is this a common problem with poker chips? Is there a list of solid vendors on this forum - or perhaps could some of y'all recommend some to me?

I'd really appreciate it :)

Steve
 
stevecronin said:
1. Outlaw
They are clay with metal inserts

2. Monaco Casino
These are also clay with metal inserts.
Click to expand...

Sorry you’ve experienced such issues with QC. But first I must correct you somewhat. These are plastic chips, NOT clay. It’s misleading, that most chips advertised as clay are in fact plastic. A huge tell is the metal inserts. No clay chips have them. The metal slugs are used to add weight to a light plastic chip...

You’re looking to spend a plastic chip budget for good chips, and unfortunately you’re more apt to be disappointed. There are some deals to be had, so keep at it. Check out the classified, try out the vendors here, but my advice is to move quickly past the plastic chip market onto better chips. You’ll be happier in the long run.
 
Trihonda said:
Sorry you’ve experienced such issues with QC. But first I must correct you somewhat. These are plastic chips, NOT clay. It’s misleading, that most chips advertised as clay are in fact plastic. A huge tell is the metal inserts. No clay chips have them. The metal slugs are used to add weight to a light plastic chip...

You’re looking to spend a plastic chip budget for good chips, and unfortunately you’re more apt to be disappointed. There are some deals to be had, so keep at it. Check out the classified, try out the vendors here, but my advice is to move quickly past the plastic chip market onto better chips. You’ll be happier in the long run.
Click to expand...

Ahhh thanks for the clarification! Upon further inspection, it does seem as if there are chips marketed as clay that are either plastic or a combination of both. Shame about the quality control :/

I'll just take your suggestions and go for the actual clay chips w/o metal inserts, even if they are more expensive :)
 
stevecronin said:
Ahhh thanks for the clarification! Upon further inspection, it does seem as if there are chips marketed as clay that are either plastic or a combination of both. Shame about the quality control :/

I'll just take your suggestions and go for the actual clay chips w/o metal inserts, even if they are more expensive :)
Click to expand...
You can find good clay or ceramic chips for less than $1/chip. Yes, that sounds like a lot of money. Most of us have been where you are. But there is a quantum leap between lower end economy chips and good clay CPC or Paulson chips.
 
You are probably thinking:

1567220644482.gif


but like I said, we have been where you are.

I would recommend custom Sunfly or ceramics from @ABC Gifts and Awards. Or pickup good Paulsons here and relabel. You will not regret it if you take your time on the design and get samples.

1567220786980.gif
 
@stevecronin

I was in the exact same spot as you about 5 months ago.

Great you sampled. I did too. I sampled some of the same stuff and sold my plastics. I had to have clay chips.

I'm just chiming in because while I subsequently went crazy for 3 other Paulson's sets, the first set I got was CPC Stock Designs Rounders. They are AMAZING.

I know at $1.75/chip, they seem expensive, but let me tell you, these chips are wicked.

I could sell my other sets but not the CPCs. I'll keep them forever and ever. I love them. I would only ever sell them to buy custom CPCs. :)

Don't sample AS, BTP, ES, SB, and the like. It's a friendly warning. If you got credit then don't worry...go ahead. Also, don't get to know Jack. Bad idea...

I had credit...but I burned through it in 3 months of a buying spree.

Welcome to the forum man! Best of chipping to ya!
 
Jeevansluck said:
@stevecronin
I was in the exact same spot as you about 5 months ago.
Click to expand...

And just imagine. If you stick it out around here in just a few short months you too could start a seemingly innocent thread on PCF that results in hundreds of posts of PCFers arguing about IP laws regarding artwork just like Jeevans...

The American (and Canadian I guess) dream!
 
Zmasterben said:
And just imagine. If you stick it out around here in just a few short months you too could start a seemingly innocent thread on PCF that results in hundreds of posts of PCFers arguing about IP laws regarding artwork just like Jeevans...

The American (and Canadian I guess) dream!
Click to expand...
I know...I got a bit tipsy and had too much beer and heat...

Didn't even think anyone would reply....:ROFL: :ROFLMAO::ROFL: :ROFLMAO::ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
 
stevecronin said:
Howdy, new poker chip enthusiast here. I've been ordering samples the past couple months and have really been obsessing over trying to buy my first set that I also really love. Through my sample adventures, I've picked out a few chips that are a decent beginner price point for a first set, but man, I've been having some problems. Here are some examples.

1. Outlaw
I discovered these chips from Hobbyphilic's YouTube channel. They are clay with metal inserts and, I think, have a pretty cool design. I couldn't find any sample sets from Apache, so I ordered some from this vendor on eBay. The samples I got from him were great! Bold and vibrant colors - loved them! I decided to purchase this 500 piece set from Amazon. I was so disappointed when they arrived. The face of the chips had the bold & vibrant colors like the samples, however, the edges of every single chip were faded & worn to the point where they looked like a completely different color. What the heck!? I returned them. Unfortunately, buying the chips I need from that eBay vendor would just be way too expensive because of his markups.

2. Monaco Casino
These are also clay with metal inserts. I really like the colors (especially that lime green) and the design. I ordered a sample set from here: https://www.discountpokershop.com/25pc-135g-monaco-casino-clay-poker-chips-colors-p-605.html

Same issue. The face of the chips were great, the edges were lighter in color and faded to the point there was no consistency; stacking the chips made the edges look like they were all different colors.

Is this a common problem with poker chips? Is there a list of solid vendors on this forum - or perhaps could some of y'all recommend some to me?

I'd really appreciate it :)

Steve
Click to expand...
You should really check out the 43mm Royals from Apache. You'd be able to either make a killer custom label set to your own liking, or buy the stock set and give them a nice warm soapy bath followed by some mineral oil so make them shine. The chips look and feel incredible and it's a great way to not break the bank. They are China clay. Not as nice as Paulson or CPC but these chips are some of the best China Clay's made and they have beautiful color selections. I have custom labels in the works to make them a tournament set.

20190821_213744~2.jpg


20190817_021827~2.jpg


IMG-0177.PNG
 
stevecronin said:
1. Outlaw
They are clay with metal inserts

2. Monaco Casino
These are also clay with metal inserts.
Click to expand...
As Trihonda mentioned, neither of those two chip lines are clay, but rather cheap injection-molded plastic chips surrounding a metal slug, made in China for pennies apiece. The quality problem you're experiencing isn't with your vendor selection, it's with your selection of chips.
stevecronin said:
Upon further inspection, it does seem as if there are chips marketed as clay that are either plastic or a combination of both.
Click to expand...
Nope, no such thing as a combination of both. "Clay composite" is just another marketing hoo-ha term for "plastic'. There is a variation of injection-molded chips referred to as 'china clays" which more closely resemble clay chips, but they typically suffer similar quality control issues found in other Chinese-produced chips (color variations, dimensional variances, sloppy workmanship, etc.). In the chip business, you pretty much get what you pay for. And if you don't pay for it, you don't get it, when it comes to high-end quality and workmanship.

Real compression clay chips typically aren't sold online, because they are only made by one company on earth for direct sale to consumers: CPC (ClassicPokerChips.com), who comes highly recommended. The only other real compression clay chip manufacturer is GPI (Gaming Partners International) who services the gaming industry with their Paulson and Blue Chip brands of clay chips, and provides their Gemaco brand promotional clay chips to authorized distributors (some of which will sell to consumers).

And real clay chips aren't cheap. But they do have pretty good quality control. :)
 
BGinGA said:
As Trihonda mentioned, neither of those two chip lines are clay, but rather cheap injection-molded plastic chips surrounding a metal slug, made in China for pennies apiece. The quality problem you're experiencing isn't with your vendor selection, it's with your selection of chips.

Nope, no such thing as a combination of both. "Clay composite" is just another marketing hoo-ha term for "plastic'. There is a variation of injection-molded chips referred to as 'china clays" which more closely resemble clay chips, but they typically suffer similar quality control issues found in other Chinese-produced chips (color variations, dimensional variances, sloppy workmanship, etc.). In the chip business, you pretty much get what you pay for. And if you don't pay for it, you don't get it, when it comes to high-end quality and workmanship.

Real compression clay chips typically aren't sold online, because they are only made by one company on earth for direct sale to consumers: CPC (ClassicPokerChips.com), who comes highly recommended. The only other real compression clay chip manufacturer is GPI (Gaming Partners International) who services the gaming industry with their Paulson and Blue Chip brands of clay chips, and provides their Gemaco brand promotional clay chips to authorized distributors (some of which will sell to consumers).

And real clay chips aren't cheap. But they do have pretty good quality control. :)
Click to expand...

After recent events...i think it is safe to say that GPI is not only providing game industry with chips...also group initiatives & private buys (this is a good thing)
And while I understand marketing....even vendors on PCF are claiming to sell clay chips that are NOT clay....hell we even create confusion with the use of 'China clays'.
For an inside this is obvious, for new member not so much.
 
As someone else that is extremely budget conscious and not quite as vested in getting extremely high quality chips, I actually recommend getting one of the platic metal insert chips from Apache or Claysmith.

But I am admittedly the dissenter among the others as I'm not a collector. My reason for having chips is first and foremost to play poker. Feel, sound, and stackability all come a distant second to me as the gains in those categories with a high end chip I find are incremental at best IMO. I'm not interested in having multiple sets outside of one for cash and one for tournaments. If I could afford high end chips, I would get them. But I can't.

Good chips are quite expensive, and if you are on a tight budget there is nothing wrong with the cheaper chips. They will have more QC issues for sure, but I have 1600 Claysmith chips I ordered from pokerchipmania.com and they are excellent (for the cost) except for a couple mislabeled chips. If what you are primarily concerned with is a good looking chip that you can stack in 20s, shuffle, don't sound like tiddlywinks, and can use to play poker, then they do that just fine.

Now if you have the budget to go up to 40-50 cents a chip, then certainly you should get a China Clay like Majestic, Dunes, Royal, or Pharaoh. Or if you don't hate ceramics like I do, a cheaper ceramic like Nile or Nevada Jack.

Good luck!
 
For me there's nothing wrong with starting with cheaper plastic slug chips. The china clays are nice but obviously not Paulson's. If you're working with a heavy budget then by all means dig into some of these killer sets. I myself am working on doing just that myself as soon as we move into our new house. It's really just gonna depend on your budget.

I have a 1000 pc set of CPS tournament chips, as well as a 600 pc Chinese knock off poker stars ceramic set that I'm probably going to be selling soon, if you're interested just hit me up I could probably cut you a solid deal.

Hopefully you find the enjoyment out of it that most here do.
 
I’ll add to the dissenting view. Buying clay chips as a first set is like buying a Ferrari for your first car.

Steve, the Marketplace vendors on here (Apache, ABC, etc) will happily sell you samples of higher-end chips to see if you go “Holycrap! I must have these!”

And if you get plastic chips from them you will still run into the same quality control problems BUT you can have confidence that the vendor will treat you fairly. And you are less likely to get obviously awful ones like you got from Amazon.
 
Spread over the life of the chips (or the intended usage period), high-end chips are significantly cheaper than buying inexpensive chips that have little resale value. Most high-end chips can be later sold at cost (or higher), resulting in essentially having played with them for free. Subsequently selling an inexpensive set will almost always incur a loss, meaning that the chips had a sunk cost that was not retrievable.

Only real exception is custom chips, which rarely can be sold later without a financial loss. But most people don't create/buy custom chips to later sell, but rather to keep forever.

So long-term, your options are playing with really nice chips for free (and changing them out for new ones whenever you like, again for no long-term cost), or playing with cheap chips that end up costing you money to use. No-brainer decision, imo.
 
BGinGA said:
Spread over the life of the chips (or the intended usage period), high-end chips are significantly cheaper than buying inexpensive chips that have little resale value. Most high-end chips can be later sold at cost (or higher), resulting in essentially having played with them for free. Subsequently selling an inexpensive set will almost always incur a loss, meaning that the chips had a sunk cost that was not retrievable.

Only real exception is custom chips, which rarely can be sold later without a financial loss. But most people don't create/buy custom chips to later sell, but rather to keep forever.

So long-term, your options are playing with really nice chips for free (and changing them out for new ones whenever you like, again for no long-term cost), or playing with cheap chips that end up costing you money to use. No-brainer decision, imo.
Click to expand...

The most logical statement ever made on PCF...
 
BGinGA said:
Spread over the life of the chips (or the intended usage period), high-end chips are significantly cheaper than buying inexpensive chips that have little resale value. Most high-end chips can be later sold at cost (or higher), resulting in essentially having played with them for free. Subsequently selling an inexpensive set will almost always incur a loss, meaning that the chips had a sunk cost that was not retrievable.

Only real exception is custom chips, which rarely can be sold later without a financial loss. But most people don't create/buy custom chips to later sell, but rather to keep forever.

So long-term, your options are playing with really nice chips for free (and changing them out for new ones whenever you like, again for no long-term cost), or playing with cheap chips that end up costing you money to use. No-brainer decision, imo.
Click to expand...
Some people just don't have the capital to invest in high quality chips right out of the gate but still want to play poker and have something that looks nicer than dice chips. What is your advice in that situation?
 
Legend5555 said:
Some people just don't have the capital to invest in high quality chips right out of the gate but still want to play poker and have something that looks nicer than dice chips. What is your advice in that situation?
Click to expand...

Like my advice on Boating... get friends with nice chips! :)
 
In my experience many China Clay chips also have a shelf life (regardless if they are being plated with). They can be susceptible to flaking and fading, and can be more at risk of breaking in general.

All the China Clay's I've had experience with (Royals included), have a bad odor. Paulson on the other hand is very nice.
 
Trihonda said:
Like my advice on Boating... get friends with nice chips! :)
Click to expand...
I understand the argument for getting more expensive chips. But it's possible to like nice chips and be perfectly fine with getting a cheaper option that fits your immediate budget and needs.

We all like chips here, but getting high end ones is not the end all be all.
 
Legend5555 said:
The elitist attitude is unnecessary, even in jest IMO.
Click to expand...

If you can’t take a joke, then the internet is not a good place for you ‍*shrug*

Also, elitism has zero to do with it. If high end chips weren’t the end all, be all, then forums like CT, PCF, and CD wouldn’t need to exist. Everyone would be happy with their dice chips, China clays, and ceramics
 

Create an account or login to comment

You must be a member in order to leave a comment

Create account

Create an account and join our community. It's easy!

Register

Log in

Already have an account? Log in here.

Similar threads

Console3442
Identify this Chip
Replies
11
Views
655
Console3442
Console3442
B
The difference between Casino Royale Chips
Replies
0
Views
206
bondneedschips
B
K
Get yourself a poker chip set I thought. It will be easy I thought.
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
warewulf
warewulf
lgs
Looking at possibly buying a set of the Dunes replicas
Replies
5
Views
475
maxim_666666
maxim_666666
maxim_666666
Does anyone know what color this is?
Replies
13
Views
670
Santa123
Santa123
Back
Top Bottom