Vendor raised prices - still worth it?

I've noticed the same with a couple sources. A modest bump is easier to swallow when it's paired with better vendor communication and faster turnaround time. If they're keeping you posted and shipping quick, that build trust fast. The order process itself still has to be smooth though. I'd rather pay more to a legit vendor that actually answers than gamble on someone who ghosts you. Sounds like they came through for you.

15% is noticeable but if the product improved it tracks.

I've been ordering from this vendor for a little over a year now, so when I saw the price bump I was a bit skeptical. But honestly, after my last pack landed, I'm leaning toward the "still worth it" camp. The increase wasn't massive—maybe a 15–20% jump across the board—but it wasn't just a random cash grab. They actually improved a few key areas that had been holding them back before.

Ordering Timeline – I placed my order late last month on a Tuesday. Payment got confirmed within a few hours, which is pretty typical for them. Processing took longer than before — about four days instead of the usual two. I'm guessing they're either backed up since the price change or maybe they're doing extra QC. Either way, it shipped out on a Saturday. Delivery took about 10 days via standard post, so total turnaround from order to mailbox was roughly two weeks. Pretty average, nothing that made me sweat.

Packaging & Stealth – This is where I noticed the biggest upgrade. Older packs from them came in a simple bubble mailer with the IDs loose inside, which honestly always felt risky. This time it was a plain cardboard box about the size of a mouse mat, with a false bottom compartment. The items were also wrapped in some kind of foil-lined paper — I'm assuming that's an RF shield. The return address was a random residential name, and the customs form just said "printed documents". Very clean presentation — I'd feel comfortable having a roommate grab the mail without questions.

Communication – I reached out to them twice during the process. First email I sent was about a week after ordering, asking for an ETA, and I got a reply the same day, around six hours later. The response was polite but a bit short — just "still in production, will update you." Second time I contacted them was after shipment — I had a tracking number that wasn't updating for three days. They responded within 12 hours with a fresh link and an apology for the delay. Not the speediest, but far from dead air. I'd give communication a solid 7/10.

VFM Rating – With the old prices, these IDs were a steal at maybe 9/10 value. Now with the markup, I'd put it around 7.5/10. They're not the cheapest on the market, but you're paying for improved stealth and a noticeably sharper print quality. The raised details on the text feel more pronounced, and the lamination seems tougher too. If you're only after a quick party pass, you can definitely find cheaper. But if you need something that'll survive a bouncer's flashlight test, the extra cash starts to make sense.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Much better stealth packaging (false bottom + RF foil). Print quality is crisp, with holograms that don't peel. The back feels like real polycarb now, not flimsy plastic. They also include a matching secondary piece, which used to cost extra. Cons: Price is definitely a hurdle — first-timers might balk. Processing time increased by a couple of days. Communication, while reliable, isn't as chatty as it used to be; they're more transactional now. Also, they still don't offer reship guarantees unless you pay for their top-tier shipping option.

Overall, I'd honestly say the hike is justified if you value discretion and durability over raw low cost. For me, the improvements in stealth alone are worth the extra money — nothing kills a good ID like getting seized. I'll probably keep using them for now, but I'll be watching to see if they creep up again. One price bump with real upgrades is fine — two bumps in a row and I'm shopping around.

Which vendor? Want to compare to my current source.

Inflation affects everything. Surprised prices stayed stable this long honestly.