Home/FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Everything we get asked about Scout, answered plainly. If you can't find what you're looking for, email info@rhinestonescout.com and I'll add it.

Getting started
What is Scout?
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Scout is a suite of tools for rhinestone artists. A digital sizer, fill pattern calculators, a tumbler calculator, and a price comparison tool that scans 10+ rhinestone suppliers and shows you the best deal per stone. Built by Gertie, named after her dog.
Why is Scout free?
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Scout is free because we are launching. If you get in free, you stay free. That is my promise to the early crowd. Scout is hoping his cuteness can keep the site free for a long time. Down the road you may see a few banner ads from rhinestone shops, and some links use affiliate codes, which never changes the price you pay.
Do I need an account?
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You only need an email. Sign in with a magic link and every tool is included for free.
How does signing in work?
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Scout is free with an email sign in. Enter your email, we send you a magic sign in link, and every tool unlocks. No password and no credit card.
Can I use Scout on my phone?
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Yes. Scout works in any mobile browser and is fully responsive. A dedicated mobile app is on the roadmap.
Pricing and billing
Is Scout really free?
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Yes. Every calculator, the fill patterns, the size chart, the sparkle sizer, and the Stone Scout price comparison are included with your free membership. Affiliate links keep it free for you.
Can I cancel anytime?
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Yes. Cancel from your account settings. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You keep access until then.
Do you offer refunds?
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We don't offer partial refunds for unused time, but cancellation is always available and you keep access through the end of what you already paid for.
What payment methods do you accept?
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All major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processor. We do not store your card details on our servers.
Do I need a credit card?
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No. Scout never asks for a card. Membership is free, you just sign in with your email.
Features
What is Scout's Price Comparison?
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A real-time comparison tool that scans 10+ rhinestone suppliers and shows the best price per stone for any color and size you need. It normalizes prices across different units (pieces, grams, gross) and currencies.
How accurate are the stone counts?
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Scout uses precise stone diameter measurements and accounts for spacing in each fill pattern. Grid and honeycomb counts are exact. Scatter patterns use density estimates. Most users report accuracy within 2 to 5 percent of actual usage.
How often are prices updated?
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Every week. Scout pulls current prices from each supplier once a week, typically Sunday night. Always confirm the final price on the shop's own checkout page before you buy.
Which suppliers does Scout track?
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Ten rhinestone suppliers including Be Createful, Beadsland, Bling on the Chaos, Blinging Bluebird, DecoKraft, Diamond Fire, Flynn Sisters Supply, PDB Creative Studio, Planet Rhinestone, and Wholesale Rhinestone.
Does Scout work with hotfix rhinestones?
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The calculators work for any stone. Price comparison focuses on glass flatback (non-hotfix) stones because that is what most of our users buy, but hotfix is on the roadmap.
Shopping and suppliers
Do you sell rhinestones?
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No. Scout is a tool, not a store. We help you figure out how many stones you need and where to get the best price. Scout links directly to supplier stores so you can buy from whoever offers the best deal.
Does Scout take a cut from suppliers?
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When you click through with a featured artist code, the shop may pay a small commission. Your price stays the same or better, since the codes usually carry a discount. And no shop can buy a better spot in the price table. The cheapest stone wins, always.
Can my shop run an ad on Scout?
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Soon, yes. I am going to allow a small number of banner ads from rhinestone sellers. If you would like one, email info@rhinestonescout.com and Scout will trot your inquiry over to my desk.
What if a price changes after Scout's last check?
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Always confirm the final price on the shop's checkout page. Scout's weekly refresh is accurate within the week, but supplier prices can change anytime.
What if a supplier is out of stock?
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Scout checks live stock availability when you look up a color. If a shop is out, it is flagged clearly in the comparison so you can skip to the next best price.
What if I have a problem with my order?
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Contact the shop you bought from directly. Scout is not involved in the transaction and cannot resolve shipping, quality, or refund issues between you and the supplier.
Privacy and support
What data does Scout collect?
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Almost nothing. If you sign up, we store your email and whether you let Scout email you about good deals once or twice a month. See the privacy policy for more.
Do you sell my data?
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No. Scout does not sell any data to anyone. Your information stays with us for the purpose of running your account.
How do I get support?
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Email info@rhinestonescout.com. Gertie reads every message that comes in and usually responds within a day or two.
Can I request a feature?
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Please do. Email your idea to info@rhinestonescout.com. Most of what Scout does today started as a suggestion from someone using it.
Is the Crystal Shift podcast included with my membership?
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The podcast is completely free too. Drop your email on the podcast page and you'll get each new episode when it lands.

Still have questions?

Gertie reads every email personally. Ask anything and you'll hear back.

Email Gertie