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.
Do I need an account?
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Only if you want to save projects or subscribe to a paid plan. You can use the free price comparison without signing up for anything.
How does the free trial work?
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Every paid plan starts with a 7 day free trial. You don't need a credit card to start. If you decide to continue, you add a payment method and choose monthly or yearly billing.
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
Can I switch plans later?
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Yes. Upgrade or downgrade at any time. Upgrades take effect immediately. Downgrades take effect at your next billing cycle.
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.
Is the yearly plan really 20 percent cheaper?
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Yes. Yearly billing is 20 percent off compared to paying monthly for the same plan. The discount is baked into the yearly price you see.
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.
Can I export my comparison data?
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Yes, on the Scout plan. Export to CSV or PDF so you can share quotes with clients or keep records for tax purposes.
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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Scout makes money in two ways, and Scout is upfront about both. (1) Reader subscriptions, that's the main thing keeping the lights on. (2) Affiliate codes and links from suppliers and featured artists. When a supplier or rhinestone artist has an affiliate code, you'll see it on their listing or click-through, and Scout earns a small commission if you buy. Prices and rankings on Scout are NEVER changed for affiliate partners, Scout always shows the real best price first. If you're a supplier or artist with an affiliate program, email info@rhinestonescout.com to be added to the rotation.
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, your plan, and a secure token from the payment processor. We do not see or store your full credit card details. 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 subscription?
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The podcast is completely free and separate from the subscription. 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.