We’ll be the first to admit it — QCS products aren’t perfect, and if you’ve drifted away, we understand. Over the years, we’ve listened closely to your feedback and reflected on the main reasons people stop using QCS. Today, we want to share those reasons openly — and explain why we’re still committed to being the “tortoise” in a race full of hares.

Here are the 5 most common reasons people stop using QCS… and what we’re doing about it.

Reason #1: “It didn’t work fast enough.” We’ve heard this one a lot — and honestly, you’re right. QCS products aren’t the fastest option out there. They were never designed to be. The truth is, when you take out the harsh chemicals that burn skin and fill the air with toxic fumes, the trade-off is speed.
You are responsible for adding the final ingredient — the catalyst — PATIENCE.
And here’s the part that often gets overlooked: while QCS products are sitting on the surface doing their work,  you’re not working.  That’s elapsed time, not labor time. A project might take two hours on the clock, but only 15 - 30 minutes of your actual hands-on effort.
We made our priority safety — safety for you, your projects, and the planet. Our ultimate goal is to achieve speed that rivals the harshest chemicals, but right now we’re happy being the tortoise who will ultimately win this race — beating the competition where it matters most.

Reason #2: “It’s too expensive!” We’ve heard this one too — and we get it. On the surface, QCS products can look pricier than the brightly colored cans sitting on the hardware store shelf.
But here’s the thing: cheap products often come with hidden costs. The extra hours of sanding. The industrial-grade gloves and respirators you have to buy. The mistakes that ruin those delicate veneers or force you to start over. The toll on your health after breathing in fumes.
QCS products were built to do more with less. They go further per ounce, cut down on labor time, and keep you safe while you work. When you add it all up, they actually save money — and maybe more importantly, they save you.
We could have made a cheaper product, but we chose to make a better one.

Reason #3: “An influencer I trust stopped using QCS.” We know how much weight that carries. When someone you admire and trust changes direction, it’s natural to wonder if you should too. And truthfully, not every product is for every person. Some creators prefer faster, harsher options — and that’s their choice.
But here’s what hasn’t changed: QCS products remain the safest finish removal system available. We developed them for the everyday refinisher, the weekend project warrior, and the pro who wants results without sacrificing health or the planet.
And full transparency here: we’ve been approached by MANY influencers. What usually makes the difference is how much a brand is willing to pay. Our influencers do receive a humble commission if someone uses their discount code — but we insist on one thing. They must truly believe in QCS products and in what we’re working to do within this industry. If someone decides to move on in search of larger paydays, that’s their right. But it’s important to know that a recommendation isn’t always 100% sincere when money leads the way.
Again, we are happy being the tortoise. The “hare” brands can buy positivity — we will earn it one customer at a time.

Reason #4: “Shipping cost is too high!” This one stings because we feel it, too. Shipping costs continue to climb for all of us and we don’t pad our prices to hide that cost. We keep product prices as fair as we can, and only charge what’s necessary to cover the box, packing, and carrier fees.
Could we offer “free shipping”? Sure — but that would mean quietly raising prices across the board. Instead, we’ve chosen honesty.
And in addition to cost, we need to own this: sometimes we’ve seriously dropped the ball and orders have been delayed to an unacceptable level. Almost always it’s tied to raw material delays that jam up our whole system. It drives us crazy, and we’re working hard to fix it so it happens rarely — or never at all. These are the growing pains that hurt, but they also force us to improve.
The sad reality is that many small brands are facing the same challenges today. Shipping costs continue to climb, and if you’re an international customer — it’s getting even worse. We wish we could change that, but for now, we can only promise full transparency, fair pricing, and constant effort to get better.

Reason #5: “I don’t like ordering online.” We understand this one completely. For some, ordering online feels impersonal, risky, or just inconvenient.
Sometimes it’s not even about the ordering — it’s about the waiting. We know many of you would love to just swing by a local retailer, grab a bottle a bottle of QCS, and get to work that same day. We hear you, and we’re working on it. Our goal is to begin rolling out QCS products into select stores starting in 2026.
In the meantime, here’s what we’ve done to make online ordering easier:

• Our site is secure and straightforward — built to keep your information safe.
• We ship directly from our own hands, not a faceless warehouse.
• We’re here to help if something goes wrong — real people, not bots or annoying AI-powered prompts. 
  
  

We know e-commerce isn’t everyone’s favorite, but for now it’s the only way we can get QCS into your hands safely and affordably. Our hope is that the trust we earn in every order makes it feel a little less like “online shopping” and more like coming back to a team you know. 

IF YOU HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR, HERE IS A LITTLE BONUS FOR YOU...

5 Things We’re Excited About (And You Can Be Too)

1. New Product Release — QCS STIX!
   Our thick, dough-like formula that clings exactly where you put it. Simple, safe, and perfect for vertical projects that used to feel impossible.
2. QCS MAX! is Coming.
   A new formulation in development and is being formulated to bring the safety you trust with speed that rivals the harshest chemicals. We're coming for you, Methylene Chloride!
3. Retail Roll Out.
   Our goal is to begin placing QCS products on select retail shelves starting in 2026.
4. The Stripwell Community.
   A growing network of refinishers, flippers, and restorers who are learning, encouraging, and celebrating each other’s work.
5. The “Earn Your Strips” Loyalty Program.
   Our way of thanking you for sticking with us — every purchase earns points that unlock rewards, discounts, and special perks along the way. We call these points...wait for it...STRIPS. The more STRIPS you earn the greater the benefits you will gain access to.
   
   We may not be the fastest or the flashiest, but we’ll always be the relentless tortoise — steady, reliable, and focused on what matters most: safety, honesty, and helping you create something beautiful.
   
   As a thank-you for reading, and as a way of saying “come home” to you if you have stopped using QCS products for any reason, use code COMEHOME30 for 30% off your next order! Discount good from 10/23/2025 - 11/30/2025.

Reveal something amazing today, friends and fellow strippers!
-Gary LeClerc
Founder & Owner of Stripwell