I had this same problem...I found that the inexpesive albums that AC Moore carries are more true to size and cheaper They usually have a sale..$4 a piece they are a no brand but they look just like the Pioneer album..and I dont have to trim my pages
Today I bought Pioneer refills on sale at Michael's to add to a Pioneer album I already had (Geo). They fit fine, and my paper fit fine. But in the past I've often found that my papers are different sizes, which means they fit differently in the album--not the album's fault. I guess I'd rather trim than have paper too small for the protector so that either it rolls around or I have to center the page on a larger piece of cardstock (and I've had that happen a lot too). BUT--if you're not happy, take it back!
I have the same problem with Pioneer albums, but some scrappers just love them. I'm it's not too much of a bother for you, defintely take it back and try something else. You could even bring a page or a piece of 12x12 cardstock with you to the store and see if it fits before you buy the album. That way you won't have to keep running back and forth to the store.
My kids use the Pioneer albums. Only the lumpy layouts tend to be too big.
And, yes, sometimes the paper is the culprit. I have seen paper that is a touch bigger than 12x12; smaller than 12x12; and some that is not even truly square! It's best to test it in the page protector first to see if it fits and which direction it goes.
