HELP & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Questions About ProductsDo you offer wholesale or trade prices? Do you offer product samples? Can you offer products in specific sizes? I asked for a stock reminder ages ago, why haven't I been notifed? We run a charity/school fete/craft fair/blog challenge - can you offer products at reduced rates or for free? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Questions After OrderingI placed an order, but would like to add more products or amend it - can I do this? I received my order, but something is missing - what should I do? I would like to return something - how do I do this? I've ordered the wrong product - will you exchange it? My order hasn't arrived - what should I do? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enter the quantity you require in the box next to any product, then click Add to Basket. A basket summary is shown at the top right of each page. Review your shopping basket at any time and make changes by clicking "View Basket". You can even save your basket contents and come back later if you like. Click "Retrieve Cart" when you wish to continue ordering. When you're done ordering, click on the 'Checkout' button (or "Pay Now" in the basket summary at the top of the page) and enter your details as requested.Finally, choose how you would like to pay - we accept credit or debit cards securely online using our card payment processor (Actinic Payments/Credit Call) or through Paypal (you do not need a Paypal account). You can also pay by BACs (Bank Transfer). We will send you an email to confirm your order details, and another one when your order is packed and ready for despatch.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Why do you have a PO Box address? We operate from a commercial warehouse and cannot accommodate personal shoppers. When we publish our address, customers turn up expecting to shop and are disappointed to find they cannot. However, we fully comply with the law and publish our company's registered address, VAT registration number, company registration number and a landline telephone number wherever this information is required for your peace of mind.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Do you have a brochure or printed catalogue? No, sorry - too expensive for something that will be out of date within a week.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Do you offer wholesale or trade prices? No - we are a retailer, not a wholesaler or distributor. Where we buy in larger bulk or obtain a better price break, this is automatically passed on to you in our prices, or in price breaks for larger quantities shown against the products. Please do not ask for further discounts as refusal can often offend. It is not in our interests to divulge our trade sources so please do not ask us to do so.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sorry, we cannot offer samples as we have found it to be a pointless exercise in futility. The vast majority of the products on our website are self explanatory and we try to give as much information as possible to ensure you know what you are buying. If you have any further questions about any product, please do not hesitate to Contact UsBack to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Can you manufacture products in specific sizes? Afraid not - we do not manufacture the products we stock so they are only available in the sizes and pack quantities stated. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How do I receive your email Newsletters? You'll find a Newsletter subscription box on the left hand side of every shop page, and you can unsubscribe at any time.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The retail shop closed in November 2009 and we are now 100% internet retail only again (which is what we've done for over 10 years). Sorry, but we can no longer accommodate personal visitors (even if you only live down the road).Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I registered a stock reminder ages ago, why haven't I been notifed? The length of time that a product can be out of stock for is dependant on several factors. If there is an unexpected high demand for a product and it goes out of stock at the beginning of our ordering cycle from that supplier, it can be several weeks before the product is re-ordered. It's also a frequent problem that the product has been re-ordered, but the supplier is out of stock and we did not receive it; however, we will put a note against any product where there is a long term problem with restocks. As a large part of our stock is imported, it is not possible to restock at very short notice. Please bear this in mind when planning ahead (i.e for weddings, parties etc). We will do our best to keep you informed of expected delivery dates.On special offer products (where there will never be restocks) there can be a short time delay between the last one selling out and that product being removed from the shop. Any stock reminders registered for those products cannot be replied to for obvious reasons.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We run a charity/school fete/craft fair/challenge blog - can you offer products at reduced rates or for free? We are happy to support local charities and currently run a full calendar so we're sorry, but we are unable to offer support for other causes at this time. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How long does it take for you to despatch my order? We kindly ask that you allow 3 working days for despatch from the date of order, although we will always despatch sooner whenever possible. This is to allow a little wriggle room should the sky fall on our heads, during peak periods or special offers. You will receive an order despatched email on the day your parcel leaves us so you know your goodies are on their way.We do not pack orders on public holidays or weekends. We are closed for 2 weeks each year over Christmas and New Year - we update our Home page and Delivery Information page with these dates each year in the lead up so you have enough time to plan ahead.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How long will it take to get my order? Orders are normally delivered within a few days of dispatch for UK destinations and we have found both Royal Mail and our courier to be very reliable. For international destinations, you need to allow up to 28 working days unless you wish to pay extra for a trackable service.If you require your order by a certain deadline (such as for a project, birthday or special occasion), please allow enough time when ordering or Contact Us for a guaranteed delivery price. Despite our best attempts, we are not psychic and cannot guess if you have a deadline and do not tell us. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What are your shipping (postal) charges? UK Mainland: Flat Rate £2.99 for Royal Mail 1st Class - Flat Rate £1.99 for Royal Mail 2nd Class including VAT. Courier (UK Mainland): Flat Rate £8.99 including VAT (excludes Highlands & Islands). This service is trackable and guarantees a delivery between 1 to 3 days following dispatch. If you wish to upgrade your order to a guaranteed next day delivery for an additional charge, please Contact Us. International Orders are charged on a sliding scale based on product value and destination. Charges should be used as a guide to the maximum you will pay - if actual shipping is less, you will be charged less:
*Customers in tax free zones: Shipping charges to all international destinations will be displayed in your basket including VAT. When you go through checkout, VAT will be deducted before you pay for your order. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I need my order urgently, what should I do? To be fair to all customers, orders are picked strictly in turn although if we are not overly swamped, we will try to make exceptions if you wish to pay extra to guarantee a next day delivery (this does not apply to orders for sale or special offer products). Please Contact Us before ordering to arrange this.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What if I don't want to pay by card over the internet? Unfortunately you will be unable to order from us.When you order online, you are processing your own payment - we do not see your card details at all and this ensures complete security. For this reason, we do not take telephone orders or payments over the telephone.We do not accept cheques, postal orders or orders via email, nor do we despatch goods on an invoice now, pay later basis. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to the few potential customers who cannot or do not wish to place orders online but keeping ordering simple and safe means we can continue to provide a fast service to the vast majority of customers who are happy to process their own payment securely online.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What international destinations do you ship to?
*Tax Free Zones: UK Sales Tax (VAT) will be deducted from your order automatically when you go through checkout. It is your responsibility to ensure the goods you wish to order are not restricted imports in your country and you are responsible for any import taxes or duties. Please do not ask us to mark your parcel as a "gift" to avoid paying import tax - it is against the law for us to do so. If your country is not listed, then sorry we do not ship there at this time. ~ These destinations may require additional information for larger orders requiring a courier service due to remote locations. Please allow an additional 2 days for despatch should this be required. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I can't find a product - what should I do? You can use the search box on the site if you have the product code or description (check a previous sales receipt or email), and if it's still available you can quickly find it that way. If no results are returned, the product may have been discontinued since your last order and sold out (so it will have been removed) or it may be a product that we do not stock. If you have any product queries, please do not hesitate to Contact Us and we will do all we can to help.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I'm having a problem ordering - what should I do? If you have a problem with on-line ordering it is usually something minor which can be rectified very quickly and sometimes it can quite simply be user error.Our website is either working or it's not - it does not pick and chose who it will allow to complete orders on-line. If you have problems ordering, please Contact Us so we can try to resolve the issue.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I placed an order so why didn't I get a confirmation? Order confirmation emails are automatically generated by our server when an order is completed successfully. If you have not received an order confirmation it could be for the following reasons:
If you are sure you have fully completed your order, you can Contact Us to confirm that we have received the order and obtain your order number. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I placed an order, but would like to add more products or amend it - can I do this? Please Note: We can ONLY add to or amend your order up to the point when it is being picked for customers who have paid using our secure on-line card processor. This is because your payment is pre-authorised and is not processed until your order is packed and ready for despatch. To avoid any confusion your instructions are required to be made in writing (replying to your order confirmation email is fine). We need your order number, the correct product codes, descriptions and quantities required if you wish to add, or clear instructions if you wish to amend.If you have paid for your order using BACS or Paypal your order is closed at the point when you complete your order (over which we have no control) and unfortunately we cannot make changes after this point.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I received my order, but something is missing - what should I do? Before reporting an item missing, please thoroughly check the items you've ordered - for ease of packaging, sometimes smaller items are packed inside larger items (such as inside drawers or boxes).Also check the sales receipt enclosed with your order - this might have a note or sticker relating to an item that's been delayed or taken off the order explaining why.Check the packaging - does it have "1 of 2" or "2 of 2" written on the outside? If you have ordered papers together with larger items, these are sometimes split and sent separately to keep them safe. Both parcels will have been despatched on the same day, but this doesn't always mean they will be delivered on the same day.Have you checked your email? If there was a problem with any of the products ordered, we will email you to explain why it may have been removed from the order.If none of the above applies, it is probably a picking error that can be easily rectified. Please Contact Us with your order number and we will ensure this is corrected.Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I would like to return something - how do I do this? Simply Contact Us for a Returns Form and send the goods back within 30 days of purchase. All goods must be in resaleable condition. We will refund you for the value of any resaleable goods returned and this will be actioned within 30 days of receiving the return in accordance with the EU Distance Selling Directive. However, we always aim to process any refund due with a maximum of 2 working days of receipt. P&P costs are not refundable.If you have received damaged goods or an incorrect item in your order, we will offer you a refund or a replacement. If the error was ours, we will refund any reasonable postage costs you incur in returning an item to us (should we request you to do so). Damaged or faulty items must be reported within 7 days of receipt - please keep all packaging materials.Under the terms of the EU Distance Selling Directive, you also have a 7 day cooling off period from the day you receive your order. During this time you can change your mind and cancel your entire order with us. You must contact us inside the 7 day period, in writing (email is fine) to let us know that you want to cancel your order and we will email you a Returns Form. When we receive all the goods back in resaleable condition, we will be able to issue you with a refund for the goods returned. Return P&P costs are not refundable.The EU Distance Selling Directive does not apply to B2B (Business to Business) transactions - even if you are only making small orders for resale from your home, such as greetings cards. Please ensure you are ordering correctly - you have every opportunity to enquire about any product we offer for sale through our enquiry form, by email or by telephone prior to placing your order to ensure the product(s) you are ordering are suitable and correct for your needs. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I've ordered the wrong product - will you exchange it? As our postage and packaging charges are heavily subsidised, we cannot offer an exchange service. If you have ordered a product in error, you can return the item(s) by following our returns procedure (see question above) and re-ordering the correct item. This will be considered a new order and p&p will be chargeable, but you will be refunded for the returned item. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
My order hasn't arrived - what should I do? You will receive an "order shipped" email on the day your parcel is dispatched. Before chasing your order, please check the following:
If you have followed the above steps and your parcel has not arrived after 15 working days (this starts the day following despatch and is counted as Monday to Friday) then please Contact Us for additional help. Please allow 28 working days for international orders. We are bound by Royal Mail regulations that state a parcel is not considered lost until this period of time has passed. |
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