It’s been a few months since I’ve posted about my polices, so I just wanted to put this out there as a refresher; the only thing that’s changed since the last time I posted them is my hours of availability, which is shrinking in the evening by half an hour as we try as a family to keep our anxious dog settled in a routine that includes getting fed at the same time every night.

The best way to reach me

The condensed version is email. Email is really the best way to reach me.

We live in an age when technology makes it ridiculously easy to get in touch with people. I can be reached on Facebook via a personal message or a message to HaldeCraft; I can be reached on Google + via a personal message or a message to HaldeCraft; I can be messaged or tagged on Twitter either by my personal account or by HaldeCraft; I can be messaged or earburned on Ravelry, I can be messaged via Instagram, asked questions via this blog or my personal blog, reached by text or straight-up phone call on my cell phone, called at home, or reached via my Google Voice number, which is the one I have posted as my work number (incidentally, that number is (352) 519-4593; although please be aware this goes directly to an answering service, so I’ll have to call you back – so please be sure to leave your number!).

But the absolutely best way to reach me is by my work email.  I use Gmail, and I keep a tab open on my desktop computer with that email open from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I shut the computer down at the end of the day. If you want the best chance of getting me and getting a response within a few hours, that’s the way to go. Facebook and Ravelry messages are great and convenient, and if I’m online when you message me and I have time to respond right away, that’s fantastic; but the problem with those messaging systems is that I get messaged on them so infrequently that I don’t keep a tab open for those all day every day. So if I see a message but don’t have time to answer it right away, there’s a sad but honest chance I’m going to forget to go back and answer it later.

The best time to reach me

The great thing about email is that you can send it any time of day! But even though I keep that email tab open all day long, I’m not at my computer all day. The best time for me to email you back is first thing in the morning, Monday through Friday, between 7 AM and 9 AM, and then again as I’m winding down my work day, between 3:30 and 5:30 PM. While chances are good that I’ll be at my computer at some other point(s) during the day, those are the hours I am most likely to respond. Emails sent to me during the evening after my office hours will be responded to in the morning of my next working day.

On partnerships, trades, and collaborations

I have done trades and collaborations before and many times they are exciting and creatively inspiring. As time passes, though, I’m having to say “no” to more and more things simply because there are only so many hours in the day and work that is already planned has to come first. So while I am always happy to listen to or receive a pitch via email, chances are very good I’m going to have to turn down offers for trades and collaborations right now.

For those seeking my time or my work for free

We’ve all been there, being in a position to ask someone else for free work or to volunteer time. I’ve been there! I’ve been the person who’s planning an event and needs prizes, the person who’s been so broke I’ve had to ask for free work (or work in trade). So I get it, I really do. And I’m flattered that the things I make or my time would mean so much to you that you’d ask for it. Unfortunately, between the -alongs I run on Ravelry, the item donations I make to a local women’s domestic violence network, and the money I donate to our local Hospice care center, that pretty much taps me out for my donation budget. You’re welcome to contact me, but chances are good I’m going to have to say no.

My hours of availability

As mentioned above in regards to best times to reach me, I am typically available (online) from about 7 AM – 9 AM, and then again from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Emails sent to me during the evening after my office hours will be responded to in the morning of my next working day.

My pricing policies

For the years of experience, amount of time, and the cost of supplies that go into my handmade goods, my items are priced quite reasonably. Constant re-evaluation of cost of supplies, streamlining of work abilities, and classes taken in order to learn new techniques can affect my prices, and keep them current with comparable artists in my field.

On refunds and returns

My polices can be found here. 

Returned items must be received before I will initiate a refund; refunds will be given in the method via which they were received (PayPal refunds for PayPal purchases, etc.).

I want you to be as happy shopping with me as I am to be selling to you. I am completely willing to work with you on ceramics damaged during shipping; I do, however, require proof that the item is damaged, and that item must be returned to me. Mail it back to me, or provide me with a photograph of the shattered item,and I will replace it (or give you a full refund should item no longer be desired).

Used soap is non-returnable. If you are dissatisfied with your product please contact me with details so that we can discuss alternatives including refunds or replacement bars.

Returned yarn must still be in original skein, unused, and not wound.

Refunds are given in the same method in which they were originally received; for example, if you paid via PayPal (even using a credit card through them without an account) you will be refunded via PayPal. Refunds will not be given prior to the return of any product. Any exorbitant delays in returning purchases to me may result in fees assessed by PayPal when I refund the purchase price (for example, items not returned within the 60-day PayPal window); I am not responsible for those fees.

On shipping and delivery

My polices can be found here. 

I ship Monday through Friday, unless there is a postal holiday. Purchases made after noon ship the next business day; purchases made after noon on Fridays will ship on Mondays.

International customers are responsible for all import taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country. These fees and taxes and any additional charges for customs clearance are levied once a shipment reaches your country, and must be borne by the recipient. I have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for further information. Please be aware that when customs clearance procedures are required, it can cause delays beyond any original delivery estimates. All international orders will have full value declared on customs forms, and will be marked as “merchandise” – no exceptions.

Customer service guarantee

My polices can be found here. 

I want you to be as happy shopping with me as I am to be selling to you. Not all situations are created equal and while I do need to have some ground rules, I try to be flexible and reasonable with other flexible and reasonable people. Please contact me within seven days of receiving your item if you have any concerns. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, you can return the unused item for a full refund within 7 days of receiving it. I will refund the original purchase price and original shipping cost once I receive the item back (buyer is responsible for return shipping).

Confidentiality agreement

My polices can be found here. 

I will never rent, sell, or give your email address or any other information to anyone, at any time. That’s just not cool. I also will not discuss your purchases with anyone for any reason, without your prior permission (example: spouses or parents shopping for gift ideas).

It’s been a few months since I’ve posted about my polices, so I just wanted to put this out there as a refresher; the only thing that’s changed since the last time I posted them is my hours of availability, which is shrinking in the evening by half an hour as we try as a family to keep our anxious dog settled in a routine that includes getting fed at the same time every night.

Continue reading “Updated polices” →