Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How do you authenticate the vintage of your items?A: Sometimes the garment still has the original tailor's ticket stating the date of manufacture - in which case we will show this in the listing. Aside from this, most garments 'give away' their vintage by looking at the combination of styling, fabric and labelling. In this case we will state that the garment is 'probably 19xxs'. Some garments are made in one decade, in the style of an earlier decade. A good example of this is jackets and suits made in the early 1970s, but very much in a 1960s 'mod' style.
Q: How do you grade items?A: Please remember that most of our items are between 30 and 60 years old, so minor flaws are the norm. That said, we only sell items we'd be pleased to own ourselves ( it's not easy to see them leave!). We clearly describe any significant flaws, in the 'condition' section of each item listing. We offer a no-quibble money-back guarantee, so it's in our interest to be accurate and up-front.
When describing the condition of an item, we use this naming sytem:
Mint: An item is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear (mint condition is rare for vintage clothing).
Immaculate: An item shows only the slightest signs of wear.
Excellent: An item shows typical signs of wear due to occasional use and has no obvious flaws.
Very good: An item is considered wearable but has some obvious flaws (e.g.staining or soiling, or loose stitching to lining). Flaws are repairable, so item can be returned to excellent condition.
Good: An item is wearable but cannot be returned to excellent condition even if repairs are made.
Q: How do I know my item will fit?
A: The size that we show in our item titles is the 'size to fit the wearer'. For example, if your chest measures 38 inches, and you are of average height, an item listed as '38R" (R = Regular) will normally fit you. When estimating the 'size to fit' we take into account the garment cut & how it is meant to be worn. To guarantee 100% satisfaction we always recommend that you also check the approximate actual measurements shown in the listing for each garment, against your own actual measurements. Please note, we often ignore the size labels on vintage garments as they were usually sized much smaller in the old days!
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Measuring GuideQ: Why are the 'to fit' chest size and the actual chest measurements different?A: All garments are sized slightly larger than the 'body' they are made to fit. For example, a jacket that is labelled a 38" chest will normally have an actual chest measurement of 40-41" - it would be skin-tight otherwise! Overcoats normally allow an additional 4-6" to go over a suit, so a coat that is labelled 38" chest will normally measure 42-44".
Q: What's the best way to measure?A: Check out our easy
Measuring GuideQ: How quickly can I get my item?A: Within the UK, Special Delivery is guaranteed by 1300 or 0900 (extra charge) next working day. Airmail to Europe and North America usually takes approx. 3-5 days. Worldwide Airmail usually takes approx. 7-10 days. We will email you a dispatch confirmation when we post your item. We post 5 days a week Monday - Friday and postie collects from us at 1300 each day. If you pay us before 1200, your item will be sent same day. Remember, all the delivery times stated above are 'from date of posting'.
Q: Can I get my item delivered to my workplace?A: When you complete checkout through Paypal you must ensure that you have entered the postal address that you want your item sent to. On the checkout page there is an option to 'edit postal address' - if the address you want your item sent to is different from the one displayed (your primary address), please edit the address before submitting payment. We will only post to the address that you submit with your payment.
Q: Can I collect my item in person?
A: No, we operate by mail order only. We're not insured to offer collection in person.
Q: What happens if my item hasn't turned up when I expected?
A: Firstly, remember that delivery times for Recorded Mail & Standard Parcels are for guidance only, e.g. 90% of 1st Class Recorded Mail arrives within 2 working days - but it is not guaranteed (and only considered 'lost' after 14 days from posting). If you need your item for a certain day, please select Special Delivery for guaranteed delivery by 1300 next working day after posting. Postie should, but doesn't always, leave a card if they've tried to deliver while you were out. In the first instance you should contact your local post office to see if it's there. Please note that if your item is returned to us because you haven't been able to collect it, we will have to charge you to cover the cost of re-posting.
Q: What happens if my item is lost or damaged in transit?
A: Postal losses are very rare, but in any event you will not be out of pocket. For items that are sent by trackable delivery services (Recorded Mail, Special Delivery, International Signed For / Airsure, Courier) we can issue a instant refund after 14 working days for items sent within the UK, or after 28 working days for items sent overseas. For items sent by non-trackable services (Non-Recorded UK Mail, UK Standard Parcels, Airmail Small Packets) we will submit a claim to the carrier and issue a refund to you once they confirm the loss.
Q: I have a question / comment. How can I contact you?
A: We find the the eBay 'Ask Seller A Question' system to be reliable and user-friendly. We are always pleased to receive comments and answer any questions you might have. We usually answer questions each day at 1000, 1300 & 1600. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us on 0191 3737664 between 1000-1600 Mon-Fri.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: Two reasons. First, we love this stuff - we hope you can tell! Second, we love receiving your feedback - you can imagine how inspiring it is, waking up each day to find that someone you never met is telling you that they enjoyed something that you did. We recommend it highly!
Q: Are you open to bribes?!
A: Absolutely! Trays of homemade flap-jack may lead to offers of extraordinary discounts!
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