AlohaBlues's Shop Policies

Payment

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE:
PAYPAL, PERSONAL CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS AND CASHIERS (or "Bank") CHECKS

In addition to PayPal, we do accept Personal Checks, Money Orders and Cashiers (or "Bank") Checks from established and verified buyers with positive Feedback. Please be advised that your item cannot be shipped until your check, e-check, or money order has been accepted by, and cleared by, the bank. While this usually takes less than 5 days once we have received your check or money order, it may cause a delay of up to 14 days, depending on the banking institution on which your money is drawn.

TIME TO PAYMENT

To reserve your item and ensure your purchase, please let us know if there will be a delay in payment. If we have not received your PayPal payment, check or money order within 7 days from purchase, the sale will be canceled and the item relisted. Please do contact me through the Etsy Conversation system if there is a problem or delay with payment.

Shipping

We are always looking for the safest and most cost effective shipping method, which often varies depending on what you purchase and where you are located. Please do be aware that shipping costs, shipping times and lost or damaged items are as frustrating to Etsy sellers as to the buyers, so we are very conscientious about choosing the best shipping method for the item and the destination! Also, it is the fashions we are selling and we are not making money on shipping -- we only charge what it actually costs to package and ship the item, however, please do be aware that this can vary a great deal depending on item size, item weight, shipping method used and final destination.

1. DELIVERY CONFIRMATION - We always use delivery confirmation, which is very helpful, but not fool proof. (Just check out the Etsy Forum for more on this subject...)
2. INSURANCE - We always include insurance on shipping. Since most of our handmade items are one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable (we usually don't have another identical item stashed away in inventory to send to you if the original is lost or damaged during shipping) and because each piece takes our time and effort to make, we want to make sure both you - the buyer, and we - the sellers, are protected in the event that there is a problem.
3. COMBINED SHIPPING - We will combine shipping on multiple items, which are purchased at the same time and which have the same shipping address, whenever we can reasonably do so without risking damage to the item or increased shipping costs for oversize packages. (Yes, sometimes two packages are cheaper than one...) If you are purchasing more than one item and want a price for combined shipping, please convo us so we can adjust the invoice and charges.
4.) INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING - We are delighted to be part of the "whole world market" and will consider shipping internationally WHEN POSSIBLE. Buyers need to know that: a.) payment options may complicate matters on international orders; b.) some items cannot legally be shipped to some countries from the USA; c.) that international shipping times may be quite short, but they may also be very l-o-n-g; d.) That customs forms may be required on one or both ends; e.) that delivery confirmation and insurance may not available to all destinations, which could present a problem to both the buyer and the seller since we cannot offer a refund in any form where we cannot insure an item against loss or damage during shipping.
5.) TIME TO SHIPPING - We ship all purchases on the very next business day after the check has been cleared by the bank.
6.) QUESTIONS ENCOURAGED - If you have a question or concern about shipping, please ask BEFORE you make your purchase.

Refunds and Exchanges

We strive to take multiple, clear, quality photos of every item and to include DETAILED descriptions of all items, with measurements, sizes and material content, so that buyers know exactly what we are creating and selling -- and what they are getting.

1. ASK FIRST - Please do e-mail or Convo (Conversation) us, BEFORE making your purchase, with any questions or concerns you may have about the item.
2. REFUNDS - We will refund the amount of purchase on items ONLY when insured against loss and damage during shipping and ONLY when: a.) We have been contacted by the buyer within 3 days of receiving the item via a "Refund Request" which MUST be sent through the Etsy Conversation (or 'Convo') system that includes a valid explanation for the return; and b.) the item is returned from the buyer (buyer to pay shipping costs) and received by us in good condition within 7 days of the date the buyer sent the "Refund Request".
3. DAMAGED GOODS - While we pack all items VERY carefully and always include delivery confirmation and insurance, if an insured item is lost or damaged during shipping, the cost can ONLY be recouped if you, the buyer, and we, the sellers, work together. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the buyer to report the problem both to us AND to the shipping authority. We will also make a report of the problem at our end. (Two ends are better than one...) If an item is damaged, PLEASE SAVE THE PACKAGING AND THE ITEM to show to the shipping agency — it is a requirement for reimbursement.

While we have never had a problem with shipping our items, we know it can be a terrible disappointment for a buyer to contend with a lost or damaged item. Be assured, we will work with you to bring the situation to resolution, but please be aware that we cannot "just send another one" as each handmade fashion item is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. Options we can offer, depending on the situation and timing, are: a.) reimbursement for the item (based on the outcome of the shipping insurance claim) or b.) a substitution of the item (if one is available), which the buyer would need to approve (also based on the outcome of the shipping insurance claim)

Additional Policies and FAQs

RIGHT TO REFUSE SALES AND SERVICE

Due to the proliferation of on-line shopping scams; forged checks, bogus money orders and "reversed" credit card charges for refunds after items have shipped; as well as internet stalking and harassment, all of which hurt everyone involved in on-line communities and internet commerce, we reserve the right to refuse sales and service to anyone at anytime for any reason in the rare circumstances that we believe the necessity to do so is for our own financial or personal protection.
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FEEDBACK

We believe the Feedback system used here in the Etsy on-line community is a useful and positive tool for both Sellers AND Buyers. Therefore we do participate fully and hope that all our buyers will do the same. Since clear communication is a key to satisfied buyers and successful sellers, we do ask that if you have a concern or problem you will communicate with us in order to find a solution before leaving Feedback and know that we will do the same.
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STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE

Other Etsy Shops with which we have connections include:

StudioFresca - Fresca's art gallery featuring mixed media mosaic art created from recycled and salvaged materials

AlterEcoFasions - a boutique shop run by Fresca and her mother that specializes in unique, handmade, high quality recycled wearable "art" apparel (in start-up phase)

AlterEcoDesigns - sister shop to the above, which carries handmade home decor items (coming soon)

TheFoundRe - where Fresca lists "destash" excess and unused supplies and features select vintage items (coming soon)

ARTiculateStudio - Featuring Fresca's graphic design services and graphic art work

KauaiGlass - Fresca is a member and volunteer of Kauai Recycling for the Arts, which owns this shop and features unique glass art, architecture and jewelry created from recycled glass on the island of Kauai

Last Updated June 30, 2008

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