StupidCreatures's Shop Policies

Welcome

The Stupid Creatures are handmade works of soft sculpture. They are often referred to as "toys," but they are in fact hand crafted works of art. Each one is a character with a back story.

Each creature is unique and handmade in the United States.

I design my creatures as possible within the parameters of my imagination, cost of labor, materials, and going market prices. My creatures will always be pricier than those you find at toy stores and other places. I will accept no complaints about my prices.

My policies involve using recycled fabrics, or new fabrics made from recycled sources whenever possible. I use recycled polyester fill as a general rule. Sustainable, organic beanbag fillings such as mung beans, flax seeds and buckwheat are often used.

I use child safe doll eyes primarily because I like the way they look. My creatures, however, are collectible works of plush art and are not intended for children under the age of 12.

In general, because most of my customers dismiss the whole ART aspect of my creatures and give them to children who invariably damage or dirty them, I do my best to design and craft them to survive most handling and machine washing. If a creature cannot be machine washed, I'll say something about it on its tag or in its profile. In general though, the fabrics used in each creature come with preowned wear and are often of different fiber content. Therefore, it's best that no Stupid Creature be left to the wiles of children or washing machines.

My mission as an artist is to design characters and tell stories. My mission as a designer is to reduce trash and use sustainable practices. My mission as a business owner and a citizen is to increase U.S. manufacturing and hold manufacturers to higher standards of workplace ethics and product safety.

For questions, contact me at john (at) stupidcreatures (dot) com

Payment

I like Pay Pal. It's the easiest and most reliable way to handle online purchases. You don't need an account for that. I can, however accept cashiers' checks and money orders. Your creatures will ship once I get my moolah in full.

Shipping

My shipping costs generally do not earn me a profit, but I do try to cover the cost of boxes and tape or padded mailers, delivery confirmations and the occasional insurance.

Shipments made within the U.S. are sent Parcel Post, because it's cheaper than priority. Shipments sent overseas or to Canada are sent First Class, because it's the least expensive option.

If, at the post office I discover your package can be sent more quickly for the shipping price you've already paid, I'll upgrade you.

If you want faster shipping, let me know and I will calculate a supplemental charge, which will be sent to you via PayPal money request.

I generally do not make it to the post office as soon as I receive payment for an order. In general, expect your order to ship within the next two business days following receipt of payment.

My shipping price points were calculated based on the general weight of the creatures...

Tiny: 1 lb (0.45 Kg)
Small: 2 lb (0.91 Kg)
Medium: 3 lb (1.36 Kg)
La La Large: 4 lb (1.8 Kg)

... And with the following destinations in mind: California, British Columbia, the United Kingdom, and "everywhere else."

In general, my most frequent creatures weigh between 1 and 2 US pounds. Larger or heavier creatures (greater than 4 lbs) will be given their own unique shipping profile. If the destination is a country other than the ones listed, shipping costs can be adjusted by request.

International buyers are responsible for any and all customs fees. To avoid these, I generally don't declare a value on the monsters.

Any questions, please contact creaturesforsale (at) stupidcreatures (dot) com.

Thanks!

Refunds and Exchanges

Sales are final. I am not able to accept returns or exchanges.

The fabric for each creature was chosen carefully. As I draw from reclaimed and recycled sources, the fabrics sometimes come to me with wear. I am not responsible for the continued wear of any preworn fabric.

Buyer is responsible for handling each creature carefully. I am not responsible for any damage caused to your creature due to rough handling or play. Play, or handling by children can also increases the risk of wear and damage. The buyer is responsible for that as well. Treat your Stupid Creatures like soft sculptures and handmade works of art. After all, that's what they are.

Additional Policies and FAQs

I take custom jobs. There is an order form for custom sock creatures that you can download at my website, www.stupidcreatures.com. That order form covers pretty modest custom jobs. For something big and elaborate, contact me personally at john (at) stupidcreatures (dot) com, and we'll discuss your needs as an art object commission.

I don't do wholesale just yet. The cost of my time (which already rivals poverty) just wouldn't make it viable for most retailers.

Last Updated June 30, 2008

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