FAQ's (frequently asked questions)
Q: How do I order from you?
A: It's easy. Email or call me directly. We discuss your ideas and needs and I offer my suggestions or pictures of things I've done in the past for your inspiration. Email is great because it's all written down but sometimes you just need to talk things out a bit. I like either way.
Once we get some ideas firmed up, I send you a price proposal. You send me a deposit and I get started designing.
Q: How does the shipping work?
A: I ship mostly via UPS and FedEx....they are so reliable and insurance is included on each box up to $100. Most large boxes cost $25 to $35 generally. Foamcore is light but often the items are large & then they charge by the size. Of course, if you just order a few names or some stars, shipping will be much less. Centerpiece pieces can be big....generally around 24". Here's an example: a box 29" x 20" x 7" and going from MIchigan to California would be about $30. A box of stars could be about $12 to $15.
Q: If I live close , can I pick up items to save money?
A: Sure. You may pick up items....or I can deliver or meet you half way. I'm flexible.
Q: What if I emailed you and didn't get a response?
A: That's a disturbing problem. I check email often. If you don't hear back from me THE SAME DAY you can be sure there's a problem somewhere in the email system. I have a Mac computer and Mac email. It's mostly 100% perfect but there have been times when it has let me down or things strangely get tossed in the Bulk folder. I always return every email so give me a call if the unexpected occurs and you don't get a timely response. Or leave me a voice message and I will call you back....anywhere you are.
Q: Is your website up to date?
A: Yes, I started it in July 2005 and I'm always addin' and movin' and tweakin' things. It's taking me a while to scan lots of pictures in so sometimes I have a picture of something and it's just hasn't got on the website yet. But sometimes I don't have a good picture. Things are much better in that department since digital photos came about and you can see if you've got a decent picture before the opportunity is lost.
Q: How long has you been doing Party Decorations?
A: I started doing Bar Mitzvah decorations around 1985. Before that I did commercial sign painting, painted wall murals, took college figure drawing classes and graphics classes and made polymer clay one-of-a kind dolls. (still do that whenever I have a moment). Stacey, my daughter, joined forces with me this January 2008.
Q: Will I see what I'm getting before it arrives at my doorstep?
A: Yes. I try to take pictures along the way and email you progress pictures. I also send finished assembly pictures ...when some assembly is needed on your end.
Q: What about assembly when I get the items?
A: I pre-assemble centerpieces and signs and snap a picture. I then dis-assemble where needed to ship out compactly and safely. I put any assembly instructions with the pictures. I include velcro if you don't have a glue gun to attach pieces where needed. But now it seems like glue guns are as popular as tooth brushes and everyone has one. I have several and even a generator in case of a power failure to keep it going!
Q: Can you ship a big D.J. sign?
A: It is much more cost effective for you if I just do the artwork and letters and you apply them to a board you get on your end. But I can make one and lightly score the back and it folds for more compact shipping. The shipping cost is usually around $60-$80. I can easily ship completed easel size Sign In Boards, Memory book signs & Photo Puzzle Boards. They usually ship for under $30 unless they are over 48" and then they can be around $60 also.
Q: So what are your prices?
A: Everything I make is made just for that party and nothing is mass produced. I may make
lots of duplicates for someone but they are made one at a time. I price everything specifically for that party. With that being said, I do have general ranges that prices can go UP and DOWN from depending on how detailed things get. Here's some general ideas:
Placecards $2.50 to $3. each
Placecard Boards $185 to $225.
Sign in Boards @$150.
Centerpieces low on the table @$55.-65.
Centerpieces low on the table @$55.-65.
Centerpieces elevated @ $85 to $125.
Enhanced table names/numbers around $15 to $25.
Memory book signs @$45-65.
Enhanced table names/numbers around $15 to $25.
Memory book signs @$45-65.
D.J. signs @$385. +
Candlelighting Puzzle Boards $185.
I always give you a complete price quote before I start anything so you know what to expect and don't get surprised at the end. The only variable at the end may be the shipping because I don't know that exactly until it's all boxed up.
Candlelighting Puzzle Boards $185.
I always give you a complete price quote before I start anything so you know what to expect and don't get surprised at the end. The only variable at the end may be the shipping because I don't know that exactly until it's all boxed up.
Q: Do you take Credit Cards?
A: Yes, I do. I can send you a Google Invoice and you can pay with your
favorite credit card. I also take Pay Pal and plain 'ole checks-in -the-mail.
If I haven't hit upon your question here, give me an email or call and I'll be sure to get right back to you with an answer.