Buying
As you have most likely noticed, I do not have a shopping-cart system. Like I already mentioned, I do not keep several copies of my pieces in stock (usually there is only one), as I prefer to make them upon request, according to the customer's wishes (and measurements). Also, I make maille as a hobby, during evenings and weekends; getting personally in touch with my customers makes it possible for me to give time-estimates for each order before the actual purchase.
So, if you want to buy something, this is how it works:
1. Send an email to order[at]pieceofmaille[dot]com with the following information:
- Which piece you are interested in?
- Do you want it exactly as it is shown here, or do you need some changes to be made?
- If you do want/need something changed, specify the changes: different metal(s), longer/shorter chain or bracelet (give the required length in centimeters or inches) and so on. You can also inquire upon different bead choices, I usually have a few alternatives available and can order more. Please note that the changes can effect the price given for the piece on these pages, although usually the change is not very big.
- Your contact information (and where you'd like your order to be delivered).
2. Wait for my reply.
I will contact you as soon as possible, letting you know how soon the piece will be available. The pieces marked "in stock" on these pages can be delivered immediately (usually the next business day); if the item is marked as "sold", it'll take some time for me to make a new "copy" of it. Making changes to an "in stock" piece will also take some time. I will also inform you of the price of the piece (of course, if you order one of the pieces in stock, or an exact duplicate of a sold item, the price will be the one given for it on these pages). In addition, I'll sent you detailed information about the various payment and shipping methods as well as the postage/shipping fees.
3. Confirm your order.
Reply to my message and let me know if you still want to order the piece or not. If your answer is "yes", inform me of the payment and shipping method you want to use. I will then start making your piece as soon as possible; I will contact you again once the piece is finished and send it to you as soon as the payment is clear.
Payment methods
For domestic (within Finland) orders: you can transfer the payment to my bank account ("bank giro credit/transfer") and I'll send your order as soon as the transfer comes through (usually 2 days, max); alternatively, I can send your order and you pay it at the post office when you retrieve the package ("cash on delivery").
For foreign orders: I'm currently looking into various "easier" solutions, but until I get something working, money order and - at least for most EU countries - bank giro credit (bank giro transfer) are the available options. I will send more detailed instructions (for these and possible other payment methods) for each order/inquiry by email.
Shipping
I will eventually add the available shipping methods and their fees for various countries/regions here; for now I'll email the options for each order/inquiry (see "2. Wait for my reply" above).
Return policy and repairs
Before ordering, take all necessary measurements carefully to ensure that the ordered piece fits properly. These are:
- for various chains (neck, bracelet, wallet-chain etc.) and necklaces - the desired length in centimeters or inches;
- for chokers - the circumference of your neck in centimeters or inches;
- for handflowers - the circumference of your wrist and the distance from your wrist to the knuckle of your middle finger in centimeters or inches;
- for rings - several possibilities: you can measure the diameter or inner circumference of an existing ring that is the desired size, or you can measure the circumference of your finger (do not make it too tight); or if you know the US or French measurement for the ring, that will do.
If it happens that despite all precaution the piece does not fit right, I will make the necessary small adjustments without extra fee if the piece is returned within one week (7 days) from receiving it (you'll have to pay for the postage, though).
If the piece does not meet your expectations for some reason, return it in the original condition within one week (7 days) from receiving it, and you will get fully refunded (except for the postage/shipping fees, which are not refundable).
Maille is not indestructible, a piece of maille is only as strong as its weakest link. Titanium, bronze and stainless steel are strong metals, but the rings made from them (not to mention softer metals, like copper) can still bend and deform if mishandled, especially as the rings are usually not welded shut. Maille jewellery, especially the more delicate pieces, should be treated with the same care as any other jewellery.
Given the warning above, I will repair possible damage caused by normal wear without extra fee. So if, for example, your precious necklace snags on your sweater and some rings are twisted open and possibly lost, just send the piece to me and I'll replace them (you'll have to pay for the postage here too).