Frequently Asked Questions
Are there pets/smoking around your studio? TOP
While we are a non-smoking household, we are indeed pet-friendly. We have two cats, one dog and a new pond in the backyard housing turtles, frogs, fish and more. Although I do my best to keep the animals outside my studio, sometimes a stray hair can hitch a ride on your product. Please be aware of this and if allergies are a concern, please wash your product as soon as you receive it.
How do I care for my blanket, diapers, etc.? TOP
All products will come with a Care Card in their package - however if the card gets lost, here's a quickie rundown:
- First and foremost, anything hand dyed needs an initial wash alone (or with like colors) to avoid bleeding. This is a must!
- I recommend all blankets and loveys be washed on cold and dried on low. This is mostly to preserve the feel of the fabric and to this end I highly recommend a fabric softener (we use Ecover and LOVE it). If something really icky happens, of course please wash on warm or hot as necessary. But be aware repeated hot washes will affect the feel of your fabric and possibly the size/shape of your item. Dry on medium or low.
- All wipes and diaper items can be washed on hot/sanitary with a cold rinse. We are happy Tide users here. Again, fabric softener is highly recommended. Dry on hot/warm as necessary. Some items will take longer (diapers or doublers) and so I recommend hanging to dry if possible, then a quick trip in the dryer at the end to soften up anything that might have gotten crunchy.
- All toys and stuffed items should be spot cleaned, washed by hand and air dried.
- Wooden teethers should be washed by hand and then dried by hand as much as possible, then left to finish air drying. Do NOT soak.
If you have a question about an item and don't see it answered here, please contact me!
How are my items shipped?/ What type of packaging is my product shipped in? TOP
Most Takara Baby products will come tied with a ribbon and a TB hang-tag. Sets of smaller items will be wrapped in a muslin bag, while diapers and prefolds (and occasionally wipes) are currently packaged in plastic drawstring bags.
All orders, size permitting, are shipped in durable polymailers and include a care card. If the order is too large (usually only if there are more than two blankets, or if any Takara Throw is ordered) then the items will be boxed. I make sure to completely seal any openings (box or polymailer) with an extra wrapping of packaging tape. I take great care to avoid water/snow/ice reaching the contents of the package, but please note I cannot control how the postal system treats the package during delivery.
Gift wrapping is available at an additional flat $5 charge. If interested in this option, please mention so at check-out in the notes.
How much is standard shipping within the U.S.? TOP
Shipping is based by weight, with each item given a shipping weight per unit. However thanks to the lovely USPS Flat Rate boxes, I can priority ship several items together regardless of weight as long as they fit into the small/med/large boxes.
Refunds will be given if actual shipping costs are $1.00 or more than the shipping paid.
Is my package insured? TOP
I do not automatically include insurance in the cost of shipping. Insurance is completely at the discretion of the buyer and I am more than happy to add it to the package at the buyer's request. Insurance is generally $2-$5 additional, depending on the value of the package.
Which shipping method is your "standard"? Do you offer other types of shipping? TOP
Our standard method of shipping is via
USPS First Class, up to 13oz. After that we ship via USPS Priority since Parcel Post is rarely cost-effective thanks to Priority Flat Rate Boxes.
We can also ship 2nd Day or Overnight at your request. If
you need an expedited shipping method, please mention so in the
"Additional Information" section upon check-out. You will be invoiced
an additional amount for the difference in shipping costs.
What about shipping to Canada? TOP
We love our cousins to the North! But
Canadian orders do incur additional shipping costs and therefore shipping weight per unit is higher than shipping within the U.S. We ship via USPS First Class International when applicable, and Priority International at your request or if the 4lb. First Class weight limit is exceeded.
What about shipping for other international orders? TOP
All other international orders also incur higher shipping rates per unit. And again, we ship via USPS First Class International until the weight limit is exceeded, then we ship via Priority International.
What is your return policy? TOP
Takara Baby products are
guaranteed and your satisfaction is our main priority. If for any
reason you are not fully satisfied with your items, you can return them
(in unwashed, unused condition) for a refund or exchange within 7 days
after receiving them (minus shipping). No questions asked! We will
also refund shipping, only if the product is in any way defective. In
case any of your items has a problem, repairs are free for up to 60 days
from the purchase date, to the original owner (only).
All sales are
FINAL on Takara Baby sale items.
If you choose not to purchase postal
insurance, Takara Baby will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or
damaged packages.
NO REFUNDS OR REPLACEMENTS will be issued for
uninsured orders. Custom orders are non-returnable unless defective, but if you have a problem with a custom item please contact us and we will do our best to resolve it to your satisfaction.
With all this being said, I do strive for every customer's happiness so please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Please note: All international sales (except Canada) are final. No
exchanges, refunds, or credit may be given.
How often do you stock new items? TOP
At this time I'm simply stocking as things are made. Which means that at any time there may be some new product added. I know it's a pain to know when and where something new has arrived - so if you're so inclined, sign up for the Takara Baby Newsletter. It'll go out once a week, letting you know what new goodies were added to the site and what other things are happening.
My goal is to begin stocking once a week - likely on Fridays. Once I can get that settled, the TB Newsletter will go once a week the Thursday before, so that those in the know can get a heads up on the new arrivals before anyone else.
In the meantime you can check out the Blog to see what's up and, as always, feel free to send me an email. Suggestions on what people would like to see stocked are always welcome!
