*****We now have USPS Priority Mail Regional Boxes A, B, and C available for shipping***.
If you live within two states away from North Carolina, the Priority Mail Regional boxes may be less expensive for shipping than straight Priority Mail and Parcel Post Mail. Google's shipping calculator does not calculate shipping for this method. The regional boxes reduce shipping costs for small heavier items. If you are interested in an item and would like to know if it will fit within a Regional A, B or C box, please contact us via email or phone for an exact shipping quote. As always, we try to save our customers on shipping costs.
Viewing An Item Prior To Purchase
If you would like to view an item before purchasing it, please call or email us for an appointment. We will be more than happy for you to view an item or items on our website by appointment. If you would like any additional information or pictures on an item, just let us know. We strive for happy repeat customers.
Payment Methods
Payment on a single item or multiple items is made directly through Google Checkout using a debit or credit card.
If you would prefer to use PayPal, please email or call us so we can send you an invoice for the total amount, including taxes and shipping.
Sales Tax
North Carolina sales tax is charged to all residents of North Carolina and those picking up their items. The rate for North Carolina sales tax for Martin County is 8%. All items shipped to out of state buyers are exempt from North Carolina sales tax. When checking out with Google Checkout, Google will automatically charge the required sales tax. In the near future, we will be set up to charge taxes for the states requiring taxes be collected on their residents, ex: California.
Shipping
DURING GOOGLE CHECKOUT, PLEASE USE THE DROP DOWN BOX TO CHOOSE THE MOST APPROPRIATE SHIPPING OPTION.
***We now have USPS Priority Mail Regional Boxes A and B available for shipping***.
These boxes may be a less expensive way to ship over the standard Priority Mail and Parcel Post Mail services. Google's shipping calculator does not calculate shipping for regional boxes. The regional boxes reduce shipping costs for small heavier items. If you are interested in an item and would like to know if it will fit within a Regional A or B box, please contact us via email or phone for an exact shipping quote. As always, we try to save our customers on shipping costs.
If the item is eligible for USPS First Class Postage, we will state that in the item description. In most cases, the item will be shipped using USPS Priority or Parcel rates. If you are interested in Federal Express, please contact us directly for a quote.
We do combine shipping to save on shipping costs. If you have any questions about a shipping cost prior to purchase, please contact us via e:mail or phone so we can give you a shipping quote.
With the exception of weekends, all items will be shipping within 3 business days of receipt of payment through one of the standard carriers such as United States Post Office. We no longer ship internationally due to the huge brokerage fees that Carriers like UPS - United Parcel Service charges to the buyers on the other end.
Books, if not combined with other non-book items, can be sent out via USPS Media Mail to reduce shipping costs. You will need to choose this option at checkout.
Buttons and Jewelry have their own USPS First Class flat rate option at checkout. For buttons and jewelry will charge a flat rate of $2.00 per item. If purchasing more than one item, please call or email for a combined shipping rate, which will be less than the flat rate of $2.00 per item.
If for some reason Google Checkout does not show a shipping charge, we will notify you by e:mail of the shipping charge for you to pay. We will not ship the item until the shipping has been paid.
Since glass, china and porcelain items are breakable, please choose a shipping method that includes insurance. All items over $100 will automatically have insurance on them.
If the item/items ships for less than what Google Checkout required you to pay, you will be refunded any difference over $1.00 after the calculation of the handling fee. You will only be charged shipping and sales tax, if applicable, and the handling fee which includes insurance on breakables or any item over $100.
You always have the option at Google Checkout to pick up your item or items. All items must be paid for in advance of pickup. An appointment must be made to pick up items. All items picked up will be charged the standard 8% North Carolina Sales Tax for Martin County, North Carolina. At this time, we do not charge a handling fee for items being picked up. Written arrangements must be made for picking up your item within 30 days from date of purchase. If some unforeseen circumstances the Buyer is unable to pick up the item within the 30 day period, the Buyer must obtain written authorization from us to extend the 30 day period or pay to have the item shipped to them. Any items not picked up after the 30 day period are subject to being returned to inventory. No refunds will be made for those items returned to inventory.
Insurance
Please choose a shipping method that includes insurance on all breakage items, such as glass, porcelain and china. We also include insurance on all items valued at over $100. At our option, we may include insurance on any item under $100. The insurance fee is already calculated into the shipping options that include insurance.
Handling Fee
In order to keep your shipping costs down and to be earth friendly, we recycle postal bubble envelopes, boxes, bubble wrap, and peanuts whenever possible.
We have a nominal handling fee of $1.00 for the package with the exception for Bridge Lamps, which we charge a $7.00 handling fee for each bridge lamp. The handling fee helps cover the costs of packaging materials and provides insurance on all breakables, including china, porcelain, glass and items valued at over $100. This handling fee is already calculated into the shipping amount at Google Checkout. This handling fee is waived for those who choose to pick up their items and use this option at Google Checkout.
Refunds
As with any vintage or antique item, the item in most cases has been used. All items are bought in a "As Is" condition. Please see the picture and item description to see what the current condition of the item is. We try our best to accurately describe each item and its current condition and show a close picture of the item. Please call or e:mail us if you would like additional pictures of the item. Because many of our items are very intricate, it is possible that we may have overlooked something. If there is any concern with regard to any item purchased through us, please contact us within 7 calendar days of receipt of the item to discuss the concern with us and the return of the item. If an item is returned to us within 7 days from date of receipt for any reasons other than us overlooking a condition, a refund of shipping and handling charge will not be provided. Please note that vintage and antique magazines can not be returned due to people copying them or tearing out pages.
We feel confident that you will love your antique just like we have loved it.
Updated: November 10, 2011 2011 Copyright Protected Victorian Gardens Antiques
