About the Vintage Items Offered
* The aim of VintageGriffin.com is to offer antique and vintage clothing that is of superior design and condition. Superior vintage clothing has always been hard to find, and it's always getting harder to find. VintageGriffin.com focuses on items that truly belong in your collection, and many of our items are indeed, museum-quality. A vintage item that is "mint" is still a vintage item, and should be treated with care. Something that has survived 40, 60 or even 100 years and is in good, excellent or mint condition will still need more deference in handling than brand new clothing.
* Excellent condition does not mean mint. If clothing has been worn, if a shawl has been used, it will usually have signs of wear, even if these signs are not readibly discernable. This is often referred to among collectors as the "patina of age" and is generally acceptable and understandable when dealing with older textiles. To expect vintage clothing to be as sturdy as brand new clothing is unrealistic
* Serious collectors, people who have collected vintage clothing for a long time have learned that it is extremely rare for textiles and clothing to come through the decades without some minor flaws. Use this as your yardstick. The older a garment, the more likely it is to have these flaws. To even see clothing and textiles of a certain age (like 18th century dresses, or early 19th century) is to be lucky. One should consider being more accepting of minor flaws in much older pieces, because their existance is that much more rare.
* All vintage clothing needs gentle hands. If an item is marked "wearable," it means wear it carefully. No wild dancing. No quick or sudden movements. Watch your train if you go through a door, or if you are around crowds who might step on it. Vintage clothing can +absolutely+ be worn and enjoyed, just do so with some common sense.
Methods of Payment
* Items can be shipped only to the address registered with Paypal.
Ordering an Item
* To order an item, contact VintageGriffin.com via email or the contact form on the Web site. Items are first come, first serve, so wait for confirmation that your lovely item is indeed still available.
* The listed price does not include shipping charges. After we determine that your desired item is available, you will let me know your mailing address. I will then email you total cost, which includes insurance (required) and shipping. Items are shipped by United States Priority Mail and are insured for the full amount. If you have a preference for another carrier, like UPS or FedEx, that is fine. VintageGriffin.com is also willing to work with people who need their vintage clothing fast. A bride once fell in love with one of our Edwardian gowns, but her wedding was only days away. We were able to overnight her dress by FedEx and she wore her treasure on her special day.
* When payment is received, your item is marked "reserved" until the transaction is complete. Then the item will be marked "sold." Payment is due within 10 days of placing an order. VintageGriffin.com accepts money orders, cashier's checks, personal checks, and Paypal bank transfers for payment. Personal checks must clear before the item is shipped.
Returns
* VintageGriffin.com must be notified within 24 hours of confirmed receipt of the item.
* Returned items must come back in exactly the same condition they were in when shipped.
* The item must be returned within four (4) business days.
* The returned item must be insured for the full amount. Until the item arrives back on VintageGriffin.com's doorstep, the customer is liable for the cost.
* No returns or refunds on layaway purchases.
* Returns are not possible on international sales, due to customs fees.
* If these conditions are not met, the return will not be accepted.
Refunds
* Shipping costs and Paypal fees are not refundable.
* A 10% restocking fee will be charged on any accepted return over $200.
* Refunds are issued immediately upon receipt of an accepted return in good condition.
* There are no refunds on layaway items.
* There are no refunds on items damaged in shipping. You must file a claim with the carrier.
Layaways
* VintageGriffin.com offers a three-month layaway option, composed of three equal payments. The first payment is due within ten (10) days of the order confirmation.
* There are no returns or refunds on any completed layaway item.
* There are no refunds on partially completed layaway transactions.
Note! While a customer has an item on layaway, vintage griffin does not accept additional orders from that customer, whether outright purchase or layaway, until the original layaway purchase is complete.
