On this page you will find sections that tell you about us, and also about: OUR PHONE, ADDRESS & EMAIL GUARANTEES RETURNING ITEMS SALES TAX EXCHANGE & ORDER CANCELLATION POLICY PAYMENT METHODS MINIMUM ORDER (no minimum) DISCOUNTS & COUPONS INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY APO/FPO SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS HOW WE HANDLE UNDELIVERABLE & UNCLAIMED ORDERS WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT ARRIVE ECOLOGY (we don't waste a lot of paper & trees....) SECURITY PRIVACY WHO WE ARE (AND WHO WE'RE NOT!): We are a small, family owned toy store in the Texas Panhandle. Proprieters are Dr. James Whitlark and Lynn Whitlark. Dr. Whitlark is also a professor of fantasy literature and critical/literary theory at Texas Tech University. We own and operate this business ourselves. We are "open" for telephone calls and business from 10:00am until (approximately) 5:00pm Central Time, M-F, and many more hours during the holiday season. If you call on national or religious holidays, or after regular store hours, you won't find us at our shop, but your call will be picked up by an electronic answering machine and we will get back to you as quickly as we can. *We answer email more often during off hours, so if you need a response quickly, you may reach us faster with email - purcifuls@yahoo.com. Some folks seem surprised or even offended that we are not a "24-7" operation (as one customer put it) -- believing that since the internet is "open" 24 hours a day and every day of the year, that we should be packing, shipping, sending automated emails and taking phone calls all day and all night. This must be one of those illusions created by the luxury of internet shopping -- and if it were so, we would be more Magical than our store name is intended to imply. We try to ship all orders out on the day after they are ordered -- or the next mail/business day if you order on weekends or holidays. FedEx and Express Mail will always be shipped the day ordered (M-F) if ordered by Noon, and if time restrictions allow. Still, be patient -- it's just us chickens here and we go as fast as we can! If we are sold out of an item, we will attempt to remove it from the site as "OUT OF STOCK" within a few hours; however, if we are sold out and this is not yet noted on the site, we'll try to notify you as soon as possible. We try to automate as few services as possible, finding that most people appreciate our personal service far more than electronic gadgetry. We're on the internet and so much is automated from the word GO! -- and still we try tp answer our own phones and send our own emails. We are willing to do a custom order for any item that is feasible and available from our current suppliers. We understand that there are EMERGENCIES, even for toys (or perhaps especially for toys...) so if you absolutely positively have to have it by a certain date, just let us know and we will try our very best to get it there. This is the kind of business we like to buy from, and so it is the type of business we offer. We hope you enjoy our low-tech approach to hi-tech business -- we are not as big and automated as some ".com's", and we actually like it that way. Companies like that already exist and we found no reason to reinvent the wheel. We are something else: A small, personally run shop of smiles and good things for your children, friends, and family. As for what we ARE NOT.... We are not manufacturers. We don't make these toys -- we are a retail store like the shop on the corner. No elves in the back room hammering on little Santa tables.... If you lose instructions, directions, or need replacement parts, it is probably the manufacturer you need to call. We can supply manufacturer names and often physical or web addresses and phone numbers if they are not on your packaging. (also, a good search engine will probably get you to the manufacturere as well.) We are not wholesalers. If you are looking to purchace extremelly large numbers of the same item at wholesale prices, you need to contact the wholesalers -- not us. We also don't sell to other stores at wholesale or distributer prices -- And last, we are not a franchise. We're very flattered by those who write to us and want to open a franchise of our store in Timbuktu or Singapore, or who want to market our merchandise here or there -- but we are an internet store only. POLICY STATEMENT We have one criteria at Purciful's Magical Toys, and that is to provide children (of any age) and those who care for them with toys and ideas for creative, safe, and healthy play. We don't sell violent or destructive toys, and we do our best to find only the safest, best constructed, and most beautiful toys available. Here are the guidelines we use to select our toys: * Only friendly bears/animals with a sweet disposition. * Sturdy and well made dolls, bears, and doll / bear clothes. * Only the best and most substantial building / construction toys that will last through generations of imagination. * Musical toys with pleasant sounds. * Minimal and clever costumes and props for playing dress-up. * Friendly, animated, simple to manipulate, ethnically diverse (and species diverse...) easy-to-identify-with puppets. * Games that are interactive for several players (of all ages). * No electronics, batteries, headphones, joysticks, yards of cable, or AC adaptors. * As little plastic, polyester, and simulated almost real faux looks-almost-natural merchandise as possible. * As much fun, imaginative, hug-worthy, play-hard, dream-fostering, playtime as we can help you provide for your children. *********************************************************** To reach us by mail, send to: Purciful's Magical Toys 5015 University #A9B Lubbock TX 79413 USA telephone: (806) 239-2927 during store hours or leave a message after hours.... *********************************************************** email us: purcifuls@yahoo.com *********************************************************** GUARANTEE: We offer a 30 day money back guarantee on all undamaged items, excluding original shipping costs. Returns must be received by Purciful's within 30 days of the original order to qualify for this guarantee. Damage or loss which occurs during shipping will be referred to the shipping carrier. Items to be returned should be shipped with delivery confirmation at the shipping method of your choice -- Purciful's does not pay for return shipping. Once the item(s) has been received (in unused and undamaged condition) we will refund the original purchase price. Please be sure to pack breakable items carefully to insure they are not damaged on return. No paper invoice is necessary, but you must include your order number and the zip code to which the item was originally shipped, as well as a reason for returning the item. Because our secure shopping cart (managed and furnished by Yahoo! Store) automatically deletes credit card information after 30 days for security reasons, no refunds can be made on orders older than 30 days without special arrangements with Purciful's Magical Toys. ***There was a morning disc-jockey in the Dallas-Ft. Worth market named Ron Chapman who liked to quote rules and posted notices/signs that seemed strange at first glance, but made sense if you assume that rules are only posted in response to particular events -- in other words, it was only after somebody jumped into the fountain that the caretakers thought to put up a sign that said "NO SWIMMING IN THE FOUNTAIN." In that same vein, we have one additional return policy: We offer several "collectable" and even one-of-a-kind bears and dolls here at Purciful's whose value can be effected by over-handling, insufficiently careful packing and packaging, or by exposure to extremes of heat, light, water, natural skin oils, cigarette smoke, or (especially) careless handling. If you order a collectable Muffy (or any other Vanderbear) or other collectable bear, or a Little Souls hand-made doll or other collectable doll, Anchor Blocks, rare or imported Tarot cards, or gemstone dice, please be aware that there will be a 50% restocking fee applied if that item is returned. These are very offen one-of-a-kind dolls, toys, and bears, or at least very rare, expensive, from a limited edition, or no longer produced. If you order the item and pay for it just so you can see it and "see what all the fuss is about", we will accept the return so long as the items is returned within the presecribed 30 days, packed securely and insured for the full amount with signiture-at-delivery confirmation required, and so long as it is undamaged and unchanged in any respect by your handling and inspection. We will, however, charge you 50% of the cost because shipping back and forth takes our time, energy, packing materials, and care -- and just the act of sending such collectable merchandise causes "shop wear" if done very often. This is our business -- and if 5 people order a bear. toy, or doll -- never intending to keep it, but only to examine it -- or for whatever other reason the bear/doll/toy is returned -- the doll, toy, or bear will be quickly become unsellable because of the wear and tear of such shipping and examinations. We post this policy only because of past abuse by customers/collectors. Collectable items are numbered at the time of manufacture; attempting to order a mint condition collectable from us to replace an item of your own which you have damaged -- then attempting to to return your damaged item to us in place of our quality merchandise -- will result not only in a $0.00 refund/credit -- we will also turn your name in to the Fraud Department of your credit card company and all appropriate agencies. We consider these acts to be both fraud and theft. SALES TAX: Sales tax will be added to orders from our Texas customers. This will be done automatically by your shopping cart. GIFT EXCHANGE POLICY: Exchanges must be arranged within 30 days of receipt of gift. Item (in original, unused condition) to be exchanged should be returned along with your shipping address, phone number and email address to: Ship return items in a securely packed box, using the shipping method of your choice. Please use delivery confirmation so that delivery can be confirmed. Once the returned items have arrived, you will receive a credit with us for the amount for the returned items. You can then place a "regular" order online with www.purcifuls-toys.com using your own Visa or Mastercard and the amount up to your exchange-credit will be deleted from the total and any remaining amount over and above that exchange-credit will be charged to your Visa or Mastercard. CANCELING AN ORDER: Because we make every effort to fill orders within the first 36 hours after they are placed (slightly longer if you order on a weekend) the only way to be sure that your order has not already been shipped and is therefore eligible for cancelation is to call us and actually speak to us (806) 239-2927. This means that you are responsible for calling us during business hours (M-F 10am-5pm central time, plus additional hours during the holiday season) Our "shipped" notices do not go out until the evening of, or the day after shipping. Attempts to cancel an order after that order has shipped, or without contacting us directly will not be recognized. You may return the item in accordance with out Returns Policy stated on this page. If you wish to cancel an order within the first 24 hours after you place your order, be sure to call us directly. Email or voice mail is not sufficient for a cancellation, especially on orders where a time-sensitive shipping method (FedEx or Express Mail) have been selected. If we receive your order at 1:00pm and the mail is leaving at 2:30pm, your order may go out on that very day (which most people find to be a great service!) Our best advice is to make sure your order is correct and complete, and that you have selected the shipping method you really want when you place your order. We view an order in which you have entered your shipping and billing information as a signed agreement that you have entered and approved your order. Much of this policy is in response to a customer who emailed 3 days after an order was placed and shipped (during Christmas season) and attempted to cancel -- her reason for believing this was possible was that she had not "RSVP'd" (her words, not ours) and we should not have shipped until she did. MINIMUM ORDER: We have no minimum order here at Purciful's, and because of the cost of shipping and current fuel charges, order processing, and credit card authorization, we still ask that you try and maintain at least a $10 order -- and all orders are appreciated. DISCOUNTS & COUPONS: We occasionally offer seasonal or SALE discount coupon codes to our return customers (when offered, these will arrive in you "SHIPPED" notice after your first order has been shipped. We also offer standard "X% OFF" coupons for very large orders (usually $500.00-$1000.00 or more), and for recognized not-for-profit charities. Other than that, our prices are fixed. We do not sell our items on eBay, haggle over prices, or bid for our customers' buisness. Please do not send us emails asking us to quote you our best price -- our best price is the one you see on our site, because we give great consideration to making sure our customers get the best prices we can manage to offer. PAYMENT METHODS: Purciful's accepts VISA and MASTERCARD through our online shopping cart. We DO NOT offer Lay-a-way. Purciful's DOES NOT accept email orders of any kind. Please never NEVER include your credit card information in an email to us or anyone else. PURCIFUL'S DOES NOT ACCEPT CASH THROUGH THE MAIL, AND DISCOURAGES ANY FORM OF PAYMENT BY MAIL DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THEFT AND LOSS OF CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS TRAVELING BY REGULAR MAIL. FedEx prohibits and warns against the inclusion of cash/funds in their service for a very good reason. If your money disappears from an envelope, it is lost forever and not covered by insurance. Likewise, any funds, including money orders are not insurable via the US Postal Service. Funds you send through the mail or any courier service are at your risk and are solely the sender's responsibility. Other forms of payment: MAIL ORDERS If you choose to order by mail: Personal checks must be verified before your order can be shipped. Your check must have your name and address printed on it, and you should include an email address and phone number with your order. *****You MUST go through the shopping cart process in order to determine shipping***** Place your items in the shopping cart of our online store and begin the checkout process in order for shipping to be calculated. Page 1 of the checkout process asks for your shipping address -- and once you enter this information and click "Continue", the database calculates your shipping cost based on weight of items in the cart, and distance between Purciful's (in Texas) and your shipping address. Once shipping is calculated, you do not have to fill out Page 2 of the check-out process which is where billing information (credit card info) is normally entered. Instead, you can print out your order up to that point and send it to us with correct funds. Orders sent without proper shipping added will be voided and the checks will be destroyed or returned if return postage is supplied by the customer. TELEPHONE ORDERS Telephone orders are accepted during regular store hours, Central Time, however, it is always recommended that you place your order yourself online. Why? Because this puts you in control of the order -- you check to make sure you have everything you want and nothing else; you check to make sure your shipping address and billing address are entered correctly; you make sure you have compared shipping rates available and chosen the shipping method you really want; and you have final approval before your order is placed, filled and shipped. --also, just for those who are most INTERESTED IN SPEED -- an order placed online will likely be shipped 24-36 hours faster than an order placed over the telephone because online orders go directly to be filled and shipped at the moment you enter them. (Orders placed over the phone must be entered online by someone at Purciful's -- and especially during holidays, this may add a lot of time to getting your order in the queue.) For those still wishing to place an order by phone, if there is no one at the phones when you call, or if we are speaking with other customers, an answering device will take your name and number and we will return your call as soon as we can. During the holiday season, this may take a while because people call (constantly) with questions, special requests, complaints, hysterics, and last minute panic attacks. (Your best bet during holidays is just to keep trying rather than leaving messages -- it's pretty much the North Pole Annex here from late October until January....) Please do not leave order information on the answering device. VISA and MASTERCARD are welcome for all orders, however be aware that ALL ORDERS PAID FOR WITH VISA AND MASTERCARD WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE ONLINE CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION MECHANISM PROVIDED TO US THROUGH YAHOO! STORE SERVICES. Shipping will be calculated when we enter your order, and be included when we send your order confirmation via email. *****AGAIN, If we take your credit card information and order over the phone, it will still be entered into the Yahoo! Shopping - shopping cart system and processed just as though you had entered your order online yourself. We are an online business and thanks to the excellent security of the Yahoo! shopping cart service, we have never had any reported loss or theft of credit card information. LOCAL CUSTOMERS Customers living in or near Lubbock Texas can use the online shopping cart and select LOCAL PICK-UP as their shipping option so that no shipping will be charged. If you place yor order in this way, please call us at (806) 239-2927 and arrange a time to come and pick up your order at our shop. SHIPPING: A small handling charge is automatically calculated into the shipping cost of every order. Extremely large or heavy items may have an additional $2 charge added. Shipping costs can be calculated in advance of actually finalizing your order by placing your items in the shopping cart, and then going on to the first 2 pages of the 4-page check-out process. Page 1 asks for your shipping address and for you to choose a shipping method. When you click to continute to page 2, the database uses the total weight of the items in your cart and the distance it will be shipped to calculate your final shipping/handling charge. Page 2 of the check-out process will then have this total. (You can use the "back" button on your browser to go back and select a different shipping method to compare shipping rates.) INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING At this time, we are beginning to take orders for shipment to Canada and the UK via USPS International Priority Mail. These shipping costs have not yet been entered into a a useable table, and so shipping charges must be calculated manually on an order-by-order/case-by-case basis. To place an order for shipment to Canada or the UK, please call or email us and we conduct the order personally. APO/FPO SHIPPING Orders to be shipped via USPS to APO/FPO/AP addresses overseas should choose the APO/FPO shipping method. This calls the order to our attention so we can provide the appropriate customs documents at shipping. RE-SHIPPING UNDELIVERABLE OR UNCLAIMED ORDERS Purciful's Magical Toys does not pay for second shipping after a package is undeliverable or unclaimed by the recipiant, OR when misinformation, missing information, or typos prevent a package from being delivered/claimed. To have a package re-sent from Purciful's once it has been returned by the postal service, Fedex, or a ground carrier, you are responsible for a second postage bill to be paid by credit card. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ORDER DOES NOT ARRIVE: If your order does not arrive in a timely manner -- especially with FedEx or Express Mail orders where your package is expected at a certain time and date -- notify us immediately and we will do everything we can to help track your package from this end. Other domestic orders may want to allow at least 5 days beyond the expected delivery date to allow for postal delays before starting an intensive search. The first step in any search process is to get your Delivery Confirmation Number and inquire at your local post office or with your Mail Carrier -- often the notices left at your door blow away or are lost -- this is the most common reason for package delay. ECOLOGY: PAPER INVOICES & PAPER CATALOGS We do not send a paper invoice with orders because we have found that most people do not want or require them and so it is just another overuse of paper. If you are one of those who does need or want a paper invoice for your records, please print your order confirmation page, or your email order confirmation. They will both contain all the relevant information. We also do not send paper catalogs through the mail for the same reason. Our catalog is on the internet only -- and we save many trees that way! ONLINE SECURITY We hope you notice how many times we've told you that your credit card information will be entered online --even if your order by phone. This repetition should give you some idea of how many times a day we are asked to take orders over the phone by people wanting to avoid entering their credit card information online. If you are uneasy about identity theft, be assured that we are just as concerned. That is why we use the secure shopping cart service provided through Yahoo! In thousands of orders, and many years online, we have never had an incident of credit card infomation theft (or heard of one from any other merchant using this service.) PRIVACY: Purciful's Magical Toys does not share customer information with anyone. No lists. No mailings. None of that.... NOBODY. We don't like our info spread around and we don't contribute to that sort of irresponsible invasion of privacy as a merchant. We hate spam and telemarketers just as much as you do. *********************************************************************************** |