Where
are the "initial" coasters?
I
did not buy these at your site, but...
Which
credit cards do you take?
How
do I care for my coasters?
How
can stains be removed?
How will this purchase be listed?
Do
you do custom orders?
Can
I send these as a gift?
Is
my credit card info safe?
Do
you do custom orders?
When
can I expect delivery?
What
about damaged merchandise?
Where
are
the "initial" coasters?
The 3-dimensional etched variety were discontinued, and we have sold out.
However, we can now offer a new model with a flat surface on our regular bisque tile: see them here
We do not stock them for individual sale at the Amazon storefront yet, but you can e-mail or call 888-778-3188 for a special order. Also available as Autocoasters for your car's cupholder: monogram AUTOCOASTERS
Back
to top
I
did not
buy these at your site, but...
a) one of my coasters is cracked
b) two of the coasters are stuck together
c) I am unhappy for some reason
Although
our friends at Highland Graphics, Inc., where the products are manufactured,
graciously allow us to use their trademark and domain name on our site,
we are essentially an independently operated store and therefore cannot
take responsibility for purchases made at the thousands of their other
outlets. You are welcome to e-mail us for advice or complaints
(these are very rare), but you need to return a problem product to where you
boughtit. At the same time, we stand behind purchases made here
100%, so please see our policy
statement.
We
may be able
to provide further service in the future. We are talking with the
manufacturer about providing remedies to the few customers around the
country
who have a problem since our URL is on the box and we are easy to reach.
Back
to top
Can I send these as a gift?
Yes, during checkout, after entering a billing name and address and
a shipping name and address (not the same ones) there is a box for Special
Instructions for a message to whomever you choose.
However,
please select this option only if the purchase is being sent to
an address other than the Billing Address. We will then
send
the order along with a message tag directly to the person receiving the
gift and send you, the purchaser, a separate receipt.
Back
to top
How do I care for my coasters?
Although AbsorbaStone coasters and trivets are low maintenance
products, a little common sense is called for. They are designed
to keep the condensed liquid on the bottom of your glass from forming a
bond. The absorbent tile and its textured finish combine to
accomplish this most of the time. However, if a glass, particularly one with
melting ice, is allowed to stand long enough, liquid can pool - at
which point you should wipe it off. In fact, it is a good idea to routinely
do this after use because even though the tile absorbs normal condensation,
in time excess moisture can form a film which will eventually hinder
absorbency.
From time to time a good scrubbing with warm water and mild
dishwashing detergent is recommended. This will not damage or erase the
image.
Note: because of the cork backing, it is not a good idea to put them in
the dishwasher (this seems obvious, but people do ask us).
Back
to top
How can stains be removed?
Normal condensation from the glass bottom is clear and, if coaster
surface is occasionally wiped, will not cause stains. However, if
colored
liquid is allowed to sit and penetrate or if spills happen, stains can
result.
- Sometimes a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part common
household bleach can be used on the outer white edge.
- Tilex brand cleaner can be
used without damaging the image.
- Also, a good stiff ink eraser or plastic art eraser (from
an art supply
store) can occasionally remove some surface marks .
- An old toothbrush is a useful tool with detergents and will
not abrade
the surface; although in extreme cases, you might even try a Brillo or
other type pad (LIGHTLY - test first).
The problem is that since the coasters absorb moisture into the top
layer, they can also absorb dyes, etc. It's a Catch-22: if
the surface repelled liquid like ScotchGuard or something so that a
staining substance could be wiped off , then the glass would stick and they
wouldn't work as well as coasters. An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound
of cure (see "Care" topic above).
For the ETCHED and INITIAL products:
These are made of a softer tile and occasionally marks can be removed
by scraping very carefully with a common kitchen knife.
Since
these do not have a picture that might be damaged, you would merely
removing
the stained top layer
Disclaimer: Perform these remedies at your own risk to
the coasters.
Since each incidence is unique, we cannot guarantee that a given
solution
will work or even not inflict permanent damage and therefore we assume
no responsibility for your actions. We are just speaking from
experience
with the product and offering suggestions.
If nothing works, it could be time for a new set.
Although they can be kept presentable for years, these are only coasters and, like
all of us, will eventually show the ravages of time and are more likely to
get "dirty" before they break or wear out. At least once a year, we
come out with new models.
back to top
When can I expect delivery?
Orders for coaster sets should be processed a day or so after
they are entered and shipped soon thereafter, arriving within three
days
of shipment. Occasionally, items will be temporarily out of
stock,
but the back order should not take more than a week or two.
Special orders by phone (888-778-3188) or e-mail for trivets, Artworks Home Accents products, will occasionally
have to be specially processed, but also should arrive within three
weeks.
Back to top
Which credit cards do you take?
Visa and MasterCard. Unfortunately, our merchant account
no longer processes Discover. Plus, we accept checks and money
orders if you would like to snail mail your order made out to:
Specialtees
P.O. Box 159
Nolensville, TN 37135
However, we do not reserve items until your check or money order
arrives.
Back to top
My coasters arrived broken (or stuck together, etc.).
What do I do ?
Technically, this is not a "frequently" asked question since it is
such a rare occurrence. But accidents do happen. In
short, if these were bought through AbsorbaStone.com, we
will replace your purchase or refund your money. Our site has sales links
to eBay and Amazon, so those platforms all qualify as being bought from "us".
See Return
Policy.
Back to top
I'm nervous about giving out my credit card
information. How
do I know it's safe?
While we never say "never", it seems to us that if there were
documented cases of online credit card thievery, it would create a lot of
attention in the national press. This hasn't happened.
Not only is your information encrypted for transmission from
the page on which you enter it, but when your order reaches us, we don't
keep a record of it on our computer (which could, theoretically at least, be
hacked into). Also, we will not release any of the personal
data you entrust us with - including your e-mail address.
Back to top
How will my credit card statement list this purchase?
It will appear as "Specialtees" if you buy coasters or a small cutting board from the Amazon platform or if we take a special order via phone or e-mail (likewise for wholesale customers). We use the YourPay payment gateway which maintains the highest levels of encryption and security
If you purchase Artworks Home Accents products through our Amazon storefront, they will process your transaction, and it should be listed as "Absorbastone Coasters and Home Accents/Amazon.com"
Back to top
Do you do custom orders?
Yes!
We can either use your image (logo, artwork for which you own the
copyright, etc.) provided in a digital format (.jpg , .tiff, .eps) of 5" square at
300 dpi or you can have a line of text dropped into one our 500
licensed images. There is a minimum order (per image) of
144 sets of 4 coasters. Turnaround time is approximately three weeks. Call
1-888-778-3188 for pricing. Custom clocks and glass cutting boards are now available as well.
Of course, if you have a particular area of collecting
interest that you think would appeal to a lot of others, we are always open to
suggestions
which could be passed along to the licensing department.
Back to top
|
