Oakside Saddlery Store MEASURING
Oakside Saddlery

Frequently asked questions

Common questions - Hopefully answered
Oakside Saddlery

fRequently asked questions

This section covers some commonly asked questions about my handmade leather items.

How do I measure for the perfect fit?

Visit my measuring page for ways to measure for the best fit.

How should I care for my new leather items?

Pay a visit to my care and repair page for some handy hints and tips

What Colour is the leather?

We all know that the internet is terrible for colour representation. So have a look at my leather page for some ideas. If you are still not sure ask me for some samples and I will send them out to you.

Is hand stitched really better than machine stitched?

When I hand stitch leather I pass the thread right through the leather before it moves on to the next stitch. I do this twice with each stitch. A machine passes the thread in to the hole, loops it around the thread on the other side and comes back to the same side that it started. Much weaker but quicker.

So yes hand stitched is so much better than machine. When machines came in to favour it certainly wasn't to make a better item for the customer!

How long does it take to make my new leather items?

I usually take around 6 weeks to handcraft your leather items. But when I am busy this can be 8 or even 10 weeks.

I have also been ill recently after a car accident. This has meant that my orders are taking longer than usual.

What if I need it sooner?

When placing your order you can always leave a comment that you need it for certain date. It just needs to be realistic. This is handmade so don't expect next day delivery. If you still haven't received your order then send me an Email and I'll let you know how I am getting on.

Remember that certain buckles and fittings will still have to be ordered.

OAKSIDE SADDLERY

Delivery

Some questions about delivery and postage options

Who will delivery my goods?

I use Royal Mail for my deliveries. Second class signed for. For overseas I use Royal Mail Tracked and Signed when I can.

If you are sending batteries with your clippers remember that Royal Mail will not accept them. So for this I use Evri. This is handy as their collection point is just down my road.

How will my goods be packaged?

Now I could spend some money on fancy packaging with a gift box and some rustic string. But, lets be honest. Who actually cares about that Sh....! And I would charge you extra for the privilege of being able to throw it in the bin afterwards.

No my goods will come in a plain white padded envelope. Nice and simple.

Will I be notified when my goods are being shipped?

My store generates various emails during the crafting process. One when I start actually crafting your order, and another one when I ship your handcrafted items.

It has been over 8 weeks since I placed my order and it hasn't arrived?

Sometimes I get behind with my orders and it takes longer than 8 weeks. If you are in desperate need of your item then send me an email and let me know.

How much is shipping and delivery?

I find nothing worse than grabbing that bargain, working through all of the order forms, and when it comes to pay find that another £7.50 has been added for shipping!

Because of that I ship all of my leather goods for free in the UK. To Europe and the rest of the world shipping will be added at the checkout

I don't live in the UK. Will I have to pay Customs charges?

I send overseas items as delivery duties unpaid. This does mean that you may have to pay customs charges on delivery. Many countries have a tax free limit and it may be that your order is under that limit and therefore not liable for charges. Over that limit and you may have to pay before your parcel is delivered.

Oakside saddlery

ordering

Below are some common questions about ordering and what if something goes wrong.

How does the ordering process work?

Once you have added your items to your basket in my store and entered the checkout. You can add any comments that you need to. Select your payment method and proceed through the checkout. I will receive your order and send you a confirmation email. Usually the next morning when I get up!

I made a mistake and ordered the wrong size and colour?

Not a problem. As long as I haven't started making your item I don't mind changing things. Just send me an email and I will confirm the changes.

How can I check if my order has been started?

If you need to check on your order simply visit my store and look near the bottom. You will see a link to track orders and to sign in. Click on this and enter your email address. You will then get a magic link to sign in to your account. If it says awaiting processing then I haven't started making it and you are good to change it. If it says processing then I have started or made it and it just needs processing. At that point you can not change anything or cancel your order.

How do I make payment?

All payments made through my store are processed via Stripe or PayPal. Payment can also be made via bank transfer and personal check.

Payment can be made by approved customers by invoice.

I wish to cancel my order?

As all of my items are made to your personal specifications you do not have a right to cancel under The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013

However I am happy to cancel and refund any order that I have not started. This will be marked as 'processing' in my store.

Who pays for any returns?

The cost of return delivery is down to the customer.