FAQ's

Frequently asked questions

Thanks for looking at this page, which has the sole aim of answering the most frequently asked questions I receive. Hopefully they will give you an answer. It may not be the answer you would like, but all answers to questions given here are provided on other pages of my website, or are just questions that I am frequently asked.

This is just a summary, to make life easier for customers, and so that I can be even more transparent and helpful than I usually am.

1. What are your lead times?

My current lead time from when an order is placed is approximately eight weeks. This is advised at the top of every single page on my website (in a very visible bright red banner). It is clearly stated on my website postage page, at the very top of my ‘terms and conditions' page, on this FAQ page, and in the order confirmation email sent to customers once an order has been placed. Customers even have to check a box before they pay for anything and check-out of my website, stating that they have read and understand my lead time, and agree to the terms and conditions stated. If customers dont tick the box agreeing to this, they would not be able to buy anything from me.  

2. What does ‘approximately eight weeks' actually mean?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "approximately" as an adverb meaning "almost but not completely accurate or correct" or, more simply, "close to a particular number or time but not exactly that number or time". It is used to indicate an estimation that is near the truth or a measurement, but not precise. 

“Eight weeks” is simply a measure of time.

When this is combined in the phrase “approximately eight weeks”, this means that in approximately eight weeks, your order will be made.

3. Why does it take so long? 

It takes me approximately one hour to hand-make a lead from start to finish. Why a customer's order takes approximately eight weeks to make, is because at any one time, I have at least 150 open orders.

An order can range from one single dog lead, to 20 tracking harnesses, 20 training leads and 15 public order collars in one order (about 110 hours work)

It takes so long because I am a single craftsman, making absolutely everything from scratch, by hand, with no machinery. That is what you are paying for.

4. Where is my order?

If you placed an order less than approximately eight weeks ago, then it hasn't been made yet.

If you have received an email to say that your order has been posted, then your order is on its way to you at the address you gave me.

Put it this way, if you place an order with me on Monday, then phone me on Thursday asking where your order is, I am likely to tell you that your lead and collar are still walking around a field eating grass.

5. I didn't know that your lead time was eight weeks! 

It isn’t, my lead time is ‘approximately eight weeks’. This is stated all over my website. I can’t make it any clearer.  It is you that hasn't paid any attention to this detail on my website, or the confirmation email that was emailed to you when you placed your order. Pay more attention when buying things. I also refer you back to number 1 above!

6. How do I look after English bridle leather?

Brilliant question, and one which is answered on the order confirmation that was emailed to you when you placed your order.

Your items should be treated like a pair of leather shoes. Do not expose them to extremes of temperature and if they get wet, allow them to dry naturally before treating with an appropriate leather conditioner. Prolonged exposure to moisture is not recommended, neither is complete submersion in any liquid as in the long term, this may cause strength and integrity issues in both the leather and any stitching.

Being a natural product, your new items will need regular care and nourishment in order to maintain structural integrity. I recommend the regular use of ‘Ko-Cho-Line’ leather dressing for the routine nourishment and care of your English bridle leather products.

You should check your items daily for signs of damage. If your items suffer damage that could affect their function and or strength, they should not be used until a professional repair has been undertaken.

7. Why haven't I heard from you? 

You have. When you placed your order, you were emailed order confirmation. If that isn't in your inbox then check your junk or spam folders as sometimes they get filtered out.

Once I have made and posted your order, I will email you the tracking number. That means that your order is on the way to you. If you haven't had that tracking number email, then your order isn't on the way to you yet.

I can not regularly update every customer, even weekly, as to the status of their order, as this would take me a day and a half, adding to the time it will take to make your items. If approximately eight weeks has passed since you placed an order with me, then feel free to contact me to ask what's happening.

8. Can I have a discount? 

No. I usually add 50% on to the price of those who ask. Have some respect and class.

9. Do you have a wholesale price list?

I am very flattered by companies and individuals that contact me asking to sell my items on a wholesale basis, but no I don't.

I have always preferred to deal with my customers directly, and have no plans to do otherwise. I'll refer you to point 2 above.

 

I hope this helps answer the most common questions that customers ask.

Paul.