FAQ

What's Your Deal? 

I'm just kind of a silly goose who likes to have fun and share my creations. But, I assure you I am still a professional business owner. I have been self-employed and running my own handmade business since 2015. I owned another shop until 2023. But, that shop never really felt like me, so I chose to pause that business to focus on Outer Child. 

Outer Child is all 100% my handmade creations. My true voice speaks so strong in what I choose to make and how I choose to share it. So yeah, I can be a bit goofy in my subject matter. But, I am serious where it counts!

 

What's your name?

Smemily Bolson. She/her/hers 
* Don't listen to her, it's really Emily Olson.
Find out more About Me if you even dare at this point.

 

MONEY QUESTIONS

 

What payment types do you accept? 

All major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Meta Pay, Shop Pay

I DO NOT accept PayPal, and respectfully, DONK them.

I must charge sales tax in the state of California as that is where my business is physically located.


Why so 'spensive?

I am a one-woman handmade shop. The way I work is sustainable and small batch. I price my items accordingly. I know it can be frustrating to not be able to afford something you really like, so I do keep prices as reasonable as I possibly can to account for my time, supplies, utilities, website, fees, etc. I pay myself about $20-25/hr when it's all said and done. I refuse to value my time at less than that.

 

Do you ever offer discounts? 
Not on handmade items. My handmade products are already at the most reasonable price point possible for me. 

Sometimes on apparel and other accessories. Keep an eye on Instagram and emails. 

 

WHERE ARE YOU?

Where are you located? Do you have a store front? 

I am located in San Francisco, CA, but I do not currently have a store front. If this goes well that may change and I may get to meet you in person!!!!


ABOUT HANDMADE GOODS 

What's that jazz made out of? 

I work almost exclusively with plush crushed stretch velvet. I developed the technique while working on my former business and I became obsessed with making miniature plushies to be worn as accessories. 

 

Are your handmade products durable? 

Yeah! I have tested all of my products over time and I want you to feel like you have invested in a piece of wearable or decorative art that will be with you for years to come!

Plus, if you ever have any issues, let me know. I am always going to make things right for you! That is the best thing about buying from small shops. I am going to remember every order and appreciate the absolute heck out of you! I can't have you upset with me, now.

 

Where are your items made?

Handmade items are made in my home! I have a home studio dedicated to my shop. My home is pet free (sadly - I want a dog) and smoke free so don't worry about any odors or allergies. 

 

Do you accept custom orders?

I do not. You can always feel free to suggest a product theme, but I cannot guarantee it will actually be made. But, sometimes your ideas totally inspire me! So, don't be afraid to speak up. I may end up making your request.

 

Do you have any handmade accessories ready to ship? 

Usually I do not. In an effort to reduce waste of materials, I only make what is ordered. If an item becomes very popular I may do flash sales where items are ready to ship. In other words if I can guarantee they will sell if I may do a small ready to ship sale. 

 

WHERE'S MY ORDER

Don't worry, it's probably on its way to you! If not, I'll make it right. Please read below for more info. 


Processing time vs Shipping time = Delivery time:

Processing time is the time it takes to make your order and prepare it for shipment. That means all the time it takes before it is in the mail. 

Shipping time is the time it takes the item to reach you after it is in the mail. 

Delivery time encompasses processing and shipping time. So, when an item says "Delivery to the US in 7-10 business days" that means it would be at your mailbox in 7-10 business days from the day you order. Business days are M-F, 9am-5pm. 



What is turnaround time?

Turnaround time is the time it takes to process your order.

For stickers, you can expect delivery in 5-7 business days.

For apparel and printed accessories (totes, can coolers), you can expect delivery within 7-10 business days. 

For handmade, it means the time it take for me to handmake and ship your order. Turnaround time is usually about 2 weeks, meaning that you should receive your goodies roughly 2 weeks from the date of your order. 

 

What is the processing time for print-on-demand?

Once your order is placed with me, it is sent directly to the printing queue.

Total delivery time is 7-10 days for US delivery and 10-15 for International delivery. 


SHIPPING & REFUND QUESTIONS

Shipping Policy

Outer Child ships from the US domestically and to most international locations. 

Please take note, if items are made to order, there will be a 2 week turnaround time before your order is sent. (I usually get things out quicker, but this gives me some "life happens" wiggle room as a one-woman business).

 

The buyer is responsible for shipping costs, but I share my shop owner shipping discount with you! You will save about 25%. 

Apparel orders are fulfilled and shipped by Printful, a third party partner. Apparel items are 

 

Where do the print-on-demand items ship from?

Print-on-demand items ship from Printful. This is called drop-shipping. Printful prints the items and sends them directly to you.   

You will receive an order confirmation and a tracking number to keep you updated. 

If you order items with different processing times, they may ship separately. If you order a ready to ship item with a print-on-demand item, they will ship separately. 

 

What shipping services do you use?

Outer Child sends items from San Francisco using USPS. 

Printful sends items using USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx. It will depend on the item and which is the most affordable option. You will receive a tracking number with your order which will let you know which service was used. 

 

Note about International shipping:
I use USPS to ship. Once these packages reach the destination country, they are taken on by local mail services. For example, if I am shipping to the UK, your package will be delivered by Royal Mail. Your package should still be trackable until it reaches you. International shipping can take up to 2 weeks, but usually about 10-12 days for UK and EU.

The recipient will be responsible for paying and customs or VAT fees that may come with International shipping. (This happens most frequently when I ship to the UK). I will not adjust the value of the package or mark as a gift in order to avoid customs or VAT fees. 

 

For Domestic (US) shipping:
I use USPS. Your package will be trackable the whole time in transit. I cannot see any additional tracking information than what you can see. So, hang tight, and only contact me if the package has been late or missing for a few days. USPS is not always consistent about scanning the package at every step. Sometimes this make it seem like it is lost, hasn't left the post office, or hasn't been delivered. Just give it a day or two to catch up. 

If you package is missing or damage, please contact me so we can file a claim with USPS.
USPS Ground Advantage, Priority, and Priority Mail Express include up to $100 insurance in the price. I will refund or replace your item, but I would like to file a claim with USPS so I can be reimbursed if applicable.

Refund policy

I want you to be 100% happy with your choice to purchase a piece of handmade wearable art from Outer Child! So, if you aren't, please let me know! 

RETURNS

I will accept returns for ANY REASON if they are postmarked back to me within 14 days of their arrival to you.

- Changed your mind? OK!
- Just need the money more? OK!
- Your cat is scared of you when you wear it? OK!
- Farted on it? NO THANKS! 

Returns can be tried on, of course, but they must be unworn and in their original condition to receive a full return. (In other words, please do not wear them all day and then return them just to get a refund. I am a one-woman handmade operation here, not Daddy Bezos). 

To initiate a return: Contact me so I can send you a return label (at no cost to you). If you choose to send on your own, please still let me know because I do not routinely check my PO Box unless I'm expecting something. Thank you!

Once I receive the item, I will refund you. Money will be refunded using the same method as the payment. 

If items arrive damaged in transit:  Contact me because we can file a claim with USPS (Domestic only) to receive compensation. I will make you a replacement or refund you. In rare cases, I may not be able to make an exact replacement due to availability of supplies, but we will get as close as we can. 

 

EXCHANGES

If you are interested in an exchange of products, please contact me. 

If I am able to accommodate your exchange request, please follow all of the steps above to initiate a return of your original item(s). 

Once I receive the original item return, I will send your new product and adjust any price differences. If the item you are exchanging for costs more, I will send you an invoice. If it costs less, I will send you a refund.  

Instances where I may not be able to accommodate an exchange are: 
- I do not have the supplies to make the item you are interested in exchanging for. 
- The item you are interested in exchanging for was a one-of-a-kind or limited edition. 
- In some cases I may not be able to accommodate an exchange because I won't be able to get the item to you by the date you need it.   

Any other questions just let me know!