Sterling Art and Gift!

Frequently Asked Questions

ONLINE STORE FAQ
Customer Privacy
Payment
Discounts
Gift Certificates
Speed Orders
Order Minimum
Catalogs
Back Orders
House Accounts
Shipping
Hazardous Materials
Returns
Returning Furniture & Easels
Typographical and Pricing Errors

IN-STORE FAQ
Store Hours
Payment
Mailing List
Discounts
Gift Certificates
Speed Orders
House Accounts
Returns
Price-Matching
Catalogs
Board Cutting
Employment

On-Line Store FAQ

Customer Privacy: Sterling Art and Gift! has offered exceptional service for 49 years. We value our customers and their privacy. We have NEVER misused or sold customer information, and we never will!

Payment: Our online store accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and Debit Cards only.

Discounts: It's very simple - you're a human; you get a discount. Almost everything we sell is discounted just because you have opposable thumbs (a.k.a. The Human Being Discount). The price you see online already includes The Human Being Discount. Because all students/seniors/teachers/professionals/etc. are humans first and foremost there are no extra special discounts just for them. EDLPs (Every Day Low Prices) and other special sale discounts come along all the time. You will always pay the lowest possible price when we have multiple specials. Quantity discounts may be available. Just let us know: a) How much you need, and b) When you need it by (not ASAP, but a real date, please), and our Quantity Price Department will be happy to figure out your best price. (Please don't be silly and request a special deal on two 99¢ items.)

Gift Certificates: You may order Sterling Art Gift Certificates in any amount - they are good forever. Simply contact us to give your order. Gift certificates are shipped free of charge in the USA!

Speed Orders: Can't find what you are looking for? Just contact our Customer Service Department by e-mail, phone, or fax and let us place a Speed Order for you. Most places call this a "Special Order" but we want you to get it fast.

Order Minimum: There is no order minimum for most items we stock. However, some products must be shipped in larger quantities and you may have to order the minimum amount the supplier will ship if it's something we don't think we can sell easily. Sorry.

Catalogs: Generic art supply catalogs are available. We'll throw in a merchandise certificate equal to the cost of the catalog when you buy one. Warning: the catalogs are for general reference only - the prices are almost always wrong and they in no way represent everything we sell. That being said, they're a terrific reference.

Back Orders: If there are at least $10.00 worth of out-of-stock items on the order, we will ship all the in-stock items immediately and send the rest later at no extra shipping charge. Back ordered items totaling less than $10.00 will be automatically cancelled when the order is processed and you will be advised promptly. If you have any questions or would like to handle the situation differently, please email us or call (714) 966-1374 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

House Accounts: Our online store does not currently allow for house accounts. Please contact our retail location.

Shipping*: Our warehouse will choose the most effective carrier for your order, based upon the merchandise and delivery address. All shipments require a physical address (no PO Boxes). We do not ship collect-on-delivery (C.O.D.). If for some reason we have quoted you an amount on shipping and your product requires special handling or additional freight charges, we will advise you of the adjusted shipping charge (e.g. the standard shipping cost of foam core may need to be adjusted as larger sizes may require a special carrier). Hand delivery is available in the greater Southern CA area for a fee. Please call for specifics and pricing.

*Applies to USA shipping ONLY. All foreign shipments will be quoted and charged at our cost net (you pay what we pay).

Hazardous Materials: Any materials deemed hazardous by the carrier will be shipped only as allowed by law. All such shipments are subject to extra shipping charges imposed by the carrier.

Returns: We want you to be 100% satisfied with the service and merchandise we provide. In the event that you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please e-mail our Problem Resolution Department within 10 days of receipt of your merchandise. If we've sent the wrong stuff, we'll pay for the return shipping and there will, of course, be no restocking fee. Otherwise, you are responsible for the shipping, and insurance, cost of the unwanted item.
Our Problem Resolution Department will issue a return authorization number (RA Number). Returns must be made within 60 days of the invoiced date. We do not want you to suffer by keeping supplies that will not help you or fit your needs. However, full refunds will not be offered for opened or damaged merchandise. All returned merchandise is subject to a minimum restocking fee of 20%. Refunds cannot be put on debit cards and therefore MUST be refunded by check.
If the product is damaged in transit, we'll make sure the carrier takes care of you. Items purchased from Sterling Art On-Line must be returned to Sterling Art On-Line. Pack returns carefully and insure with the carrier. Sterling will not issue refunds for products damaged while being returned to us. Please contact us for a return mailing address.

Returning Furniture & Easels: All furniture related issues must be brought to our attention within 14 days of receipt. Furniture will have a minimum restocking fee of 25%. Drop-shipped items must have Sterling Art & Gift! return authorization before return. You are responsible for all shipping costs, unless we sent the wrong order. Remember, the carrier is responsible for damages during shipping. Inspect your merchandise completely before signing the delivery receipt! Please note: Furniture is generally opened before it is shipped to check for missing or damaged parts. As a result, it may appear used or returned when repacked. False...we simply want your purchase to assemble easily and be in perfect condition when it arrives.
Non-Returnable Items: (On-Line purchases ONLY)

Paper: Including single sheet artist papers, boards, stationary papers, and vellums.
Foam Core: Foam Core is easily damaged and is therefore not guaranteed by the carrier. We will make every effort to get it to you in pristine condition, but, again, we make no guarantees.
Pens & Markers: All sales final. Open pen stock is pre-tested before shipment.
Spray Paints & Aerosols: All sales final.
Airbrushes, Airbrush Parts, & Compressors: All items are covered under manufacturer's warranty.
Gold Leaf
Clay: Storage and transit affect the quality of clay. We cannot resell clay once it has left our control.
Soft Pastels: We will make every effort to get these to you in perfect condition, but there is no guarantee due to the delicate nature of the product.
Glass: Carriers do not guarantee glass. Glass products are shipped at the customer's risk.

Typographical and Pricing Errors: Sterling Art & Gift! will make every effort to maintain a current, error-free website. We reserve the right not to honor typographical and data transfer errors. Please call us if you notice any errors. We do appreciate it!

IN-STORE FAQ

Store Hours: Monday through Friday - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, Saturday & Sunday - 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Payment: We accept American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Carte Blanche, Diner's Club, JCB, Sterling Gift Certificates, Sterling Dollars, and Debit Cards. U.S. cash is, of course, always welcome.

Mailing List: Please click here for a link to our mailing list and receive information about upcoming sales and events by either mail or e-mail.

Gift Certificates: You may order Sterling Art Gift Certificates in any amount - they are good forever. Simply contact us to give your order. Gift certificates are shipped free of charge!

Speed Orders: If we do not stock an item or are out-of-stock at the moment, we will be happy to place a Speed Order for you. We will require a non-refundable 50% deposit at the time of order. Of course, we will refund your deposit if we cannot get your item(s) in the time we promised. Cash or debit card deposits must be refunded by check.

House Accounts: We grant house charge accounts upon approval. Please request a credit application form, fill it out and submit it. House accounts are granted solely at Sterling Art's discretion.

Returns: We offer either store credit or exchange with the original register receipt only. We cannot offer cash or charge refunds. Full credit will not be offered for opened or damaged merchandise.

Price-Matching: Do we match our competitors' prices? Sometimes. Contact us and let us try.

Board Cutting: Matboards and foam core can be cut - straight cuts only. Each cut $0.50, up to $40.00. Every cut thereafter $0.25 each. Gator Board can also be cut, again, straight cuts only, for $1.00 a cut. There is no quantity discount.

Employment: Sterling Art and Gift! is always looking for a few good men and women. Art experience is a plus, but a friendly, customer service oriented retail attitude is what really counts. Come in Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and fill out an application.