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Crafty Cubes ™ -
Where the box may be square, but the products are hip!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ for purchasers:
Q. Will all Crafty Cubes shipped in the same month contain exactly the same items?
A. No, cube contents will vary. Every company who's participating doesn't send enough samples for all of the cubes - so the surprise is part of the fun! All participating companies will be listed each campaign, so you'll know what you might get.
Q. Will all cubes have the same number of samples?
A. Yes, approximately. The count may vary slightly (by 1-2 items) so that all cubes have approximately the same retail value worth of goodies inside.
Q. How many different things will we receive?
A. Our goal is around 10-15 items per box, but that number may fluctuate slightly.
Q. What is your target market?
A. Anyone can purchase a cube, but we expect our audience to be primarily female teenagers and adults.
Q. How much are Crafty Cubes™?
A. See our Buy a Cube page for pricing and subscriptions. You can save money (and guarantee that you'll get a box!) by purchasing a convenient 3 cube subscription! If you're interested in a longer subscription, please contact us for more details.
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Q. If the samples are provided by the featured artisans, why do we have to pay for Cubes?
A. The Cube price includes the cost of shipping and handling, insurance, boxes, packing materials, labels and label printing, and printing of some literature included in the cubes. Revenues also go towards advertising and promotional expenses, such as shipping boxes to members of the media, and labor for Cube assembly and shipping.
Q. Can I buy more than one cube, and have them shipped to different addresses (say, for a gift)?
A. Absolutely! Cubes include shipping, so be sure to let us know in the order comments where you'd like the additional cubes shipped. Please let us know your gift message and we'll include it in the package at no additional charge.
Q. How much are shipping and handling charges?
A. Shipping and handling charges are included in the prices shown. Canadian cubes cost more due to increased shipping charges to Canada, and may be subject to Customs duty charges.
Q. What if I move between shipments?
A. You must notify us as soon as possible to update your mailing address and/or e-mail address. If we ship your package and it is returned, we will have to bill you for any fees assessed by the carrier in conjunction with that package. We will hold future shipments until associated fees and updated info have been received. If your shipping notification or any other e-mail notification is undeliverable we will hold your shipment until we verify your address and e-mail.
Q. How do you ship Crafty Cubes™?
A. Cubes are shipped to continental US addresses using UPS Ground, and are insured and trackable at every step along the way from us to you. You'll receive a notice by e-mail when your Cube ships that includes the tracking number and scheduled delivery date. Cubes shipping to Alaska and Hawaii will ship by Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, and Canadian cubes will ship by air parcel post (please be aware that boxes shipping outside the continental US may be rectangular instead of square).
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Q. What do I do if I don't get a shipping notice with the package tracking info?
A. First, check your spam or bulk mail folder... sometimes they end up in there. Please make sure you're looking for it at the e-mail address you used when you purchased your Cube. If it's not in there, then contact us and we'll be glad to resend the e-mail.
Q. Do you ship outside the continental US?
A. At this time we do not ship internationally.
Q. What's inside a Crafty Cube™?
A. Samples (often full-sized products!) from artisans who handcraft fabulous products. Our primary focus is on any scented product - examples include, but are not limited to, soap, candles, lotions, toiletries, makeup, tarts, potpourri, incense, perfumes and air fresheners. On occasion we will also accept submissions from other selected artisans - like jewelry, stationery, hand-blended/roasted coffees and teas, etc.
Q. Can I get a refund if I don't like my box?
A. If, for some reason, we are unable to ship your cube due to unforeseen circumstances (like a natural disaster or health problem), naturally we'll issue a full refund, but otherwise all sales are final. We simply don't accept submissions that don't meet our standards - and frankly, we're pretty darned picky! LOL - so we know that you'll be delighted with the quality of the products, even if some of them don't mesh with your personal preferences.
Q. What happens if my Cube is damaged in shipping or lost?
A. In the very unlikely event your cube is damaged in shipping, please save the box and all packaging and contact UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS to file a damage claim. We found them to be fair, equitable and swift in settling the only claim we've had to file on our end... which is why we're trusting them with shipping all of our domestic Cubes!
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Q. Can I choose what's in my Cube?
A. No, because we make up the cubes in advance. All cubes will have approximately the same retail value, and a wonderful mix of quality handcrafted items.
Q. How do I know what might be in my Cube?
A. Each campaign, we'll have a list of the contributors. To be the first to know - even before we've posted them on the site! - make sure to sign up for our mailing list. We'll send regular updates to the mailing list in advance of posting the details on the site!
Q. When do boxes ship?
A. See our Campaign Schedule.
Q. Can I purchase another of a particular sample I've received in a Cube?
A. No, we don't sell individual samples... you'll need to contact the vendor who contributed it to order directly from them. That information will be available on our site - we'll be archiving the contributor lists - and it will be included on the insert included in your cube.
Q. I think this is really cool - is it OK if I link to your website or post a link on my favorite message board/mailing list?
A. Sure - thanks! :) Just ask, and we'll be glad to give you a banner or button graphic to use on your website. As for posting links, please get the owner's approval before posting to mailing lists, forums, message boards, etc.
Q. How do the subscriptions work? Do they guarantee that I'll get a Cube?
A. Yes, if you subscribe for three cubes, it guarantees that you'll get a cube each of those campaigns. Plus, you'll save money, since subscribing offers a discount.
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Have a question we haven't already answered? Email us here:
craftycubes@gmail.com
FAQ for contributors:
Q. What types of items can I contribute to be promoted?
A. Well, our primary focus is on scented crafts - including, but not limited to, soaps, toiletries, air fresheners, and candles - but we'll also occasionally accept a few other items such as jewelry, stationery, etc. Please let us know what you propose to send, both so we can ensure a good mix in the boxes and make sure that they're appropriate. We suggest you refrain from sending soy candles, tarts, lip balms, or tub truffles during summer months due to the risk of them melting in transit. We want your items to remain in the same condition upon arrival as when you sent them.
Q. Are there any reasons you won't accept a particular item?
A. Yes, we cannot accept any items that have a Gardenia fragrance, whether alone or blended with other fragrances, due to an allergy that triggers a migraine. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but our packaging expert's health is important to us. We reserve the right to refuse contributions that are not family-friendly, or those that promote sexism, racism, violence, or hate. We also cannot accept any items that violate trademark or copyright laws in any way. This is why we ask that you send us a picture of your proposed contribution prior to shipment. Due to past issues we are no longer able to accept any items thinner than lotions, this means no perfumes, room sprays, linen sprays or massage oils, nor will we accept any item not properly packaged. See packaging guidelines below.
Q. What size products can we send for inclusion in Crafty Cubes™?
A. The minimum retail value the product(s) you'd be sending for each Cube should be at least $2.00. Soaps can be one bar, or several smaller soaps packaged together. For candlemakers, votives, tart packs, small jars, or tealight packs are suggested. The most successful past contributors have sent items ranging in value from $2.50 - $5.95. Examples of this would include a bath bomb that sells for $2.75, or a cello bag with two tub truffles valued at $1.50 each. When you contact us, please let us know what you'd like to send and we'll assist you. Please see specific packaging requirements below.
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Q. How should I package my items?
A. Decorative packaging is always best - it catches a customer's eye! Items need to be packaged in such a way that we can simply place one in each box -- for example, if you're sending three guest soaps per box, the three soaps need to be in a packet/bag together. Due to past issues we are no longer able to accept any items thinner than lotions, this means no perfumes, room sprays, linen sprays or massage oils. We do require that any potentially messy items be individually ziploc bagged, with bottle/jar tops taped so that if they happen to leak they don't damage anyone else's products in the Cubes. By messy, we mean lotions, mineral makeups, creams, butters, etc. Anything fragile needs to be padded appropriately - for example, if you're sending items packaged in glass, they'll need to be individually bubble or foam wrapped for their protection. Ingredients need to be on your labels as a courtesy to your customers, as they may have allergies to certain ingredients. Items not packaged properly will not be included in the Cubes, nor will they be returned... if you have any questions, please ask us first.
Q. When do you need to receive my contributions?
A. See our Campaign Schedule, and if you have any questions please contact us .
Q. May I include promotional materials with my samples?
A. You not only may.... we suggest that you do! If you'd like to send a business card, pen, magnet, etc., please feel free to do so. We do ask that if you are sending coupons that the expiration date be at least 60 days past the end of the month in which you are partcipating. For example if you are in the June Cubes please make your coupons valid until August 31st, as we occasionally have cubes for sale up to the end of the campaign month and this allows the customers time to take advantage of your offer. If your craft doesn't lend itself to sample sizes (for example, you make only very large jar candles), please contact us and we'll work something out to help you promote your products.
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Q. Am I required to have a website in order to participate?
A. No, although we strongly suggest that if you don't currently have a website, you consider getting one. We can help you do that - just ask!
Q. Are there any size limits for items?
A. All sample items will be shipped in a cube box (maximum size 9"x9"x9"), so please be considerate to your fellow participants. Promotional coupons, brochures, etc. must be able to be folded if necessary in order to fit in the cube. If you're concerned about the size of your item, please let us know.
Q. Besides sending Cubes out directly to consumers, how else do you promote my product?
A. We'll be sending a few Crafty Cubes™ out each campaign to carefully selected members of the media for their perusal and enjoyment. We hope the Cube contents will entice them enough to mention us (and/or YOU!) in their publication, on their show, etc. We'll also be advertising on various media outlets, such as targeted internet mailing lists and websites, and sending press releases out regularly.
Q. I want to promote the fact that I'm contributing product to the Cubes - can I link to your website?
A. Sure - thanks! contact us and we'll be glad to send you a banner or button graphic for your site.
Q. My handcrafted items are too large/expensive to contribute for the boxes - is there any other way I can participate?
A. Certainly... you can sponsor a campaign and have your promotional materials included in the box without having to provide products. Button and banner ad spaces on our website are also available to anyone for purchase. Contact us and we'll work with you to find other attention-getting ways to promote your crafts!
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FAQ for Aroma Cube™ purchasers:
Q. What is an Aroma Cube??
A. An Aroma Cube™ is a cube-shaped box, containing 10 different fragrance oil samples from a variety of different suppliers, that?s delivered right to your doorstep by UPS with only one shipping charge!
Q. Why would I want to buy an Aroma Cube??
A. If you make soaps, candles, toiletries, potpourri, or other fragranced crafts, Aroma Cubes are an economical way to try many new fragrances, without having to pay multiple shipping charges – especially important since shipping rates have increased so much recently! You can save your hard-earned dollars to spend on fragrance, not on shipping. <g> Also, some companies don't sell a 1 oz. "Try me" size (only selling in 8 oz. or 16 oz. sizes), while others charge a premium for the smaller sized bottles because they're labor-intensive to fill and label, and still others have a minimum order requirement that's hard to meet if you're a hobbyist or small business until you've tried some of their scents first. It's a great way to find new fragrances to add to your product line!
Q. How many different suppliers? fragrances will be in each Cube?
A. From 5 to 10 different suppliers will be featured in each Cube.
Q. Is there a theme to each Cube campaign?
A. Yes. It can be a specific theme – for example, July's theme is "Fall and Holiday Scents", or a looser theme? such as the box we hope to do in the near future featuring fragrances with fun names (like Monkey Farts <g>). This should be advantageous for those of you who are adventurous with blending, since some of the ones in the same campaign may complement each other.
Q. Are all of the Cubes in a particular campaign alike?
A. No! That's the fun twist. For example, let's say that one fragrance from vendor A will be featured in the July Campaign. We'll actually buy three different fragrances from them that all fit the theme. For example, July's theme is "Fall and Holiday Scents", so we might buy Cranberry Plum, Fall Harvest, and Pumpkin Pie. But each cube will only have one scent from that vendor in it - so we'll put one in that was chosen at random from the three. Your cube might have Cranberry Plum, but your friend's cube might have Fall Harvest!
Q. What kinds of fragrance vendors will be featured in Aroma Cubes??
A. We intend to feature a wide variety, ranging from small, home-based suppliers to larger companies who have employees dedicated to doing nothing but testing fragrances! We will only include manufacturers if they sell directly at retail to soapers/chandlers. We want you to be able to buy more of the ones you like, once you've tested the samples in your Aroma Cube™! We'll also encourage the suppliers to offer discount coupons to Aroma Cube purchasers.
Q. How will I know what I can use the fragrance oils for?
A. At this time, all fragrance oils chosen for inclusion in Aroma Cubes™ will be selected based on the supplier's recommendations for suitability. All fragrances included must be suitable for use in both CP and MP soap, candles, bath and body products like lotions and bath bombs, and home fragrance items like potpourri, air fresheners, and incense. We reserve the right in the future to branch out into separate Cube programs for specific applications – for example, a CP Soapers Aroma Cube™, a Chandlers Aroma Cube (fragrances that are great for candles, but not safe for skin use), etc.
Q. Will the fragrances be safe for use in Gel Candles?
A. If we have information from the supplier regarding their suitability for use in gel candles, we'll include that as well, but that's not a requirement for inclusion at this time – however, if you would be interested in purchasing special Gel Candle Cubes, let us know... if there's enough demand, we'll introduce them. However, from personal experience we know that some vendor recommendations aren't always accurate regarding polarity, so you should always do your own testing before using ANY fragrance oil in a gel candle.
Q. How often do you do Cube campaigns?
A. Right now, we plan to offer them on an every-other-month schedule, alternating months with the campaigns for our traditional Crafty Cubes™ - meaning they will be offered in July, September, November, January, March, and May. However, we reserve the right to change to offering a campaign each month, if the demand warrants it.
Q. I have a terrible memory - how will I know when to order?
A. You don't have to remember - just sign up for our AutoShip program, and they'll land on your doorstep automatically! See the Aroma Cubes page for complete details. You'll only have to check out once, and our payment processor will keep your information on file and automatically bill you for each campaign when they're just about ready to be shipped.
Q. Will there be a limited number of Aroma Cubes™ each campaign?
A. Hopefully not, but if growth happens quickly, we may have to limit the single Cube sales and/or temporarily halt signing up new AutoShip subscribers while we grow with the demand. :) Cubes will, however, have to be ordered by a specific cutoff date each campaign – if you miss the cutoff, you will either receive the next box if you order a single Cube, or your AutoShip subscription will start with the next campaign. The cutoff date is needed to allow us time to procure the fragrances (we have to know how much we'll need!), bottle and label them, and pack the Cubes for shipment.
Q. If I sign up for the AutoShip program, am I guaranteed to receive a box each campaign?
A. Yes. If we have overwhelming demand, we'll temporarily stop taking new subscriptions and single Cube purchases, and focus on our existing subscribers. AutoShip guarantees you to receive a box each and every campaign! You also save money - AutoShip subscribers enjoy a lower price per Cube than one-time purchasers.
Q. How do I know what the themes for the campaigns are?
A. You can look on our Schedule Page - we'll have themes for the next few campaigns listed there. The theme for the current campaign that's on sale will always be listed on the buy and Aroma Cube page.
Q. If I choose the AutoShip program, when do you bill my credit card?
A. Your first Cube will be charged a few days before it's ready to be shipped. The credit card processor will then set up a recurring billing for you, charged every two months at around the same time of month - just before the Cubes are ready to ship.
Q. Can I use the AutoShip program if I want to pay by PayPal?
A. Yes, but the payments are handled a bit differently. In order for us to comply with PayPal's time frames for shipping under their Seller Policy, we cannot process your PayPal payment until we're ready to ship your first box. If you want to sign up for AutoShip using PayPal, you?ll place your order in our shopping cart, but won't pay during the checkout process. Instead, you'll provide us with your PayPal e-mail address, and shortly before your first Cube is ready to ship, we'll e-mail you with a payment button you can use to pay for your first box. PayPal will then treat it as a recurring subscription, and bill your PayPal account for each box around the time it's ready to ship (two months after your first payment, then every two months thereafter).
Q. How do I cancel my AutoShip plan?
A. We don't think you'll want to, but in the event that you need to cancel, simply email us at
craftycubes@gmail.com any time after you receive your first Cube and let us know that you want to cancel. We'll need to hear from you by the first of the month in which a Cube campaign is set to ship, in order to stop the recurring billing in time - for example, if you decide after receiving the September box that you need to cancel, you'll need to let us know by November 1st that you want to cancel and do not want to receive the November box. Once we receive your request, we'll reply to let you know that we've stopped your recurring billing and have officially cancelled your subscription. If you don't hear back from us within 72 hours, please contact us again - occasionally e-mails do get lost.
Q. If I stop my AutoShipments, can I resubscribe later?
A. Yes, of course you can! But if you signed up originally during a time when we were offering a special (for example, our "Introductory Special" pricing), your new subscription would be at the higher price in effect at the time of your re-subscription.
Q. There's a good reason that I don't want one particular box, even though I signed up for AutoShip. What can I do?
A. We allow one "pause" period per year, per subscription. For example, if you'll be out of town when one box is scheduled to arrive at your door, or if we're featuring floral fragrances for a particular campaign and most florals give you migraines! (One of our team members has that problem with Gardenia fragrances, in particular.) Just let us know by the 1st of the month that the box is scheduled to ship - for example, if it's the January box you don't want, we'd need to know by January 1st. If you find yourself wanting to "pause" more than once, perhaps the AutoShip program isn't for you... you may be better off simply purchasing single Cubes that fit your needs.
Q. What will appear on my billing statement for the credit card charges if I sign up with AutoShip?
A. All charges for Aroma Cubes™ will appear on your statement as coming from Foster's Creations.
Have a question we haven't already answered? Email us here:
craftycubes@gmail.com
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