Q) Why don't you list a phone number?
A) To reduce our operating costs we now operate our office out of our home and found we were getting business
calls at all hours of the day and night from all kinds of solicitors. If you are a serious buyer who would feel
better about having this number, please send us an e-mail to info@collectingcafe.com and we will happily share
it with you!
Q) Why do you list pieces that are currently out of stock?
A) We do it this way because we are constantly obtaining new and retired pieces and can have an "out of stock"
item in stock a day or two later. It is more cost effective from the standpoint of labor to keep the pieces
listed and to edit them as they sell out and/or become available again.
Q) What is your return policy?
A) Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! In all these years we have only had two customers ever send an item
back to us! The first was due to a customer buying a gift for his mother that she already had and the second
was a customer who bought a Giuseppe Armani sculpture and then decided they didn't like it. As most of the
Dept 56 retired items we offer are becoming more and more rare each day, and since we usually only have one
or two of each of those in stock, we accept returns and offer a full refund of the purchase price (less
shipping) if returned in brand new condition within 14 days of receipt.
Q) What happens if an item breaks in shipping on the way to me?
A) We have had only ONE item arrive to a customer damaged, and that package was actually packaged by an
outside shipper! We refunded the customers' money immediately and submitted a claim with our shipper. We
spend a ton of time and money buying and/or recycling strong boxes, foam packing peanuts, tape, large
"Fragile" labels to identify our precious cargo and anything else we need to ensure a safe arrival!
Q) How long have you been in business?
A) We have been in business for thirteen years and have been operating solely online now via our website for
five of those twelve years.
Q) Are your items brand new?
A) Yes! Our items are 100% brand new in their original packaging with all certificates, stamps and/or markings
that they come with unless otherwise specified. All of our merchandise is guaranteed to be 100% authentic
Department 56. We take pride in our merchandise and in this unique and beautiful collection.
Q) Where are you located?
A) Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions