Frequently Asked Questions
OUR POLICIES
Q. What is Residential Relics' payment policy?
Q. Does Residential Relics charge sales tax?
Q. Does Residential Relics accept returns?
Q. Does Residential Relics guarantee the availability of items on its web site?
Q. What about quantities?
Q. Is your web site secure?
SHIPPING
Q. What is Residential Relics' shipping policy?
Q. What are Residential Relics' shipping rates?
Q. Why does UPS delivery cost more than Priority Mail on small orders?
Q. Can I have my order shipped to an address that does not match the address of the credit card I use to pay for my order?
Q. Do I have to sign for my shipment when it's delivered?
Q. Does Residential Relics adjust shipping rates for lighter weight orders?
Q. Can I buy locally and avoid shipping costs?
OUR PRODUCTS
Q. Does Residential Relics sell reproduction lighting and hardware?
Q. How do I know the condition of your antique lighting and hardware?
Q. Are the lights sold by Residential Relics rewired and ready to install?
Q. Does Residential Relics put replacement lamp parts on antique lighting?
Q. Does Residential Relics provide materials needed for installation?
Q. Does Residential Relics modify the finish on antique lighting and hardware?
Q. Which lamp parts are most commonly replaced?
Q. What’s a cap?
Q. Do the plug-ins on your antique bath sconces work?
Q. Can I install a chandelier or wall sconce myself?
Q. What does “new old stock” mean?
Q. What’s the difference between “brass” and “bronze”?
OUR SERVICES
Q. Does Residential Relics repair and restore antique lighting?
Q. Does Residential Relics offer its lighting and hardware for rent?
Q. Does Residential Relics provide local pick-up and delivery services?
OUR POLICIES
A. Residential Relics has partnered with PayPal to provide you with a secure and confidential payment process for your online purchase. PayPal employs encryption and safeguards to keep your financial information secure. PayPal also offers a dispute resolution process if you should have any problems with your purchase that we are unable to resolve. You can process a credit card payment through PayPal without opening a PayPal account. Because we rely on PayPal, Residential Relics does not have access to any of your financial data or payment information.
Prices are stated in United States dollars and do not include shipping charges.
A. Orders shipped outside Minnesota are not subject to sales tax. All orders shipped to Minnesota addresses are charged 6.875% state sales tax.
A. We want you to be happy with your purchase, and we understand that sometimes the only way to know if you have chosen the right fixture or hardware is to see it. If you are not satisfied, please contact us immediately. We will generally accept returns for any reason within two weeks following your receipt of an item. Buyer pays all shipping costs. We must receive the item in the same condition in which it was sent to you in order to refund your purchase price.
A. We also sell our antique lighting & hardware at shows throughout the year. Although we remove anything that we sell at a show from our web site as soon as possible, online orders are subject to the possibility of a prior sale. In the unlikely event that you place an order for an item that was just sold, we will contact you immediately to return your payment.
A. If we have more than one, we put the number available in the product description.
A. Residential Relics is a Yahoo! Storefront. We partner with Yahoo! Merchant Solutions and Paypal Payment Processing to provide our customers with a secure and private shopping experience.
SHIPPING
A. Residential Relics has organized its shopping cart to calculate shipping charges through U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail or United Parcel Ground Service for delivery anywhere in the continental United States. All shipments will include confirmation of delivery. We ship as soon as possible, but generally within 2-3 business days. You will receive a second email when your order is shipped. We do not currently ship outside the continental United States.
Some purchases cannot be completed online because they require special shipping arrangements (such as many chandeliers, extra heavy or fragile items). In that case, we have replaced the “Add to Cart” button with a request to contact us to complete the transaction. We will utilize a specialty “pack and ship” company to handle these items. After the shipping charges are determined, we will contact you to finalize your order.
Local delivery is available. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Priority Mail (based on total purchase order)
$0 to $49.99 = $7.95
$50.00 to $99.99 = $8.95
$100.00 to $149.99 = $9.95
$150.00 to $199.99 = $12.95
$200.00 to $249.99 = $15.95
$250.00 to $299.99 = $19.95
$300.00 to $349.99 = $26.95
$350.00 to $399.99 = $34.95
$400.00 to $449.99 = $44.95
$450.00 to $499.99 = $49.95
$500.00 to $599.99 = $54.95
$600.00 to $699.99 = $64.95
$700.00 to $799.99 = $79.95
$800.00 to $899.99 = $89.95
$900.00 to $999.99 = $99.95
$1000.00 to $1499.99 = $124.95
$1500.00 and up = $149.95
UPS Ground (based on total purchase order)
$0 to $49.99 = $12.95
$50.00 to $99.99 = $14.95
$100.00 to $149.99 = $15.95
$150.00 to $199.99 = $17.95
$200.00 to $249.99 = $19.95
$250.00 to $299.99 = $23.95
$300.00 to 349.99 = $31.95
$350.00 to $399.99 = $39.95
$400.00 to $449.99 = $44.95
$450.00 to $499.99 = $49.95
$500.00 to $599.99 = $54.95
$600.00 to $699.99 = $64.95
$700.00 to $799.99 = $79.95
$800.00 to $899.99 = $89.95
$900.00 to $999.99 = $99.95
$1000.00 to $1499.99 = $124.95
$1500.00 and up = $149.95
A. UPS adds a $2.45 charge for residential deliveries, and we are forced to pass this cost on to our customer for smaller orders. (On larger orders, we absorb this cost for our customer.) Priority Mail Service does not charge extra for residential deliveries, so our cost is less using this method.
A. Residential Relics has organized its shipping calculations based on sales price to reflect our best estimate of shipping charges. However, it is not our intention to make money from shipping fees. Clearly, there is a big difference in the actual cost to ship a large, heavy item as compared to a smaller, lighter item. Although the purchase price may be the same for the two items, the cost to ship will be much less for the smaller or lighter one. If our actual cost to ship your order is considerably less than what you paid us for shipping, we will refund the difference. Please contact us with your questions.
A. No. Residential Relics is unable to insure your shipment against loss or damage unless we ship to a "confirmed" address, which means the address on file for the credit card that you use must match the ship-to address. We apologize for this inconvenience.
A. Yes, if your order exceeds $200. Residential Relics is unable to insure any $200+ shipment against loss or damage if we do not obtain a signature at the time of delivery.
A. Yes. Do not place your order online -- please contact us to make arrangements. (You can arrange to have any catalog item brought to Antiques Bel Air in Hopkins, Minnesota for purchase, or local delivery service is available.)
OUR PRODUCTS
A. No. Residential Relics carries only authentic antique and vintage lighting and hardware. We do not sell reproduction lighting or hardware, nor do we put new shades on our antique light fixtures.
A. Residential Relics makes a sincere effort to accurately photograph and describe each item offered for sale on our web catalog, including any flaws or repairs, to let you know exactly what you are buying. Residential Relics carries only authentic antique lighting and hardware.
A. Yes. All of the lights we sell are rewired, inspected and tested, and include proper ground wire. Electrical components (such as sockets and switches) are replaced when necessary. Mounting hardware is included. We recommend that all antique lighting be installed by a qualified electrician.
A. Yes, when necessary. The antique lighting we acquire is not always complete or workable when we find it. Sometimes original parts are missing, defective, or unusable. For example, chandeliers may be missing a ceiling canopy, candle covers, or chain. When we utilize a new part, we say so in our product description. When we install a new part, we strive to match the style, color and size to complement the original light.
A. Yes. We provide mounting brackets and all hardware needed to install antique lighting in modern electrical boxes. Bath accessories, such as towel bars and cup holders, include appropriate mounting brackets or clips needed for installation. Hardware, such as knobs and pulls, include nuts and bolts needed for installation. If vintage bolts are included when we acquire a piece, that is what we provide; otherwise, we send appropriate replacements that complement the finish.
A. Residential Relics generally preserves the original patina and tarnish that comes only with age, because we believe it adds value and beauty to a piece. We gently clean and wax our lighting and hardware, but do not alter the finishes. However, we may touch up small areas where finish is missing. Residential Relics strives to accurately photograph and describe any wear or damage to the finish. If any of our antique lighting or hardware has been polished or repainted before we acquired it, this condition is noted in our product description.
A. The most commonly replaced lamp parts are ceiling canopies, candle covers, chain and caps.
A. Many wall sconces are mounted to the wall using a threaded pipe that attaches to the mounting bracket, with a cap that holds it all together by screwing onto the threaded pipe (think of it as a threaded ornamental nut that covers the pipe end). Caps can be seen in photographs of many bath sconces. Original caps are often missing or damaged, and need to be replaced; if they are, we tell you in our product description. Caps can be polished brass, tarnished brass or chrome, and can be exchanged based on your preference.
A. No. Many antique bath sconces have an electrical plug-in at the bottom. However, because they are only for two-prong electrical appliances and do not include a ground, they do not meet modern safety standards. Residential Relics removes the wiring these receptacles, although we do leave them intact on the lights if they are present. We do not recommend using light fixtures to plug in electrical appliances.
A. We recommend that all hard-wired lighting be installed by a qualified and licensed electrician. Most antique chandeliers and wall sconces will be installed the same way as a new light. However, we are happy to answer questions about specific mounting requirements.
A. These are older items that have never been used.
A. There is a great deal of confusion between these two terms to when describing antique lighting and hardware. The difference between brass and bronze is one of metal alloy mixture: Brass is typically a copper/zinc alloy that is more yellow in color, whereas bronze is typically a mixture of copper and tin, which creates a darker, richer color. The word “bronze” is often misused, because it makes a piece sound more valuable. A more telling test of quality is the detail of the casting rather than the composition of the metal utilized.
OUR SERVICES
A Yes. Residential Relics provides expert lighting repair and restoration services to many antique dealers, decorators and designers in the Twin Cities area. We would be happy to work with you on your lighting project. If you want to buy a fixture from us but need it lengthened or shortened, if you have special mounting requirements or desire any other alterations, please contact us to discuss your needs. References are available upon request. (Local pickup and delivery services are available.)
A. Yes. Our rental charge is 20% of the purchase price for one week (contact us to discuss a longer time period). Our client initially pays the full price to receive the desired item(s). After the item(s) are returned and inspected for damage, we refund 80% of the price paid, less shipping charges if applicable (local pickup and delivery available). Please contact us to arrange rental.
A. Yes. Please contact us to make arrangements.
Q. What is Residential Relics' payment policy?
Q. Does Residential Relics charge sales tax?
Q. Does Residential Relics accept returns?
Q. Does Residential Relics guarantee the availability of items on its web site?
Q. What about quantities?
Q. Is your web site secure?
SHIPPING
Q. What is Residential Relics' shipping policy?
Q. What are Residential Relics' shipping rates?
Q. Why does UPS delivery cost more than Priority Mail on small orders?
Q. Can I have my order shipped to an address that does not match the address of the credit card I use to pay for my order?
Q. Do I have to sign for my shipment when it's delivered?
Q. Does Residential Relics adjust shipping rates for lighter weight orders?
Q. Can I buy locally and avoid shipping costs?
OUR PRODUCTS
Q. Does Residential Relics sell reproduction lighting and hardware?
Q. How do I know the condition of your antique lighting and hardware?
Q. Are the lights sold by Residential Relics rewired and ready to install?
Q. Does Residential Relics put replacement lamp parts on antique lighting?
Q. Does Residential Relics provide materials needed for installation?
Q. Does Residential Relics modify the finish on antique lighting and hardware?
Q. Which lamp parts are most commonly replaced?
Q. What’s a cap?
Q. Do the plug-ins on your antique bath sconces work?
Q. Can I install a chandelier or wall sconce myself?
Q. What does “new old stock” mean?
Q. What’s the difference between “brass” and “bronze”?
OUR SERVICES
Q. Does Residential Relics repair and restore antique lighting?
Q. Does Residential Relics offer its lighting and hardware for rent?
Q. Does Residential Relics provide local pick-up and delivery services?
OUR POLICIES
Q. What is Residential Relics' payment policy?
A. Residential Relics has partnered with PayPal to provide you with a secure and confidential payment process for your online purchase. PayPal employs encryption and safeguards to keep your financial information secure. PayPal also offers a dispute resolution process if you should have any problems with your purchase that we are unable to resolve. You can process a credit card payment through PayPal without opening a PayPal account. Because we rely on PayPal, Residential Relics does not have access to any of your financial data or payment information.
Prices are stated in United States dollars and do not include shipping charges.
Q. Does Residential Relics charge sales tax?
A. Orders shipped outside Minnesota are not subject to sales tax. All orders shipped to Minnesota addresses are charged 6.875% state sales tax.
Q. Does Residential Relics accept returns?
A. We want you to be happy with your purchase, and we understand that sometimes the only way to know if you have chosen the right fixture or hardware is to see it. If you are not satisfied, please contact us immediately. We will generally accept returns for any reason within two weeks following your receipt of an item. Buyer pays all shipping costs. We must receive the item in the same condition in which it was sent to you in order to refund your purchase price.
Q. Does Residential Relics guarantee the availability of items on its web site?
A. We also sell our antique lighting & hardware at shows throughout the year. Although we remove anything that we sell at a show from our web site as soon as possible, online orders are subject to the possibility of a prior sale. In the unlikely event that you place an order for an item that was just sold, we will contact you immediately to return your payment.
Q. What about quantities?
A. If we have more than one, we put the number available in the product description.
Q. Is your web site secure?
A. Residential Relics is a Yahoo! Storefront. We partner with Yahoo! Merchant Solutions and Paypal Payment Processing to provide our customers with a secure and private shopping experience.
SHIPPING
Q. What is Residential Relics' shipping policy?
A. Residential Relics has organized its shopping cart to calculate shipping charges through U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail or United Parcel Ground Service for delivery anywhere in the continental United States. All shipments will include confirmation of delivery. We ship as soon as possible, but generally within 2-3 business days. You will receive a second email when your order is shipped. We do not currently ship outside the continental United States.
Some purchases cannot be completed online because they require special shipping arrangements (such as many chandeliers, extra heavy or fragile items). In that case, we have replaced the “Add to Cart” button with a request to contact us to complete the transaction. We will utilize a specialty “pack and ship” company to handle these items. After the shipping charges are determined, we will contact you to finalize your order.
Local delivery is available. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Q. What are Residential Relics' shipping rates?
Priority Mail (based on total purchase order)
$0 to $49.99 = $7.95
$50.00 to $99.99 = $8.95
$100.00 to $149.99 = $9.95
$150.00 to $199.99 = $12.95
$200.00 to $249.99 = $15.95
$250.00 to $299.99 = $19.95
$300.00 to $349.99 = $26.95
$350.00 to $399.99 = $34.95
$400.00 to $449.99 = $44.95
$450.00 to $499.99 = $49.95
$500.00 to $599.99 = $54.95
$600.00 to $699.99 = $64.95
$700.00 to $799.99 = $79.95
$800.00 to $899.99 = $89.95
$900.00 to $999.99 = $99.95
$1000.00 to $1499.99 = $124.95
$1500.00 and up = $149.95
UPS Ground (based on total purchase order)
$0 to $49.99 = $12.95
$50.00 to $99.99 = $14.95
$100.00 to $149.99 = $15.95
$150.00 to $199.99 = $17.95
$200.00 to $249.99 = $19.95
$250.00 to $299.99 = $23.95
$300.00 to 349.99 = $31.95
$350.00 to $399.99 = $39.95
$400.00 to $449.99 = $44.95
$450.00 to $499.99 = $49.95
$500.00 to $599.99 = $54.95
$600.00 to $699.99 = $64.95
$700.00 to $799.99 = $79.95
$800.00 to $899.99 = $89.95
$900.00 to $999.99 = $99.95
$1000.00 to $1499.99 = $124.95
$1500.00 and up = $149.95
Q. Why does UPS delivery cost more than Priority Mail on small orders?
A. UPS adds a $2.45 charge for residential deliveries, and we are forced to pass this cost on to our customer for smaller orders. (On larger orders, we absorb this cost for our customer.) Priority Mail Service does not charge extra for residential deliveries, so our cost is less using this method.
Q. Does Residential Relics adjust shipping rates for lighter weight orders?
A. Residential Relics has organized its shipping calculations based on sales price to reflect our best estimate of shipping charges. However, it is not our intention to make money from shipping fees. Clearly, there is a big difference in the actual cost to ship a large, heavy item as compared to a smaller, lighter item. Although the purchase price may be the same for the two items, the cost to ship will be much less for the smaller or lighter one. If our actual cost to ship your order is considerably less than what you paid us for shipping, we will refund the difference. Please contact us with your questions.
Q. Can I have my order shipped to an address that does not match the address of the credit card I use to pay for my order?
A. No. Residential Relics is unable to insure your shipment against loss or damage unless we ship to a "confirmed" address, which means the address on file for the credit card that you use must match the ship-to address. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Q. Do I have to sign for my shipment when it's delivered?
A. Yes, if your order exceeds $200. Residential Relics is unable to insure any $200+ shipment against loss or damage if we do not obtain a signature at the time of delivery.
Q. Can I buy locally and avoid shipping costs?
A. Yes. Do not place your order online -- please contact us to make arrangements. (You can arrange to have any catalog item brought to Antiques Bel Air in Hopkins, Minnesota for purchase, or local delivery service is available.)
OUR PRODUCTS
Q. Does Residential Relics sell reproduction lighting and hardware?
A. No. Residential Relics carries only authentic antique and vintage lighting and hardware. We do not sell reproduction lighting or hardware, nor do we put new shades on our antique light fixtures.
Q. How do I know the condition of your antique lighting and hardware before I buy it?
A. Residential Relics makes a sincere effort to accurately photograph and describe each item offered for sale on our web catalog, including any flaws or repairs, to let you know exactly what you are buying. Residential Relics carries only authentic antique lighting and hardware.
Q. Are the lights sold by Residential Relics rewired and ready to install?
A. Yes. All of the lights we sell are rewired, inspected and tested, and include proper ground wire. Electrical components (such as sockets and switches) are replaced when necessary. Mounting hardware is included. We recommend that all antique lighting be installed by a qualified electrician.
Q. Does Residential Relics put replacement lamp parts on the antique lighting that it sells?
A. Yes, when necessary. The antique lighting we acquire is not always complete or workable when we find it. Sometimes original parts are missing, defective, or unusable. For example, chandeliers may be missing a ceiling canopy, candle covers, or chain. When we utilize a new part, we say so in our product description. When we install a new part, we strive to match the style, color and size to complement the original light.
Q. Does Residential Relics provide materials needed for installing antique lighting and hardware?
A. Yes. We provide mounting brackets and all hardware needed to install antique lighting in modern electrical boxes. Bath accessories, such as towel bars and cup holders, include appropriate mounting brackets or clips needed for installation. Hardware, such as knobs and pulls, include nuts and bolts needed for installation. If vintage bolts are included when we acquire a piece, that is what we provide; otherwise, we send appropriate replacements that complement the finish.
Q. Does Residential Relics enhance, lacquer, paint, polish or otherwise modify the finish on the antique lighting and hardware offered for sale?
A. Residential Relics generally preserves the original patina and tarnish that comes only with age, because we believe it adds value and beauty to a piece. We gently clean and wax our lighting and hardware, but do not alter the finishes. However, we may touch up small areas where finish is missing. Residential Relics strives to accurately photograph and describe any wear or damage to the finish. If any of our antique lighting or hardware has been polished or repainted before we acquired it, this condition is noted in our product description.
Q. Which lamp parts are most commonly replaced?
A. The most commonly replaced lamp parts are ceiling canopies, candle covers, chain and caps.
Q. What’s a cap?
A. Many wall sconces are mounted to the wall using a threaded pipe that attaches to the mounting bracket, with a cap that holds it all together by screwing onto the threaded pipe (think of it as a threaded ornamental nut that covers the pipe end). Caps can be seen in photographs of many bath sconces. Original caps are often missing or damaged, and need to be replaced; if they are, we tell you in our product description. Caps can be polished brass, tarnished brass or chrome, and can be exchanged based on your preference.
Q. Do the plug-ins on your antique bath sconces work?
A. No. Many antique bath sconces have an electrical plug-in at the bottom. However, because they are only for two-prong electrical appliances and do not include a ground, they do not meet modern safety standards. Residential Relics removes the wiring these receptacles, although we do leave them intact on the lights if they are present. We do not recommend using light fixtures to plug in electrical appliances.
Q. Can I install a chandelier or wall sconce myself?
A. We recommend that all hard-wired lighting be installed by a qualified and licensed electrician. Most antique chandeliers and wall sconces will be installed the same way as a new light. However, we are happy to answer questions about specific mounting requirements.
Q. What does “new old stock” mean?
A. These are older items that have never been used.
Q. What’s the difference between “brass” and “bronze”?
A. There is a great deal of confusion between these two terms to when describing antique lighting and hardware. The difference between brass and bronze is one of metal alloy mixture: Brass is typically a copper/zinc alloy that is more yellow in color, whereas bronze is typically a mixture of copper and tin, which creates a darker, richer color. The word “bronze” is often misused, because it makes a piece sound more valuable. A more telling test of quality is the detail of the casting rather than the composition of the metal utilized.
OUR SERVICES
Q. Does Residential Relics repair and restore antique lighting?
A Yes. Residential Relics provides expert lighting repair and restoration services to many antique dealers, decorators and designers in the Twin Cities area. We would be happy to work with you on your lighting project. If you want to buy a fixture from us but need it lengthened or shortened, if you have special mounting requirements or desire any other alterations, please contact us to discuss your needs. References are available upon request. (Local pickup and delivery services are available.)
Q. Does Residential Relics offer its lighting and hardware for rent?
A. Yes. Our rental charge is 20% of the purchase price for one week (contact us to discuss a longer time period). Our client initially pays the full price to receive the desired item(s). After the item(s) are returned and inspected for damage, we refund 80% of the price paid, less shipping charges if applicable (local pickup and delivery available). Please contact us to arrange rental.
Q. Does Residential Relics provide pick-up and delivery services in the Twin Cities metropolitan area?
A. Yes. Please contact us to make arrangements.
John and Laura Reinhardt
