Cat's Whiskers Glass & Antiques- Our Policies

Cats Whisker's Glass & Antiques

"CWGlass"

Terms and Conditions

This document was created to inform you of our operating policies and procedures. As we dislike the "small print legalese" as much as the next person, we have tried to use plain English where possible. Thank you for taking the time to read through this page. Please email us if you have any additional questions.

1. Ordering Procedures

Due to the nature of the antiques and glassware business, nearly everything we sell is in used condition. Please read the descriptions carefully, take a good look at the photos, and ask questions before placing an order. We do our best to describe each item carefully so you will know exactly what you are buying before you send your payment.
If you'd like to see additional photos, or need a more detailed description of any item before placing an order, simply drop us a line.
If you wish to order, use the link to contact us. We will re-examine each available item to create the detailed description used in our formal offer of sale. We will e-mail this along with complete pricing and any additional pictures you requested.
Furnishing information to us does not close the sale or commit you to anything. It simply indicates your interest in the items wherein we will then e-mail you an answer to your question or a formal offer for your acceptance to close the sale.
Occasionally we may list selected items on electronic auction sites. Such offerings are to be considered to be our complete formal offer of sale. Successful participation constitutes your acceptance of our offer.
Our practices comply with the United States CAM-SPAM Act of 2004. You cannot "accidentally" sign up for anything.
Every item is considered one of a kind and is either "Available", "Sale Pending", or "Sold".

2. Payment Policy

We currently accept credit cards, personal or cashier’s checks. or postal money orders payable in U.S. Dollars. Electric fund transfers and Credit Card payments are accepted through electronic account providers which are indicated in our formal offer.
Due to the unfortunate increasing risk of internet fraud, we reserve the right to delay shipment on all credit card paid orders valued over $250 until we speak to the buyer by telephone to verify their identity.
Any order shipping to an address other then what is on the check or on the electronic payment account will be accepted subject to verification.
Payment is not considered received until the funds are made available in our accounts and all specified verifications have been completed.
Escrow account payment services are available for large item purchases. Please contact us for details.
International customers should refer to that section of our policies.
Payment is expected within seven (7) days after our offer of sale or invoice is sent. If payment is not received by the 10th day, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction and return the item to our available inventory.
Buyers who send us a check that is returned by our bank will be liable for all charges we incur plus an additional $25.00 processing fee.
All transactions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we fully cooperate with the authorities in any criminal investigations.

3. Return Policy

It is impossible for us to identify each and every piece that we offer for sale. We do the best that we can with our ongoing research and our combined extensive experiences. We would like all our customers to be happy with their purchases but, even with all the pictures and descriptions, obviously we cannot guarantee that what we sell is exactly what you believe you are buying.
If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact us within three (3) days of your receipt. Provided the merchandise is in the same condition as shipped, retaining all our original inventory tags and marks, and is returned to our location within ten (10) days after we issue the return authorization, we will gladly refund the cost of the returned item less any transaction fee we have paid. All returns are considered to be F.O.B. our location.
The buyer is responsible for all shipping and insurance charges. These costs are not refunded. The only exception to this is the rare case where we have incorrectly identified the Manufacturer or the Pattern of an item. If that occurs, subject to other conditions being met, the refund check for the returned item will be for your entire cost.
We do not issue refunds for items damaged in shipment. We will furnish the documentation necessary for you to file an insurance claim and will assist you where we can, but it is the buyer's responsibility to contact and file the claim with the carrier. You must keep the entire package and all contents to show the carrier's agent. They will keep the broken item and start processing your claim.
CWGlass will not be liable or responsible for returns received outside the quoted time period. We do not accept unauthorized returns, late returns, damaged items, or partial returns of a set. We do not refund any shipping or insurance charges except as specified in our policy.

4. Shipping Procedure

Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges. We normally ship via U.S. Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) ~ Priority Mail ~ Insured. The cost of shipping and insurance are not included in the listed price of the item and will be added accordingly in our offer of sale.
We recognize your rights as the buyer to request another shipping method. We will gladly ship by other methods subject to payment of the premium and their availability in our area.
All shipments are F.O.B. - shipping location.
Items are normally shipped within three business days of receipt of payment. Payment is considered received once funds are made available to our account and any required verification has been completed.
Refer to our International section for shipments going outside of the United States.
Items are securely wrapped in bubble wrap, foam, and/or unprinted newspaper stock, whichever is appropriate to preserve the piece's condition. We do use recycled and biodegradable peanuts as part of the packing process in order to keep operation costs to a minimum. Newspaper may also be used as added protection to reduce content shifting within the package
While we strive to ship your order in one package, circumstances may require separate packages. We will note such instances in our offer of sale.
An additional fee may apply if the nature of the order requires special handling.
For certain items, it may be possible for them to be picked up or delivered. Contact us for details.

5. Item Representation Procedure

Our aim is to acquire pieces that are in "mint" condition. This is not always possible given the fact that most of the items are considered "antiques" and have been handled many times throughout their life. When items have flaws, we have made every effort to include what we know. When we e-mail our formal offer, we include a detailed description of the item, making every effort to describe any defects, blemishes, flaws, etc. which caught our eye.
Damage is not considered to be a flaw. Most of the items we consider to be damaged could be easily repaired. While some of our customers eagerly overlook minor problems in order to obtain unusual pieces for their collections, we try to avoid obtaining such items. Any we may have are clearly marked as such and priced accordingly.
Very often repairs are done in such a manner that you may not notice it. Although we see it becoming common place for some large dealers to offer such items without indicating the repairs, we do NOT follow that practice. If an item has been repaired by others, we will list and price it accordingly.
We do not use "stock" or "catalogue" pictures. Every item offered for sale on this site has its own set of pictures. If you would like to see additional high resolution pictures before ordering, simply ask, and they will be made available to you as quickly as possible.
We support the pictures with practical descriptions that tell you about the item without adjectives which insult your intelligence. For example, a typical sales offer would read: Cambridge: Heatherbloom" Tray, 2-part, Center Keyhole Relish (3400/1093) Partial factory ground rim, no visible wear.
We take pride in our knowledge and experience and take steps to insure that you, the customer, never pays for our mistakes. If we incorrectly identify the Manufacturer or the Pattern of an item, the refund check for the returned item will be for the entire amount.
We encourage you to e-mail us about a piece before ordering since it is your money and you need to feel confident that what you are paying for is what you want. Since most of these items are one-of-a-kind we want you to be happy with your purchase.
Our glass is properly cleaned before shipping. We pride ourselves in providing a product that our customers will be proud to display.

6. "Hold" Policy

If you would like, we can hold a piece for you for an extended period of time, normally a week or so if your intent is to purchase. Let us know your circumstances via e-mail and we'll see what can be worked out for you. We realize that sometimes your "gotta have" needs and your paycheck don't coincide so we're willing to work with you.
A layaway program is available for most orders exceeding $150.00.This easy payment program allows you to make three (3) monthly payments. A non-refundable deposit of 1/3 is required with equal payments due on day 30 and 60.
Other payment plans may be available. There is no additional charge for this service.

7. Pricing

Our items are priced each (ea) meaning that the price is per individual piece. Sometimes we offer items in sets. When we do, the word "set" or "pair" appears in the item description and the price is per each set.
We feel that we have priced items fairly based on market research, our costs, shop values, various auctions, rarity of the item, and the energy it took to acquire and prepare the item for sale (e.g. identification, cleaning, etc). Therefore our prices are firm and are normally considered non-negotiable.
Given the hundreds of items we manage, it is difficult for us to keep up with the different regional values of each item we sell. If you feel the price could be a little better, please feel free to e-mail your reasonable specific dollar amount offer. We may not always accept your offer, but we are happy to receive and consider them.
Certain programs, like the “Customer Appreciation Bonus” program, offer discounts based on volume and activity. Additional information pertaining to this and other programs may be found elsewhere on the site.
Prices listed are in U.S. Dollars and do not include shipping, handling, insurance or sales tax.
State sales tax is due on all orders if you reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or are shipping to an address in this state.

8. Privacy Policy

Cat’s Whiskers Glass and Antiques (CWGlass) created this privacy statement to indicate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses the information gathering and dissemination practices of our company and of this website. The policy is updated occasionally but the changes will not reduce the privacy protection of our customers or visitors. You can be assured of privacy, whether you purchase from us, or just make an inquiry.
Your privacy is critical. We do not sell, rent, share, or otherwise distribute any personal communication, contact data, or credit information about our customers to anyone (except as required by subpoena, search warrant, or other legal processes).
During our dealings with you, certain data is directly or indirectly obtained. We feel it is important to tell you what is done with that information.
When you enter our site, (and every other site on the Internet), log files are generated that collect the IP Address, date, time, and pages visited. We, like everyone else, use this information to count the number of visitors to our site and analyze site page activity to make improvements for all visitors. These log files are eventually deleted. We do not use cookies or other electronic methods to influence your viewing.
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under the age of 13.
When visitors or customers send email inquiries to CWGlass, the return email address is used to answer the email inquiry we receive. We do not use the return email address for any other purpose and will not share the address with any third party. After a reasonable time, the record is deleted. We never send un-requested e-mail.
When you order something from us, we obviously require you to furnish information in order to complete the sale and deliver the products. No personal information is required until you decide to complete an order electronically. Orders can also be printed and mailed to us. After the transaction is completed, all such information is removed from our Internet computer system.
Our site offers a “Shopping Cart” which has a registration option. This optional feature allows you to place additional orders without having to re-enter the information necessary for us fill your order. We do NOT require you to “register”. No Financial information is gathered. Information entered into the ‘shopping cart’ program is treated no differently then all other furnished information.
Certain services like “Specific Item Locator”, “Special Events Services” and “Customer Appreciation Bonus” do require we maintain specific information about the customer. This information is kept on a secured, non-networked computer in a manner that prevents unauthorized access. You must request participation (opt-in) in these programs via return e-mail. No person is added to any service by requesting information, making a purchase, or forgetting to uncheck some box during ordering.
We are in full compliance with the United States 2004 CAM-SPAM Act.
No images, files, or cookies are downloaded from third party servers. This means no pop-ups, banner ads, or hidden ‘web bugs”. You will not be unknowingly re-directed to any other site. Some browsers initiate a "Favicon.ico" request when a person adds the site to their “Favorites” list. We do not track such requests.
In the future, this site may make forums or message boards available to its users. Please remember that any information disclosed in these areas becomes public information and you should exercise caution when deciding to disclose your personal information.
Our Web Site may contain links to other sites which we found to be informative. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of any other site. We encourage everyone to be aware when they leave our site and to review the privacy statements of any site they may visit. Our privacy statement applies solely to the information collected by this web site.

9. International Orders

CWGlass ships to all countries where the United States Government permits us to send goods. We ask that you familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and laws of your country so there will not be any surprises when your order arrives. Your order may be subject to import duty and taxes in your country and these are your responsibility. If your country restricts or forbids imports of glass or antiques, we cannot accept your order, sorry.
CWGlass requests that you do not ask us to break any U.S. or international import and export laws by declaring your order as either a "gift" or "of no value." All items are shipped insured for full invoice value, with the contents declared truthfully on the invoice enclosed or sent separately to you. For security reasons, to deter pilfering and theft in transit, the word "antique" is not mentioned on the declarations, only "used glass object.". If you disagree with our policy, we regret that we will be unable to fill your order.
We will provide all necessary documentation if the item meets your government’s definition of antique and is exempt from surcharge. Although we are familiar with most international requirements, if there is anything we should be aware of when shipping to your country, you need to inform us of this.
Shipping Methods: Shipping charges are dependent upon your country's regulations for receiving mail. We will work closely with you to ensure that your order arrives safely at the lowest transportation cost. Please be aware that we ship insured, traceable, so these additional fees must be included in your calculation. Our final offer of sale will document the exact shipping and handling charges.
Our normal international shipping methods are:
US Postal Service Global or Priority Express
United Parcel Service Global

We will be glad to use other carriers if their service is available in our area. The buyer will pay all actual carrier charges plus any necessary packaging charge. The buyer will be responsible for any duty charged.
A commitment to order is expected within three (3) days after our offer of sale is sent. Payment is expected within ten (10) days from that time. If payment is not received by the 15th day, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction and return the item to our available inventory.
Payment Methods:
We currently accept payment by:
Banker Demand Drafts payable in US Dollars.
Bank issued International Money Orders payable in US Dollars.
Electronic payments from Pay-Pal verified accounts subject to their policies and conditions.
We are unable to accept payment by:
Post Office or retail store money orders
Electronic payments from unconfirmed and/or unverified accounts or credit cards
Electronic payments from multiple accounts for the same order
Cash, regardless of the currency

PURCHASES OVER $200 VALUE: Because of the unfortunate higher risk of internet fraud due to stolen credit cards, we reserve the right to hold shipments paid by credit card until we speak to the buyer by telephone to verify their identity. If verification cannot be made within 7 days of the purchase date, the items will be returned to our active sale inventory, and a refund issued to the buyer less a 12% restocking charge to cover our transaction fees. This restocking charge is not refundable, but may be converted to store credit, at our discretion.
RETURNS: If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact us within three (3) days of receipt. Provided the merchandise is in the same condition as shipped, retaining all our original tags and marks, and is returned to the location identified in our return authorization, within the specified time period, we will gladly refund the cost of the returned item.

10. Disclaimer

This site is provided by Cat’s Whiskers Glass and Antiques (CWGlass) on an "as-is" basis. CWGlass makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the site, the information, content, materials, or products included on the site. To the full extent permissible by applicable law, CWGlass disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. CWGlass will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this site, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental punitive and consequential damages.
Questions to this site will be answered as time allows. No claim is made by CWGlass as to the completeness of the answers given and CWGlass shall not be held liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information. CWGlass will not be liable for any damage of any kind arising from the use of this site.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the written consent of the designers and authors.