Cloak FAQ

Thank you for your interest in our cloaks. In order to keep the text on our sales pages down somewhat, this page is designed to answer some of our most frequently asked questions.

Our goal is to provide quality goods at reasonable prices.

1. What determines your shipping and handling charge?

We're not out to make money on shipping. The charge barely covers our shipping and handling costs in most cases. The total also covers Delivery Confirmation. We ship via Priority Mail, generally the next business day after receipt of funds. Insurance is up to you, but we strongly recommend it. If your cloak is damaged in shipment, we may not have the same fabric in stock to make a replacement.

The USPS now has a flat rate box, which means we can ship your cloak within the US for $8.10. We used to have to charge around $10, so we're passing the savings along.

2. Do you ship overnight? Overseas?

We will, but please contact us before you place your order so that we may determine shipping and insurance charges. Payment must be in US Dollars.

3. Do you do custom work?

Sometimes. It depends on the job and the amount of time we have in which to do it. Drop us a line.

4. I notice you have ties on your cloaks. I prefer to use a clasp.

We can cut the tie short and turn it back inside the neck if you wish. The ties also function as our neck facing to cover those scratchy neck seams and add strength, so we can't eliminate them altogether.

5. Are all of your cloaks black?

That's the most popular color. We are, however, on the lookout for more fabrics. If you have a special fabric/color request be sure to drop us a line.

6. I would like to send you e-mail, but I'm afraid I'll end up on some mailing list.

We share your concern. We don't keep a mailing list. We will use your address to answer your questions. We don't share your address without your permission. We will ask first. We hate unsolicited sales messages, and you won't get any from us. As of this writing, we don't do any advertising via e-mail. If you wish to be informed when we have a particular fabric in stock, let us know. If you subsequently decide you don't want us to contact you on the matter, drop us a line.

Please note that PayPal has their own privacy policy and terms governing use of their services.

7. Why do you only accept PayPal?

Again, this is for both our protection and yours. We can accept credit cards via PayPal. It's safe and secure. If a check or money order is your only option, please drop us a line and we'll be happy to see if we can work something out. Please note that if we accept payment by check or money order that we may hold the item for up to two weeks until the transaction clears. If you need your garment fast, please use PayPal.

Once we get your funds, we generally ship the next business day. This means when you use PayPal, your goods will be shipped faster. Please note that if you use a PayPal Echeck that we must hold shipment until funds are deposited in our PayPal account. Generally that takes three or four business days.

8. Do you have a guarantee?

Yes! We have a ten-day guarantee. We will not accept cloaks that have been worn. No showing off at a party and getting your money back, okay? And definitely no stomping around at a muddy ren faire and then asking for a refund. Sure, try it on. Look in the mirror. Show a friend. But if you don't want it, we need you to send it back within ten days of the day you get it in the mail. Contact us for return instructions.

9. What is a "business day?"

A "business day" is defined as any day, Monday-Friday, that is not a legal holiday. If it is a weekday and the Post Office is closed, then it is not a business day. Therefore, if we receive your payment on a Friday or over a weekend, we will generally ship on Monday. If Monday is a legal holiday, we will generally ship on Tuesday. Many or our customers have been surprised to find that their in-stock item has been shipped within hours after they've sent payment. We can't always ship this quickly, but we aim to ship fast. After all, we order goods ourselves, and we like to get our own goodies fast. This is why we try to ship as quickly as possible.

Custom orders, of course, are different. We will ship on completion.

10. Can you add waterproofing treatments to my cloak?

We could, but due to allergy concerns we prefer you treat the garments yourself. It's not difficult to do. We can recommend some products if you wish. If you wish to treat the cloak in some way, please let us know when you make the purchase and we can generally pack in a swatch of fabric you can use for testing the product before you use it on your cloak. There is no charge for the extra swatch.

11. Do you make cloaks for children?

Yes, we do. Most of our cloaks are intended for adults only. The reason for this is that we use ties, which are a safety hazard on children's garments. We are investigating the use of alternate closures for children's cloaks.

12. What is the difference between a cloak and a robe?

Good question. A robe has sleeves while a cloak does not. We presently do not do robes.

13. How do I care for my cloak?

It depends on the fabric. Twill cloaks are generally machine washable, but you'll get better life if you have them dry cleaned. Velvet cloaks - no question. Gotta dry clean. Your cloak will come with a set of care instructions. As usual, if you have any questions about care before you purchase, just ask.

13. My question wasn't answered.

Drop us a line! We're happy to answer your questions.

How to wear your cloak (okay, an etiquette lesson, if you will.)

1. Learn to walk in the cloak.

This isn't like walking around the house in a bathrobe. A cloak is big. And generally heavy. You want to look good when you go out in it, right? Take the time to practice. And if you're not used to wearing boots, practice in those as well.

Use common sense. Be careful in high winds, and watch your step. If you must run, be very careful. If the cloak catches on something, it will stop and YOU won't. Not only will you look terribly uncool, but you could do some serious damage. Remember, breathing is a GOOD thing. (This is why garments with ties are not recommended for children.)

2. Order a cloak that doesn't drag the ground.

If it drags the ground, it's gonna get dirty. The bottom will eventually fray from dragging. People are going to step on it. If you're a klutz, you will trip on it. If you're not a klutz, you will trip on it. There's nothing more embarrassing than being all dressed up like an imposing bad guy, only to find that you can't stop tripping on the hem of your cloak. Again, practice.

3. Be nice to the kids.

We know it's hard - especially when they're tugging on your cape. We've been there. But remember - you were little once, and perhaps you admired someone in a cool costume. Set a good example. Think of it as training the next generation of costumers.