QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND QUERIES
Can't see your question or answer here? Drop me a line and I'll add it to the list!
Where do you get your reels from?
Sshhhhh... that's a secret. But they are (currently, whilst stocks are readily available) sourced from the local areas in the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire. Whilst they are often seen as scrap material, nothing is ever just taken - they are either bought or exchanged for other materials. A positive energy exchange!
What about the metal work?
All of the metal work is bought in. Hair pin legs are made to order by three companies on one industrial estate in Lydney - one makes the metal plates, another bends and attaches the legs (British steel), and a third then powder coats them. Not only does this mean a purchase from WonkyDonk supports four independent businesses, but it also means we can make leg heights to order.
The other weird and wonderful bases are all second hand and upcycled from antiques shops, car boot sales, reclamation yards etc.
How long does it take to make a piece?
Development times can vary greatly depending on how big the piece is. If it's a simple table on hair pin legs, they can take a couple of days (excluding drying time of treatments and waxes) provided I have the right size cable reel in stock.
if it's a larger piece like a wine rack or bookcase, these can take up to a week of solid working time.
So if I place an order, it will take a week to develop it?
Not quite! The overall timings are dependent on whether or not I have the right size cables in stock for your order. If I have, and other factors are working in our favour (e.g. weather, as I sand outside) then it's generally a quick turnaround. But if I need to source a specific size reel for items such as wine racks, which use a smaller drum and are harder to find, then it can take a few weeks just for me to find the base stock. I'll be able to confirm a rough timeframe at the point that you pop in a request.
What payments do you accept?
Most! Cash, Paypal, BACS and Card.
I want to order a piece, but if it could take weeks, do I still need to pay now?
Nope. Due to the nature of sourcing stock, I don't take any upfront payment for orders - sitting on money whilst I'm waiting to find items doesn't feel right. So, I'll take your order request, work it up in collaboration with you, and then once it's done you're able to view it. If you like it and still want to take it, fab - that's when payment is made, and it's yours to take. If it's not as you were expecting, perhaps your situation has changed or it's just taken too long for me to find the stock, then it just goes up for general sale. No awkwardness about payments and refunds!
The only instance where this may differ is if it's an exceptional order and needs different materials. In these cases, an initial deposit may be required, but all of this would be covered in your quote.
Postage! I don't live locally, how can I get my item?
There are several options available, dependent on where you are, and how big the item is. We need to chat logistics first, hence why items can't be purchased instantly online.
Some items can be couriered, like Log Art or coffee tables on hair pin legs (flatpacked). Other larger items can be sent via All About Freight - a local company who can transport on pallets.
Where possible, I prefer customers to collect items from my home or I can drop them off personally. If needed, we can also arrange for them to be collected from one of the local stockists. The classic 'meet me halfway in this car park' has also been used previously!
If there's something you've seen online here, just drop me a line with the product reference and your location, and we can have a look at the options.
How do I take care of my piece?
These items are intended to take heavy use, and due to its reclaimed nature, any dents, scuffs or scratches on the wood are likely to fit in as opposed to looking 'damaged'. Pieces being used day to day like coffee tables, wine racks, and bookcases will automatically come with a Care Kit, including a small tin of matching wax and cloth, so that you can touch up any small accidents. If you've got a hanging piece and you'd like a Care Kit, just let me know what you've got and I can get one in the post.
Waxed items generally don't need any major upkeep, but if you wanted liven up the colour, you may want to add another coat of wax after a year or so, depending on how heavy the use it. The details of the brand/colour wax will be supplied on the Info card with your piece.
Cleaning - Soap and warm water is best, no harsh chemicals please as these will likely dull the wax. Water rings? Use some of the wax in your Care Kit to go over these.
I've got a WonkyDonk piece but can't find my Info card - what colour wax is it?
Ooooh love a challenge. Drop me a line with your details, a description of your piece and where you purchased it and I can check against my list.
Can I return / exchange my piece?
Let's chat! If you've just purchased a piece but have got it home to find it's not quite the right colour / size, get in touch and, providing its not damaged/marked, we can look to change it for one that is right for you. If you've purchased your item through a stockist, please still get in touch with me direct and we can see what we can do.
If it's a bespoke order that's been made to your measurements, it won't be as easy to refund or exchange, but still get in touch and we'll see what we can do.
If however, a considerable amount of time has passed and the item is no longer in an 'as bought' condition, I'm afraid it's no longer eligible for return / refund / exchange.
Still got a question? Ask away!