Here's some answers to questions we're often asked. If you can't find the info you're after here, you can contact us here.
Do I Need an Account to Purchase?
Q. Must I slave away on your account forms?
A. Yes, to purchase from us you need an account. But really we don't want to know that much about you. We only want a few details; your sweet little name, an email address so we can contact you about your order and a postal address of some place you call home. But really if you can't be bothered with those few minutes you can also use your Facebook account to log in (and supply your postal address when you make a purchase).
Making an Account
To make an account follow the 'Create Account link' at the top of the page or when you are purchasing something you will be prompted to sign in - follow the "I don't have an account link".
1. Choose your username, add your email adress to create your new account (you can select whether or not you'd like to subscribe to the mailing list at the same time).
2. An email will be sent to you to activate your account (it should be instant, but may take up to 2 minutes), the email includes a link to set your password and verify your account. Follow the (one time use) link and add a password. That's it!
Please Look Up!
Not only will it keep you safe from drop bears...it is also where all our messages to you appear - in a blue or pink banner across the top of our website, when you add something to your cart, or you've missed some information on a form...we'll let you know with a little banner at the top of the screen.
Payment
We accept Paypal and Credit Card (if you wish to use your direct deposit bank account, you can do so with a Paypal account). Our secure payment processor is Paypal. You don't need a Paypal account to pay for your order with a credit card but you will need to use the Paypal processor - just follow the checkout link to the final payment screen, and there is an option to enter your credit card details.
Shipping
Q. Where in the world are you? And will shipping break my piggy bank?
A. Your jewels are waiting on the biggest island and the smallest continent (we don't go for middle of the road down here in Australia) and local tracked Shipping within Australia is free - huzzah!
International Tracked Shipping is a flat rate of $15 worldwide - no matter what size your parcel, barely a dimple in your piggy's bum.
We post within one business day (but not on weekends, when the postman sleeps late and refuses to deliver anything). Delivery times across Australia may vary, but local delivery is expected within 2-4 days (with the exception of Western Australia - please allow 5 working days). International delivery times vary but most orders will arrive in 10 working days.
If you have an urgent deadline for a delivery - please advise us at checkout, or contact us first, and we'll do our best to speed your parcel to you.
Quantity
Q. Why is there only one of everything? I want one for each member of my bridal party, my thirty three cousins, and the class of '92!
A. The very beauty of vintage means each piece is a one-off. Every piece at Coco and Benny is lovingly hand crafted, each one different and unique - an individual creation, just like you. We carry jewellery in similar styles, so the class of '92 can complement each other beautifully, but never, ever, look the same!
Q. If everything is one-off, what happens if I put an item in my cart while I'm thinking about it?
A. Plainly put; you snooze, you lose, sorry. One-off items are a dirty business. The piece you're lusting over, is not yours until you see the payment confirmation screen. But if you miss out, there's no need to reach for the laudanum bottle, well some need, but we keep our shelves stocked with jewellery similar in pitch and yaw - so we will have something just as good waiting for you. If there is a particular item you liked and missed, please get in touch as we may have something out the back.
Sales Tax
All Australian order are subject to to a 10% Goods and Service Tax (GST), which is included in the listed price. For all International purchases - this will be removed at checkout, once you have entered your postal destination - lucky you, discounts!
Currency
Q. Are the prices quoted in Unicorn Pounds or Leprechaunian Dollars?
A. Neither, all prices quoted are in Australian Dollars. If you shopping from elsewhere, the prices will be converted for you by Paypal during checkout.
Returns
Q. I purchased a ring, that makes my fingers look like Gollum's, will you come around to my place and resize it for me?
A. Sadly no, the elves are on leave until Christmas, but we will happily accept returns within seven days of your purchase arriving. If you experience a problem with your order, please contact us before returning your item. We issue refunds to the original payment source, for the value of the purchase, not the return postage.
Dating Vintage Jewellery
Q. Are you sure this necklace is from 1970 because my mother purchased one just like it in December 1969?
A. There are many ways to date a piece of jewellery - from materials, to design, hallmarks, construction details like clasps. We date our pieces as accurately as we can but please bear in mind it is not always possible to be completely sure, down to the year, when dating an item of jewellery. Everything in store is a minimum of 30+ years old and we do our research when bringing jewellery to you but please bear in mind we're giving you an researched assessment.
Vintage Condition
Q. When you say something is in excellent condition can I expect to be able to wear it to dinner with the Queen? Or should I be ready to head to the jewellers for repairs?
A. We only send out clean items, in excellent condition. Excellent condition means sound settings, well functioning clasps, no missing stones anything that effects the wear-ablility of a piece. But please don't forget that all our items are vintage, between 30 and 80 years old and will show signs of being loved - mild surface wear, some patina, general use commensurate with age. We will disclose any relevant signs of wear in a products listing, but you can expect to be able to rip your necklace from it's box and parade around in it instantly, or send it directly to a friend, as a gift, with confidence that it will arrive beautifully wrapped and ready to wear.
