Ask the Duck
Have questions?
View answer to our most frequently asked questions.
We use this term because our products are well made, durable and of high quality, worth keeping for a long time. We use high quality materials and each item is carefully assembled to withstand the toughest of kids. We use the highest quality finishes, each of which are applied by hand. To get to the end product requires scores of steps. Here is an example. It begins with selection of material measured for both dimension and thickness cut and then prep sanded. The material is then cut into the various parts. The cut is not just for size. Pockets are routed where two pieces are joined and holes bored for cross dowels and screws. Before assembly each piece is prep sanded, finished and sanded up to 4 separate times. Often, as in the case of the Duck Stool or train wheels, the part is masked to allow two color finishing. Mae Lou’s Duck Stool contains 42 separate pieces, all joined using both glue and 28 mechanical fasteners. The cut, finish and assembly represents the work of 5 separate craftsmen, all to insure that we meet the “heirloom” standard. We take “For this Generation and the Next,” seriously.
The Consumer Products Safety Act requires that all of our children’s products undergo third party testing. Initial testing takes place here in our shop during the design and prototyping of a product. Once we are satisfied, we send all of our children’s products to Underwriter’s Labs’ Verifications Services division for final testing.
The cost of shipping is built into our price. Shipping is expensive and truth be told, our costs are the same that you would be charged to ship a similar item. Shipping charges are based on dimension and weight. We assemble all of our products and do not “ship flat.” If we did ship flat the shipping costs would drop considerably. However, we strongly believe that we will do a better job assembling our products than you. We want the final product to be properly assembled to help insure durability. It’s what we do.
The estimated shipping times differ from region to region. For New York and Boston, it could take up to 5 days. Chicago could take up to 2 days. Miami and the West Coast could take up to 7 days. These times are estimates only. The actual time could be longer based on many variables that are out of our control. Please allow extra time for the item(s) to reach their destination when placing your order.
Yes we will. Send us a message when you place your order and tell us what personalization you want. We will let you know the costs. It will delay the order since it will require some separate setup and runtime.
Rarely do we do custom work. We do consider custom work if it has broader application down the line. For example, our Interlocking ND Wall Hanging comes from a custom piece we made for Randy and Lisa. While its not part of our regular service, let us know what you need. It never hurts to ask.
No. You can always check out as a guest.
Sure! We don’t have a store, but just let us know you want to do so and we can get your item ready and let you know when it’s available for pickup.
Yes, we do! Simply select the “Check/Money Order/Downtown Dollars” payment method and then mail the gift certificate to us. Once we receive the certificate, we will process your order. If your certificates do not cover the entire balance due, you may enclose a check for the balance or contact us for other payment options.
DTSB Downtown Dollars is a gift certificate program that can be used at participating downtown South Bend (Ind.) restaurants, attractions and shops. DTSB Downtown Dollars are different than other gift cards because of their mission to support local shopping, dining and services in the downtown South Bend area. Local business generates 70% more local economic activity per sq. ft. than big box retail. To purchase Downtown Dollars and find out more about how you can support downtown South Bend merchants, please visit DTSB’s website.