Big Hairy Bertha's Terms and Conditions

Purchasing and Shipping
We work hard to make each transaction simple and pleasant. One way we do this is to let you know ahead of time how we do business.

REFUNDS & RETURNS--Because we do not do refunds or returns unless an item has been grossly misrepresented, the number one rule of thumb you should follow is ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING. We generally use a fine-tooth comb on clothing items, and our customers comment that the items are better than described. We will be happy to measure, describe or do anything extra to let you know exactly what you are getting. But this has to be done before the auction closes. We usually answer questions within 24-48 hours.

PAYMENT--We accept money orders for quick shipping (within one-two days of receipt). We prefer US postal money orders, and we also accept personal checks but we hold the item 10 days before shipping if you are a first-time customer. When we receive your check we mark the box for shipment 10 days later. There are no exceptions to this, so if you need your item quickly, please use a money order.

We expect payment within 14 days of the auction's end. On the 14th day we reserve the right to re-list the item and request a refund of our fees from eBay.

SHIPPING--We usually charge a flat fee for shipping, and in most cases it is enough to cover priority mail and delivery confirmation. We are always happy to combine items to save on shipping costs, but multiple auctions must end within 3 days of each other. Please note that our regular post office days are Wednesday and Saturday during the school year. Once payment is received and cleared, expect your item to be shipped on the following Wednesday or Saturday.

INSURANCE--You may request insurance for your item if you like, the cost of which is based on the purchase price of your item. If you do not purchase insurance, the package will be shipped at your own risk. We are not responsible for packages lost, stolen, or damaged once they leave our possession. So far we have not lost a single package or had any damaged in over 500 transactions, but if it does happen we assume no responsibility for mistakes or negligence on the part of the US post office.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING--We do love to ship internationally. At the end of the auction we will calculate the shipping cost for the international destination using the USPS website. If it appears that the amount is not realistic (the website is not always accurate) we take the package to the post office and get the actual amount for both air and surface mail. You may choose whichever you prefer, and may add insurance at your own expense if it is available to your country. Please indicate if you want insurance before we take the package to the post office for estimate.

INTERNATIONAL PAYMENT--We accept US postal money orders (cost is 90 cents each), or personal checks from US accounts. All payment must be made in US funds. As with US shipments, we are not responsible for loss or damage once the package leaves our hands.

CUSTOMS-- Please do not ask us to falsify or undervalue your purchase on customs forms. This is a felony and we would rather lose the sale than take your package to our town's one and only post office clerk and try to explain to her why all our other international packages are merchandise, but this particular one is a "gift" or only worth $10. Our clerk knows that ALL of our packages are merchandise and we care as much about our honest reputation in the community as we do about our honest reputation on ebay. Please budget customs charges into the total cost of your purchase as we fill out all customs forms accurately.

About Used and Vintage Items
CONDITION--We do our best to find quality items in good condition, and we describe our merchandise as clearly as possible. We list as many flaws as we can find, but may not be able to locate each and every pinhole or tiny spot. Everything we sell has been used before, and most likely stored for many years. We say this not to discourage you from purchasing, but to let you know ahead of time that vintage clothing and collectibles often have little "character" marks from having been used and loved over the years. If you have any questions about the condition of our items, please feel free to email BEFORE THE END OF THE AUCTION.

SIZING--Vintage clothing usually doesn't have size tags like our clothing today, and when a size is available it is usually different than our contemporary clothing. I include as many measurements for clothing and shoes as possible, so that you can compare to a comfortable item of your own. That way, you can judge for yourself if it will fit comfortably. All clothing measurements are done with the item laid flat, and measured from one side seam to the other. That number is then doubled to get the total number of inches. Hip measurement is done 7 inches below waist. We do not do refunds for clothing that doesn't fit as expected. Vintage items often feel different than contemporary items, as the earlier fashions were shaped and proportioned differently (usually smaller in the shoulders and upper arms).

Thanks for taking a moment to become an informed bidder. We are available to answer your questions anytime if you contact us through ebay. Our email address changes from time to time, but we always stay up to date with our ebay account and that's the best way to get the most accurate address. Thank you!