Decant Circle Participation FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
These are current as of 11/26/2015, but they may and will be added to/rephrased/changed/removed from time to time as needed. :)
How do I pay?
I accept only PayPal. When you sign up for one of my circles, if you didn't provide it at time of sign up, I'll ask for your PayPal email so I can send you an invoice. When you receive the invoice, you can just log into your PayPal account and pay it from there.
Why do you use invoices?
Invoices keep me sane. :) It also shows you exactly what you ordered and what you're paying for. Please, always pay via my invoices.
Why do you charge PayPal fees?
I charge the PayPal fees because it is impossible for me eat the PayPal fees. Decanting isn't a business. It's just a service I provide. It's a hobby. Charging the fees instead of rolling it into the cost of the decants themselves, though, is fairness. Because PayPal charges fees on a percentage, someone who orders *a lot* winds up with a larger fee than someone who only orders a couple decants. And, in the end, I actually can't make the decants a single price that could possibly cover PayPal's fees. There's just no way. If I did raise the decant costs, I'd have to do it with the highest number in mind, so people who would order the lowest number of decants would actually wind up subsidizing the fees for those who order a lot of decants. I feel, in this way, it's fair because fees are on a per order basis. You pay for what you order.
How long do I have to pay my invoice?
Unless otherwise agreed, you need to pay your invoice when you receive it. If you don't, you risk losing your spot in the circle and the ability to participate in my future circles.
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What are your previous circles?
You can find some of my past circles here. Past circles include:
Panacea/Somnium Decant Circle : July 2007
The Salon: Exhibits I, II, and III : July-August 2007
Yule 2007 : October 2007
Carnaval Diabolique Acts I, II, and III : October-December 2007
Yule 2012 : November 2012
2012 Anniversary : November 2012
Lupercalia 2013 : January 2013
2015 Liliths : September 2015
BPTP 2015 Fatherhood : September 2015
2015 Halloweenies : September 2015
BPTP Crimson Peak : October 2015
BPAL Crimson Peak : October 2015
2015 Anniversary : November 2015
Can I buy an add on without buying decants?
Yes! All my circles can also be treated as group orders.
Can I have a tester decant?
Unless I explicitly contact you to offer one, no, I do not offer tester decants.
Can I change my order?
Once the circle order has been placed with the Lab or Trading Post, I do not allow for orders to be altered. Orders can be added to, but decants cannot be swapped or removed. It becomes a nightmare for me if I allow that.
Do you offer frimps (Free Imps) to circle participants? I know you get them from the Lab with your order!
No, I don't. The free items the Lab and Trading Post do send are often resold by me at a discount to help recoup the costs of running the circle.
How do you label your decants?
I use white address labels with BPAL or Trading Post labeled on them, the blend's name, my Livejournal's name, all the scent notes, and sometimes an image (when it's appropriate and can fit on the label).
Where do you get your vials?
I buy all my vials from PilotVials. They are the best vials I have ever used. I provide them without the pen clip.
What do you do with circle leftovers?
Leftovers are sold within 7-14 days of decanting/shipping, and they are first offered to my Facebook decanting group, and then on the Forum and Livejournal.
NOTE: I no longer decant the extra out of sold half bottles into individual vials. I now decant all extras into clean 5ml amber bottles and hand label them. I find this is a better use of materials and it is easier for me to store and sell.
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How much is shipping?
Base shipping charges in the US start at $4. This covers First Class Shipping and my supplies.
Base shipping for international orders is $6.50. This covers First Class Shipping and my supplies.
What shipping methods are available?
The default shipping method is always First Class. This is the cheapest and slowest method. Sometimes, like with Trading Post circles, I may ask for additional shipping to upgrade everyone to flat-rate Priority Mail. I am also always willing to ship in whatever method you are willing to pay for.
Can I buy insurance?
Yes, you can, and I highly recommend it if you are spending a lot and worry about the decants not reaching you. I am not responsible for packages once they leave my hands. This include loss and damage. I always provide tracking to prove I have shipped.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! Keep in mind, shipping internationally from the US via First Class means it can be in transit for 4-6 weeks, especially if Customs nabs the package.
Can you lie on the customs form for me?
No, I cannot. Please don't ask me to. I do mark all packages a 'Gift', but I don't mislabel the value.
Can I combine shipping for multiple circles?
Yes, I will. I will combine for as many circles as you ask me to. I will also combine sales posts with circle shipments.
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What happens if I have a problem with my order?
I have a bit of information about fill levels of bottles/imps on my Livejournal you can read up on so I don't have to repeat that here. It's also on my Facebook Group for my decant circles. There are two issues that tend to crop up when participants have issues, and I want to address them separately.
An error on my part: Errors on my part do happen. :) They are NOT intentional. I'm happy to correct whatever I can. Sometimes, decants are missed and left out of your package. A quick email explaining the issue to me with kindness is the best way for me to help fix the problem. I am always reachable at peachesandjasmin AT gmail DOT com or on Facebook. If there is a fill level issue, I'm happy to discuss things, but usually, I've done my bed. Fill levels are not exact as I am not a laboratory; I will always try, though, to fix issues that crop up so that we're both happy.
Lost/Damaged package: I use 6x9 bubble mailers and copious amounts of bubblewrap. I do what I can to ensure your decants arrive safely. But, shit happens. That shit, though, isn't my fault. I cannot control the postal workers or their machines. Once a package has left my hands, I am no longer responsible for it. If you are concerned about lost or damaged packages, I strongly suggest you purchase insurance with your order. I do not refund for lost/stolen/damaged packages. I can't. If I did, it would be out of my pocket as, again, this is just a hobby service I do! :) Honestly, I go on a case by case basis, and I will do all I can to help find/figure out how to gain reimbursement from the post office should you have purchased insurance.
My advice is the splurge if you're in the US and instead of paying the base $4.00 for First Class Mail, pay the $9.00 I charge for small flat-rate Priority Mail with insurance (covering up to $100) for anything over a few decants/$20. It's worth it if you're concerned.