Tony Fairytale Shop

Information

Frequently asked questions

Honest answers about condition, payment, and delivery. For the full shipping policy — destinations, prices, times, tracking, and customs — see the Shipping page.

How are items described?
Every piece is inspected in hand and described honestly, including any age-appropriate wear. If it isn’t clear in the photos, it’s in the description.
Are items one-of-a-kind?
Most pieces are unique vintage finds — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
How are items packaged?
Carefully. Fragile and heavy pieces get extra protection. We use protective wrap and sturdy outer packaging, and reuse materials where it stays safe and tidy. Multi-item orders may ship in one parcel or more than one, depending on what travels safely together.
How do I pay?
Secure card payments run through Stripe at checkout. All prices are in GBP. Guest checkout is welcome — you don’t need an account to buy.
What currency will I be charged in?
The shop is priced in British pounds (GBP). Browse prices show in £ by default. You can switch the display to $ or € yourself in the header currency menu.

Stripe checkout always charges in GBP. Converted amounts on the site are for guidance only; your bank or card network may apply its own conversion rate and fees.
Where do you ship?
We ship to the United Kingdom, Europe (EU countries plus destinations such as Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland offered at checkout), and the United States.

We do not currently offer checkout shipping to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or other countries outside those markets. If you need delivery elsewhere, contact us before ordering — a custom quote may sometimes be possible, but it is not guaranteed. Full detail is on the Shipping page.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated at checkout once you choose your country. You only see options that match your destination. Indicative starting rates:
  • United Kingdom — from about £4.50 standard tracked; next-day may be offered around £7.95 where available.
  • Europe — from about £14.95 for the first piece, plus about £4.00 for each extra item in the same order.
  • United States — from about £24.95 for the first piece, plus about £8.00 for each extra item in the same order.

These rates are based on Royal Mail tracked services, with a small packaging and handling buffer. They are flat checkout profiles (not a live weight calculator). The shipping line in your order summary is what you pay the shop for postage on that order. See Shipping for the full explanation, including heavy items and customs.

Why is international shipping more expensive than UK shipping?
International tracked postage with Royal Mail costs more than UK tracked post — especially to the United States (World Zone 3). Our checkout rates follow those carrier tariffs, plus packaging and handling, so fragile vintage pieces can be sent safely without undercharging postage. The amount at checkout is the shop’s shipping charge; it is separate from any import taxes your country may add later.
How long until my order is sent, and when will it arrive?
Dispatch: usually within 1–2 working days after payment (excluding weekends and UK bank holidays). Larger, fragile, or multi-item orders may take a little longer — we will keep you updated.

Delivery after dispatch (typical, not guaranteed):
  • UK — a few working days for standard tracked; faster if you chose next-day and it was available.
  • Europe — often about one to three weeks, depending on country and customs.
  • United States — often about two to four weeks, depending on handoff and customs.

These are estimates, not promises. Weather, strikes, peak seasons, and customs checks can add delay. Tracking is sent when the parcel leaves us; international tracking can look quiet until the parcel reaches your local network.

Do I get a tracking number?
Yes. When your order ships, we send a shipping update with tracking. If you checked out while signed in, you can also see tracking on your account order page. International tracking often shows limited detail until the parcel reaches your local postal network — that is normal.
Do prices include tax / VAT? Who pays customs?
Product prices and shipping at checkout are in GBP. We do not collect import VAT or customs duties at checkout.

International parcels ship delivered duty unpaid (DDU). That means your card pays the shop total (items + shipping) here, and if your country adds import VAT, duty, or a carrier handling fee, that bill comes separately from customs or the delivery company — not from TonyFairytaleShop. Those charges are the buyer’s responsibility. US and European import rules can change; please allow for that before ordering. More detail is on the Shipping page.
What if my piece is very heavy or oversized?
Flat checkout rates cover typical small-to-medium vintage parcels. Cast-iron cookware, large glass, stone, or unusually heavy/oversized pieces may need a heavier Royal Mail or courier service — real postage can be higher than the flat rate.

Please message us before you buy with the item name and your country. We will confirm whether checkout shipping is enough or quote an adjusted amount. If you order a clearly oversized piece without checking, we may need to contact you about a postage top-up before despatch.
Can I change my shipping address after ordering?
Contact us as soon as possible with the order email and the correct address. If we have not labelled the parcel yet, we can usually update it. Once it is with Royal Mail, address changes may not be possible. Please double-check your address at checkout.
Can I return an item?
If something arrives damaged or not as described, contact me within 7 days with photos. Change-of-mind returns are considered case by case — see Returns for details. Refusing a parcel only because of unexpected customs charges does not automatically entitle you to a refund of shipping or return costs — please read the Shipping page before ordering internationally.
Do you use cookies?
Essential cookies keep your bag and checkout working. Optional Google Analytics and Google Ads cookies load only if you accept them on the cookie notice. Details are in the Privacy policy.
How do I reach you?
Use the contact form — I read every message. For shipping questions, include your country and the item name if you can.