Sand Casting

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Question

HOW IS MY ORDER HANDLED?

Answer

Once your request has been received, whether it’s through our website, via general e-mail, over the phone, or through “snail” mail, Franklin Bronze Plaques will provide an estimate, generally within 24 hours, confirming your contact information, shipping address, plaque size, background finish and mounting selection. Plaque pricing is also reflected on the estimate, along with any additional charges that might apply to your specific order. The estimate will trigger a layout from the graphics department, which will be sent in a separate e-mail within one to two business days of receipt of the estimate. Estimates and layouts are both at no cost or obligation, and you may contact us at any time during the process with questions or concerns you might have. Orders are not finalized until we receive written layout approval from the customer. Changes may be made at no charge any time PRIOR to receiving the layout approval. If a layout has been approved and moved into production, and then changes are received, additional charges may apply for work already completed on the approved order.

Payment is expected at time of layout approval, unless previous open account status or other arrangements have been made. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, or you may pay via check. We require full payment prior to production for all orders totaling less than $1000. For orders $1000 or more, we require a 50% deposit, with the balance being due at the time of shipment. The exception to this is if payment is made via check, requiring full payment to be received prior to production, eliminating the possibility of orders being held in the shipping department upon completion.

Once all approval and payment details are on file, your order is moved to the production department to begin the pattern process. This is followed by pouring the raw casting, and finally moving into the finishing department, which is the longest part of the entire process. Delivery times depend on the overall size and complexity of each piece, but generally run 4 – 5 weeks after final layout approval on smaller sizes without images. An estimated delivery time is included on each estimate.

Each order is packaged with extreme care to protect the final finish. When your order is shipped, you will receive an automatic e-mail from UPS referencing the tracking number. You may also contact our office to request this information or for status updates any time during the manufacturing process. Final copies of the paid invoice and payment receipt for all orders are mailed to the billing address on file after the order ships. Additional copies of this information may also be requested from our office at any time.