FAQs
The glorious world of bespoke and made-to-order is peppered with question marks. If none of the below satisfies your curiosity please do call us on 01963 359639. We love talking about our items and how our beautiful objects are created.
1. How does the Order Process Work?
It's easy. If you like the item and feel sure that you would like to purchase it, click on the order tap in the object's window. Select the number that you require and follow the process through. We can take all major cards with the exception of American Express and you'll find more about the security of that procedure in our legalise on the Terms and Conditions Page.
Alternatively you can telephone us and we'll take down your details and process the order for you.
2. Can I see the item before I buy it?
We totally understand if you want to see an item before it is purchased, particularly if it is a big spend piece. The best thing to do is to call us on the number above first and we'll help out where we can.
We can arrange for certain pieces to be delivered to you and if you like what you see, you can purchase it. There will be a delivery charge for that which will be taken off the cost of purchase. Alternatively, other makers have items in showrooms dotted around London.
3. What happens if I don't like the object when it arrives?
We hope that you have looked into the object in enough detail so that you won't ever want to give it back. Our photographs give a pretty accurate depiction of how an item looks and the dimensions tab provides sizing details. Since each piece is bespoke and hand made no object will be absolutely identical to the image shown but almost exactly the same. If a piece arrives looking significantly different to what it should do we will, however, take it back and refund the difference. And you can cancel any order within 7 days of placing it and get a full refund as long as the maker hasn't started making it.
4. Can I learn more about each item if I am interested?
Please ask us as many questions as you'd like about each item you are interested in. We want you to be totally happy with your purchase and love talking about our items.
5. Can I change the size specifications or the colour of an object I am interested in?
Yes as long as it does not alter the structure of a piece. We are happy to make anything fit to your requirements and colour choices where we can.
6. How do I go about commissioning my own unique piece?
Let us know what it is your are interested in commissioning and we will talk to the maker. If it is an individual commission, we will have a drawing supplied to you so that you can see exactly what it is going to look like before you go ahead and order it? We help you through the process of commissioning all the way through.
7. What does Lapaloosa mean?
Lapaloosa is the derivation of a word that means beautiful object or item - and sometimes lollipop! At our first show, we had bowls of lollipops for everyone to raid. It made us very popular with children.
8. What are the delivery charges?
Because we would rather you spend your money on your own unique item we have kept delivery charges to an absolute bear minimum - at times free, if possible. But mostly they range from £10 - £55 depending on the size and weight of the item.
9. Where are the makers based?
Our criteria is that the makers should be British and based in Britain. A good deal come from the West Country as it attracts such a pocket of talented creatives. Otherwise they are from all sections of the UK.
10. How do you source your makers?
For many years, the company's founder, Melanie Cable-Alexander, worked for a magazine where she ran a series about people who made beautiful objects for large country houses. Some of the makers are sourced from there and it has meant that she has always retained an interest in creative makers so is always on the look out for them on her travels. People now know to recommend others they have come across and our makers recommend people they work with too. We love recommendations so if you know of anyone who you think is an exceptional designer-maker please do get in touch.
11. Can I see more photographs than those shown on the site?
We haven't been able to use all the photographs we have taken or been given on the site so we do have others we can email you. We can also ask the makers to supply us with more.
12. Can I be supplied with samples?
We provide samples where appropriate, particularly for fabric and wallpapers. Just contact us with any query about this.