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Frequently Asked Questions

  
 
HOW LARGE WILL THE LETTERS IN MY NAME BE?

The height of the letters depends on the number of letters in the name and what those letters are (for instance, the M and W are a wider than everything else, whereas the I, J, Y and some others are narrower than the rest.). I don't have the facilities necessary to print any name, regardless of length, all names having "large" letters, and yet still be able to print on the same kind of high quality, heavyweight paper that I want to use.

The letters range in size from about three and a quarter inches high for a shorter name (like JOHN or MARY) to just over two and a half inches for the longest names (BENJAMIN, for example). That may sound small, but even two and a half inches is still a nice size--you can easily see all the detail. Also, matting and framing will greatly enhance the letters (see the note on framing below).

Also contributing to the final size, in addition to the available paper size and the capacity of my wide-bed printer, is the fact that the artwork itself is small--just over four inches--not that much bigger than the largest size I normally print. I created the letters that way because I knew they would be printed at some smaller size. I like to reduce the artwork a little anyway, even for the shortest names, when the letters would be the largest, just to sharpen things up some...not too much reduction, though. It's a well known fact that an original starts to lose its "feel" the more it is reduced in size.
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HOW LONG BEFORE I RECEIVE MY ORDER?

I check my email at least daily. Once I receive your order, I will create your name(s) within five (5) days (usually sooner than that). I use the Post Office to ship insured Priority Mail or First Class.
HOW BIG WILL THE CAPTIONS BE? LIKE THE CAPTION I SEE ON THE ENLARGED VERSION OF A LETTER?

The caption you see on an enlarged version of a letter is much, much, MUCH larger than the captions under each letter in your printed name.

The caption is there to explain how the illustration relates to the letter, necessary but definitely there in a supporting role. You can see this relationship in the examples of matting and framing your print. I realize the captions are basically impossible to read in these examples, but the relationship between them and their letters is (hopefully) clear.

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HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU IF I HAVE TROUBLE WITH YOUR SITE?

If you're having any problems with my site, the ordering process or if you just want to make a comment, please email me right away. I will respond quickly and help you through any questions you may have.
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DO I HAVE TO MAT AND FRAME MY PRINT?

If the print is for you, or someone in your household, you won't necessarily have to do anything with it right away, although eventually I think you'll want to mat and frame your custom print. I say you can wait because your print comes to you shrinkwrapped onto a piece of sturdy (but lightweight) foamcore. You can display it without a mat or frame, a procrastinator's dream. If you're giving the print to someone else, it doesn't have to be framed for it to be a nice gift. It makes a nice presentation just as it is. Having said that, a very nice enhancement is to have the printed name matted in lieu of framing...it really is an impressive addition.

For the best look, though, frame and mat your print. One nice look is to double-mat, using a white-ish mat with a black core as the inner mat. Whether you frame or not, have the mat opening cut closer to the lettering rather than around the outside edges of the paper. You don't have to crowd, but since names are almost always much longer than they are high, if a name is framed along the outer edges of the paper, it can look like there are three stripes running across the paper--a white one at the top, a colored one (the name) and another white one along the bottom. The longer the name, the more profound this effect. I'll often trim the paper myself on some names, especially the longer names with the smaller letters to make sure striping doesn't happen. Even if you prefer just a frame and don't want to use matting, the principle remains the same: Don't use the outside edge of the paper as your guide--use the name.
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WHO IS PayPal?

PayPal is a trusted and secure online payment system, widely used by companies on the Internet to collect payment from customers safely and securely. It is a free service to you, the Buyer. All major credit cards are accepted, and PayPal even lets you use your checking or savings account, if desired.

eBay is one of the largest users of PayPal, with millions of members performing transactions every day.
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WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?

A return policy on personalized items is extremely difficult to provide, since a name with a custom selection of letters is specifically created for an individual. Even so, it is my goal that all my customers are happy and completely satisfied with everything ordered from me. Therefore, I offer the following return policy:

If I, Fred McEntire, make a mistake: It doesn't happen often as I check your letter selection several times--each time I bring one up, once I have them all assembled into your name and again before I print. In the event that I've made a mistake, I will correct it and replace your name for you at no charge whatsoever.

If you, the customer, supply the wrong information: The names cannot be "repaired" once they are printed for you (they have to be completely reprinted); however, if you find you've misspelled a name, send the old name back, and I will (a) replace the letters at $6.00 (USD) for each letter changed, (b) rearrange the letters you have already selected (i.e., no new letter designs needed) for a flat fee of $5.00 (USD) or (c) insert an additional letter(s) at the usual $6.00 (USD) a letter.

Additional Charges: For either a replacement or rearrangement, in addition to the charges above, a reprint charge of $10.00 (USD) for names of six letters or less, or $13.50 (USD) for names of seven letters or more. A shipping/handling charge will be added to the total for all names.

Please remember: There is no charge whatsoever when the mistake is mine.
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TECHNIQUE

WHY ARE THERE RED LINES ON THE FINAL DRAWINGS OF THE STEP-BY-STEP DEMONSTRATIONS?

When I'm ready to transfer the final drawing onto the "good" paper, I slide a piece of homemade carbon paper under the drawing. I use a red rollerball pen to go over the drawing to transfer the image. The red color stands out from the drawing, so I can see where I've been.


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LINKS

I am always looking for quality sites to add to my list of interesting and useful places for anyone seeking a unique gift for a child (either existing or expected). If you would like to exchange links with fredmcentire.com, please first add a link to my site from your site. Then send me an email (including the URL where my site is located and a preferred text or graphic link to your site. Please add the following text to your site and link to fredmcentire.com:

Custom Children's Names -- Children's names are custom printed in colorfully illustrated animal letters by artist Fred McEntire--perfect for a nursery/bedroom wall or as a baby shower gift. A limited edition print of MERRY CHRISTMAS in holiday themed letters makes a wonderful (and well-received) gift for anyone.

Please allow 5 to 7 days for your site to be added as I review every site that is submitted for a link exchange. I reserve the right to deny adding unrelated, competitive or offensive links to fredmcentire.com
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