How can I get a cost estimate for the repair of my stuffed animal or teddy bear?
If you submit an Evaluation / Admission Form with pictures and detailed description we can provide you a free repair cost estimate. Unfortunately, even the best photographs cannot always give the complete picture because it doesn’t always provide details on the construction and how much work might be involved. Understanding that you would like a rough idea, we offer this service at no costs. To obtain a firm quote, you will need to send your teddy bear or special friend to Fuzzy Repair Shop. We can then provide you with a firm cost quote and timeframe to which you can expect the repairs to be started and completed.
If you do not wish to proceed with the repairs, your teddy bear will be returned to you, no questions asked. However, you will be responsible to pay for return shipment costs. Any teddy bears or friends sent to Fuzzy Repair Shop should have the Admission Form with complete contact information, if we need to discuss further details.
How can I get my teddy bear or stuffed animal to you for repair?
You may choose any shipping method to get your teddy bear to Fuzzy Repair Shop. See Contact Us for Fuzzy Repair Shop shipping information. Some options to consider for shipping include:
UPS. These shipments are usually delivered within 2-3 days from the time of shipment.
USPS Priority Mail. These shipments are usually delivered within 2-3 days from the time of shipment.
UPS Ground. These shipments are usually delivered within 5-7 business days from the time of shipment.
USP Ground and USPS Priority Mail both have tracking options available.
Does the firm quote remain firm?
Yes.
What does my quote include?
All labor and materials are included. There is never any extra charge for components such as eyes, joints, paw pads, growlers, stuffing, etc, as these are considered by us as part of the service. Return shipping is extra. While not often the case, please note that return postage may be higher if the stuffed animal needed significant stuffing or replacement parts – requiring a larger return box or is heavier at the completion of repairs.
Do you specialize in certain types of repairs?
We specialize in teddy bears, and have performed work on a variety of brands, including Steiff, Gund, Hermann, Merrythought, Ty to name a few. However, we also get as many request for a wide animal kingdom of stuffed animals, whether furry or not.
How long does a typical repair take?
“Typical” repairs take about 1-2 weeks and may consist of cleaning, seam repair, some stuffing refreshment and possibly some exterior minor mending (such as small rips and tears). More extensive repairs such as those that require the order of special materials or the teddy bear needs to be worked on from inside (such as paw pad replacements or removal of damaged eyes and noses or torn ears) do require more time. We will be able to inform you how long the repair will take after we have examined your teddy bear. Furthermore, understanding that you want your toy back as soon as possible, we will alert you in advance when you submit the Evaluation / Admission Form online for waiting times. Please note that for vintage bears that require major restorative work this process can take several weeks to complete properly. Regardless, we recognize that some repairs are time sensitive, such as birthdays, so we encourage you to contact us and we will make every attempt to meet your deadline!
Will my teddy bear look new after cleaning and repair?
We assess each teddy bear’s condition carefully prior to initiating cleaning and repairs. Our goal is to make any teddy bear repair either unnoticeable or almost-unnoticeable. While some teddy bears will look “new” when only minor repairs are required, most we would assess as “vastly improved.” The results depend on the age of the teddy bear and existing level of wear and tear.
For vintage teddy bears, we do research to ensure that each restoration will be as authentic as possible, but without the damages! If we can identify the manufacturer, we follow specifications. Even if this is not possible, we can still match repairs appropriate to the bear’s general age and characteristics. Thus, looking “new” is in this case in the eyes of the beholder. Depending on the individual teddy bear, its condition dictates the method of cleaning and repairs. Serious damage can result from a “thorough” cleaning both for old and not so old teddy bears, and is one of the main reasons (other than serious mauling) that the teddy bears need restoration in the first place. We stand by our level of craftsmanship, and we can honestly say that we have not yet met a teddy bear that we could not successfully restore.
Are there any types of repairs that you do not do?
We do not work on any teddy bears or other stuffed animals made from furs or skins. These materials can be very fragile or brittle and nearly impossible to sew without causing further damage. We also do not do repairs of original growlers or squeakers, although these can usually be replaced with news ones, but may not produce the same original sound.
When and how do I pay for services?