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FAQ's

We want to make sure you have all the information you need when buying leather products. It's important to understand the different types of leather and how they are produced. This guide will provide you with the basics so you can make an informed decision when choosing leather products.

 

Leather has been around for about 30,000 years and has a rich history and tradition. However, the leather industry can sometimes misuse terminology, making it important for consumers to know these terms and the different types of leather. This knowledge will help you purchase high-quality leather products and ask informed questions before making a purchase.

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  • Do you offer more than one size on your wristbands and bracers?
    We always have the most commonly ordered size in stock. However, if what we have doesn't fit, please let us know in a note when you make your purchase. If it's just a matter of adjusting the size, we will happily make the necessary changes and ship the perfect fit to you.
  • Where are you located?
    We are located in Soap Lake, Washington.
  • Are your earring hooks nickel free?
    Yes, our earring hooks are hypoallergenic and nickel-free.
  • Do you have any gift cards?
    At the moment, we only offer eGift cards. They are available in a range of prices. Inform us during checkout that you have used an eGift card so that we can credit your reward account with the appropriate points.
  • How long does it take to hear back from customer service?
    Our team is happy to assist you with any questions or concerns via email. We answer emails Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 4 pm PST, and you can expect a response within 24-48 hours on average. Holidays may increase response time. We are committed to answering every single inquiry with care, so we appreciate your patience! To get in touch, send a message including your name and order number (if you have one) on our contact page or email us at support@talonfirestudios.com
  • My product looks different from the one in the photo. Did you send me the wrong color?
    We are always happy to review a photo of your product to ensure you received the correct color. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the leather is the right color. Please keep in mind that leather is a natural material, and the dyeing process can result in variations within a particular shade, especially in brown tones. To ensure that the color of your tote is accurately represented, we update our listing photos as frequently as possible. However, please note that the photos are taken in a bright studio or on the street using professional cameras, so the vibrance of your tote may appear different in your home lighting. If you feel that the shade of your tote is not what you expected, please take a photo and send it to support@talonfirestudios.com, along with your order number, for us to review.
  • I lost an earring. Can I buy just one to replace it?
    Unfortunately, we cannot replace individual earrings or half sets due to the unique nature of our genuine leather. Each hide is different, so if we were to replace a single earring, the hue of the leather might not match your existing earrings. We recommend keeping the earring backs that come on your earrings and putting them on any time you wear your earrings to help prevent earrings from flying off in the wind or getting easily pulled out on a scarf or hood.
  • What forms of payment do you accept?
    We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Paypal, Apple Pay, China UnionPay, JCB, Cartes Bancaries, Electron, and Maestro.
  • Can the cost of a gift be hidden from the recipient?
    Just leave a note on the cart page or email us at support@talonfirestudios.com, and we will ensure it is delivered without an inventory sheet or receipt in the package.
  • What if an item arrives defective or broken?
    Although we have had great success with our packages, there may be times when items are damaged during shipping. If this happens, please email a photo of the damaged package and item to support@talonfirestudios.com within 30 days of the purchase date. Additionally, please briefly explain what is wrong with the item upon arrival. We understand that these situations are rare and will handle them on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair and prompt resolution.
  • My package says it has been delivered, but I can't find it.
    When this happens, we find that most packages have either been delivered to a neighboring address or will arrive the following day. If the package does not appear within a few days, please reach out via the contact form with your order number or tracking number on our contact page. Please make sure to double-check your shipping address before completing your purchase. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for lost orders due to incorrect addresses entered at checkout. We cannot offer refunds or replacements for orders with incorrect shipping information. Thank you for your understanding.
  • How long does it take to receive my order?
    When checking out, you can choose between First-Class, Priority, and Priority Mail Express for shipping, with delivery times varying based on your selection. All orders are shipped via USPS, and we will email you a tracking link when the order leaves our warehouse. Please allow two business days to prepare your order before shipping, possibly longer if the weekend is involved. However, this does not apply to items on the Leathersmith page (see custom and commission policies).
  • I need my order quickly! What can I do?
    If you have a special event or occasion coming up and need your order quickly, you can choose to expedite it. Before placing your order, it's best to contact our team to ensure we can meet your expectations. Please keep in mind that a small admin charge may be added to your order for using our express service. However, this charge is usually only up to $5. It may be free if it doesn't disrupt our usual production schedule. Please note that if you require a product made and sent out in less than 24 hours, you may need to pay significantly more for the service.
  • What if I'm not home?
    If no one is home and the package does not fit in the mailbox, the delivery carrier will leave a notice and return the item to the Post Office.
  • Can my order be delivered to a P.O. Box?
    Yes! USPS is the only carrier that can ship to P.O. boxes. There are limitations in the size of the parcel that can be delivered. If your package doesn't fit, USPS will hold your package aside.
  • Do you ship internationally?
    We do! We ship USPS in 3-10 days, depending on the selected delivery speed, with low flat rates or free international shipping based on products.
  • What are your shipping rates?
    If your order total is less than $50, USPS will calculate the shipping fee. However, you qualify for free shipping if your order is over $50.
  • Where do you ship to?
    We ship domestically to the USA and internationally to the rest of the world.
  • I placed an order but didn't receive a confirmation email.
    Make sure to check your spam folder to see if the email is there. If not, don't hesitate to contact us at support@talonfirestudios.com, and we'll do our best to assist you.
  • Can I get free shipping?
    You'll receive free shipping when you buy products over $50.
  • Can I edit or cancel my order?
    Yes, we offer a 2-hour cancellation window! The customer can make cancellations by contacting us at support@talonfirestudios.com After 2 hours, your order will be in the hands of the fulfillment team. At that point, we will be unable to accommodate cancellation requests. Changes such as adding an item or choosing a different color, cannot be made to an existing order. If it has been less than 2-hours since the order was placed, feel free to cancel the order and reorder with the appropriate changes. Once you complete a cancellation, your payment method will be automatically refunded. Processing time for the refund to appear in your account will depend on your payment method and bank policies.
  • Can I pre-order?
    Absolutely! Pre-ordering is a fantastic way to secure the latest and greatest products before they run out of stock. However, reviewing the pre-order information thoroughly, including the anticipated release date and any possible shipping delays, is very important.
  • Can I add items to my order or merge multiple orders?
    Unfortunately, we cannot add items to an existing order or combine two separate orders. We suggest placing a single order for all the products you want to purchase.
  • I am attempting to apply two discounts, but it's not working.
    We often have multiple discount options available through different platforms. However, we can't stack coupons, so we suggest going with the best deal of the day! If you have a code for signing up for our newsletter, you can save that to use another time.
  • Why was I charged at the time of checkout for my pre-order?
    The funds you put toward your item are funneled right into making them. We strive to communicate any changes to your pre-order date that may happen. Don't hesitate to get in contact with us with any questions.
  • Can I get a discount for a big order?
    You'll receive free shipping when you buy products over $50, and we often provide extra discounts. We don't offer any further discounts for buying in bulk. However, we guarantee you'll still receive great value since our prices are already up to half off retail.
  • How do I earn points?
    Earning points is simple! Just make purchases, share our content, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. As a special thank-you, we'll also give you bonus points on your birthday to show our gratitude for your loyalty.
  • Why didn't I get birthday points?
    To receive birthday points, you must sign up and provide your birthdate at least 30 days before your birthday.
  • Do you have a rewards program?
    Yes. You can join our Phoenix Circle by clicking on the Phoenix Circle button at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and entering your email. Make sure to enter your birthday to receive a special reward on your big day!
  • Will I lose my points if I return my order?
    You will only lose your points if you return your product and request a refund after the 30-day warranty guarantee.
  • Do you do custom orders?
    Yes, on our Leathersmith page. We offer both items for customization and commission work on the items listed. Commissions are where we will work with you to create a unique piece from the ground up. The extent of customization is based on the options provided in the product description. This may include color variations, changes to scrollwork, hardware changes, and other similar options.
  • I don't see what I want. Can I make a small change to one of the designs?
    We understand that you may want to make changes to our handmade products. However, if the modification you want is not listed on our Leathersmith page, please use the Commission feature. Thank you for your understanding! We will do our best to meet your request.
  • Refunds
    After receiving your return and inspecting the condition of your item, we will process your return. We will notify you by email when your return has been processed. Please allow at least seven (7) days from receiving your item to process your return. Refunds may take 1-2 billing cycles to appear on your credit card statement, depending on your credit card company.
  • What is the Return Process?
    To return an item, please email customer service at support@talonfirestudios.com to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. After receiving an RMA number, place the item securely in its original packaging, and mail your return to the following address: Talon Fire Studios Attn: Returns RMA # P.O. Box 488 Soap Lake, WA 98851 United States Please note that you will be responsible for all return shipping charges. We strongly recommend that you use a trackable method to mail your return.
  • I want to return a gift.
    Yes, you can do that! Just remember that if you return the item, the refund will be credited to the original buyer. Also, make sure to return the item within the 30-day warranty period.
  • Returns
    We offer a satisfaction guarantee for our products. If you are unsatisfied, you may return the item for a full refund or store credit. Your return must be postmarked within 30 days of the purchase date, and the item must be in new and unused condition.
  • Exchanges
    We aren't able to process exchanges. We would be happy to return your like-new item for store credit as long as it's within the 30-day window. In this case, we suggest opting for store credit, and it's days faster than a refund.
  • Store credit
    We offer a convenient solution to refunds by providing store credit (also known as tokens). So rather than giving cash back, we offer tokens equal to the original purchase price. Once we've received and verified the returned item, we'll process the return promptly and notify you via email of your new token balance.
  • What isn't covered?
    Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Still, it does not apply if the damage results from unreasonable use or neglect, regular wear and tear, or if you simply change your mind after a few years. Additionally, damage caused by abuse of the product, making unauthorized modifications, or failure to follow care instructions are not covered. We specify "normal wear and tear" to ensure clarity. Please note that zippers are not under warranty. Take care not to over-stuff your zippered item, as increased tension can cause zipper malfunction and tears in the zipper fabric. Please check below to see if your product matches any of the profiles. If it does, then your product has an excellent story to tell, but unfortunately, it is not covered. The Tinkerer: Personally adding rivets or custom stitching to our products, while impressive, voids the warranty. The Klutz: If you accidentally spill paint on your product, drop it off a bridge, or lose it in the ocean, don't worry! You now have a great story to share with friends. The Swimmer: Although it may seem like a good idea, swimming with our leather products is not recommended. While leather is resistant to water, excessive exposure can cause it to dry out and crack. To ensure the longevity of your leather items, make sure to use leather balm or oil regularly. The Adventurer: You really gave your TFS product a run for its money! You put it through some intense jiu-jitsu moves that left it battered and bruised. But hey, those battle scars are a badge of honor... just don't expect us to cover them under warranty.
  • What is Covered?
    Hardware: Rivets, snaps, and metal hardware are guaranteed for the life of your item. If something breaks within the first six months of use, let us know, and we'll set you up with a repair and cover your shipping charges. For products over two years old, we're still happy to repair any broken hardware and will cover the cost of materials and labor; we just ask that you cover all shipping costs to and from our workshop. If you'd prefer to have the repairs done locally instead, let us know, and we can send you the hardware you need for just the cost of a flat-rate envelope! Stitching: Whenever possible, our team is happy to repair the stitching on your item. If the stitching is faulty due to a manufacturing error, we will repair the stitching free of charge, or if the stitching cannot be repaired, we will replace your item within the first 30 days of purchase. If the seam is coming apart due to wear and tear, we ask that you cover the shipping charges to and from our workshop so we can repair it. Unfortunately, internal seams are not always accessible and cannot be repaired. Take care not to over-stress these seams, so they can stay sturdy for years to come!
  • Repairs on Purchases
    If you have a damaged product within six months of purchasing from Talon Fire Studios due to an error on our part, we will repair it for you free of charge. However, after six months, the cost of repairs will be the customer's responsibility. Additionally, if Talon Fire Studios were not the cause of the damages, the customer would be responsible for the shipping cost and any repairs needed.
  • Do the products come with a warranty?
    All of our leather goods are guaranteed for life for manufacturing defects. If you believe your leather item has a manufacturing defect, please email our customer service team at support@talonfirestudios.com with photos of the issue and proof of purchase. Proof of purchase can be in the form of either a confirmation email or an order number.
  • What is the 100% Satisfaction 30-Day Guarantee?
    For the first 30 days, if you are not 100% satisfied with your Talon Fire Studios item, no matter why, send it back in like-new condition for a refund. We cannot extend this guarantee to our Leathersmith products; those are built just for you, and no one else has your exact vision.
  • How will my leather age? Does it scratch easily?
    Our leather goods are made to accompany you on all your adventures! All of our leather is vegetable tanned and full grain. Even so, full-grain leather can be very vulnerable for the first few weeks of its life, and scuffs and scratches are part of the territory. Full grain leather will never look flawless, as it hasn't been covered in any kind of plastic coating or sanded down to remove imperfections. The result is an incredibly durable product. It is meant to have that rugged look that we love.
  • What should I use to care for the leather?
    Excellent products, such as Dr. Martens patent leather cleaner, are available in the market for cleaning the outside of patent leather. Gold Label saddle soap and dubbing are also great options.
  • If my product gets wet in the rain, what should I do?
    Please don't panic, as it can happen to the best of us. Cover it with tissue or newspaper, and if it's flat, put something on top so that it helps to retain the shape of the leather and absorbs excess moisture, then let it dry naturally. Don't force dry your leather by putting it on a heater or using a hair dryer. Let it dry naturally. It might take days but do it. Once it is dry, use some lotion on the underside of the leather to add moisture back.
  • How often should I clean the leather?
    To maintain the quality of your leather product, it's essential to give it regular care, depending on how frequently you use it. For daily use, cleaning and care every few weeks are necessary. If you use it a couple of times a week, at least every three months, and if occasionally, then every year. It's important not to leave your leather bag without care for more than a year.
  • What is Vegetable Tanning?
    Vegetable tanning is a refined and skilled leather tanning method using plant sources, such as tree bark. This process creates a durable and characterful leather that develops a beautiful patina as it ages. While chrome tanning has become more popular due to its faster production time, vegetable tanning remains superior in quality and sustainability. It is a 100% biodegradable process that does not use chromium salts during processing.
  • How do I store my product?
    Whatever you do, don't store your leather product in a damp place. Store it in an area that is not too warm or cold to keep it safe. You can put your product in a dust bag and then put it in a plastic zip-lock bag with some packets of silica gel - to help keep unwanted moisture out. Try to push out the air as much as possible before you close it so that it gives an airtight closure.
  • What is "normal wear and tear"?
    With regular use, natural materials can break down, leading to minor scuffs, indents, or color changes near stress points. However, this is not a reflection of poor craftsmanship but a sign that your item has been well-used and has its unique story. Since our customers use their TFS items differently, the wear and tear on them may vary. Proper care, such as cleaning and oiling the leather, can help extend the life of your Talon Fire Studios item.
  • I spilled something on my leather! How do I clean it?
    Spills and stains can be a hassle, but don't worry; there are ways to minimize the damage depending on the type of stain. Weiman's Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Wipes are an excellent option for everyday wear or a small spill. However, for more severe stains like ink or dye transfer from clothing, you may need to use more intensive cleaning methods like the Care Kit by Furniture Clinic or Chamberlain's Restoration Leather Care Ensemble. It's important to test any product in a hidden area before using it on the entire item. If the stain is stubborn or severe, it's best to seek help from a local dry cleaner who has experience removing stains from porous materials.
  • What is "Full Grain" Leather?
    Full-grain leather is the toughest and most long-lasting type of leather. It's made from the topmost layer of the hide and includes natural markings and striations that make it unique. Authentic leather retains the distinctive texture and natural flaws from the cow's life without any sanding, cutting, or shaving. Over time, products made from this leather develop a patina and age beautifully, just like you.
  • Leather Care
    Our products are crafted from authentic and high-quality leather. However, we cannot be held responsible for any wear and tear resulting from customer use, such as constant rubbing, misuse, or harsh environmental conditions. Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your leather item(s), including conditioning and good cleaning. Leather is a natural material that ages and deteriorates slightly over time, making it essential to take care of your product(s) to prolong its lifespan.
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