Kran-Beary's Arts by Nancy Tillberg: Frequent Questions

How Do I Pay? I accept Paypal, VISA, Master Card (by phone) and International Money orders. Balance is due prior to shipping. No item will be shipped without full advance payment.
Money orders must be of the Pink International variety. Green US Postal money orders are not accepted. To pay for bears currently available for adoption, we prefer the Paypal option. All major credit cards from 52 countries are accepted by Paypal.

To the Top

HOW DO YOU SHIP?
All of my creations are sent by Canada Post and are insured for their full value. Unfortunately, Canadian mail sometimes travels on the antlers of a slow moving moose. Please be patient....all items have tracking numbers if you want to follow the journey.

One more important note about shipping: Buyers are responsible for any duty, taxes or fees incurred by their country. I must fill out a Custom's declaration in order to ship internationally. It is illegal to put false information on this declaration and therefore I cannot put a lower value on an item than you paid for it, nor can I mark it as a gift. Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.

To the Top

IF I SEND YOU MY COAT, WILL YOU MAKE ME A BEAR?
Although I have been doing custom orders of this type for the 17 years, I am trying to get back to my 'roots' by creating one-of-a-kind and small limited edition bears and one-of-a-kind dolls. I do however, accept a limited number of commission orders each year for my bearsor other animals. Several restrictions do apply:

For Genuine Fur Bears: Coats shipped to me must be in clean, good condition and free from all odors. The cost for each large bear, 12 -24 inches tall, from one garment is $350.00 Each small bear, 6-11 inches tall, is 275.00 regardless of size or style. I do not work with new pelts, or garments made from endangered species. For All Orders, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of order. Full refunds are available for bears made from our furs or mohair only. Bears purchased in auctions, or bears made from your furs are not refundable. Please see the other questions in this category for more information about custom orders.

Important Note: It is important for my customers to understand, that as an artist, much of what I create must come from my heart in order to best exemplify my style and artistry. As such, I will try to accommodate orders that have a specific 'theme,' color or size request. I will also attempt to honor simple special requests such as garment monograms being placed on the paws. However, I will not take on commissions with exacting customer specifications. In keeping with this policy you can be assured that you are ordering heirloom quality, original art.

To the Top

CAN YOU WORK WITH ALL FURS?
Yes and no. Any type of fur can be made into a teddy bear or stuffed animal, however I will only work with clean furs in good condition and free from all odors. I do not accept Mouton, or synthetic pile coats. Professional cleaning is usually recommended if you are sending your used fur to me. Please contact me for details.

To the Top

HOW DO I SHIP MY COAT TO YOU?
Wrap it in tissue and a plastic bag, and place it in a sturdy box. Include a note with your name, address, phone number and the type of order your are requesting.

Courier services result in the fastest shipping, but... all brokerage fees for crossing the border (usually a minimum of $20.00 USD) must be paid by the shipper or it will be sent back to you at your expense. Sending it by post takes longer, but it does not cost any extra for the package to cross international borders.

International customers will need to fill out a declaration at the post office. Simply write "old coat". Do not send furs made from endangered species (bear, wolf) as they will be seized by customs! If you have a question about your fur, please feel free to ask with your country's Customs Agency before sending it. Send the box to the address listed here. For courier shipping, include the phone number 1 218 353 1300.

Important: On your declaration be sure to check off the 'gift' box. No sale is taking place when you send me the coat. A sale is only initiated when the bear is sent to you. Insure the coat if you like, but duty will be charged on any amount over $60.00. This duty will be charged to your final commission bill. keep in mind that although a coat may have been worth $5000.00 in 1970, in today's market it will likely only be worth $50.00-$100.00.

Please declare your insurance figures accordingly as I will be charged duty & taxes on your INSURED value. Coats that arrive with duty and customs fees over $50.00 will be returned to sender at your expense. Fees incurred under $50.00 will be billed to you and must be paid prior to your bear being shipped.

Kran-Beary's Teddy Bears/ Nancy Tillberg will not be responsible for any coat shipped to our address prior to acceptance at our door. You will be notified when the garment arrives.

Check list:

Package your garment properly.
Ensure that your garment can legally cross international borders prior to shipping internationally.
Insure your garment if you desire, but use discretion with the insured amount.
Purchase a tracking number.

To the Top

HOW MUCH FUR DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A TEDDY?
That depends on the size of bear you want. A fur stole will make two 10 inch bears or one 15 inch bear with straight legs if all the fur is usable. Sometimes portions of a coat cannot be used because of the condition of the fur, or the placement of buttons and pockets. A jacket will usually make twp 15 inch bears, or up to three smaller ones. I have gotten as many as seven 11 inch teddy bears from a full length coat. Once I receive a coat, I will call you to confirm that what you want done can actually be done. Collars and hats can sometimes be made into small, 5 or 6 inch bears depending upon the amount of usable fur.

To the Top

WHAT TO YOU DO WITH THE REMNANTS?
Remnants can be returned to you if you like. Simply specify this at the time of order.

To the Top

ARE THERE QUANTITY DISCOUNTS?
Each bear is made with individual attention and as such no one bear is less work than another. Sorry, there are no quantity discounts. Prices are as listed for all bears dolls.

To the Top

I DON'T HAVE A COAT. CAN YOU STILL MAKE ME A BEAR?
Yes! Prices will vary for our furs. Call to inquire. We buy only top quality used furs and new Schulte mohair to make our bears, ensuring your bear will be huggable for many, many years.

To the Top

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY CUSTOM MADE BEAR(S)?
Turn around time will vary depending on the time of the year and the nature of the order. On payment of your deposit, we will advise you of the approximate date that your teddy will be shipped to you. Shipping time itself can range from 2 to 3 weeks to the United States, 1 to 2 weeks in Canada, and up to 12 weeks overseas. Balance and shipping charges are due prior to shipping. Please feel free to contact me at any time during the creative process.

To the Top

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY FUR OR MOHAIR TEDDY?
Keep him out of extreme temperatures, and away from smoke, direct sunlight and strong odors. An occasional vacuum will keep him pretty! Use nozzle attachment of your vacuum covered with a nylon stocking for gentle cleaning. You can spot clean mohair bears using a toothbrush and the suds of some soapy water to remove stains. Do not saturate the mohair. Never saturate real fur as the tanning chemicals in the leather can respond very negatively to being wet. Please contact me if you have a specific cleaning question.

To the Top

DO YOU HAVE A LAYAWAY POLICY?
I am pleased to be able to provide you with a layaway plan as a convenient option for purchasing your dolls, photography or mohair and genuine fur bears. I love to use layaway to purchase more expensive items myself. It can make a costly purchase possible, without breaking my budget. Having to wait for my purchase also increases the excitment I feel with the arrival of my item. It's just like Chirstmas!

However, in the past, I have offered layaway here on my site and found that it causes some unpleasant maladies, including, but not limited to: extended hospital stays, car repairs, dental bills, tax bills, heating repairs, home decor renovations, sick relatives and all sorts of other reasons why a payment cannot be made. Since I also have bills to pay, my layaway purchase plan is now offered as a courtesy with some strictly applied user terms. Please review the following terms prior to submitting your deposit.

Lay Away is available only on photography orders, dolls, mohair bears, and bears made from Kran-Beary's reclaimed fur. Synthetic plush bears, kits, patterns, workshops and books are not eligible.
Auction Items will mention in the item description if layaway is available. If not mentioned, layaway is not available.
Combined merchandise orders must total $100.00 to be eligible for the layaway plan.
Payment of deposit is expected within 2 days of layaway request unless other arrangements are made in writing. For Online Show purchases, the down payment must be made within one hour of purchase.
Payment can be made through the following options:

PAYPAL The email address for payments: bears@kranbearys.com
VISA or Master Card by calling 1 218 353 1300 (Or Skype 'ebearz')
International money order (pink in color)

For online show purchases, only PayPal will be accepted for deposits.
Shipping is done only following completion, confirmation or clearance of the final payment.
Maximum Layaway amount is $500.00 USD.
Payments are expected in equal installments, over the layaway period.
No extensions will be granted for missed payments or layaway orders that are in default unless agreed upon in advance in writing.
No refunds will be issued for deposits made if layaway purchase is in default for any reason.
No refunds will be issued for purchases layaway should the layaway extend beyond the 30 day period for any reason. In this case, all sales will be considered final.
Default in layaway will result in a 'cash in advance' restriction on all future purchases.

Payment Options
For all layaway purchases with a minimum of $100.00 to a Maximum of $500.00	30% deposit, with up to 30 days to pay the balance in a maximum of 3 further equal installments.
PLEASE NOTE: Lay away period begins on the date of initial deposit.

WHAT IS THE RETURN POLICY?

Full refunds are provided (less shipping) for bears made with our fur within 10 days of purchase. Items returned for refund must be in new condition and free from all odors including pet odors and smoke. I've highlighted the most important things you need to know below.
Deposits on custom order bears made from Kran-Beary's fur are non-refundable if the order is cancelled for any reason prior to delivery. Once delivered the bear carries our above money back guarantee. Any and all shipping costs, brokerage fees and Customs charges are non-refundable. There are no refunds on bears made using the customer's fur or photos using the customer's prints. Dolls are non-refundable.
Returns from anywhere other than Canada, Must be sent marked "Canadian goods being returned to Canada for refund."Failure to mark the declaration with this line will result in expensive brokerage charges, duties and taxes that will be deducted from your refund!
All goods returned should be insured. A tracking number is recommended. Shipping charges, brokerage fees and Custom's charges are NOT refundable.
For refunds on items purchased using our layaway policy, please read our complete layaway policy.

Absolutely no returns by UPS or other Courier, or COD shipments will be accepted! Please use regular post. Get a tracking number. REMEMBER: It is always the sender's responsibility to ensure that the article gets to its destination!

To the Top

DO YOU DO COMMISSION PHOTOGRAPHY?
I do not do wedding or special event photography. I mainly specialize in fine art photography and custom portraiture.

I HAVE A PHOTO OF A FAMILY MEMBER. CAN YOU GHOST THEM INTO AN ART PHOTO?
Yes. I can work with a photo of your relative to create a fine art print. Please contact me to discuss this type of order.

ARE YOUR PHOTOS ALL FRAMED?
No. The first print of every edition is always framed and has a pure silver thumb print charm attached. (That would me my thumb print!) Sequential prints thereafter are sold as framed or numbered matted prints, greeting cards and postcards. Some of my work is also printed on canvas and stretched with a 2" gallery mount.

HOW DO YOU SHIP?
Please see my shipping guidelines HERE.

Still have a question?
A. Email me at or call me at 1 218 353 1300.

To the Top