FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions. If there is a question not found here, or an answer we've provided needs more explanation, please contact us. We are eager to assist you.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. Our family has been running retail businesses since 1994. We have established retail businesses within 8 different stores on the East Coast, however we are new to the online world. We thought it was about time to take our attitude for superior customer service to a broader audience.

Q. How safe is it to use my credit card to make my purchases for your auction items?

A. The PayPal.com Web site uses secured socket layer encryption, the strongest online security technology available today. It is estimated by RSA Labs that it would take one trillion years to crack this encryption algorithm. Rest assured that using your credit card online is as safe, or safer, than using it at your favorite restaurant or over the telephone.

Q. How often do your auction items change?

A. Ray is out looking for new items for the site right now - unless of course it's 2 a.m. - then he's probably sleeping. He tries to add items regularly, rotating items through online auction sites.

Q. How old is Debbie, really?

A. We tried to determine that a few years ago, but couldn't figure it out. We've gotten to within about 7 years, and we think she's in her 70s. But she keeps telling us that we should mind our own business. She's older than 21, she tells us. That's a good thing, because she keeps a flask of something in her desk drawer that she sneaks at the end of the day when she thinks no one notices. If you get any ideas on how to find out her age, please let us know.

Q. What is the best way to ask a question of someone at TheFamilyBiz.com?

A. The best way to reach any of us here at TheFamilyBiz.com is by e-mail. We're a pretty wired bunch - even Debbie is learning how to reply to e-mail now.

Q. How soon can I expect a response to my e-mail?

A. That will depend on who has e-mail duty the day you send it. Bill and Fred are pretty quick to respond and Debbie is still learning her way around our computer system. In any case, we try not to leave at night before all of the incoming messages are answered. You’ll probably hear from Gladys before anyone else gets to the mail, though.

Q. What do I do if I need my purchases right away?

A. Team Shipping - a.k.a. Bill and Fred - are the first to make sure you get your items as soon as possible. They use several carriers, including the US Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), and Federal Express (FedEx). Your Zip Code will help determine how long it will take to receive your items. If you need your purchase delivered "lickity split," please e-mail Fred with an "Express Shipment Request" to see if overnight shipping is available. He'll also tell you the cost involved as well.

Q. How can I get more information about some items I'm interested in?

A. Please e-mail us for the fastest response. Indicate the item number and name in your e-mail - and of course, your questions.

Q. What do all those "Three Letter Acronyms" mean?

A. Debbie asked the same thing when she saw the listings on the site. Well, there are really only two that we use regularly and they include:

NWT - No it's not "Not With Toast." It's a way to tell you that the item is "New, With Tag" indicating that the item is brand new and has the retail and/or manufacturer's tags still attached.

MIB - The first thing Debbie said she thought of was "Men In Black." I think Debbie watches too many movies. It actually means "Mint, In Box." That's our way of telling you that the item is unused, has no defects, and is in its original box.

Q. How long have Ray and Peg been married?

A. Ray and Peg have been married for 7 years - a second time around for both of them. They met on a singles cruise to the Southern Caribbean. More details you'll have to get from reading the regular installments of The Family Letter.

Q. How can I pay for my purchases?

A. We prefer that you use PayPal.com because it offers you the most secure payment methods available and is the quickest way to get your items. PayPal also offers you the option to use your credit cards or your checking account to make your payment. It's owned by eBay now, and there are millions of users who trust PayPal, so we have put our confidence in it as well. If you don't already have an account with PayPal.com, setting one up isn’t difficult at all.

If you want to pay with a USPS Money Order or a personal check, that's an option for you as well. Once you complete your checkout, please indicate you intend to send a money order and we'll hold your items for 5 business days. Once your money order arrives, Gladys will let Bill and Fred know and your purchase will be packaged and shipped to you.

If you are not in the United States, we require that you use Western Union’s www.BidPay.com to make your payment.

Q. What if my items are damaged when I receive them?

A. We insure all of our shipments for your protection and trust Bill and Fred to package items for their safe arrival at your doorstep. Hundreds of items have arrived without damage so far! On the rare occasion that you receive a damaged item, please immediately notify Gladys by e-mail at: Gladys@TheFamilyBiz.com and provide as much detail as possible. You may be asked to send her a digital photo of the package for our records as well. We'll take the lead on filing a claim with the carrier and making sure you're satisfied. If the damaged item is "one of a kind" or we have no more in stock, we'll make sure Gladys issues you a refund or credit - depending on your preference. Either way, please be sure we'll protect your interests - even if we have to send Bill down to the Post Office or wrestle the UPS guy to the ground to make sure you're happy.

Q. Do you offer warranties?

A. Some items Ray discovers on his journeys have manufacturer's warranties still attached. We'll indicate that in the item descriptions when available.

Q. What does Bill Mom's usually pack him for lunch?

A. As you know, Bill still lives with his mom. After a messy divorce, he returned to the nest about 3 years ago. For Bill's Mom (we never heard her name), it was like having Bill back when he was in high school. Back then, he always ate a bologna or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I think that's probably what's in his lunch pail today.

Q. How can I let my friends know about you guys?

A. The easiest way is to e-mail them a link: www.TheFamilyBiz.com. You could also call them on the telephone - go ahead, do that now. They haven't heard from you in a long time anyway, right? Tell them what you've seen and ask them to subscribe to The Family Letter so they don't miss any of our antics either. You can subscribe to our regular Family Letter from our Web site at: www.TheFamilyBiz.com.

Q. I am a collector. Can I make a request for items not listed?

A. Certainly. Please do. Ray and Peg are always on the look out for items for friends and family. And, by subscribing to The Family Letter, you're part of the family. If we locate something, we'll let you know and tell you the price we can offer it to you for. If you're interested, we'll send you photos and place it on the auction site for your purchase.