What is your company mission?
Our mission is to take an item that has been well loved and no longer wanted and give it a new and useful life as a handbag. Most of our lp's have had a long life, first as a mode of music, then as a part of a collection and finally as something stored in a box in the attic, basement or garage and finally to be donated, sold at a yard sale or just given away to whom ever would take them. Or, the record albums may be destined to go to a landfill. Vinyl record albums do not biodegrade in the earth.
What makes le'album recycled record handbags and totes from JB Hoffman special?
We take a different approach than others who make bags similar to ours. Most use rivets, which are easy to use and allow a product that is fast to make. The problem is that a rivet is metal with no flexibility that is affixed in a vinyl record album that is anywhere from 15-50 years old. Each time any weight is added to the bag each rivet adds stress to each hole that the rivet is embedded in and eventually will result in failure. We use an extra strong waxed saddle maker's thread that has a 40 lb. tensile strength.
We hand sew each bead with double knots and then we cement the seams for durability, thus creating a very high quality product that is durable and strong. We have never experience any failure in our product from the sewing process or cementing. Rivets eventually will become loose and with our process, even if you cut the thread, which is the only way it will break, the bead is knotted in place and cemented.
We are very proud of our commitment to quality that sets us apart from anyone else. It does take longer to create a bag with quite a bit more work, assembly lines do not work for us but, it is well worth it.
How long does it take to receive an order I placed?
As each bag is made to order, with the choices of picking the fabric used as a lining in your handbag or tote, or the particular tote style you like, either a open top or a tote with a zipper top, the turn around time is up to 10 days. However, we may be able to complete it sooner. If there is any delay we will keep you up to date via email. You can also access this information by signing into your account and viewing the status information.
Are any of the other parts used in the construction of the handbags vintage?
The interior fabric is new, unless otherwise specified. On occasion, we may use a piece of vintage jewelry to create the charm that hangs from the toggle closure. All other materials used in the construction of the bags are new. ie; handles, vinyl side gussets, thread and beads.
Why are there different prices for various labels?
Our prices are based on design on the label or importance of an aritist to our culture. For example, Elvis is more collectible than Weird Al Yankovick, thus more expensive because of demand and availability. Many artists labels have been designed specifically for that lp. This means that we must find its partner, which may take months because of rarity, and they are more attractive than a standard label, this too affects price. Each LP is priced accordingly to make your selection process easier.
How do I care for my le'album record album handbag or tote?
Simply spray Windex on a paper towel and wipe down your vinyl. Since 99% of our LP's are already scratched and unplayable, there is no need to worry about that. Remember to NEVER leave your bag in direct intense sunlight as it will do what all lp's do, warp, and result in a very unhappy handbag.
Why do I need to create an account to purchase an item on your site?
When you create an account, it speeds up your ordering process. It also allows you to be able to review previous orders, check the status progress and track an order. Creating an account also allows you to sign up for our mailing list that will keep you up to date on special promotions. The account and email information that you provide is kept strictly by us and is never sold or provided to others.
What is your return policy?
If you would like to return the product you ordered, contact us within 24 hours of receipt with your Order ID Number and we will issue you a refund credit less a $12.00 restocking fee upon return of the product. Item must be returned undamaged and in original condition. Postage delivery costs are the responsibility of the customer.
What is your repair policy?
Since we use a product that is approximately 15 to 50 years old to make into a fabulous handbag that will stop people in their tracks to ask; "Where did you get that!" you have to take into consideration that this bag is strictly for fun and not for everyday use and abuse. This is for the time that you want to go shopping or attend a party to get that special attention. If you abuse your bag or expect it to do something it is incapable of (excessive weight) we will not guarantee our product, after all, it is aged already.
That said, we guarantee handles and the holes that are put in the album. Since we hand sew and affix our beads between the LP's and the vinyl gussets we do not guarantee any malfunction on their part. If your bag breaks because of handle failure, we offer a 90 day guarantee, please notify us with your Order ID number and we will replace your bag no questions asked upon return of the item to us.
Please allow up to 30 days that is needed to recreate and replace the bag you loved. We will refund you the USPS Priority Mail postage cost you incur for shipping the bag to us.
What if my product was damaged during shipping?
If your bag was damaged during shipping, please notify us within 48 hours of delivery with your Order ID number. We will replace the bag. Please allow up to 30 days that is needed to recreate and replace the bag you ordered. We will refund you the USPS Priority Mail postage cost you incur for shipping the bag back to us.
If it is impossible for us to replace the bag, because of the rarity of LP's, we will refund the product cost and postage.
