Mary Ellen Middleton, the owner of oney designs, inc. is delighted to answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

ABOUT ONEY BAGS:
Why should I buy an oney bag?
How do I clean my oney?
What kind of warranty comes with my oney handbag?
Is there any way I can preview the fabrics in advance?

ABOUT ONEY DESIGNS, INC.:
How did you and your daughter Erin start designing handbags?
How did you come up with the name oney?
Where did you get the names for the different styles of oneys?
Who designed your web site and did the photography?

ABOUT ORDERING:
What kind of payment do you accept? How can I ensure that my online order is secure?
How much should I allow for shipping, handling and tax?
How do I know if my online order has been received?
I can't wait to get my oney! How long will it take?
Are gift certificates available?
Can I cancel my order? What is the return policy?

ABOUT PARTIES:
What are the rewards for a party hostess?
Does the hostess provide her own invitations or does oney supply them?
Do you do parties anywhere in the country or just in the Chicago area?
How do I become an oney consultant?

ABOUT ONEY BAGS
Why should I buy an oney bag?

The reasons to buy an oney are as many as the design possibilities, but to name a few:

Oney bag styles are designed to be fashionable and functional. No need to compromise your fashionista status in order to carry a bag that perfectly totes your daily necessities.

Oney’s many fabrics are gorgeous and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. There is a fabric combination that perfectly suits your personal style or a special occasion.

Oney bags are made with impeccable attention to every detail to ensure a durable and beautiful bag.

Oney bags are lightweight and packable. Doctors warn women to avoid carrying heavy bags that bring unwanted stress and strain to neck and shoulders. And, don’t hesitate to take several oney bags on vacation as they fold easily taking up little space in your suitcase.

How do I clean my oney?
Oney bags are hand crafted from high quality decorator fabrics. We recommend treating your oney with a spray stain repellent to resist soiling. Spot cleaning may be done by patting lightly with soap and water. It is a good idea to test the fabric's reaction in an inconspicuous area to protect your bag from an adverse reaction. For general cleaning, we recommend dry cleaning. Bags will soften and some colors may lighten with use and/or cleaning.

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What kind of warranty comes with my oney handbag?
We stand behind the construction of oney bags. In the rare case that you experience a problem with the construction of your bag, we'll be happy to repair the bag at our expense within the first two months after purchase, including shipping both ways. Please call to notify oney of the specific problem and we'll walk you through the process. Of course, oney cannot be responsible for damage to bags caused by normal use or by dry cleaning. Bags will soften and some colors may lighten with use and/or cleaning. Since your oney bag is custom made we cannot accept returns or exchanges. Your order is final.

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Is there any way I can preview the fabrics in advance?
Of course. We will send you up to 5 complimentary swatches. For more than 5 swatches, there is a $5.00 charge which will be credited toward a bag order. Just email us at customerservice@oneybags.com to let us know which fabric swatches you would like to receive and your address. If a charge does apply, please provide a phone number so we can call you for credit card information.


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ABOUT ONEY DESIGNS, INC.
How did you and your daughter Erin start designing handbags?
I have been sewing since I was 15 and in recent years had made handbags for my 5 sisters. When my daughter Erin and I thought about starting a business, a custom handbag venture was a natural combination of our passions for color, fabric, and fashion. Erin has a BFA in interior design. She is very creative and has a fabulous sense of style. Oney relies on her heavily for her intuitive and trained sense of design and color. ~ My degrees in art history and library science are a far cry from the world of handbags. My father was self–employed and my siblings and I were constantly encouraged to, "Be your own boss! Get your own business!" In the back of my mind, I always wanted to follow his example and advice.

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How did you come up with the name oney designs?
When I was 16, my three youngest sisters were toddlers and they called me "Oney." The name stuck and within the family I am still called "Oney."

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Where did you get the names for the different styles of oneys?
We love the energy and creativity of Chicago, so we named the bag styles after Chicago streets. Just as the city reflects the various cultures of its inhabitants, every oney bag takes on the personality of the woman who designs it.

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Who designed your web site?
The website design was done by O'Connor Design (www.oconnordesign.com) in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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ABOUT ORDERING
What kind of payment do you accept? How can I ensure that my online order is secure?
We accept your personal check, Visa or MasterCard. (We do not accept Discover or American Express). In order to protect your credit card information from theft, a server is being used that supports the SSL protocol. If your browser supports Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol (currently the majority of browsers do), your credit card information will be protected when you submit a credit card number to us.
 
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How much should I allow for shipping, handling and tax?
All shipping is done by UPS. The charge is calculated based on weight and destination. Please notify us if you need faster shipping. All shipments are insured. The Illinois Department of Revenue requires that all merchandise shipped to an Illinois address be assessed a 7.25% sales tax. Bags shipped to any other state will not be taxed. Shipping and handling are not taxable.

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How do I know if my online order has been received?
Shortly after placing your order, you will receive an email confirming your order, payment, and shipping information. If any of this information is incorrect, please let us know immediately at customerservice@oneybags.com.

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I can't wait to get my oney! How long will it take?
Once your order has been confirmed, you can expect to receive your oney bag in 3–4 weeks. This allows your bag to be individually cut and sewn by a highly skilled seamstress.

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Are gift certificates available?
Absolutely! Please see click on gift certificates for complete information. You can have the gift certificate either mailed or emailed to you or the recipient.

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Can I cancel my order? What is the return policy?
We want you to be completely delighted with your oney bag. If you have any questions about bag styles or fabrics, before placing an order please email customerservice@oneybags.com or call us at 630–355–5620. Once your order is submitted, it is considered a final order. No cancellations are accepted and payment is nonrefundable. Bags are not returnable for a refund.

Any claim must be made within 14 days of receipt of bag. Again, we want you to be delighted with your oney bag and we will fix your bag to your complete satisfaction. Bags are not returnable.

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ABOUT PARTIES
What are the rewards for a party hostess?
Oney says thank you to a party hostess with some irresistible discounts and gifts.

The oney hostess rewards program includes:
1. A discount on any one bag based on the total pre–tax sales at the party:
    • $250 20%
    • $500 30%
    • $750 40%
    • $1000+ 50%
    • $1500+ (1) FREE BAG of hostess choosing

2. Complimentary zipper clutch bag when a minimum of 10 guests attend the party.

3. 10% discount on any oney order for the year following party which is renewable with another party.

4. 20% discount toward the purchase of another oney bag when a guest hosts a party that takes place within the next 2 months.

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Does the hostess provide her own invitations or does oney supply them?
Oney will provide the specified number of invitations for the hostess to mail or hand out to her guests. Many oney hostess also use e–vites to invite their guests.

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Do you do parties anywhere in the country or just in the Chicago area?
The areas where oney parties are offered is broadening everyday as more consultants sign on. Call or email and we’ll let you know if there is a consultant in your area.

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How do I become an oney consultant?
We would love to have you on our team of consultants who are facilitating oney parties, meeting new people, and having a great time.  As you will see at the web page about becoming an oney consultant, the initial steps require that you complete the oney application and participate in a phone interview. For more detailed information, call (630.355.5620) or email (parties@oneybags.com) and we’ll tell you all about the program and the great earning potential that awaits you.