How to start a custom order
Start with the enquiry form on our contact page and tell us what you need. Tell us what you need, where it will be used, the size you have in mind and whether you want names, dates, logos or a message added. If you have a rough idea only, that is still fine. We can work from a sketch, a reference photo or a short written brief.
Once we have your enquiry, we check the practical details first. That includes material choice, thickness, finish and how the item will be used in a home, shop, wedding venue or office. If there are any limits around mounting, table space or wall space, mention that early so we can guide you properly.
- Send your wording exactly as it should appear
- Include measurements in millimetres or metres where possible
- Tell us if the piece is for indoor or outdoor use
- Let us know if you need one item or a bulk run
What we need from you before production
Clear information saves time and helps us avoid unnecessary changes later. For personalised work, please check spelling, punctuation and capital letters before approval. If you are ordering for a business, please send logos or layout details in the best quality you have. For event pieces, the date, venue and collection or delivery area are also important.
For wedding and corporate function orders, we may ask a few follow-up questions about colours, stand type, fixing method and how the items will be displayed. That is normal. It helps us make sure the finished piece suits the space and stays looking right in transport and on site, even when load-shedding delays a venue prep schedule.
- Names, dates and wording to be engraved or cut
- Preferred size, quantity and finish
- Photo references, mood or style notes
- Deadline and delivery area, such as Somerset West or Cape Town
Turnaround times and urgent orders
Turnaround depends on the type of item, the number of pieces and how much design work is needed. A single personalised gift can move faster than a full shop signage set or a batch of corporate orders. Finishing also matters, especially when sanding, assembly or careful packing is part of the job.
If you need something by a specific date, say so in the first message. We will tell you honestly whether the timing is workable and what can be done to help. We do not promise dates we cannot keep. Coastal humidity, power interruptions and courier cut-offs can all affect timing, so we rather build in a sensible buffer.
- Simple items usually move quicker than layered or assembled pieces
- Bulk orders need extra time for setup and finishing
- Event work should be booked early, especially in season
- Rush requests are assessed case by case
Can you match a style, colour or business look?
Yes, within the limits of wood, engraving and finishing methods. We can make pieces feel neat and consistent for homes, boutiques, guest houses, coffee shops and offices. For business clients, we often work from an existing look and apply it to signs, counter pieces, labels, directional boards or branded decor.
Wood is a natural material, so grain and tone can vary slightly from piece to piece. That is part of the charm, but it also means exact colour matching is not always possible. If you need a specific look, we will discuss finish options, stain direction and how the item will sit in the space before we start. Small changes in light and surface can make a big difference, so it helps to approve a sample where needed.
- Suitable for rustic, clean or modern styles
- Good for wedding decor, home labels and shop signage
- Prototype samples available for larger runs
Delivery across the Western Cape and beyond
We are based in Somerset West and supply clients in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Paarl, Hermanus, Gordon's Bay, Strand and Durbanville, with courier delivery available nationwide. For local orders, delivery can be arranged according to the location and the size of the parcel. For distant areas, we pack carefully for courier handling and choose the best way to protect the item in transit.
Large or fragile pieces need a bit more planning than a small gift box. We use protective packing, spacing and labelling to reduce movement during transport. If you need a delivery for a wedding venue, retail store or office opening, let us know the address and access details in advance. It helps if someone will be available to receive the parcel, because missed handovers can slow everything down.
- Local delivery options depend on route and order size
- Courier packing is included where needed
- Collections can be discussed for Somerset West orders
Payment, approvals and changes to your order
Before we cut or engrave anything, we confirm the details and move ahead only once the order is approved. For custom work, this step matters because changes after production has started may affect material use and timing. If you spot a spelling mistake or want a layout adjustment, tell us as early as possible and we will see what can still be changed.
For larger orders, we may work in stages so that design approval, production and finishing all stay under control. That is especially useful for business signage, event sets and repeat gifting runs. Please review your proof carefully. A quick check now saves a lot of back-and-forth later, and keeps the process moving smoothly for everyone.
- Check names, dates, sizes and quantities before approval
- Ask questions before production starts
- Changes after approval may affect timing or cost
What happens if my item arrives damaged or not as expected?
Although we pack carefully, courier handling can sometimes cause damage. If something arrives damaged, let us know as soon as possible and send clear photos of the item and the packaging. That helps us understand what happened and decide on the next step. We also ask that you check your parcel promptly after delivery rather than leaving it unopened for days.
If the item is not what was approved, we will look at the order details and compare them to the approved version. Honest communication is the quickest way to sort it out. In many cases, a small fix or replacement can be arranged once the facts are clear, and we would rather handle that properly than leave you guessing.
