Energy Efficiency Spring 2009

With the recent volatility in propane prices, Martha's Vineyard Glassworks is determined to control one of its largest costs of production with hopes of continued production of our hand blown glass designs for many years to come.

MVG has been working with engineers and glassblowers across the country to create an innovative and highly efficient Glass Furnace and Glory Hole system that will help reduce our propane usage. This April we completed the fabrication and instillation of two new Glory Holes that will test our equipment design theory so we can continue the application to our glass furnace in the fall. By decreasing volume of the interior firing chambers, reducing right angles to create better overall airflow, and incorporating highly efficient materials such as Microtherm, that have not yet been used in this specific application in the USA, MVG is attempting to reinvent the wheel and make large strides toward a becoming leaner and greener organization.

In conjunction with last years energy efficiency project that reduced our electric consumption by over 900 kWh a month, our glassblowing facility strives to be one of the most efficient in the country.

Hand Blown Glass Will Vary

One of the most unique aspects of Martha's Vineyard Glassworks is that all of the work represented in our studio is handmade by artisans that have dedicated years, if not decades to the art of glassblowing. Each piece is individually hand blown, we do not use molds to standardize shapes, rather the consistency of our work has been developed through repetition, glassblowers working together, and a strict attention to detail. As a result no two handmade pieces are identical, the measurements given for all hand blow glass items are approximate and the sizes and colors will vary slightly. Download our Care Sheet (pdf)

Trying to Match an Old Set of Glasses?

Due to the handmade nature of our products the sizes often vary over the years. If you are trying to match a previously purchased set of glasses, please include the dimensions (height and diameter at the top and bottom of the glass, if different), in the notes section of the checkout. We will make our best attempt to match your existing set. This is a courtesy we offer and we cannot guarantee that they will exactly match the glasses you already own.

Shipping Policy

For orders within the continental United States, we ship Ground and Express via UPS or FedEx to street addresses only. We cannot ship to Post Office Boxes. To inquire about shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally, please call +1 (508) 693-6026 or email us at info@mvglassworks.com with the delivery address and item/s of interest, to receive a quote.

Most orders are processed and shipped within three business days of their receipt. Keep in mind that we cannot ship on weekends or holidays. All orders that are placed on Friday after 12 noon will not be shipped until Monday of the following week. Ground delivery should arrive within 7-10 business days, depending on your location. For orders within the continental United States, we offer Ground, Overnight, Second Day, and Three Day delivery options. Please keep in mind that all express shipments will be go out the business day after the order is placed. If delivery is urgent please call the gallery at +1 (508) 693-6026.

Ground: Delivery time of 1 to 5 business days varying depending on location of delivery. All items are shipped form MA. Delivery date is not guaranteed, but approximate.
3 Day: Delivery time of 3 business days by 4:30pm to most areas. Delivery date guaranteed.
2 Day: Delivery time 2 business days by 4:30pm to most areas. Delivery date guaranteed.
Overnight: Standard Overnight, delivery time next business day by 3pm in most areas. Delivery date guaranteed.

Shipping Insurance & Breakage Claims:
We do everything we can to ensure your package arrives safely, our shipping facility and methods have been inspected by FedEx Packaging Specialists, and we are proud of our low breakage rates. This requires great care in packing, extra packing materials, and limiting the number of items in one box to ensure safe delivery. We expect careful handling by the carrier while the package is en-route to you, however sometimes damage does occur. If your package arrives damaged, please keep the original packaging material and notify us within 10 business days or receipt of the package by phone at +1 (508) 693-6026 or email us at info@mvglassworks.com. We will replace all broken items at no cost to you if reported within 10 business days.

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is important to Martha's Vineyard Glassworks. Items in their original, sellable condition may be returned for refund, exchange, or store credit up to 30 days after the date of purchase with approval issued by our gallery. Please contact us by phone at 508.693.6026 or by email at gallery@mvglassworks.com with your name, date of purchase or invoice number, items to be returned, and a brief explanation. You must include a return invoice with your return or exchange, this will be provided to you via email after return approval. Returns or exchanges are not accepted for items purchased on sale. We will pay return or exchange shipping costs only if an item is shipped and received defective or if the return is a result of our error. If your items are damaged in shipment, please contact us within 10 business days for a refund, exchange, or store credit.

If the item is returned for any other reason you are responsible for the return shipping costs including proper packaging and insurance, please see our Shipping Policy for more detail. No returns will be accepted after 30 days of purchase. Refunds will be issued by check within 14 days of receipt of return and inspection of the goods.

For questions regarding our Return Policy please contact us by phone at +1 (508) 693-6026 or email us at info@mvglassworks.com.

Frequently Asked Questions Can I use my Our Island Club Card at your Martha's Vineyard gallery?

Yes, we are an Our Island Club Card member business. If you are a member of the Our Island Club Card, show us your card and you will receive 20% off our company products (this excludes all other artists' products, second quality items, and any sale items). Call our gallery if you would like more detail about what products the card applies to.

Will I receive my loyalty discounts on online purchases?

Yes, if you have qualified to receive loyal customer discounts you will receive them on your online purchases. The discounts will not show on your order confirmation, but will be applied when we process the order and will be reflected on your final invoice.

Will the glasses sold online match in size to glasses I already own?

Due to the handmade nature of our products the sizes often vary over the years. If you are trying to match a previously purchased set of glasses, please include the dimensions (height and diameter at the top and bottom of the glass, if different), in the notes section of the checkout. We will make our best attempt at matching your existing set. This is a courtesy we offer and we cannot guarantee that they will exactly match the glasses you already own.

Can I shop securely through your online store?

Our website security features include SSL (secure socket layer) certificate, which encrypts your purchase information and protects you from hackers and thieves as it travels over the web, and a static IP address. Both of these features ensure secure communications between your browser and our web store. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Will you sell my personal information?

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks has not and will not sell, rent or make available for use, your personal account information to a third party. We use the personal information you provide us to create an account, process and track your orders, and for relevant correspondence regarding your order. If you select to receive emails from us regarding our products, services and promotions, you will always have the opportunity to unsubscribe at check-out and at the bottom of each email you receive. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

What is your glass made of?

In its raw form our clear glass is called batch. Our batch contains silica, soda ash, and limestone, as well as a variety of other compounds, minerals, metalloids, and acids that effect the working consistency and overall look of the glass. All of our glass is lead-free and safe for everyday use.

Is hand blown glass dishwasher safe?

No, our glass is a soft Soda Lime glass and may crack under extreme changes in temperature. We do not guarantee that our glass is dishwasher safe. Download our care sheet.

How do I care for hand blown glass?

Our hand blown glass is a soft Soda Lime glass - improper cleaning may crack or cause surface abrasions. Always hand-wash your piece in warm, soapy water, and dry with a soft, clean towel or rag. We do not guarantee that our glass is dishwasher safe. Never put hand blown glass in a microwave. Extreme changes in temperature may cause glass
to crack - never place hand blown glass in the refrigerator or freezer to chill. Do not pour hot liquids into any glass.

If the piece you own has an unpolished or frosted exterior, it has gone through a secondary process called "sandblasting." For best results, you can clean your frosted piece by using Martha's Vineyard Glassworks Cleaning Oil. Do not use water or glass cleaner on frosted work, as it could dull the intended surface quality. Always handle glass with care. Remove any jewelry that may come in contact with the glass: rings, zippers, or buttons on clothing can cause unintentional breakage, and can scratch glass surfaces. Also, it is important to hold glass with both hands, being especially careful with items with handles, like pitchers.

Does your work ever go on sale?

We do not have sales on our first quality items. We do offer loyal customer discounts, for more information see "What about my Loyalty Discounts?". Once a year we do have a sale of our second quality glass in our gallery on Martha's Vineyard. It begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and continues through the month of December. Returns and exchanges are not accepted for items purchased on sale. We cannot take online or phone orders for seconds.

Do you offer any repeat customer discounts?

Yes, we offer discounts as a thank you to our most loyal customers. Starting for purchases in 2008, if a customer of our studio spends $1000 or more they become a Fan of MVG, receiving a 5% discount on all future purchases. Customers that reach spending of $5000 or more become a Loyal Customer of MVG and receive a 10% discount on all future purchases. When you buy something in our gallery, please provide us with your name and any contact information that you wish to share, so we can keep track of your purchases!

We are also an Our Island Club Card member business. If you are a member of the Our Island Club Card show us your card and you will receive 20% off our company product (this excludes all other artists' products). Call our gallery if you would like more detail about what

Can I make multiple purchases and ship them to different addresses?

If you would like to ship multiple pieces to different addresses you must checkout separately for each gift you would like to send. This allows us to include gift notes, gift receipts, and a Hand-Tied Bow, if desired, for each gift making them even more special!

How do I return or exchange an item?

Your satisfaction is important to Martha's Vineyard Glassworks. If you have an item that you would like to return or exchange please contact our gallery at 508.693.6026 or email us at returns@mvglassworks.com to receive a return approval number and detailed shipping instructions. See our Return Policy.

I own an item that I do not see featured on your web site - do you still make it?

If you cannot find a piece that you own on our website it is either currently out of stock, a seasonal item, or discontinued. You are welcome to contact us at the gallery by phone at 508.693.6026 or by email at gallery@mvglassworks.com for more details on a particular piece. If you are interested in being updated about a piece that you do not see on our website, please include contact information with your inquiry and we can notify you when it comes into production again.

What forms of payment does your online store accept?

We accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

What if I have questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints?

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks appreciates and values all questions, concerns, and suggestions you may have. Please contact us by phone at 508.693.6026 or by email at info@mvglassworks.com to share your thoughts with us.

How do I remove myself from your mailing lists?

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks wants to communicate with you only if you want to hear from us. If you prefer not to receive our email newsletter, either contact us by phone at 508.693.6026 or by email at info@mvglassworks.com. You may also use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our email newsletter and your email address will be removed promptly. If you wish to remove your mailing address as well, please contact us directly. Please note that when you make a purchase, we will send you emails confirming your order and its shipment. We may also need to contact you via phone or email, if we have questions regarding your order.

What if I need an item arrive on or before a certain date, for a birthday or holiday?

We cannot guarantee delivery on or before a certain date for ground shipments, but if the order is placed for an in stock item it expected delivery should be within 7-10 business days. If you need to ensure a specific delivery date you must select to ship FedEx Express Saver, Second Day, or Standard Overnight. All next day orders placed between noon Friday and 8:00am Monday, will not ship until Monday afternoon and will arrive Tuesday.

Do you gift-wrap?

All of our standard-size work is packaged in a white gift box, sealed with a silver sticker and includes an enveloped artist biography and care sheet. On occasion, a piece may be too large or very delicate and must be packaged in a brown box. If your purchase is shipping as a gift, for no additional charge, we will include a silver embossed gift card with a personalized hand written note - just be sure to follow the gift instructions during check out. Also, for an additional $2.00 fee you may add a Hand-Tied Bow.

What is the difference between your first and second quality glass?

Our hand blown glass is such that each item will have its own character and will contain minor variations and imperfections. All Martha's Vineyard Glassworks pieces must meet specific quality standards to be sold in the gallery or web store as a first quality item. Second quality items simply meet a more relaxed standard of quality. Seconds are not available for sale online or by phone. To buy a second quality item, please visit our store on Martha's Vineyard from the day after Thanksgiving through December.

I broke a piece that I bought from you, is it fixable?

Unfortunately, glass is a very unforgiving medium and if your glass piece has cracked, a handle has broken off, or chipped there is nothing we can do in repair. A glass repair specialist may be your only option, but in most cases it is more economical to simply buy a new piece. If you are interested in glass repair, we have found that the Corning Museum of Glass has a great resource, Conservation and Care of Glass Objects by Stephen P. Koob, which offers some methods of repair.

Can I place an order for a custom piece?

Currently, custom orders are only available for large-scale projects (examples: rondels for an architectural project, mass quantity products for corporate gifts, sconce covers for an entire house, etc.). We can only accommodate a few custom projects a year and only in the late Fall and Winter. These projects are approved on a case-by-case basis and must be quoted on a day rate for studio rental and labor. To inquire about a large project or corporate order please contact the gallery by phone at 508.693.6026 or by email at info@mvglassworks.com.

We cannot accommodate custom orders for individual pieces online. But, our stock is constantly updating. If you are interested in a piece but want a different color, join our monthly email newsletter, it will remind you to check back for the newly available pieces and color combinations!

Can we come to your studio and watch?

Yes, Martha's Vineyard Glassworks was built to offer an understanding of glassblowing to the public. We invite our customers to watch a work of art come to life - from the raw material and an artist's vision, to the final piece for your home. Our production floor is connected to the gallery with only feet between the viewer and glassblower, a unique environment for glassblowing education straight from the artists themselves. Please note that the glassblowers always take a lunch break between 12:00 noon and 1:00pm. Once a week our studio will melt glass, an entire day's process, so please call the gallery a few days before you plan on visiting so we can advise you of our production schedule. To learn more about our gallery and studio visit our About Us page.

Do you offer classes?

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks does not offer classes. Our studio is a fully functioning production facility in which we create beautiful high-quality glassware. But, please do stop by and watch us work - it is a learning experience in itself to see a piece of art come to life!

Can I apply for a job in your gallery or hot shop?

If you are interested in a job at Martha's Vineyard Glassworks please contact us by email at info@mvglassworks.com with your resume and position of interest, either gallery sales or glassblowing assistant. A member of our management will be in touch about job openings. Please note that our glassblowing positions require production floor experience and an on-sight interview and skill set examination.

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks

Energy Efficiency Spring 2009

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