Terms & Conditions

Thank you for your business. Here at Windy City Novelties we want both your shopping experience and the event you’re planning to be a smashing success. Because we value your loyalty, we try to avoid any possible confusion or misunderstanding when it comes to placing and receiving orders. A large inventory of over 17,000 unique products is typically on hand, however, we are occasionally out of some items and apologize for any inconvenience that may cause. We also understand that, sometimes there are circumstances where returns or exchanges need to be made. Kindly read our following Terms of Sale.

Returns & Exchanges

In the event that, for example, a product image or description, color, style, or packaging was not accurately represented, or that perhaps the party got canceled, or way too many supplies were ordered, returns and exchanges on most items are gladly accepted within 30 days of the date received. Customer may choose to exchange the goods, and receive the full value of the returned item(s) plus an additional 10% as a non-expiring store credit, or the original order amount may be refunded via the same form of original payment. 

Please note return shipping charges on unwanted or unused items are the customer’s responsibility. If a product is returned after 30 days of the date received we reserve the right to refuse/deny any refund or exchange. If there is an issue with one of our products, or for large orders/bulk item returns, kindly contact one of our helpful Customer Service representatives at (800) 442-9722.

Return Procedure

• To initiate the return process, kindly contact Customer Service at (800) 442-9722.
• Upon authorization, a representative will issue a unique Return Authorization (RA) number for the return.
• The provided RA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package being returned.
• In addition to the RA number, inside the package, the customer must clearly specify whether a refund via original form of payment or an in-store credit plus 10% bonus and no expiration date is preferred.
• The customer is responsible for return shipping labels and freight charges and may choose to return the goods via any UPS, FedEx, or USPS facility.
• Please send returns to: Windy City Novelties Attn: Returns, 300 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 
• Once the authorized returned goods have been received, the item(s) will be inspected to confirm its condition as new, unused, or unworn, and in the case of party kits, that they are unopened and complete.
• Returns are typically completed within 5-10 business days of receipt at the warehouse. 

Exchange Procedure

• Should a product exchange be preferred, please inform Customer Service when obtaining the RA Number and follow the same steps above.
• In addition to the RA number, inside the package, the customer must clearly specify that an exchange is preferred.
• Once the product has been received and inspected, the exchanged product will be sent out at the customer’s expense, typically within 5-10 business days.

For Shortages & Lost or Damaged Cartons please contact Customer Service at (800) 442-9722 within 5-7 business days of either your package not arriving on time or for a shortage of product so that the appropriate steps can be taken.

Shipping

All orders are promptly processed. It is our goal to ship NON-IMPRINTED orders within 5 business days of the order receipt. Shipping is generally via UPS, FedEx, or USPS (WCN's discretion). Customs, duties & brokerage fees are not included and are the customer's responsibility at the time of delivery. Should bulky or excess weight affect the initial location-based calculation of your shipment in any way, you will be contacted for approval prior to shipping. Please allow adequate time for transit and customs clearance when ordering for a particular event. We recommend that you (the customer) be present at the delivery location to sign for and take possession of the shipment directly from the transportation company. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or pilfered cartons left at unattended locations. If we have your e-mail address, tracking information will be sent the day your package leaves our warehouse. PLEASE NOTE: Timely deliveries of products hinge on UPS, FedEx, or the USPS keeping to their posted shipping schedules. Rarely, but on occasion, deliveries are delayed due to "Acts of God", such as poor weather. If an "Act of God" is blamed by the shipping company for a delayed delivery and you miss your required in-hand date, we will allow you to refuse the order (for that reason only), and offer a refund for the cost of merchandise only. Shipping charges (both directions) will not be refunded. International delivery dates are never guaranteed so please allow enough time for transit. Free freight, when applicable, applies only to locations within the contiguous United States.  

Expedited shipping is available using two methods: 1.) An expedited fee of $14.99 will put your order on a high-priority list and it should leave our warehouse within 48 hours of the order being placed; 2.) Orders can be expedited using a variety of Air Freight shipping options: UPS ORANGE (3-day), UPS BLUE (2-day), UPS RED STANDARD (next day afternoon) UPS RED EXPEDITED (next day A.M.) or FedEx (same options as UPS), all of which are significantly more expensive than normal shipment by ground and will be charged accordingly. New non-open account customers (less than 30 days) must prepay these air-expedited shipping charges by Credit Card, PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. A faxed credit card authorization may be required when pre-paying by credit card. Air Expedited orders require a signature upon delivery and our company is not responsible for missed packages as a result of non-delivery if a signature cannot be obtained by FedEx, UPS, or USPS. In the event a delivery is missed and the package is returned back to our warehouse, a refund will be given minus shipping charges.

We utilize the best shipping options to help ensure that your purchases arrive on time.  The dates published on our website for expected delivery are what UPS, Fed-Ex, and other shipping partners publish on their sites, however during periods of high volume (such as around the Holiday season) packages can be delayed due to the carrier's capacity restrictions or other such delays.  These delays are solely on the shipping carriers and are not our responsibility.  Orders that are delivered late due to the carrier are not subject to having their shipping fees returned.  We suggest you plan accordingly with at least 1-2 extra business days leeway to get your order.

Email Subscription and Marketing Consent

By placing an order on our website, you agree to be subscribed to our email list. By doing so, you consent to receive our email marketing communications, including updates, promotions, and other related information. You may unsubscribe from these emails at any time by following the unsubscribe link included in each email or by contacting our customer service team.

Imprinted Goods

Our company proudly offers a large variety of custom imprinted items, including but not limited to pens. All customization and final proof approval is to be completed on the web by the customer. It is the responsibility of the customer to proof and check all of the details entered such as but not limited to: colors of fonts, spelling, grammar, and placement of wording. Returns, credits, and refunds will NOT be issued for any custom and/or imprinted item.

Additional Information

Unless the laws change, sales tax will not be charged on orders shipped outside of the state of Illinois. Within Illinois, we will charge sales tax on all orders unless (prior to shipment or pickup) we are provided with both 1.) Current Resale Tax ID certificate (or Not for Profit Tax Exempt certificate). 2.) A signed copy of the Illinois form CRT61. International customers are responsible for customs duties, taxes and/or brokerage fees. We are unable to call International phone numbers so please leave an email when leaving a voicemail. Customers are prohibited from re-selling on Amazon, eBay, and Groupon. Thank you.

PLEASE VISIT WWW.COOLNOVELTYPRODUCTS.COM FOR PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION.