Postage and Packaging Info

REGRETTABLY, SALES TO ADDRESSES OUTSIDE THE UK CEASED ON 7th AUGUST 2026, I NOW ONLY POST ORDERS WITHIN THE UK. APOLOGIES TO MY OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS, THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR ORDERS IN THE PAST.

General Shipping info:

The postage cost of each order is calculated based on weight and size.  Most small orders will fit the lowest tier (Large Letter under 100g)

Orders are dispatched by Royal Mail (to the address supplied by Paypal*) with a choice of 1st or 2nd class for the UK, 

* If you need the goods sent to a different address to that of the Paypal account holder, you must let me know via the Special Instructions box at the time of purchase (ie: on the checkout page) - I can't guarantee I'll see any follow-up messages before I dispatch the order.

I try to keep delivery costs as low as possible and will refund you should the system substantially overestimate the figure. I don't make anything on shipping - Please bear in mind the charge includes packing materials, Paypal surcharge etc. My usual posting time is around 3:30pm and I post orders on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I try my best to post orders received before that time the same day but this is not always possible when things get busy, eg: after the weekend or national holidays (you can always keep track of your order on the order status page). A proof-of-postage is retained for all orders so that claims for loss can be entered if necessary (please refer to the details below for limitations imposed by Royal Mail).

Delivery times:  1st Class aims for next day delivery, with two days for 2nd class but neither service is guaranteed. "Signed For" Delivery is available as an option (and this is mandatory for orders over £30). A barcode number / tracking link will be provided upon dispatch where applicable. Note: These days I substitute Royal Mail Tracked 24 / 48 (as applicable) for "Signed For 1st / 2nd class" as it is a better service (full tracking info - as opposed to confirmation of delivery, priority handling within Royal Mail and covered by insurance up to £75, compared to "Signed for" which is now only £20).

Compensation for loss: Compenensation for loss of basic 1st and 2nd Class packages is capped (by Royal Mail) at £20 plus the postage cost. The "Signed For" option (which I now send as Tracked 24 / 48) increases this to £75 plus the postage cost. Should a package go missing I can enter a claim for loss with Royal Mail, however 15 working days must be allowed before Royal Mail will accept such applications for 1st class items (7 working days for Tracked24). Claims must be made within 80 days of posting. Please see Royal Mail's Compensation Page for details. 

FAQ:

Q. Where is my order?
A. If you have not received a dispatch note via email, first check your spam folder. You can also check the order's status on this page. If you have selected a tracked shipping service you will see a tracking code which can be used at www.royalmail.com/track-your-item I always obtain a proof of posting and this can be used to make a claim for loss in necessary but remember Royal Mail require that 15 working days is allowed for delivery of UK packages. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can do before then (except send you a scan of the proof-of-posting, if required.)

Q. Can you use shipping company [x]?
A. No sorry, it's too expensive and a lot of hassle for a single order.

Q. Can I pay without Paypal?
A. The store goes to Paypal on checkout. You dont actually need a Paypal account (you can pay - via Paypal - as a guest with debit or credit card - look out for the link on Paypal's front page) but some locations insist on a Paypal account. Sorry, I cannot accept any other payment methods.

Q. Can you reserve an item? 
A. No, sorry. It quickly becomes difficult to keep track of such things.

Q. Do you have spares for [x]?
A. I generally only deal with the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum. Items for other machines will be shown in stock if I have them.

Q. When will [x] next be in stock?
A. If it's an item I make myself (such as Nebula, SMART Card, RAM boards) I build them when I have time (weekends, usually) and when the parts are available  (which has been an issue ever since the pandemic). If you want an email when I next list them drop me a line. For other items such as custom chips (SID, VIC-II etc) I really can't say - I list them whenever I acquire them (which is totally random) and once they've been fully tested.

Q. Can I add something to an order already placed? 

A. You'll need to place another order - however I will usually notice, combine them and refund the excess shipping cost (where applicable) less the Paypal transaction fee on the shipping (3.5% plus £0.30). Of course, this assumes the first order has not already been dispatched. Please try not to do this multiple times.

Q. Can I cancel an order?
A. Email me (or reply to the order acknowledgement email) with **URGENT CANCELLATION** in the subject. If I haven't already posted your order I will cancel it and refund you via Paypal (less any Paypal transaction charges - note that as of September 2020, Paypal no longer refunds these surcharges). If the order has been dispatched you will need to return / reject it upon delivery. When I receive it back I will put the refund through (it will be the total amount paid, less postage and Paypal transaction costs.)

Q. Can you repair my computer?
A. Sorry, I don't have time any more :(

Q. Can you help me repair my computer?
A. Sorry no, I can't get into 1-to-1 remote diagnostics - you will find help and advice here. 

Q. Can you supply products such as the Nebula and SMART Card in kit form?
A. Sorry, no. The parts are way too fiddly to package up and the CPLD has to be programmed in situ with specialized equipment.

Q. Can you make up a kit of parts for [x]?
A. Sorry, no - one-offs are not economically viable.

Q. Can I get a volume discount?
A. Sorry no, my margins are too thin for that.

Q. Why did you stop overseas orders?
A. Due to increasing time constraints associated with caring for my elderly parents, I needed to cut back on the workload. Overseas sales were becoming more and more of a hassle (rules, forms, fees, tariffs, delayed/lost parcels etc)  so clearly going in the opposite direction to my needs. To keep things fair, I cannot make any exceptions - sorry.