FAQ
Q: Will you buy my old ____? It’s in great shape—here’s a blurry picture on my iPhone.
A: We might buy your old ________, if it fits in with the rest of Ethel’s merchandise, i.e. it’s from the period and has design interest. We ask that you send us photos first before we set up an appointment to come see it it in person, or before you bring it in. We don’t normally buy from photos, but it helps us to determine whether it will work in the store.
Q: I saw my sideboard (or teak chair or boomerang-shaped coffee table) at another store (or on eBay or Facebook Marketplace) for $600. So you’ll give me $500, right?
A: No, sadly, we can’t give you 80 – 90% of the price you’ve seen in other retail establishments or on the free-for-all that is eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Like all small businesses, we have overhead—heat, electricity, taxes, licenses and once in a while the shopkeeper has to make a few dollars—so we can only offer you somewhere between 25 – 50% of that price, depending on condition. And remember, sure, you’ve seen it on eBay (or on any other online seller platform) for that price, but has it SOLD for that price?
Q: If I pay cash, do I have to pay tax?
A: Yes. Ethel has to pay tax, so why shouldn't you? Taxes pay for our roads, our schools and our sewers and so much more. Really, do you want the sewer system to be underfunded?
Q: Do you deliver?
A: It depends on the size of the piece. If it will fit in Ethel's vehicle, and you are in Toronto, then yes, we can deliver for a fee. If it is too big to fit in our vehicle, then we can recommend a mover. Basically, you buy it and it's yours to get home.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: If the item is here on our Shopify site, then yes, we can ship it.
Q: Do you have this sofa/lamp/chair in another colour/size?
A: It's vintage, therefore one-of-a-kind, so the answer is no.
Q: Can you recommend an upholsterer?
A: Yes.
Q: I am interested in this table/chair/lamp. Can you hold it for me till the weekend?
A: We will hold an item for 24 hours by request. Holds longer than 24 hours require a 20% refundable deposit.
Q: Can I borrow this coffee table/hanging lamp/plant stand to see if it "works" in my space?
A: To borrow an item on spec, we require a valid credit card and will process payment if the item is not returned by end of next business day. We take this very seriously so don't even think of borrowing a dining set for a dinner party and returning it afterwards. We'll know.
Q: Do you do prop rentals?
A: Yes! We love it when our merchandise is made famous. The cost is 25% of the retail price for each week it's out of the store.
Q: I bought this lamp/table/footstool and it just doesn't work in my space. Can I return it for a refund?
A: We will gladly allow a 24 hour approval period for your new purchase. After 24 hours, the sale will be considered final. Returns after this period will be charged a 50% restocking fee. We also take this very seriously.
Q: I don't see what I am looking for in your store. Can I leave you my name and number so you can call me when you find something like it?
A: We post all new inventory here on Shopify, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, so it's better if you keep checking in with us.
Q: This table has a scratch on it. Can I get a discount?
A: It's over 50 years old. Its called character, so no.
Q: Do you have any more furniture in the back?
A: No. All inventory is on the sales floor.
Q: Where do you get your stuff?
A: Mostly from original owners but we do buy from collectors as well.
Q: Why is this chair so expensive and this one isn’t?
A: We often get pieces reupholstered or completely rebuilt, depending on the original condition. The cost of this is reflected in the price.
Q: If I buy this large piece of furniture, will you hold it for me until the end of the month?
A: Only if you pay full price for it and are nice to me and move it out yourself. However, once it is paid for it is technically yours so we are not responsible for any damage to it if it gets banged into by a baby stroller or a large handbag while still on the store floor.
Q: Do you do consignment?
A: No. Ethel likes to own everything she sells. She's too classy for consignment.
Q: How often do you get new stuff in?
A: As soon as we have room for new stuff. Therefore, we have to sell the stuff that's already here to make room for it. That being said, we're always getting new stuff in.