How do I order?	Custom-size requests	Payment methods
View available items	Shipping details	Return policy

How do I order?

     We have a unique ordering system. Instead of stocking lots of old, pre-made inventory in fixed sizes, we prefer to create our items at the customer's request – in the specific measurements and colors that she wants. These custom items are freshly-made and brand new, prepared and shipped promptly, and at the same cost as a pre-made item. You receive not only a product, but a personalized service.

     There are a few different ways to purchase or request our designs:

1. Any in-stock pre-made designs are usually offered for purchase at the eBay website. This provides a simple and familiar shopping method, with protections for both buyers and sellers. The items are usually offered for seven days in auction-style listings – sometimes with an optional "Buy It Now" fixed price. You can see our currently listed sale items (with links) in the box below .
2. You can request our designs at any time from this website – in your preferred size(s) and measurements. Take a look at our dresses and tops; each item includes pricing information and a request form. We will reply to confirm your details and estimate the time to complete your request. Then you decide whether to make the purchase and start the order. It's as simple as that!

3. For unique requests and special wholesale orders, please contact us so that we can discuss the type of order that interests you. You will find us to be very down-to-earth and informal, and we will offer some suggestions, options, and prices that best suit your needs. If you have your own ideas for a new design or a variation on one of our items, please ask us about it or share a photo. We enjoy collaborating with others, and if it helps, we can even send a sketch or two.

Items currently available for bid or purchase at eBay:

     Our eBay ID is tropical_accents. If the box is empty, we have no pre-made items currently listed for sale at eBay.

     (You can also find the current list of our eBay sale items on our ABOUT ME page.) We plan to have a small but fully-stocked "store" at eBay in the near future with more inventory – stay tuned for that!

Custom-size requests

     Have you ever worn a dress that was adjusted just for you? Many off-the-rack clothes are made with a "one-size-fits-most" strategy, and they often have a boxy or baggy fit for petite women. There is quite a difference in comfort, fit, and appearance with clothes that are tailored for your own unique proportions, and we like to offer this kind of personalized fit to our customers: not only by designing appropriate cuts and shapes for our dress styles, but by offering items in your own custom measurements – at no extra charge!

     This allows our designs to be available for women of all sizes. No matter what your size is, if a certain design catches your eye, why not get a size that gives you the best fit and comfort?

• The description for each item will specify the range of available sizes. There will also be a request form where you can supply your measurements and any additional instructions.
• Depending on the particular design, we will need to know certain measurements: waist, hips, bust, dress length, etc. Proper measurements are essential for an accurate fit, so please refer to our instructions for how to measure.
• The tailoring will typically take 1 - 5 days, depending on the style and the quantity. We provide a good time estimate before beginning, and we work hard to complete each request in a very timely manner. We know that you want to receive your garment as soon as possible and we try to be as prompt as we can, but we don't want to rush when creating a special new dress for you!

Shipping details

• We do not gouge our buyers with high shipping and handling charges. We usually charge less than our mailing expenses.
• Orders for pre-made items are processed and shipped within 24 hours after payment is received and cleared. You will be notified about the extra time needed to complete custom requests.
• For custom-tailored items, please allow up to 3 weeks (18 mailing days) for delivery with registered international mail. Remember that your items are being delivered from halfway around the world – the best way for us to offer you terrific quality and a personalized fit at a bargain price. (If a shipment ever seems unusually delayed, please be sure to contact us.)
• Express Mail Service is also available – for faster delivery at a higher cost. These shipments come with a tracking number and arrive in 5-10 mailing days. This is a highly-recommended option.

• Each new item is folded, sealed in a protective bag, and carefully packed to keep it secure and protected while in transit.
• If any shipments are lost in the mail and never arrive, please contact us. We will remake the order and send it again for you. If this is not possible, we will issue a refund.
• U.S. Customs does not assess a duty [a fee or import tax] to small, individual internet purchases that are delivered from outside the country. If you live in another country or you are ordering a batch shipment, you should check with your post office or Customs department to confirm what the duty rate might be [if any].

Payment methods

     We accept the following forms of payment for your purchases from Tropical Accents:

• PayPal – all PayPal methods, including credit cards and electronic checks, are accepted. Our PayPal ID is tropical_accents@yahoo.com.
• Money orders and cashier's checks
• Personal checks
  (All payments go straight to Maryland - USA.)
• International buyers: our items are intended for U.S. buyers, but we are happy to serve customers from other countries who can pay with PayPal in U.S. dollars or with an International Money Order. If you don't live in the USA, please contact us prior to bidding or buying so we can determine accurate shipping costs for you.

• Personal checks and non-postal money orders typically take 2 to 4 business days to clear successfully before an order is shipped or started – though often the wait is shorter.

Return policy

     We know that internet purchases can be agonizing, especially for clothing. A dress catches your eye, one that would look dazzling on you, at a tempting price... but will it fit nicely? Will the color and fabric meet your expectations or disappoint you?

     We feel confident that you'll appreciate the quality of our items, and we provide a customer-friendly return policy to give you peace of mind about shopping with us. To help ensure satisfaction, please read the descriptions and view the photographs of each design carefully before ordering. We do our best to be extremely thorough and accurate in our presentations. Also, please double-check your measurements to be sure that the item(s) will fit you nicely. (Helpful instructions about measurements and sizes can be found here.) But if you are not satisfied with your purchase and you'd like to make a return, this is what we offer:

1. First, contact us within 2 weeks of receiving the item and let us know that you want to make a return (and why).
2. Next, pack and mail the unworn item (in its new condition) safely back to us – at our USA location in Maryland, for your convenience.
3. Then you may choose from the following reimbursement options:
   • Exchange
     We can send you an identical item in a different size or color if one is available. (Additional shipping fee will be required.)
   • Store Credit
     We can give you a credit for the full purchase price of the item towards any future purchases with us. Use it now, use it later, apply it partially... it's up to you!
   • 100% Refund
     Or if you prefer, we are willing to refund the full purchase price of the item. (Shipping fees are not included.)

     We're not a huge department store, but we do our best to offer as much convenience and satisfaction as we can. Also note that items from Tropical Accents can be resold at eBay. If your stylish dress doesn't fit you perfectly, you just might make someone else's day – and a nice profit for yourself!