Austrobear
Cumbria · 30 years
A one-person workshop in the Lake District run by Ingrid Robson, who has been making and repairing teddy bears and dolls for over 30 years. Work ranges from patching up a tatty bear to rebuilding dolls that have come apart, and she agrees the level of restoration with the owner before starting.
Getting hold of them
Email is the way in. They do not take cold calls.
If it gets lost
Not stated
This is a blank on their page, not an answer from them. We have never asked anybody in this trade the question. Of the 185 businesses we have read, 4 have written anything down about losing an item: 2 say it is insured, 2 say the risk is yours. The other 181 are silent, and silence is not a policy either way.
If you would rather not have to phrase it
“Before I send it, can I ask what happens if it gets lost or damaged while it’s with you? I’m not trying to catch you out, it just can’t be replaced. Whatever the answer is, could you put it in an email so I’ve got it in writing?”
“No, we don’t cover it” is a fine answer to get. It tells you to insure the post yourself for the full amount, both ways.
They return it by Special Delivery only. Naming a tracked service is not the same as accepting liability for it.
Nobody has told us who covers the outward leg. Ask, because that is the half people forget.
If it is lost or damaged
Their website does not say what happens if your item is lost or damaged while they have it.
Ask before you post anything you could not replace. Only four of the businesses we hold publish an answer to this.
What they take on
- Full restoration and rebuilds
- Mending and seams
- Restuffing
What they won’t do
The part every other directory leaves out. None of this is a criticism. It is how you avoid three wasted weeks.
- Doesn't say whether you can bring it in person
Getting it there
- Takes work by post
- Doesn’t say whether you can bring it in
- Comes back standard
- Takes work from overseas
Money
- Fixed menu of prices, so you know before you send it
Anything else they say
- I like to think my charges are very competitive, estimates are freely given.
- I also consult with the owner beforehand as to the level of restoration that is required and advise accordingly.
- I am happy to arrange collection/delivery locally [Cumbria]. I also send and receive repairs by mail [Special Delivery only]
- Based in the English Lake District National Park I have over 30yrs experience in making and restoring teddies and dolls.
- A second email address is also published on the home page: dolls@austrobear.co.uk