Every listing was read from the business’s own public pages rather than from speaking to them, so check before you rely on it. Run one of these businesses? Tell us and we will correct or remove your entry.

Realms of Gold Cloth Doll & Stuffed Animal Repair Hospital

20 years

Beth repairs and rejuvenates cloth dolls, teddy bears and other stuffed animals, and has been doing it for over 20 years. She gives a free estimate first and does not start work until you have approved it, and her patients range from a few months old to nearly a century.

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 mail yourself for the full amount, both ways.

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
Eyes and noses

Getting it there

Takes work by mail
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

We provide quick estimates and won't start any repairs to your beloved cloth doll or stuffed animal without your pre-approval.
We also send progress reports with photos of your doll or stuffed animal upon request, which our younger doll parents have found particularly helpful!
Our patients range in age from a few months (an unfortunate run in with a family pet) to nearly a century.
They have come from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, and as close as down the street!
The Los Angeles Times put me on the cover of their calendar section! With a 3 page article!