FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When Will My Parcel Arrive?

Depending on the delivery option you have selected -  in checkout there is a Next Day Service, Express, and also Standard.  These are based on working days so please exclude Bank Holidays and weekends when calculating which option is best for you.  5 working day delivery option excludes the day you placed your order, eg if you place your order on a Monday you should expect the delivery by the following Monday not necessarily the weekend.  We would recommend our express 3 day srevice so delivery will be with you by the Thursday.  Our cut off time for next day delivery is 12 noon. You can login to your account with us using your email address and password, you can view your order and track its progress through processing, sent to warehuose for picking, despatched on its way etc. 

How Is My Parcel Shipped?

We use Royal Mail, Interlink Epress Couriers and also Parcelfore to send our party parcels, the method of despatch depends on the size and weight of your parcel and the most efficient despatch method to use.  All of our parcels will require a signature upon receipt, there is an option in checkout to change the delivery address if you are not at your billing address during the day.  Most deliveries are made between 9am and 3pm.  Special instructions asking for the parcel to be left where a signature cannot be obtained such as - leave on step, by bins or in playhouse cannot be passed onto our delivery partners.

What happens If I'm Not Home For My Delivery?

You will receive a card through your door explaining what to do next. Please make sure you contact the carrier within 5 days, or your parcel will be returned to us, this will incur a returns fee, restocking fees and a further delivery charge if you still require the item.  Remember you can change the shipping address in checkout to a works address or friend or neighbour if that helps.  We cannot add special isntructions such as - leave behind gate, under recycling bins or leave on step - we can only pass on special instructions that will enable our delivery partners to gain asignature - leave with neighbours is a good one!  The driver will then pop a card through your door showing you where your parcel is.

What happens if I change my mind and my parcel has been shipped?

You are welcome to change your mind about your purchase, and as long as the items are resaleable, unopened or unused we will glady refund their value to your method of payment.  However is your parcel has been shipped and refused you will be charged for the shipping and return costs.  If you wish to return your items yourself we recommend you use a trackable system such as the Post Office Recorded Services so you can trace your parcel.  we cannot be held responsible for goods which do not arrive back safely with us.   Returns must be made within 7 days of receipt.

 My Parcel Hasn't Arrived?

Please check with neighbours, incase they have kindly taken in your delivery, ocassionally parcels can be damaged or lost in transit - please inform us as soon as possible so we have the opportunity to investigate and if ncessary arrange another order to be sent so there's no tears at your party!

Is ordering online safe & Secure?

Ordering with Fun in a box is Safe and Secure, when you go to our checkout pages please notice the Padlock symbol and our URL address changes to  https://  - our websites are also 3D secure, the online equivalent of Chip & Pin, please ensure you log off our sites when your order has been processed.  Fun in a box  uses PROTX or PAYPAL as your payment service provider. PROTX use Thawte 2048 bit encryption systems. At the browser 128 Bit SSL is used.  Transactions on your statements will be from FUN IN A BOX

What credit cards do we accept?

We accept all credit and debit cards except American Express.

What is 3D Secure?

 Visa and MasterCard have worked to develop authenticated payment capabilities to improve online transaction security and to help encourage the growth of e-commerce. If you have signed up for either of these schemes then you will be asked to authenticate yourself by your card issuer (i.e. your bank).  It is the equivalent of online Chip & Pin.  It makes sure it can only be you using your card to make payment.   our sites are 3D secure, it protects you and us from fraud.

Some card issuers are being pro-active and give you the option to sign up when we send you to their authentication server. Most card issuers should give you the option to sign up later and just proceed with the payment, if not you can try using another card or call our customer Service team on 01277 233778

Can I Pay with a Cheque or Postal Order?

Yes you can, in checkout you will see this payment option, follow the instructions on the screen for the address to send your cheque or postal order to.  Please make sure you order in plenty of time as your cheque will need to clear before we can process your order for despatch.

What currencies do we accept?

All transactions are made in UK Pounds.

How do I know my order has gone through?

You will receive an email with a confirmation order number as your order is placed, please keep this safe as the quickest way for us to track your order is using this order number.  If you do not receive this email please contact us as soon as possible, your order may not have been completed correctly. Please check your confirmation carefully, especially for payment method and the shopping cart, and of course the correct postcode and address, failure to do so could result in delays getting your parcel to you.

Can I have a VAT receipt?

Of course, all our prices include VAT and you will receive a reciept with your order that clearly states the VAT breakdown.

Is everything in stock?

Our stock levels are maintained at high levels, however from time to time suppliers can themselves go out of stock and we may have to call you with a substitute idea or of course offer a refund on a product.  Most times items that are showing online are currently instock unless we've stated otherwise on the product.  (see pre-order) Please call us to check if you need to.

Pre-Ordering items

We offer a facility to pre-order new items that are being launched - these items are clearly stated on the websites, we update the expected delivery times regulary but they are dependent on the suppliers information and can sometimes change.  We suggest you include your party date in sepcial instructions so we can keep you upto date, and please keep checking the website for the latest information.  Pre-order customers are given priority on these items when they arrive in our warehouse.

Can I return something?

We want you to be happy - and to tell all your friends, if there is something wrong please call us or email us so we can see if we can put it right - our returns policy states

"On the rare occasion you are not happy with your order you must contact us either in writing to Fun in a box, 8 Hurstwood Avenue, Brentwood, Essex. CM15 9HT or via email at cs@funpartysupplies.co.uk in the 1st instance for further information. We are not obliged to accept any returns withour prior consent. All faulty products offer a money back guarantee.

Under the UK's distance selling regulations you have a 7 day 'cooling off' period when you may return an item unused, in it's original condition, with unopend packaging, if you no longer require it*. It is however your responsibility to return the item in perfect and saleable condition and at your own cost. Once inspected, we will then arrange to refund your credit card for the item returned minus any P & P costs as these are non-refundable. Any returns after 7 days, will not be refunded, however we will happily offer a credit to your account for future purchases.

*Please note we do not refund or exchange on personalised products which are made to order"

How Do I Order Online?

Our site is really easy to use, we designed it that way!  Start with a category - eg Children's Birthday Themes, choose the charater you like, and then all the products will be shown, add the quantities you require in the boxes, and press the add to cart button - your shopping cart will then be created.  Follow the instructions online to progress to to checkout.

Do you despatch overseas?

We do ship overseas, when you get to checkout you can select your country from the dropdown menu.  Shipping costs vary acoridng to destination, weight of box and size of the box.  Remember all prices are in UK Pounds £.  We do not offere a refund policy on orders shipped overseas, nor can be held responsible for items lost in transit.

Can I place an order over the telephone?

Of course, however our site is 3D secure (the online equivalent of Chip & Pin) and your order may take time to process, and you may need ot login to provide your secure passwords/codes - we'll explain the process to you over the telephone.  We are open 7 days a week, 9am until 8pm, with an answerphone in operation should all lines be in use.

Is there a discount for bulk purchases?

All our prcices are very competitive, however there are some ocassions whereby we can pass on price discounts for bulk purchases - these are normally only available if your order exceeds 200 of one particular item or the total value of your order exceeds £500.  It does vary - so call us to check

Helping the Environment

Fun in a box often reuse and recycle packaging  and as much as possible recycle any unwanted packaging material.  We urge all our customer to do the same and use the appropriate recycling facilities that are available to them locally.

Who is Fun In A Box?

Fun in a box is a family run party business trading over various websites including www.FunPartySupplies.co.uk  www.HighSchoolMusicalParty.co.uk    www.PartiesForGrownUps.co.uk  www.KidsPartyBagFillers.co.uk  www.1stBirthdyaFun.co.uk and www.personalisedprintedribbons.co.uk