FAQ | Engraving, Shipping & Care

Got a question before you order a gift? Here are the answers we get asked most — about custom engraving, how long things take, shipping, woods, and care. Still stuck? Text or call us at 615-337-0891, or email mick@thedesigncraftstudio.com. We’re a family shop in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and we’re happy to help.

We ship within the United States only (we don’t offer international shipping).

How does custom engraving work?

Most of our lidded boxes can be engraved. Pick your box, choose Custom Engraving: Yes (+$10), and share your idea at checkout — a photo, a phrase, a logo, a handwritten note, even a child’s drawing. We design a digital proof for you. Nothing gets engraved until you approve it. Then we laser engrave it here in the shop and ship.

How much does engraving cost?

A flat $10 — not charged by the word or the line. You’re not limited to a few fonts; we design the engraving to fit your gift.

Do you send a proof before engraving?

Yes. Every engraving gets a digital proof so you can be sure the spelling, layout, and feel are right before we burn a single line.

Can you engrave open card trays?

No — open card trays aren’t engraved. If you want engraving, choose a lidded box.

How long until my order ships?

Orders usually ship within 1–3 business days of the order (Monday–Saturday). For engraved boxes, we send a digital proof first — as long as you approve the proof, we still ship within that same 1–3 business day window from the order. Engraving does not add extra days to dispatch.

Proof designs are typically sent within 1–2 business days — that’s when you receive the proof, not added ship time after approval.

How long does shipping take once it leaves?

Within the United States, packages are usually in transit about 2–7 days. We ship with USPS Ground Advantage for most U.S. orders. You’ll get a tracking link when it ships.

Is shipping free?

Yes — free shipping on every order within the United States, with no minimum. We don’t offer international shipping.

Do you have a Christmas / holiday order cutoff?

No hard cutoff. We keep making boxes as long as customers are buying — we want to make everyone’s Christmas special if we can. Engraved gifts still need the proof step (and we aim to ship within our usual 1–3 business days from the order when you approve the proof), plus carrier transit time. If you’re close to a gift day, text or email us and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your order.

What woods do you use?

Solid American hardwoods: Oak, Maple, and Cherry. We don’t use stains, dyes, or heavy lacquers — boxes ship in their natural, unfinished look so the wood can age handsomely.

• Oak — classic open grain, warm golden-tan
• Maple — clean, bright, creamy
• Cherry — elegant grain; arrives a light pinkish-tan (not dark “furniture cherry” red)

More detail on our Meet Our Woods page.

How do I care for my box?

Dust with a soft dry cloth. Keep it dry and away from harsh sun or heat. Optional: a natural furniture wax or wipe-on oil (linseed or tung) if you want a little sheen — most folks leave it natural.

What’s your return policy?

We offer a 60-day return policy for unused items in original packaging.

Custom engraved orders are non-refundable (they’re made for you). Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. Damaged in transit? Email mick@thedesigncraftstudio.com with a photo and we’ll make it right.

Can I choose hardware colors?

On many boxes you can pick Gold, Nickel, or Antique Brass. Some boxes include hinges and a latch; others let you choose hinges only, add a latch, or add a lock — check the options on each product page.

Want engraving help? Visit our Custom Engraving page.