Frequently Asked Questions

Here's a list of common queries. If the answer isn't here, then please feel free to contact us instead. We may even update this section to include your question and help other customers too.

Why Mad Cow Beads?

Well, our business is based in a converted Bull Pen in the Cotswolds, and it's apparently a term of endearment. Or that's what the husband of our Founder says...

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Can you send me a bead catalogue?

We don't have a printed catalogue. To keep our prices so competitive our website is our catalogue and is updated regularly. A nice printed catalogue costs a lot of money to produce and is inevitably outdated quickly - especially as we try so hard to get unusual things in limited numbers! We didn't want to charge for a catalogue, or put our prices up to cover the costs of one, so have stuck to 'online' only. However, it's no problem to browse online and then phone us with your order.

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Is shopping with you secure?

It certainly is! We take site security VERY seriously, and want you to feel at ease when ordering from us. All credit card numbers are encrypted by our payment processors, Sagepay and PayPal, and processed on a secure server. Your details are never held in clear text on either our site or theirs. We do not charge your card until your order is packed and ready to leave.

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I am not comfortable giving my card details out on line - how can I pay?

This is no problem, you're welcome to pay through PayPal or Nochex. If you use PayPal or Nochex your details are secure - we never see them. If you don't like to pay electronically at all, that's fine too - you can send us a cheque or postal order, or even transfer your payment straight into our bank account. You can also just give us a call with your card number if you prefer. Just select your chosen method when you check out and full instructions will be provided.

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I received my order and it's not quite what I'm looking for. Can I send it back?

Yes, you can return anything, for any reason. We try really hard to make sure our descriptions are super accurate, but we appreciate that shopping online is not like having the beads 'in your hand'. Just drop us an email and return the items within 7 days. Please enclose the packing slip and a quick note to let us know what to do (refund, swap, replace).

The only exception is with Special Order Items - these items are clearly marked and are ordered in especially for you, we don't carry them in stock. Special Order items can be returned only if there is a manufacturing fault, and these items will be subject to inspection by the manufacturer prior to issuing a refund.

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My order was squashed in the post! What shall I do?

This happens very very rarely, but unfortunately is a problem with sending glass beads through the post - however well packed. Please retain all packaging and email us. We will replace your order for you. Royal Mail may wish to inspect the packet as part of their claim process, so please don't throw it away for a few weeks if possible.

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Can I come and see you?

In order to give you the fastest most efficient service you've come to expect from the mad cows, we are a mail order company and don't have the facilities for browsing (grazing?) at our warehouse. We do occasionally hold outside events and sales, so if you'd like details of those, just subscribe to our newsletter.

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Do you have a newsletter?

Yep - we have a newsletter with advance notice of sales, bead promotions and new beading things! We also sometimes send out free beading patterns via the newsletter and run newsletter subscribers special offers. If you'd like to subscribe, just email us at newsletter@madcowbeads.com and we can add you in. Alternatively, you can fill out our subscription form on the site.

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How long will it take for my order to be delivered?

For full details on our delivery prices and for our estimated delivery times please see our Delivery Details page. We do try to dispatch everything as quickly as we can, usually the very same day, so orders are delivered in good time.