1) Hey, there's a shopping cart here?
Yes, there IS a shopping cart here! We have deployed a shopping
cart for your ordering convienence.
Back to the Questions
2) Who wrote it?
The fine folks at Fluid
Network.Com wrote the shopping cart system that
Pro Custom Hobbies uses. They also wrote our website from the
ground up. We are in close contact with them at all times. Any suggestions about
our website or our shopping cart system are welcomed at
Comments. .
Back to the Questions
3) OK, who really cares who wrote it, how does it
work?
The shopping cart works hand in hand with your browser. You see something
that you want, put a quantity in the blank box to the right of the item's
price, then click add. Your browser, with our shopping cart software,
will
place a small piece of data called a cookie on your computer. It keeps
track
of what you added to your shopping cart until you are ready to check out.
With a cookie, if your internet connection crashes and you come back to
our website, we will still remember what you would like to order, saving
you
the
trouble of having to reorder everything. If you are wondering about the
security of cookies, please read the answer to the next question,
Cookies? Aren't they bad?. If you're wondering if
cookies
will work with your browser, read Can my browser eat
cookies?.
Back to the Questions
4) Cookies? Aren't they bad?
Cookies CAN be bad. Cookies can also be good. It all depends on how they
are written. We at both Pro Custom Hobbies and Fluid
Network hate
spam, internet tracking, and all other sorts of dirty deeds that have come to be associated with cookies. So,
when we baked our cookie, we made sure that none of the bad stuff went into it.
The only thing that our cookie contains are the things you ordered. Once
you check out, or a certain time limit passes, the cookie crumbles and
goes away. We do *NOT* take your name, personal data, e-mail address or
*ANYTHING* else off of your computer *AT ALL*.
Back to the Questions
5) Cookies go away?
Yes, they do. The cookies that we place on your machine
will go away after one of two things happen. First, if you finish an order and
check out, the cookie is deleted from your machine when you check out.
Second, if more than 24 hours passes from the time that you placed the first item in your cart,
the cookie will get stale and crumble away. In either case, you have 24 hours
to finish your order. If you can't get all the items in your cart inside
of 24 hours, please call us and we will be happy to process your order over
the phone.
Back to the Questions
6) Can my browser eat cookies? (Will the cart work with
me?)
Hopefully, because the shopping cart NEEDS it to!! The shopping cart
software
was designed around Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 running under Windows
95/8/XP, and Netscape Communicator 5.0. It passes all LATER MSIE browsers
(4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0) and Netscape browsers (4.0, 4.5, 4.7) with
flying
colors. Earlier browsers may NOT function, with some exceptions. MSIE
before
version 3 doesn't work, 3.0 does in most cases, and Netscape 2.02 Gold
works,
but 3.x doesn't like us...go figure. A note to America OnLine users: We
have tested the shopping cart with AOL versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 beta and 5.0
final. The cart appears to work with all versions, but again, we
recommend
getting the latest version of any software product. Please also note that
we
have tested the shopping cart on Mac's with *only* MSIE 4.5 and Netscape
Communicator 4.0 and *can not* support Mac platforms.
Back to the Questions
7) Netscape, MSIE...so what? I'm on America OnLine!
Can my browser eat cookies does this question justice.
We
have tested the shopping cart software on AOL versions 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0.
We have NOT tested on any earlier versions, mainly because we couldn't
find
any to test on! If you are experiencing problems with AOL versions 3.0 or
earlier, we STRONGLY recommend upgrading to version 5.0 or later. It
offers a
later
browser version and enhanced features.
Back to the Questions
8) The cart isn't working for me...can you fix it?
Well...not necessarily. If the shopping cart is NOT working on your
system, two things could be causing it. First, your browser is not set
up to accept cookies. This will break the shopping cart 100% of the time.
Be sure to set your browser to accept cookies. There are many brands and
versions of browsers, so we can't post instructions for all of them. If
you have MSIE 4.0+ or Netscape Communicator 4.0+, e-mail us at
Cart Support.
Back to the Questions
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
*A Note of Legaleze: Of course, neither Pro Custom Hobbies nor Fluid Network can be responsible for your choice of one brand of browser over another, or the effects that it may or may not have on your computer or your person...these are just our personal recommendations. There may be a usage fee invloved with any or all of them, we're not responsible for those, either. |
10) The cart STILL doesn't work, can I order?
That's BAD! We sincerely apologize for the shopping cart not working with
your computer. You can e-mail us at
Cart Support
with details, and we can attempt to rectify the situation. You may order by
clicking calling us at 410-549-9169.
Back to the Questions
11) How does the Search Engine work?
We've tried to make the search engine as easy and intuitive as
possible. To use it, simply type key words you're looking for
in the "Search String" box...or enter nothing at all and use
the input boxes below to see everything in that category. Read
What are the extra boxes? for a more detailed
explanation.
Example: looking for PRR, type "PRR"
(without the quotes) in Search String and click Search! The Search
Engine will return all records that have "PRR" or "prr" or "Prr",
etc., in them. If you enter a search string with more than one word,
eg. "prr caboose n5c", then the search will return all records with
"prr" *AND* "caboose" *AND* "n5c".
To further refine your search, you may also restrict by
category, scale, and/or manufacturer. See What are the extra boxes? for a detailed explanation.
Technical note: At this time, the only search supported is exclusive
and. If there is a large enough response, we may add logical operators
and exclusive not to the search engine in the future.
Back to the Questions
12) What are the extra boxes?
Below the Search String box, there are three more input boxes.
Here, you can begin a search with no search string, or refine a
search with a string. If you're searching with a search string,
and want to see results *ONLY* in a certain scale, from a certain
manufacturer, and/or from a certain category, set the boxes boxes
by clicking the down arrow and selecting what you want. For example,
looking for an Amtrak AEM-7, but only want to see HO scale results?
Put "Amtrak AEM-7" in the string and select "HO" scale. Want to
see all Conrail equipment in HO from the Cars/Locos category
from Athearn? A "conrail" search string, "Cars / Locos" category,
"HO" scale, "140 - Athearn" manufacturer works nicely. Want to see what
we have IN STOCK across an entire category?
Do a search with no search string, Any scale, Any manufacturer, and set
the category to the one that you'd like to see. A search with no
string, "HO" scale, Any manufacturer, and "Structures" will return
everything HO from our Building Section. Get the idea?
Back to the Questions
13) Why am I not getting results back?
You're trying to be too specific with your search terms most likely. Our
description field is limited to 35 characters, and when you have more than
one word, ALL words must appear in the returned data. If you're entering
"Pennsylvania Railroad heavyweight baggage car", there won't be results,
because every word has to appear in the results, and the search string is
longer than the description, so all the words CAN'T be in the
results...Try using less words in the string. Also, be aware there are
things in inventory that are "UP" and "Union Pacific", and still one
"Union P" left. If you're using an abbreviation, try using a different
form. Also, if you're using restrictions such as category, try
searching without the restrictions. Also, please note that JavaScript
MUST be enabled for the search to work!
Can I refine a search that I just made?
In a word, no. There is no ReSearch button yet, because generally a
search that fails the first time will also fail the second. Simply follow
the hints above and hopefully the next search will be better.
Back to the Questions
14) Is this stuff really in stock?
In another word, yes. We only list what we have IN STOCK on our website,
and we have a fill rate that is consistently higher than 99%.
Back to the Questions
15) What are the Shipping Charges?
Shipping charges are based on the total shippable amount of your
order within the continental United States.
Less than $50.00 $ 7.99
$50.00 to $99.99 $ 9.99
$100.00 and over $11.99
Shipping is by Priority Mail.
Back to the Questions
16) What is the turn time on orders?
Orders received by Pro Custom Hobbies are generally turned around
the
day received, barring incident. We are open Wednesday-Saturday, and ship
on Wednesday-Friday. The cutoff time for same day turnaround is 1:30pm
Eastern Time. Any orders received after the cutoff time will be shipped the
next business day that we are open; Wednesday is the ship day for orders
received after 1:30pm Friday-Sunday.
Back to the Questions
17) OK, I ordered some things, how is it getting to
me?
We ship United States Postal Service Priority Mail in the states and
Global Priority Mail overseas. Really heavy or bulky items like cases of
flex track, balsa or cork, or a supply of stick on weights, for example,
are shipped regular Parcel Post in the states and Surface Transportation
overseas. Books are shipped Media Mail in the states. If you wish we can
ship DHL or FedEx or UPS upon request.
If you absolutely need your book or bulk package at Priority Mail speed we
can ship it that way but there will be a higher freight charge than you
would otherwise encounter.
Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and all foreign destinations are billed
the actual shipping charge for the total weight from our Zip Code to your Zip Code or Country.
We ship daily from Eldersburg, MD, U.S.A. The cost for shipping
in the continental U.S.A is based on the total value of items that are
included on your order. Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii are actual
shipping costs.
Back to the Questions
18) Do you REALLY have what I want?
Pro Custom Hobbies believes only in selling what we have that is in
stock at the store. If an item is listed on our website, it is listed
as "on-hand" in our computer system at the store. We will update the website
roughly two times a day to keep our website nice and fresh. However, all
items listed are subject to prior sale.
Back to the Questions
19) I want a LOT of something...do you have
enough?
Pro Custom Hobbies is a store run by hobbyists...we understand what
it means to have
something in stock. We are proud of our fill rate,
although sometimes we may not have the quantity you've requested. If we
cannot fill the order quantity, we will contact you for instructions.
Generally, the hold time on an order that we need to order an item to fill
is about 6 business days, assuming that the item is on hand with our
distributors.
Back to the Questions
20) You don't have what I want listed, can you get it?
Pro Custom Hobbies has about 75% of the individual items available
in the store listed
on this web site in our Shopping Cart, but there are many smaller, special
items that have escaped so far. In short, there ARE things that aren't on the website. If you don't
see an item, e-mail us at
Pro Custom Hobbies with stock inquiries, we probably have
it! We can also special order most items.
Back to the Questions
21) Phew, how do I pay for it all?
Pro Custom Hobbies accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and
Discover for online
payment. We also accept checks with a 10 day hold for clearance, exact
amount only, and a $25.00 service fee for returned checks. Sorry, but
we can ONLY accept credit cards for international orders!
Back to the Questions
22) Hey, I'm in Maryland. Is there tax for online
ordering?
You betchya. The State of Maryland has decreed that we must collect
sales tax for any sales within Maryland. This includes in-store, mail order
and Internet orders. Sorry, but there is no way around it.
Back to the Questions
23) Do you have a refund and return policy?
Yes, we do.
Pro Custom Hobbies REFUND POLICIES
RETURNS: All returns are to be accompanied by your
original sales receipt. Without the receipt, there will be no return,
refund, exchange or adjustment of any kind. Refunds will made the
same way that you paid. A check will be sent to you for payments by
check and a refund will be processed against the same credit card
used for the original purchase.
NON-DEFECTIVE RETURNS: Non-Defective returns are to be
made within seven (7) days of the purchase, in a new, salable condition as
received by the consumer with all paperwork and in the original box or
package. NON-DEFECTIVE returns are subject to a 25% restocking
charge.
DEFECTIVE RETURNS: Defective Returns are to be made
within fourteen (14) days of purchase with all paperwork, and the box or
package
the product came in. Signs of Misuse, abuse or any other damage
uncharacteristic of normal use will void any attempt of return, refund,
exchange or adjustment. In the event Pro Custom Hobbies refuses to make
adjustment based on the above, the consumer of course is free to contact
the Manufacturer of the product.
WARRANTY ITEMS: Certain products carry full Manufacturer
warranties. Items which have a manufacturers warranty must be
returned to the manufacturer for service.
GIFT CERTIFICATES: Gift Certificates are not returnable
for any reason. Sales of gift certificates are final and are exchangable
for product only. They are not refundable for cash.
SALE ITEMS: Sale items are returnable only if defective
and for store credit only. No cash refund will be given for any Sale
Item.
CLOSE OUT ITEMS: Close Out Item sales are final. No
refunds,exchanges or adjustments of any kind will be granted. The sale of
a close out item is final.
SPECIAL ORDERED ITEMS: Special Ordered Items not normally
carried in stock at Pro Custom Hobbies are returnable as noted above
however, Pro Custom Hobbies reserves the right to withhold twenty-five percent
(25%) of the sale price to cover the expense of ordering, shipping and
returning the product to our distributor network.
CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE: Consumers are free to request a copy
and/or explanation of the above store policy.
24) CONTACT US
PRO CUSTOM HOBBIES
6345F South Carroll Park Drive
Eldersburg, MD 21784
Phone: 410-549-9169
Email: procustomhobbies@verizon.net
Pro Custom
Hobbies
Pro Custom Hobbies, Inc. 6345F South Carroll Park Drive Eldersburg, MD 21784 Phone: 410-549-9169 FAX: 410-795-8847 E-MAIL: procustomhobbies@verizon.net Stocking: Quality Hobby Supplies. |
Hours: Effective March 15th, 2018 Monday Closed Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday Closed Hours: Effective December 13, 2017 In stock merchandise shipped the next day! Please see our FAQ for shipping rates and policies. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |