Issue Two

Customer & Client FeedbackCustomer & Client FeedbackCustomer & Client FeedbackCustomer & Client Feedback

a catalogue of reactionsa catalogue of reactionsa catalogue of reactionsa catalogue of reactions & & & & eeeexperiencesxperiencesxperiencesxperiences

Jackdaw Boxes Somerset UK Jackdaw Boxes Somerset UK Jackdaw Boxes Somerset UK Jackdaw Boxes Somerset UK www.jackdawboxes.co.ukwww.jackdawboxes.co.ukwww.jackdawboxes.co.ukwww.jackdawboxes.co.uk

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An IntroductionAn IntroductionAn IntroductionAn Introduction

We restore and sell unique and antique wooden boxes that make great gifts

for special occasions: Christmas, anniversaries, marriages, rites of passage,

graduations, etc.

Our approach is based on working with, and for, customers and clients through

a free-flow of information, responsive communication and the gaining of their

trust.

People who buy our boxes and services invariably give this type of purchase

serious consideration. In the case of buying a box on-line, we have to try to

ensure that you know what you are paying for, and that we meet expectations.

In the case of restoration-work, your box is irreplaceable and you will be

entrusting us with it.

In Issue TwoIssue TwoIssue TwoIssue Two we exemplify the feedback we have received from three sets of

clients:-

• those who buy one of our boxes from the Web Shop over the internet.

• those who have asked us to refurbish their box via e-mails or phone

calls.

• clients who have visited our workshop with a box needing refurbishment,

or who want to see a box from our Web Shop prior to possible purchase.

You should find examples of others who might have been in a situation parallel

to your own. We approached purchasers for feedback with the motive of

gaining honest information which might be of value to others.

It is also, of course, of value to us, in terms of continuous improvement in our

work and service.

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CustomCustomCustomCustomer & Client Feedback & Experienceser & Client Feedback & Experienceser & Client Feedback & Experienceser & Client Feedback & Experiences

Web Shop Customers page 4

Resoration Clients via E- Mail page 10

Clients Visiting the Workshop page 17

www.jackdawboxes.co.uk

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Examples from Examples from Examples from Examples from Web Shop CustomersWeb Shop CustomersWeb Shop CustomersWeb Shop Customers

The Web Shop intends to convey honest pictures and descriptions of items for sale.

We are happy to answer queries and for time’s sake we communicate via e-mail. We

aim to respond either on the same day or within 24 hours of an enquiry. Once any

purchase has been made and payment cleared, you will be contacted by e-mail to let

you know your box is on its way.

The box is great. It’s a christening present for my

Godson. I’m sure he’ll love it, but maybe in a few

years’ time!

Thanks again,

Andrew G – Salisbury, Wilts.

I was looking for a memory box for my son’s

wedding – at rather short notice – and contacted Jackdaw Boxes through

the online service. From start to f inish their help, advice and friendliness

was exemplary. I was given a choice of

hand-made paper inserts, consulted on

various different boxes and they sent the

box, beautifully packed, and it arrived in

time! My son and his wife were

speechless when they saw it and it was

the talk of the wedding. Mick M –

Teddington, Middlesex.

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I have received my box thank you, it is

beautiful, wonderful service - thank you very

much.

Denise F. – Woking, Surrey.

My wife and I wanted to buy a small

'nick-nack' box for our grandson. We

were looking for something with age

and character in wood - but without

really knowing exactly what we

wanted. Fortunately we found the

Jackdaw website. This gave us real

focus in terms of what was

available and in the event we ended up buying two boxes, one for our grandson and

one for ourselves. Everything about the experience was first rate and the boxes were

all beautifully refurbished and relined and we felt good value. Turn around from time

of order was very fast - literally a couple of days. So for us we would have no

hesitation in using Jackdaw Boxes again or indeed recommending them.

D. M. - Salisbury, Wiltshire.

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Hi there,

I have just purchased a

Mahogany Work Box from your

site. It would be really great if

you could place some

information on the box inside it!

It's bought for someone to store

'special things' in, so if that

could be mentioned, it would be

much appreciated!

Thanks, Darina – London.

The box arrived this afternoon in

excellent condition. It is perfect,

exactly what I was hoping for. It is

a graduation gift for a very special

person who deserved a very

special present, and this is it.

All the best, Mark - USA

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They re-delivered the package this

morning, and the box looks great! Thank

you for everything, you were wonderful

to work with! Amanda –

Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

I was looking for a special gift for my

daughter for her 21st birthday. She is an art

student and has a particular interest in

illustration. She also likes boxes and

anything old! I though of a writing slope and

came across your site via a Google search.

The site was clear and well laid out and very easy to use. It was very easy to see the

available stock and the photos were clear and very helpful.

Once the purchase was made the process and communication was very efficient and

quick. I was very pleased with the whole purchasing experience and my daughter

was thrilled with her gift. I felt that we received good value for money as I have seen

examples of un-restored boxes in antique shops for a similar cost. I would have no

hesitation in recommending you to others and in fact have already done so.

Best regards, Kevin – Portsmouth, UK.

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Feedback from Trevor:

• Website very easy to use. Clear photographs and descriptions. Good to be

able to search by cost.

• Customer service at its best.

• All queries answered promptly, efficiently and in a friendly manner.

• All recipients have been thrilled with the boxes. Quality of restoration is very

good.

• Value for money.

• All goods received have been as good as anticipated.

• Would recommend without hesitation to others.

• Very pleasantly surprised by the personal service provided – almost a face to

face shopping experience.

Trevor S. – Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

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I was looking for a special gift for my son's 18th birthday - somewhere to store those

precious bits and bobs. I had looked at new boxes but they just did not fit the bill.

When I found your site, I knew I had struck gold. I loved the combination of the

antique box given the modern twist with the choice of quality lining paper - really

appropriate for a young man. The web site was easy to negotiate, clear and gave

accurate information on your wide range

of stock. I was pleasantly surprised by

the affordability of your products given

the unique nature of each box. After I

had eventually chosen my favourite, the

process was simple to buy it. The

response to my email concerning the

fairly tight deadline for delivery was

quick and courteous. The box arrived

promptly and was, I have to say, perfect!

My son was thrilled and it has pride of

place in his bedroom. I will be looking at

the site again for that special gift, in fact there's one I'm putting on my wish list! I would

recommend Jackdaw Boxes to anyone looking for a

stylish gift, with a unique twist. It's up-cycling to the

highest standard! Thank you, Chris – Solihull.

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ReReReRestorstorstorstoratioatioatioation En En En Examples from Examples from Examples from Examples from E---- Mail Clients Mail Clients Mail Clients Mail Clients

The most important aspect of this service is effective communication, whereby a

client-led specification is arrived at, confirmed, costed and agreed. All of this can be

carried out by e-mail. The illustrative examples which follow might help in your own

decision-making regarding using our service.

Dear Jackdaw Boxes,

I recently inherited a brass

bound writing box (?) that

belonged to my grandfather

and would dearly love to

have this restored to use

myself for storing jewellery

and keepsakes.

It’s heavy (36 cm x 24 cm x

13 cm) & feels quite

structurally sound although

there are quite a few cracks

in the veneer of the lid and the original insets (my mother thought they might have

been mother of pearl originally) are missing. Something doesn’t feel quite right about

the way the hinges open as the lid doesn’t open fully and the box can topple over as a

result – it looks like there might have been a “home-grown” repair at some stage.

There’s also loose piece of wood in the lid which was obviously attached to the interior

leather at some stage, but I can’t quite figure out how or where. The interior green

leather is gone very ragged, but the tray seems to still be in quite good condition – with

2 little metal handles at the end and green velvet pad with what looks like loops for

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holding pens? Could you take a look at the attached pics and let me know about the

feasibility & cost estimate for restoring? I live in London and it’s not feasible for me to

get to Somerset, but I’d be happy to courier it to you.

Many thanks,

Breda from North London

Breda’s feedback:

This writing box originally

belonged to my

grandfather, a man I never

knew (he died before I was

born) but about whom my

siblings and I had heard

many stories from

our mother and aunts when

we were growing up. He

was born in rural Ireland in

1889 and became a

creamery manager within a few years of starting his working life making butter boxes

when he was just 14 years old. The writing box dates back to c. 1825 but nothing is

known about who owned it before him.

The box came into my possession shortly after our mother was diagnosed with a

terminal illness. She presented the box to my husband and me with some ceremony

and a clear expectation that we would ensure it was restored to some semblance of its

former glory. At the time the exterior veneer was dull and cracked, brass bindings

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were missing, the escutcheons and lock were long-gone, and the green leather lining

of the interior was ragged throughout.

From the first time I contacted Jackdaw Boxes, I was impressed by their speedy and

cordial responses. It was clear that they appreciated the enormous sentimental value

the box held for me and my desire for the box to be restored while retaining a strong

sense of its age and history. We exchanged a few emails and discussed various

restoration options based on their initial assessment of my photos of the box which

gave me a good sense of what could be done and for how much.

On that basis, I was more than happy to post the precious box on. Within a couple of

days, they came back to me with an updated assessment and suggestions for how to

resolve the trickier issues like the problem of the missing escutcheon. I received

samples of alternative materials, illustrations of the different possible outcomes that

could be achieved and a clear indication of the impact of each option on the overall

cost of the job. We settled on a final spec based around the creation of a new brass

escutcheon & lock which I was confident would meet my aspiration of stabilizing the

box for the future while staying true to the original character and design.

While the restoration job was ongoing, they kept me informed with timely updates of

progress. And then the day arrived when the courier delivered the restored box and I

saw the beautiful job that been done for a very reasonable cost. I felt very proud to be

able to share the before & after pictures with the rest of the family. With the help of

Jackdaw Boxes, our mother’s wishes for her father’s writing box were fully met and

that has value beyond measure.

Breda

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I googled your lovely website & realised you are not too

far away from where I live…….I have a wooden box

which has been in my family for many, many years & I'd

love to use it again as a jewellery or sewing box.

Please can you cast your expert eye over the attached

photos & let me know roughly how much you would

charge to restore the box. As you'll see, the inside is in

a poor way. I'd like a simple interior finish, there is a pencil note inside the box which

reads 'cherry lining'. Look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks, Mrs H. H

Thanks for your email - happy to help..... here's my testimonial:

I was very pleased to find the Jackdaw Boxes website following an internet search for

restoration of a jewellery box that has been in

my family for many years & was needing

some love & attention. I emailed photos & we

discussed spec & approximate cost. I was

able to deliver my box by hand, talking

through how the box could be

restored. Seeing other newly restored boxes

& hand made interior papers at the Workshop

gave me the idea for a funky interior which

gives a lovely surprise when the box is

opened! They suggested & made a lined

box/shelf to sit on top for rings etc which is perfect. I had every confidence that they

would do a great job & I continue to be absolutely delighted with the results. I

know my box will be cherished for many generations to come. Very many

thanks…..Mrs.H.H Flax Bourton, North Somerset

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Hi - please find attached various angles of said item for restoration. Mother of pearl

inlay damaged on corners and in small areas, what might be 'bone' lip on the edge of

the tiers of the box need repair and one hinge, general clean and corners of box glued

and repaired – thanks- Joe

Joe’s feedback: I found an antique box in a market, hand carved with ivory inlay,

hinge broken, bits missing, lovely but in a sorry state. I liked it and Christmas was

coming up, I thought it would make an unusual present for my partner. I had to show it

to her, she loved it, but what to do? An internet search and I found Jackdaw Boxes, so

I sent an e-mail with some pictures. They followed this up with some history of the

item and we discussed the plan and (very reasonable) costs. I found service to be

excellent, and when they found some ivory edging that was more suitable than

discussed, their passion showed. The quality of the work done is superb, exactly what

we wanted, with no ideas imposed (only suggested) nor any of the arrogance you can

find with some specialists. The whole experience was exemplary and I would

recommend them wholeheartedly, Joe – North London

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Hello - I have a writing box, mostly as described in

your webpage, i.e. writing slope, "hidden drawers",

and it is rather old I think.

I am making an enquiry as I would very much like

to have it restored to a better condition.

The main problem is the broken hinges.

At the moment I can't find the key but am still

searching, the metal straps over the top of the box

have raised up and the navy blue leather which joins the two halves of the box is torn

in half but just about acceptable.

What would be your rough estimate to rectify the above from the brief description of

the restoration needed? If that is beyond what I can manage do you sell the little

hinges which it mainly needs. I am attaching some photos, the size of the hinges are

approximately 11mm x 62mm x about 1mm thick.

If you think it necessary I could post you one of the broken hinges.

I live in France, however, it is possible on my next trip over to leave it with you for

restoration if the estimate is good. Look forward to hearing from you. Regards - Judith

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Judith’s feedback:

When I decided to have my writing box lovingly restored I found Jackdaw boxes on

the first page of my internet search - not knowing quite where to start.

On contacting them by e-mail and seeing their video I didn't hesitate to entrust my box

to them. I explained the areas which I wanted restoring and was confident through

e-mail and telephone communication that they would do it with care and

understanding of my needs.

Due to the fact that I don't live in the UK they worked with me and helped me achieve

the level of restoration I was after and were extremely helpful and obliging.

When I saw my box in its restored state I was very happy with the result and feel that it

can be passed onto the next generation as a useful and handsome item. It was worth

every penny!

Judith L. Bordeaux, France

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Clients Visiting tClients Visiting tClients Visiting tClients Visiting the Workshophe Workshophe Workshophe Workshop

Clients have found us relatively easy to visit on their journeys to and through the

South-West of England. You will find a location map on our main Web Shop site.

We can be fairly flexible in accommodating visits, so long as we are contacted in

advance and confirmed a mutually agreeable appointment.

Some clients prefer to visit our Box Room and Workshop prior to any purchase. Once

here, in the case of renovation-work, a client-led specification is arrived at in the same

manner as with e-mail clients. Any meeting will be followed-up with e-mail

confirmation and if needed further clarification.

What follows are examples of the experiences from those who have visited us.

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Jo’s feedback: I was given an old sewing box buy my mother-in-law recently which

had belonged to her mother. The box whilst sound on the outside was in very poor

state internally and desperately in need of some restoration to bring back into use for

myself.

I'd discovered Jackdaw Boxes during an internet search and after making contact with

them I arranged to discuss restoration options. Upon meeting them both I

immediately felt at ease as their knowledge and understanding of my requirements

were properly explained and we soon agreed a specification for the project.

Within a few days I received confirmation by email of the specification, labour and

materials and within a week I had a surprise email informing me that the box was

ready. Upon collection, I was greeted by friendly faces who talked me through the

refurbishment work that went into the box, they even kept the old linings for me, and

presented a CD of the restoration project, start to finish.

They certainly provide an air of confidence and trust with the customer, a most

enjoyable experience. So now l have a lovely box that is usable for another 100 years,

that puts a smile on my face every time I open it, and in turn I can hand it down. I'd say

that's good value! Jo C - Somerset

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I found the experience of buying from

you absolutely charming, you spoke

with passion about your boxes and

combined with your cottage and

location my wife and I found the all

round experience excellent. If you

recall we found your website on the

internet and whilst down in Devon we

called in on you on the way back to the North therefore our only real usage of your

web site was to put us in contact with you and see what you were about.

In terms of product I feel your boxes meet a demand and for myself it set a wheel in

motion that is still revolving as my wife and I now regularly visit antique fairs and have

amassed quite a collection of Victoriana ranging from a games Tantalus complete

with period games ( cards, draughts, chess, dominoes etc), through silver pocket

watches, alberts, sovereign cases, vesta cases and pens. So you can see what our

visit last summer did to us!!! Geoffe H - Northumberland

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My boyfriend is an exceptionally hard person

to buy for; the problematic “man who has

everything”. For his 30th birthday, I was looking

for something really special; something he

could keep forever and was unique. I had

thought of the idea of a writing box for some

time, but had no idea where to find one. I was

amazed when I stumbled upon Jackdaw

Boxes online. I was immediately impressed by

the level of detail and wide range of beautifully restored boxes they had readily

available. Being a considered purchase, I was keen to see the boxes first hand before

buying one. I exchanged several emails with them who was quick to respond inviting

me to his workshop in Somerset. It was quite a drive from London, but I hadn’t seen

any boxes to this standard anywhere else, so jumped in the car on a Saturday to visit.

I had thought I would just pop in for 15 minutes, choose a box and head back to Town.

Two hours later, I had finally narrowed my decision down to one box! Throughout the

process, they were exceptionally helpful, giving the history of each and answering any

questions. On his 30th birthday, the writing box was announced ‘the best present he

had ever received’ (I also had some personalised stationary made to go inside) and it

now takes pride of place on the study desk. I love the idea that the box has had a new

lease of life, and we have started a new tradition; as the box can be passed on to new

generations. If you are looking for a unique

and very special gift, I couldn’t recommend

Jackdaw Boxes highly enough.

Susan D. West London

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The 2 Walnut boxes I brought to Jackdaw

Boxes belonged to my mother and she

always treasured them. I believe they had

belonged to her mother. They date back to

around 1860 I believe. One was originally a

writing slope, although over the years the

inside tray and the actual writing slope had

disappeared and the box had become

rather tired, with some broken wood, a

missing mother of pearl decoration and numerous chips and dents. The second box

has a lovely curved lid and had been used as a jewellery box but again was damaged

internally - my dear mother having tried to disguise this with prolific use of pink

Fablon!

When my father agreed that I could get the boxes restored I desperately wanted to do

so, so that they could continue to be treasured items in the family. My idea was to

restore the writing slope as far as possible and to refurbish and perhaps convert the

second box to one we could use to house our maj jong set.

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I found Jackdaw Boxes through an internet search. I got the impression that these

were people who really cared about restoring boxes and so it proved. They have a

real passion and care so much about ensuring their clients get what they want. What

I had not expected but was so impressed with, was the time they took to explore all

the options and suggest alternatives for us to consider. Everything from the choice

of lining paper and leather, to the choice of decoration and the materials used to

effect necessary repairs was meticulously covered. They sent us an e mail with

details of what we had discussed, for us to take our time before we decided on the

final brief. The attention to detail was amazing and they made the whole process

easy and pleasant, making sure we were happy at every stage.

They kept in touch throughout the process of renovating our boxes, letting us know

how things were progressing. They dealt quickly with any queries. They take such

pride in their work. The project was completed earlier than I had expected and to an

exceptional standard. When I raised a small query with them he went away and

worked on an alternative to see if I preferred it. This attention to detail is so rare

these days.

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I went to Jackdaw Boxes with 2 battered and damaged but much-loved boxes. I have

come away with two beautiful heirlooms. The writing slope has been restored so

beautifully that I smile every time I use it. The second box has also been restored to

its original beauty but they have ingeniously made a lift- out inner box and trays so

that we can use it to house our Maj -Jong set without interfering with the actual fabric

of the original box.

I could not recommend Jackdaw Boxes highly enough. They are very professional

and friendly and clearly love their craft. They can be trusted absolutely to work magic

on poor old battered boxes, keeping the fabric of a box intact and renovating carefully

and sympathetically so the history and originality of the box is retained. Perfect!

Liz & Steve – Somerset

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Having recently sorted out a family house we came across an intriguing writing slope

which was in a very sorry state but looked as though it might be quite unique in terms

of the number of compartments, secret drawers and brass fittings with all sorts of

uses. I googled “writing slopes” and immediately up popped the very attractive

Jackdaw site. I was immediately drawn to the fact that, although situated in an idyllic

Somerset village, the workshop is only a few miles off the A303, right on our route

between London and Devon. We arranged a visit in April, which was

fascinating. They spent ages discussing our box with us and agreeing the way

forward. We gave the go ahead, and over the next few weeks they were in touch with

a string of emails as we talked about the various options in the restoration of what has

become a beautiful, treasure and family heirloom. It is brilliant and much admired

already. Peter B. – Harrow, Middlesex

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Peter’s writing box after renovation

From the evidence of these examples of feedback, we would seem to be doing what we

have set out to do:

• We are effectively connecting with people who want a unique object in their home.

• They want this object to have a purpose - and to convey a meaning for and about them.

• Their intention is that this can be achieved through an object which they may or may not have had previously in their possession.

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To see boxes for sale on the Web Shop go to:

www.jackdawboxes.co.uk

If you want a box restored, contact Helen or Adrian at: info@jackdawboxes.co.uk

Jackdaw Boxes is subsidiary of FourthR Limited Company No.4451862