FAQ
Ordering & Lead Time
How long will my order take?
Every piece is made to order and hand-stitched by one maker. Typical lead time is about 6 weeks — across 700+ pieces since 2012, the median from order to dispatch has been around 40 days. Occasionally a finished piece is available in the In Stock collection and ships right away.
Can you rush an order?
Sometimes — if you have a deadline (a birthday or a trip), write to me before ordering and I will tell you honestly whether it is possible.
Can I cancel or return my order?
Every piece is made to order in the leather and colors you choose, so returns and exchanges are not accepted (see the Refund Policy). Please double-check your choices before ordering — and if you spot a mistake, email me right away: once your order enters the production queue, changes and cancellations are no longer possible.
Is this suitable as a gift?
Very much so — a lot of orders are gifts. Every piece ships in the same carefully wrapped MILDY HANDS packaging, whatever the occasion; there is no separate gift-wrap option because it isn’t needed. If you have a date to meet, see the rush-order question above.
Shipping
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, from Taiwan, with tracking on every order. At checkout you can choose International Parcel (US$15, 10–15 business days), EMS (US$25, 5–10 business days), or DHL Express (US$45, 2–3 business days). Orders to the United States currently ship by DHL Express only. Duties and import taxes, if any, are the buyer’s responsibility — see the Shipping Policy for details.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
PayPal. You can pay with a credit or debit card through PayPal’s guest checkout — no PayPal account needed.
Leather & Care
Which leather should I choose?
Start with Leather & Colors. If you are deciding between Horween and Shinki Hikaku shell cordovan, the blog has side-by-side aging records — the same pieces photographed after eight and ten years of daily use.
Does shell cordovan scratch?
Yes — fresh shell picks up light marks easily. Most rub out with a finger or a soft cloth, and the surface settles into a deeper sheen with use. The blog posts above show exactly how it looks years in.
How do I care for my piece?
Keep it away from water as much as you can — rain and spills mark shell cordovan easily. If it does get wet, gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth right away and let it air-dry in the shade; never use a hair dryer or direct sun. Day to day, avoid rubbing against keys or other sharp objects, keep it out of hot or humid places, and wipe it with a dry soft cloth now and then. A small amount of cordovan-specific wax once in a while (I recommend Saphir Médaille d’Or Cordovan Cream, neutral) keeps the leather nourished — use sparingly, more is not better.
What about light scratches, or storing it long-term?
Light scratches usually fade if you work a small amount of cream in with a soft cloth in circular motions; deep cuts may not fully disappear. If you won’t use a piece for a long time, keep it in a breathable dust bag with a desiccant pack, away from sunlight, and take it out to air once in a while.
Repairs
Do you repair your pieces?
Yes. MILDY HANDS pieces can come back for care — customers have sent wallets in after ten years of use. A full restitch is US$60; shipping both ways is paid by the customer. Email me photos of your piece and we will go from there.
About
Who makes the products?
One person — Rex, in Taoyuan, Taiwan. MILDY HANDS started in 2012 and has made 700+ pieces, shipped to 32 countries. The shop sold on Etsy from 2014 to 2025 (4.94★ over 145 reviews, now archived on the Reviews page).