Frequently Asked Questions

Click on your question to go directly to the answer or scroll all the way through to see everything.

Is it in stock?

Most items are by special order with a few exceptions including merchandise in the Clearance Department. Stock items can be shipped within a couple of days [plus shipping time]. Special order items require adequate time to have the garment made or purchased specifically for you and arrive here; required time frames are included in the description for each individual special order garment. Be sure to read "What is a Special Order?". Do be sure to allow as much time as possible and to all your self some breathing room.

I need more information - how do I get it?

Simply send an email to Customer Service and we will be happy to assist you. Be sure to include the style number and other important information about the garment you wish to know more about. Our staff is available Mon-Sat (closed holidays) during normal business hours EST to assist you. We enjoy sharing the vast information we have available with you.

Will it fit?

Take accurate measurements and honestly compare them to the size chart. We guarantee that the garment will fit a child with the measurements on the size chart. We cannot, of course, guarantee the accuracy of the measurements over which we have no control.

Please be cautioned that our sizes run very different from off the rack sizes and garments from one manufacturer run different from those from another. Using the chart linked to your garment is critical - the correct size chart is linked with each garment for your use.

Taking those measurements and comparing them to the size chart is the way to insure a good fit. A link is given to a page with tips to assist you in taking measurements. Instructions for measuring are here: Measuring.There is really no mystery about it - it's quite simple. Measurements on the charts are measurements of the child to fit into the garment, not the measurements of the garment (unless stated otherwise on the chart). Adequate ease is allowed for a formal fit. A formal fit is something quite different from the fit of our normal everyday clothing.

How long will it take to arrive?

We work diligently to keep information on our website up to date; time frames are provided with each item in the descrption. You are asked for a requested delivery date which is NOT the "wear date". We relay this to the manufacturer and they determine if they can reasonably expect to meet it or be near. This date is the target date for delivery but is not a guaranteed delivery date.

Orders are not accepted in less time than requested in the description. In many cases you have the option of ordering standard or rush order. Deliveries within the continental United States can be shipped standard (4-10 days) or expedited (2 days to most locations). Expedited shipping is required on rush orders. If you do not select expedited shipping on a rush order, it will still be shipped standard and delivery can be delayed.

Allow more time for delivery outside the continental United States. We are not able to quote time frames for these locations.

Watch your email after you place your order because we notify our customers as quickly as possible if there is a significant problem and some times we need your answer to a question before we can process your order.

We will do everything in our power to meet your requested delivery dateb but be sure to allow yourself some breathing room and don't wait until the last possible moment. While it is not common, unforeseen delays can happen.

How can I order?

You are welcome to place your order on line with our very secure ordering system or you can call our Order Center: 1-877-798-9078 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm EST Mon-Friday to place your order. Requests for information should be emailed - our Order Center staff does not have information beyond what is available on line and cannot provide information on order status. Please email Customer Service for this information.

Can I get a status on my order?

Yes - email Customer Service and be SURE to include the name of the purchaser. Of course for privacy purposes we cannot answer questions to a third party.

Can I call for more information?

Customer service is by email - we are here Mon-Sat (closed holidays) to assist you. Our Order Center is prepared to take your order, but they have no further information on products or order status than the information provided on our website.

Can you send me a catalog?

Our extensive website is our catalog; we do not have a print version to send you. Our sites are updated daily with new offerings, items and sizes that have sold out are removed, and changes in turn-around times and other important information are updated.

You can shop 24 hrs. a day every day of the year! Feel free to print off any part that may assist you. If you are having difficulty seeing details, viewing them on another monitor may help; adjusting brightness/contrast can help too. Availability dates change daily

Where are you located?

Our children's special occasion shops are on-line exclusively. Our corporate mailing address is: The Perfect Pear, l.l.c.; 900 Wilshire Dr., Suite 202, Troy, MI 48084. To learn more about our business beginning in 1993, visit About Us.

Can you send me fabric swatches?

No. Garments are not made here and we do not have fabric to send to you. A thorough explanation is available in What is a Special Order?.

Every time fabric is dyed - even the same fabric by the same company using the same color formula - the shade turns out differently. Everything affects it, from the hardness of the water to even the temperature and humidity of the day. Each time fabric is dyed it will produce a different variation in shade. Not all shades will even look good together! For a perfect match, fabric must all be from the same dye lot.

The only way to get a match is to order the fabric for all garments from the same manufacturer at the same time from the same dye lot. To match children's clothing to the adult's clothing would require ordering matching outfits or fabrics from the salon for the children's clothing from the same dye lot. It is best to plan on selecting coordianting colors rather than matching; contrasting colors can be even better!

For more information and ideas on colors for the children in your wedding, request your free Wedding Tips.

How do I know what the quality is like?

Quality and price go hand in hand. We strive to offer choices in several different price ranges and select garments from manufacturers that are well worth the price; none are discounted (except Clearance, of course). What is the quality difference? Fabrics and workmanship. Honestly ask yourself which of the following statements suits they way you feel and your present situation best:

He's only going to wear it once
We're on a budget
This is special and I want the nicest I can get - within reason
I can spend a little more than usual for something really nice
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event and I want the best!
Money is no object to get something extraordinary for this occasion

If either of the first two are describe you, select the Economy or Budget-Sensative lines. If the two middle statements are more to your thinking, select Moderate. If the last two statements reflect your preferences, select the highest-end such as Fine and Couture departments.

How long does it take to ship?

We work diligently to keep information on our website up to date; time frames are provided with each item in the descrption. You are asked for a requested delivery date which will be our target delivery date but is not guaranteed. Garments can deliver earlier or later. We do not accept orders requested in less time than requested requested in the description. In most cases you have the option of ordering standard or rush order. Deliveries within the continental United States can be shipped standard (4-7 days) or expedited (2 days to most locations). Expedited shipping is required on rush orders.

Allow more time for delivery outside the continental United States. We are not able to quote time frames for these locations.

Watch your email after you place your order, because we notify our customers as quickly as possible when there is a problem and some times we need your answer to a question before we can proceed.

We will do everything in our power to meet your required delivery date. Be sure to allow yourself some breathing room whenever possible; while it is very rare, unforeseen things can happen.

Can I Send it as a Gift?

We will be happy to ship to another person or location of your choosing if we offer shipping to that location. The recipient will receive a shipper without prices and you will receive your invoice by email in .pdf format. All policies apply regarding returns. We can not offer gift wrapping or gift cards at this time.

Can I pay by credit card?

Absolutely! We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Can I pay by check?

We are no longer accepting mail-in or fax orders. Why? Simply - time frames. These orders usually allowed less time than required and we were unable to process or fill most. A credit card is required.

Can you send me another photograph of this item?

All available photographs are posted on our website for everyone's viewing.

Do you ship to my location?

We presently ship throughout the United States, Canada, the UK, Japan, WesternEurope and several other countries. A full list is in the drop-down box on the order form.

What is a "Special Order", anyway?

For a full explanation, please read: Special Order Infomration. When you're vieiwing the feature page of a garment you will also see this link for more information.

What is your return policy?

All our policies are posted for your review on line under Policies. Please take the time to read them thoroughly - you are required to accept them when you place your order. There are no exceptions.

Can I have it sooner?

The time frame in the description will show the minimum time frame possible for shipping the item(s) of your choice. While they may arrive sooner, we will not accept an order requested sooner or make such a promise.

How do I know what size to order?

Use the link on the feature page for your garment to our full page of tips and suggestions for measuring and selecting a size. Then take measurements firmly and compare to the size chart provided with your garment.

Taking those measurements and comparing them to the size chart is the way to insure a good fit. A direct link to those instructions for measuring are here: Measuring.There is really no mystery about it - it's simple. Measurements on the charts are measurements of the child to fit into the garment, not the measurements of the garment unless stated otherwise on the chart. Adequate ease is allowed for a formal fit. A formal fit is something quite different from the fit of our normal everyday clothing. And please, do not confuse selecting a size here with the size you may purchase elsewhere.