Sensible Man Antiques
Shipping & Returns
Every piece is unique, so we take care over how it gets to you. Here’s exactly what to expect — no small print.
Local Collection
Free, by arrangement in London.
Tracked UK Post
Royal Mail Tracked 48 or Special Delivery.
International
By quote — ask before you buy.
Collection
Free local collection from Steve in London is the default. Once payment clears, we’ll email to arrange a time that suits you — usually within a day or two. Bring ID matching the order name.
For larger items (furniture, heavy cast iron, oversized mirrors) collection is strongly recommended. We can help you load.
UK tracked postage
Where an item’s size and fragility allow, we offer two Royal Mail options at checkout:
Tracked 48 (Signed)
2–3 working days
Covered up to £150. Our default service for everyday items.
Special Delivery
Next working day by 1pm
Covered up to £2,500. Recommended for anything over £150.
Cost is calculated from the combined parcel weight at checkout — you see the exact figure before paying. We ship on the next working day after payment clears, Monday to Friday.
Some items (very fragile, very heavy, awkward shapes) are collection only. This is clearly marked on the listing.
International shipping
The site checks out in UK postcodes only at the moment, but we ship internationally by arrangement. Dozens of pieces have gone to Europe, North America, Australia and Japan over the years.
If you’re outside the UK and want something:
- Email info@sensiblemanantiques.com or use the “Ask Steve” button on the listing with your full address.
- Steve will quote fully tracked, insured shipping by the best carrier for your country.
- Once you’re happy, we’ll reserve the item and send a secure payment link.
Import duty & tax: buyers outside the UK are responsible for any import duty, VAT or customs charges levied by the destination country. We’ll include the item’s declared value on the customs form — we cannot mark shipments as gifts or under-declare.
Payment & reservation
We take full payment by card via Stripe. The moment your payment clears, the item is yours — no reservations expire, no-one can buy it out from under you.
While you’re on the payment screen there’s a 15-minute hold so the item can’t be bought by anyone else while you’re entering your card.
Returns
14-day return window.
Under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations you have the right to cancel an online purchase within 14 days of receipt. We honour that — no questions, no restocking fees.
How it works
- Email us within 14 days of delivery (or collection) to start a return.
- Send the item back within 14 days of telling us, in the same condition you received it, in packaging that protects it in transit.
- You cover the return postage (and it must be fully insured for the purchase price — we can advise).
- Once we’ve checked the item is back in the condition we sent it, we refund the full purchase price to your original card within 5 working days. Outbound postage is refunded too.
Important for one-of-a-kind pieces
- Every item is sold “as described” using detailed photos and an honest condition note. Patina, age, marks and repairs are part of the piece — we highlight them in the listing. Please look carefully before you buy.
- If an item arrives damaged in transit, tell us within 48 hours with photos and we’ll sort it immediately.
- If an item is materially different from the listing, we’ll refund in full and cover return postage — that’s on us.
Items damaged after delivery through wear, cleaning or alteration are not covered.