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Surry Hills Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 11:00-16:00 (02) 8351 4894 By Appointment Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Klepticelyx knowledge centre. We understand that commissioning a bespoke binding or entrusting a family heirloom for repair is a significant decision. To ensure complete transparency and a smooth collaborative process, we have compiled this comprehensive guide covering our workshop's operational standards, material selection, and administrative policies. If your specific enquiry is not addressed below, please visit our contact page for a personal consultation.

Orders and Materials

What materials do you use for custom bindings?

We utilise only professional-grade, archival materials to ensure the longevity of your volume. Our primary selection includes premium goatskin leather, archival-quality linen, and various weights of handmade paper. We avoid acidic glues and synthetic materials that can degrade over time. For every project, we provide a detailed material sample board for your approval before the cutting process begins. You can learn more about these choices in our binding guide.

Can I provide my own materials for a project?

While we prefer using our curated inventory of archival materials to guarantee the structural integrity of the book, we can discuss the use of client-provided fabrics or papers in specific cases. However, we cannot guarantee the lifespan of the binding if the materials do not meet professional conservation standards. All provided materials must be inspected by our Conservation Specialist prior to acceptance.

How is the material selection process handled?

Once an initial enquiry is accepted, we schedule a consultation to discuss the aesthetic and functional requirements of the book. We present a selection of leathers and linens. Only after the materials and the final estimate are formally agreed upon do we proceed to the production phase. This ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with your vision.

Do you offer bespoke designs for corporate gifts?

Yes, we specialise in small-batch luxury editions and corporate gift books. We can integrate specific brand colours using our archival linen range or emboss custom logos into leather covers. For these projects, we follow our B2B payment terms, where settlement is required within 14 days of delivery.

Timelines and Delivery

What is the average lead time for a custom order?

The average lead time for our projects is 3-6 weeks. This duration allows for the careful preparation of the block, the drying of adhesives, and the meticulous hand-stitching required for a durable binding. Complex restorations or large-scale family albums may require more time, which will be specified in your individual quote.

Do you offer an expedited service for urgent projects?

We can accommodate urgent requests depending on our current workshop capacity. Please note that a rush fee of 25% will be added to the total cost of the order to prioritise your project in the production queue. We recommend contacting us as early as possible to ensure availability.

How will I be notified when my book is ready?

Once the final quality check is complete, we will notify you via email or phone. We provide a set of photographs of the completed work for your review before you collect the item from our Sydney workshop or arrange for secure transport.

What happens if I cannot collect my order immediately?

We provide a complimentary storage period of 30 days after the notification of completion. If the item is not collected or shipped within this timeframe, we may apply a storage fee to cover the space in our archival cabinets.

Antique and Valuable Books

Do you perform full restorations on museum-grade artifacts?

No. While we provide high-level conservation and repair for private collections, we do not undertake the restoration of state-protected cultural heritage items that require official government accreditation. We focus on extending the life of private libraries and family heirlooms using professional conservation techniques.

How do you handle the safety of my original documents?

Your originals are stored in a climate-controlled environment within our 45 m² workshop. We follow strict handling protocols to prevent any damage. Detailed terms regarding the liability and care of originals on deposit can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Can you repair a book that is falling apart at the spine?

Yes, this is a common request. Depending on the damage, we can either perform a "re-back" (repairing the existing spine) or a full re-binding. Our Conservation Specialist will assess the structural integrity of the paper and the sewing to determine the most appropriate path for preservation.

What should I prepare before bringing an antique book for repair?

We recommend documenting the current state of the book with photographs. If the book has a known history or specific previous repairs, please share this information with us. This helps our team choose the most compatible adhesives and materials for the repair process.

Payment and Legal

What are your payment terms for custom work?

To initiate a project and secure the necessary materials, we require a deposit of 40% of the total estimated cost. The remaining balance is due upon completion and prior to the collection or delivery of the finished volume.

Is it possible to cancel an order once it has started?

Orders can be cancelled prior to the commencement of work. However, once the material has been cut (the "cutting phase"), the cost of those materials is non-refundable as they are custom-selected and cut to the specific dimensions of your book.

How do you handle my personal data?

We handle all personal information in strict accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Your data is used solely for the purpose of order management and communication. For full details, please review our Privacy Policy.

Are your prices inclusive of tax?

All prices listed on our website and in our quotes are inclusive of GST (10%) unless explicitly stated otherwise. For B2B clients, we provide detailed invoices showing the GST component for your accounting purposes.

If you have further questions regarding our processes, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at (02) 8351 4894. Our team typically responds to all enquiries within 24 hours during our standard business hours.

Please note that all images used on our website are illustrative and intended to showcase our capabilities and the general aesthetic of our work. Each bespoke commission is unique and will be tailored to the specific requirements of the client and the nature of the material.