Shipping, Returns & Made-to-Order Policy

Please remember, we really are a blacksmith shop. We much prefer to make hardware than re-make it, and we really don’t like to ship more than once. Getting it right the first time takes a collaborative effort, so this policy starts where every good order starts: with a conversation.

This policy covers ordering, payment, lead times, shipping, returns and defects for hardware purchased from Brandywine Forge. It is part of our Terms of Use. The terms in your written quote or order confirmation control if they differ from this page. Effective date: October 5, 2026.

1. Talk to us before you order

We strongly urge you to call us before placing your order, even if you feel you don’t have any questions. A short call lets us firm up availability and pricing, review your measurements, and catch the small details that cause most mis-orders, such as offsets, pintle type and finish. It is always better to finalize the details up front than to mis-order and have to return hardware.

Call 610-948-5116 or email [email protected]. You can also send a quote list from the Site with our quote request form, and we will follow up. See also Ordering Information.

2. Made to order and fitted to your dimensions

Most Brandywine Forge hardware is made to order in our shop and fitted to the dimensions you give us. Because of that, the accuracy of your measurements matters.

• Measure the actual shutters, doors and openings rather than relying on plans, and measure more than once.
• Tell us about anything unusual, such as out-of-square openings or projecting trim.
• When in doubt, send photographs or a sketch with dimensions.

You are responsible for the measurements and specifications you provide and for reviewing the details we confirm back to you. Hardware made correctly to the dimensions in an approved order is not defective if those dimensions turn out to be wrong. If that happens, call us; any re-work will be quoted as a new order.

Hand-made hardware varies within normal tolerances; see our Disclaimer.

3. Quotes and order confirmation

Prices on the Site may be outdated and are confirmed by phone. Once we have the details, we will give you a quote showing the hardware, finishes, quantities, prices, estimated shipping, estimated lead time and payment terms. An order becomes firm when you approve the quote and we confirm the order to you in writing by email, fax or mail, and any payment due at that time has been received. Review it carefully; production is based on what it says.

4. Payment terms

There is no online checkout on the Site, and we never ask for payment information through the Site’s forms. Payment terms, accepted payment methods and the timing of any payment before production or before shipment are confirmed in writing with your quote. Prices are in U.S. dollars. Applicable sales tax is added where required.

5. Changes and cancellations

If you need to change or cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible. Before work has begun, we can usually make changes or cancel without charge. Once material has been cut, forged or sent out for finishing, the work has been made specifically for you, and changes or cancellations may not be possible or may be subject to charges for work and materials already committed.

6. Lead times

We quote a lead time for each order rather than publishing a standard one. Lead time depends on the type and quantity of hardware, the finish and our current workload. Lead times are good-faith estimates, not guarantees. If you have a firm deadline, tell us up front.

7. Finishes and how they affect delivery

• Bare metal hardware comes to you as it came from the forge, with some scale, some bright spots where edges were ground, and mill finish on the starting material. Bare metal hardware is bulk packed, which is part of the price difference between bare and finished hardware. It is not protected against rust and should be primed and painted, or otherwise finished, promptly after arrival. Light surface rust on bare metal is normal and is not a defect.
• E-coating (electro-deposition coating topped with powdercoat) is our preferred and standard exterior finish. The time needed for the finishing process is included in the lead time we quote.
• Mechanical galvanizing is available when severe protection of mild steel hardware is needed. It is not cheap, and it adds about two weeks to delivery.
• Stainless steel and other special materials or custom finishes are quoted individually, including any added time.

Minor finish marks from handling or racking that do not affect function or corrosion protection are normal.

8. Shipping within the United States

We ship throughout the United States. We choose a carrier suited to the size and weight of the order, from parcel service to motor freight. Shipping charges depend on weight, size and destination and are quoted with your order; the ZIP or postal code you give us helps us estimate them. Carrier delivery dates are estimates. Risk of loss passes to you when the shipment is delivered to the address you specify; please make sure the address and phone number are correct and someone can receive freight deliveries.

9. Inspect your shipment on arrival

Please open and inspect your shipment as soon as it arrives, and in any event before installation or finishing.

• Count the pieces against the packing list or order confirmation.
• If a carton is visibly damaged, note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing, and take photographs of the packaging and contents.
• Report any shortage, damage or error to us promptly after delivery, by phone or email, with your order details and photographs. Carriers set their own deadlines for damage claims, and some are short.

We will work with you and the carrier to repair, replace or otherwise resolve damage that occurred in transit. Claims reported after hardware has been installed, altered or refinished may not be accepted.

10. Returns

Stock items

If we supplied an item from stock, unaltered and not made or modified for your order, you may ask to return it. Please contact us first; returns sent without our authorization may not be accepted. Returned items must be unused, uninstalled and in their original condition and packaging. After inspecting the return, we will refund or credit the purchase price as agreed. Unless the return is due to our error, original and return shipping costs are your responsibility, and a restocking charge may apply; any such charge will be stated when we authorize the return.

Custom and made-to-order items

Hardware made, cut, sized, drilled, finished or otherwise modified to your specifications is made specifically for you and cannot be returned or refunded unless it is defective or does not match the order confirmation. This includes items ordered with a special finish such as mechanical galvanizing.

Our mistakes

If we shipped the wrong item or made something that does not match your confirmed order, we will make it right by correcting, replacing or refunding it, and we will cover reasonable shipping costs to do so.

11. Defects in materials and workmanship

We take pride in our work. If any hardware we make has a defect in materials or workmanship, please contact us with a description and photographs. If we confirm the defect, we will, at our option, repair it, replace it, or refund the purchase price of the defective item. Please do not install hardware you believe to be defective. This remedy does not cover normal wear, rust on bare metal, weathering, lack of maintenance, improper installation, misuse, alteration, or normal variation in hand-made work. Any written warranty that applies to your order will be stated in your order confirmation. To the extent permitted by law, our responsibility for any item is limited as described in our Terms of Use and does not include installation, removal or reinstallation labor.

12. International orders

We are primarily set up to serve customers in the United States, but we can ship elsewhere by arrangement. International orders are quoted individually. You are responsible for customs duties, import taxes and brokerage fees. Please contact us to discuss your project before ordering.

13. Questions

Brandywine Forge, 201 North 4th Ave. #5, Royersford, PA 19468, USA. Phone 610-948-5116; fax 610-948-9629. Email [email protected] (sales) or [email protected] (general).