Frequently Asked Questions

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-Saturday during normal business hours EST to assist you (closed holidays, of course). 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 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. You alone are responsible for providing an accurate, working email address that will accept our contacts.

We will do everything in our power to meet your requested delivery date but be sure to allow yourself some breathing room; 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 call our Order Center: 1-877-798-9078 between 8:30 am - 5pm EST Mon-Friday to place your order. Email requests for specific information on a garment here - Order Center staff does not have information beyond what is available on line and cannot provide information on order status.

Can I get a status on my order?

Yes - email Customer Service and be SURE to include the name of the purchaser. We cannot provide information to a 3rd party on an order for obvious reasons.

Can I call for more information?

Customer service is available by email - we are here Mon-Sat to assist you. Our Order Center is open 8:30 am - 5pm EST Mon-Friday to take your order, but they have no further information on products, availability or order status than the information provided on our website.

Can you send me a catalog?

Our extensive websites are our catalogs; they are updated daily. We do not have print versions to send you.

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

Where are you located?

Our special occasion Boutiques are on-line exclusively. Our corporate mailing address is: The Perfect Pear, l.l.c.; 900 Wilshire Dr., Ste 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 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. 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?

Simply put, quality and price go hand in hand. We select garments from manufacturers that are well worth the price. Our Boutiques are par with some of the finest salons.

How long does it take to ship?

Time frames are provided in the description of every special order item and we work diligently to keep this information up to date. Garments can deliver in less time but we will not accept an order requested in less time. They can also take a bit longer at times. In many cases you have the option of ordering standard or rush. 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.

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 requested delivery date but be sure to allow yourself adequate time because requested delivery dates are not guaranteed; while it is rare, unforeseen delays 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. Please do not put credit card information in an email message for your own safety - email is not secure.

Can I pay by check?

We are no longer accepting orders by mail or fax or with checks or money orders. Experience has shown that these orders almost never allowed adequate time to fill and we were unable to process them. To avoid such problems and disappointments, you are required to order on line or by calling and to use a credit card.

Can you send me another photograph of this item?

No. All available photographs are provided on line for everyone's review. We do not email photographs.

Do you ship to my location?

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

What is a "Special Order", anyway?

Click here What is a Special Order? for a full explanation. This link is also available from the feature page for your garment.

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 must agree that you have read and accepted 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 cannot guarantee it and cannot accept an order requesting it earlier than time frames posted.

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.

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 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.