FAQs and Policies

We at Paper Connection ensure you are in every way a satisfied customer, from the moment you click to the opening your package of paper. Here are answers to selected questions you may have, as well as our policies, to help guide you in the ordering process.  Don't see your question covered?Call us at 1.401.454.1436 or write us at contactus@paperconnection.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 2023 Updates: 

Please note some of our shipping rates have reflected the recent rate increase by USPS.  If you prefer alternate shipping methods, please email us at contactus@paperconnection.com. 

If you are working with a deadline, please contact us directly at 401-454-1436 to discuss alternatives to expedite your order.

Questions about Paper Connection International and Paper:

Q: Do you make paper?

A: Although we are not making the papers we carry, we do offer in-person papermaking workshops at our new Art Annex. Paper Connection International has been providing the finest in handmade papers from the East to paper lovers in the West and beyond! With thirty years of experience in the field of handmade paper, we are proud to represent papermakers who elevate their craft by consistently producing by hand quality made sheets.  These papermakers practice sustainable methods of papermaking, which are time-honored traditions, and thereby support not only their communities but the environment as well.   

Q: What is washi?

A: Washi basically means "Japanese paper", and can refer to a wide variety of papers: whether a richly patterned "Yuzen" paper with traditional Japanese motifs, or a plain white sheet devoid of fibers, ideal for a certain type of printmaking.

Q: Do you have rice paper?

A: Rice paper has been a misnomer for centuries, with consumers mistakenly thinking that the above mentioned washi is made out of rice. Although there is such a thing as rice paper, the washi that we carry is generally handmade out of tree-free, bast fibers, such as "kozo", or the Japanese paper mulberry bush.

Questions Regarding Ordering, Shipping, and Returns:

Q: How is my paper shipped?

A: We ship all papers rolled, in a tube or rectangular box. Papers shipped flat incur more shipping charges and are more prone to damage, so the rolled method has been the method of choice. The utmost care is taken to select, roll, and pack your paper. Perhaps you ordered a variety in weight, texture, and size; our staff rolls the various papers based on each sheet's personality, so that it is safely nestled in its box en route.   Although our packing record is close to 98% perfect, sometimes damage occurs en route, etc. Therefore, PLEASE INSPECT THE CONTENTS OF YOUR PACKAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECEIPT.  Contact us within 7 days of receipt, if there is a problem.  -See "RETURN POLICY" section below.

Q: How long does it take to receive my order?

A: We typically ship via UPS Ground within the 48 contiguous United States, therefore we prefer if you include a street address with your shipping information. We ship via Prioriy Mail only in certain circumstances, ie, outside the 48 contiguous states:  We reserve the right to ship via US Post Office or UPS for all domestic orders at our discretion. Large sheets of paper CANNOT be shipped via First Class Mail  within the USA, again due to the shape of the shipping tube.  If noted or if the customer prefers an alternate shipping method (not shown here), the customer should contact us via email or telephone.  If you live in a multi-unit building with no or little security, please contact us and we can add "signature confirmation" service.  

1. Please plan ahead. Orders (within the USA) that consist of papers by the sheet will take usually no more than 5 business days to process (under normal global conditions). (May be a bit slower during the pre-holiday season.)  You will receive an email confirmation upon shipment leaving our door.

2. Orders to be shipped within the USA which consist of product only, (non-sheet items, ie stationery), will take 3-5 business days to process. You will receive an email confirmation upon shipment leaving our door.

3. Orders comprising of both product and papers by the sheet will take usually no more than 5 business days to process - in this case, sometimes your order will arrive in 2 separate packages.  You will receive an email confirmation upon shipment leaving our door.

We are not responsible for loss, theft, or delays that occur after items are shipped out of our warehouse/showroom.  Our warehouse is closed on the weekends. 

If you are working with a deadline, or have special shipping request, please contact us directly at 401-454-1436 to discuss alternatives to expedite your order.  We will do our best to accomodate your situation.

Some international shipments can be shipped First Class; see below.

Q: Do you ship outside the United States?

A: Due to recent changes we will only be shipping within the US. This is a temporary situation. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes to our valued customers outside the US. Presently our priority is finding a reliable, cost and time effective means to deliver our papers on an international scale. If you need paper and currently need it shipped outside the US please contact us at paperexperts@paperconnection.com for custom service. Thank you for your continued support of handmade paper. 

 Q: What types of payment do you accept?

A: Payment is accepted through most major credit cards. Orders may be cancelled if payment is not received within that time period. Buyers will be contacted before any cancellation is processed. Rhode Island customers may be subject to sales tax.

Q: What is your return policy?

Please inspect the contents of your package immediately after receipt. Contact us within 7 days of receipt, if there is damage.  We will instruct you what to do in the case of damage. 

If the item you ordered is not satisfactory, please contact us within 7 days of receipt of package to see what we can do to leave you a happy customer. 

No orders can be returned without pre-authorization.  Authorized returns must be completed within 2 business days after contacting Paper Connection.  Buyer is subject to a 15% restocking fee, in the case of certain return transactions.

Q: Do I really need to know all these code numbers?

A: Of course not; that is an in-house feature that the Paper Connection staff has publicly shared in order to expedite your ordering process. With over 3,000 types of paper items, we have a lot of inventory to remember! So these codes simply help move your order along even more swiftly. If you do care to remember and call in your order, using these codes, we would be thrilled!