F.A.Q.S.   > I have a Clay-Mate that I cannot find on your website – does this mean I have a ‘Rare’ Clay-Mate?   If you have a Clay-Mate that is not the same as the standard Clay-Mates shown on the website either in colour scheme or shape then you may have a RARE Clay-Mate! Remember that it might just be a brand-new Clay-Mate and that we have not updated the site yet so keep checking! If you do have a ‘Rare’ Clay-Mate, take good care of it as it may become valuable. Only a few will have been made - possibly only a few hundred. Take good care of it!   > Where are Clay-Mates Made?   Clay-Mates are made by hand in our own Clay-Mate Pottery in the Far East but they are all designed by the Clay-Mate Crew in the UK. Clay-Mates are made by adults only, and for a fair rate of pay.   > Where can I buy Clay-Mates?   Clay-Mates are available through ‘Authorised Stores’ AND on line from this site – the ONLY official Clay-Mate Website. There is a handy ‘Storefinder’ on the website. Just type in your area and you can see a map and list of stores near you.   > Why does my local shop charge more for Clay-Mates?   In each Country, stores should all charge the same price for Clay-Mates – some Clay-Mates are harder to get than others but they should all be the same price. If your shop is charging too much then let us know.   > If I order from your website, how long before I get my new Clay-Mates?   The Clay-Mate Crew work really hard and never sleep or have w/ends off so it will be pretty quick because we know that you won’t be able to wait!   > Will there be other Clay-Mate things to buy?   Sure! We’re working all the time – and we’ll listen to all your suggestions.   > Talking of that. What are 'Occasion' Clay-Mates ?   We have come up with a great new Clay-Mate product that is rather like are greetings card except that because it contains a special Clay-Mate, it will last much longer than a card - forever even!  So, if you would like to send a greeting to someone such as Happy Birthday, Get Well Soon, Thinking of You or Thank you, what better way. The packaging unfolds to reveal your own handritten short message and the Clay-Mate can be removed easily to attach to a computer, bedside table or whatever you like. Occasion Clay-Mates can be sent direct from our website shop (Special Products section) with your own personal message.    > How do I find a Clay-Mate with my birthday?   Go to the on-line shop and all the Clay-Mates are listed with their birthdates. You can use the tool at the top(almost) right to search for a birthday.   > How do I get a copy of the last Clay-Mates Newsletter?   Click the 'View' menu and click on the link for the latest newsletter. Click HERE to view it.   > How Many Clay-Mates fit in the Special Clay-Mate House?   100 – The bottom two rows are 50% taller to allow for your taller Clay-Mates.   > Can you Pleeze name a New Clay-Mate after my pet/me?   Natural enough question… but no, Clay-Mate collectors all want this one. Sorry but we can’t make exceptions. We’d be MOBBED!!!   > Are ‘Endangered’ Clay-Mates still available?   When we announce that a Clay-Mate is Officially ‘Endangered’, there will still be lots of them out in the shops and they will still be available on the website shop until stocks have all found themselves a ‘loving home’. When we say that they are ‘Endangered’ it means that we have stopped making them and will not make any more….. EVER!   > What Are 'Extinct' Clay-Mates?   Clay-Mates that are 'Extinct' are not only not being made any more, but we have no more stock available. These are the ones to look out for. They will still be displayed in the On Line Shop but you cannot buy them. You may find them in the odd shop or be able to swap or buy them from other collectors.   > Can you tell how old Clay-Mates are?   The oldest Clay-Mates go back to about the year 2002 but there were not many about at that time. We started to place a ‘Hallmark’ on their bottoms in 2003 and we plan to change that mark periodically – so that collectors can tell the ‘Vintage’ ones .   > I’ve broken my Clay-Mate by dropping it on a hard surface, how do I fix it?   Well, a broken Clay-Mate will always be a broken Clay-Mate but you can fix them up with super glue. (young collectors, This is a job for mum or dad) Watch out for your fingers though!   > Why does EVERYONE love Clay-Mates?   We dunno… maybe it’s because they are so small. Or because they are so carefully handmade. That they’re made of earth but don’t cost the earth! Perhaps it’s the pastel colours or the fun expressions on their little faces. Maybe it’s because they can be slipped into a pocket and brought out… just when someone needs a smile. It could be because they’ll last for many generations and will make people smile that have not even been born yet..   > How can I be first to know about new stuff?   Easy! Sign up for free for the occasional Clay-Mates Newsletter and we’ll keep you ‘in the know’. Click HERE to subscribe   > Can Anyone else see my Clay-Mate collection on-line on your site?   Nope! Not unless you tell them your username and password. It’s for your eyes only. > What is a Clay-Message ?   When you purchase 15 Clay-Mates we will give you the opportunity to send a friend a free Clay-Mate with a message of your own. This must be to someoneoutside your own family. You cannot send one to yourself or to anyone at the same address. This opportunity is offered when you complete the checkout process.