Orders
Where does Social Studies currently deliver?
We ship everywhere in the Continental US.
How far ahead should I place my order?
Your rental order must be placed at least nine (9) days ahead of your party date. All looks are subject to inventory availability.
Your retail order ships within 3-5 business days.
If your event is greater than three (3) months out, please email us at hello@social-studies.com with your desired look, party date, guest count, shipping address, and best contact phone number, and we will look into options for you in advance.
How much does Social Studies cost per guest to rent?
Our Looks vary in pricing from $22 to $72 per person.
Do you charge a delivery fee?
For our rental looks, we charge $30 flat for shipping. This is inclusive of delivery shipping, the fee for the UPS on-call pickup, and return shipping.
For retail, the shipping cost is dependent on the size of the order.
I really like to entertain. Can I order for more than one party at the same time?
Each individual party must be placed as a separate order. This is so we can keep straight what is shipping to each location and when. You are more than welcome to place more than one order, shipping to separate locations (or on different dates), on our site!
How do I make changes to an existing order?
Once an order is placed, we consider it final. But we don’t want to be total party poopers. To request a change, please email orders@social-studies.comand we’ll review it on a case-by-case basis.
What can I expect when my rental order arrives?
Each of our kits ship with settings for four (4) people in each. If your party is for six (6) people, you will receive two (2) kits with enough settings for eight (8) people. For each breakable item, there will be an extra “just in case” piece - just in case something happens in transit.
I’m ordering for a party of 4. Why did I get extra items?
Because accidents happen—in transit and otherwise—our "Just In Case" extra items make sure you’re covered.
What payment methods does Social Studies accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept PayPal and Affirm.
What condition will the rental product be in when I receive it?
While the product is not always new, it is always professionally handled, cleaned, sanitized, and packed by our white-glove professional packers to maintain a like-new condition.
How are your rental products cleaned?
Each item is cleaned and sanitized using restaurant industry standard detergent with state of the art appliances both upon return and prior to going out for delivery.
What if my guests count changes at the last minute?
If there is a guest count change that occurs in advance of our nine (9) day cutoff, please reach out to us at orders@social-studies.com. As long as we have the inventory in stock, we are happy to update your order. We will ask that the new invoice is complete ahead of the nine (9) day cutoff to consider your new order confirmed. If the guest count change is made within the (9) day window - we will do our best to accommodate. In this case the order is subject to rush fees and expedited shipping.
Delivery
How are deliveries scheduled?
Our delivery windows are 1-2 days prior to your party.
We ask for your exact party date so we can strategically ship (accounting for any potential delays) to ensure your order arrives to you 1-2 business days before your event.
Do I need to be home for my delivery?
We recommend someone is home to ensure the safety of the party goods before the event!
How can I change my delivery date?
Please contact us at orders@social-studies.com and we will let you know what other options are available.
How do I get in contact with your delivery person?
Please contact us at orders@social-studies.com.
Do you deliver on weekends and holidays?
We deliver and pick up Monday through Saturday. Holidays are on a case-by-case basis (no pun intended). Saturday parties will be picked up on Monday.
Pickup
How are pickups scheduled?
Our pickups are scheduled for the first business day after your event. All pickups have a 9 AM - 6 PM window given to us by UPS. Saturday parties will be picked up on Monday.
How can I change a pickup?
Please contact us at orders@social-studies.com and we will let you know what other options are available. Please note, in regard to requesting a tighter time window, we can always write a note to UPS within the request, but they accomplish pickups day to day whenever they are in your neighborhood for deliveries. So the new requested window may not work with the UPS daily delivery schedule.
Can I extend my rental?
Please email orders@social-studies.com to coordinate a potential re-rental.
Do I need to be home for pickup?
Social Studies kits should not be left outside unattended. Someone should be home for the handoff (pickups from doormen are also acceptable).
How do I prepare for my pickup?
Once the party is over, be sure to clear all dinnerware of food particles (sauce included!) and repack the pieces as detailed in the return instructions. Be sure to prepare your order for return ahead of your scheduled pickup date. Have any questions? We love to chat! Emails us at orders@social-studies.com for assistance.
Orders not returned on-time are subject to a late fee of $50 /day, up to 10 days after the party date.
What if I miss my pickup?
We are happy to reschedule a one-time courtesy pickup on the following business day between 9am-6pm. For a quicker return, feel free to take your kits to a nearby UPS store using the provided return labels.
What am I supposed to keep from my rental, and what do I return?
Each Look comes with a detailed packing list so you can check off which items need to be returned and what items you get to keep.
I fell in love with some of the items in my rental. Can I purchase them?
Please reach out to us at orders@social-studies.com to discuss the possibility of buying items gently used or placing an order for the item to come to you new.
Can I keep the Social Studies shipping case?!
All Social Studies cases should be returned along with their inner components. Cases not returned or returned with missing components are subject to a replacement fee of $300 per case.
Cases returned excessively dirty, containing food particles, or otherwise reflecting a repack process outside of that outlined by Social Studies are subject to a hand cleaning fee of $50 per case.
It’s the morning after, and a few items have gone missing. What do I do?
Our business depends on timely returns in order to bring the party to other customers. Items not returned after 10 days beyond the party date are subject to fees up to 200% of the retail value determined by Social Studies.
How does Social Studies clean rentals?
We use Energy Star-rated commercial dishwashers to clean our hard goods at a high temperature to ensure proper sanitization and minimal water waste. Our linens are laundered and dry cleaned by industry professionals using eco-friendly, hypoallergenic detergents.
Cancelling
How do I cancel my order?
Contact us at orders@social-studies.com. You may cancel your rental order subject to the following cancellation fees and policies:
— If you cancel thirty (30) or more days in advance of the delivery date, there is no cancellation fee and you will receive a full refund issued to the payment card.
— If you cancel less than thirty (30) days but more than fourteen (14) days in advance of the delivery date, you will not receive any refund, but you will receive a promo code that may be applied toward any future rental.
— If you cancel fourteen (14) or fewer days in advance of your delivery date, you will not receive a refund, but you will receive a promo code, minus a 10% restocking fee, that may be applied toward any future rental.
— If you cancel within seven (7) days in advance of your delivery date, you will forfeit the order amount and be charged a cancellation fee.
How are refunds processed?
If you cancel thirty (30) or more days in advance of the delivery date, there is no cancellation fee and you will receive a full refund issued to the payment card. Please allow 5 business days to process.
Damages
What do I do if something arrives damaged in my Look, Flair, or Occasion Box?
Contact us immediately at orders@social-studies.com.
Other
Does Social Studies offer other party planning services?
Not at this time. But don’t think we’re not working on it!
I have a press inquiry. Who’s the best contact?
Email press@social-studies.com.
I’m interested in discussing partnership opportunities with Social Studies. Whom do I contact?
We look forward to hearing from you at partnerships@social-studies.com.