Q: Are these made from actual tins, or are they images that are glued and varnished (decoupage)?
A: Yes, these are made from actual tins that once held brand name products. They are not paper that has been cut and glued onto plastic covers!
Q: How are the switch plates made?
A: After tough task of finding the tins, they are hand-cut and formed with specialized equipment. They are not manufactured or mass produced. Each is handmade by the artist.
Q: Do you make triple or quadruple plates and GFCI plates or covers for large rocker switches?
A: We do not make triple or quadruple standard switch plates. Tins are hard to find, especially those with graphics that wrap around the tin, which would be required for these larger sized switch plates. We do make GFCI outlet covers or covers for the large rocker switches found in more modern homes!
Q: Do you make double GFCI or rocker switch plates?
A: We only make single GFCI covers and single rocker switch plates. We are able to make double GFCI/rocker covers only by request. Please email tincansally@hotmail.com for more information.
Q: Are the edges of the switch plates sharp?
A: Absolutely not! The edges of each switch plate are rounded and carefully filed.
Q: Can I get an electrical shock because these are metal?
A: As long as the electrical system in your house is updated and safe, you will not receive an electrical shock after installing the switch plates.
Q: Do I need to care for the switch plates or protect them with sealant?
A: You can clean them with soapy water as needed. We do not suggest coating them with varnish. You might want to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Q: I have a large tin collection I would like to sell. Would you be interested in buying my collection?
A: Yes! We prefer to buy tins in large lots. Not all tins will work for switch plates, so be advised we only buy tins that are desirable and they need to be at least 4-7/8 inches high. Please email tincansally@hotmail.com and tell us what you have.
Q: Do you cut up rare tins?
A: No! We understand the value of rare tins. When we find what I think is a rare tin, we offer it for sale to collectors.
Q: Do you have a paper catalog you can send me?
A: No. The inventory changes too often to print a catalog. The website is always up-to-date and is the best way to view the switch plates.
Q: I love the switch plates, but I am uncomfortable buying them online, any suggestions?
A: We understand completely! Unfortunately, they are only available on this web site. We can only suggest checking our feedback and then buying one to build your trust. We are committed to 100% satisfaction and you will be very pleased with the quality of the switch plates as well as excellent service! We are sure you will be back for more!
Q: Are all the switch plates you have on eBay?
A: No. We have many more available! If you are looking for a particular brand or color scheme, please email tincansally@hotmail.com.
Q: I saw switch plate in your store I loved, but it seems to have sold. Any chance it will become available again?
A: There is always a chance we will find the same tin or something like it. Please check back often or email tincansally@hotmail.com with your request. If found, we will make your switch plate and place it into our store inventory.
Q: Can you make a switch plate for me if I send you a tin?
A: Absolutely! Email tincansally@hotmail.com for an instruction sheet that outlines specifics when choosing your tin. Custom made single switch plates are $22.00, doubles are $24.00 and outlet covers or GFCI covers are $23.00. Custom push button single and double switch plates are $22.00 and $24.00. Additional shipping and handling charges apply. Discounts are available if your tin has usable material leftover.
Q: Do you make phone jack covers?
A: No. Unfortunately, your phone jack is wired to the plastic cover on your wall. However, if your phone jack has a large rectangular shape and a removable cover, please view GFCI or rocker covers.
Q: Why does the condition in "Item Specifics" say "New" when these are made from old tins?
A: They are considered "new" simply because they have never been used since being transformed from a tin (that was in use) to a switch plate.
Q: Do you offer a discount if I buy multiple items?
A: We only offer discounts on shipping when you buy more than one item. Tins are increasingly hard to find. We will, however, sometimes offer discounted switch plates and outlet covers in auctions.
Q: Why do you no longer offer free shipping?
A: eBay strongly promotes offering free shipping as a way to increase exposure on the site. Unfortunately, we saw decreased exposure resulting in fewer sales and more fees making it beneficial only to eBay. So, we decided to reduce prices $2.00 and charge $2.00 shipping and handling for the first item only and charge 50 cents per additional item, if purchased on one invoice. This will clearly benefit both YOU (the buyer) and TIN CAN SALLY (the seller) ONLY.