FAQs

When will my order ship?

We do our best to accurately estimate when items will ship from our warehouse in Northern Virginia. Estimated shipping time is based on several factors, including product type, your destination address, and how quickly we complete your order. For example, the estimated shipping time is usually 2-4 weeks as we restore our vintage typewriters on demand (some of our best selling typewriters may be shipped within 5-10  business days). In general, the estimated shipping time for an in stock item can be determined as follow:

• Restored Typewriters: 2-4 weeks (5-10 business days for some popular models; please contact us for delivery date estimate)
• Most Accessories (ribbons, dust covers, and replacement feet, etc.): 2-5 business days
• Digital Gift Cards: Instantly

When will my order be delivered?

To calculate the expected delivery date, please add the estimated shipping dates to the transit time as listed below:

• Standard U.S.: 2-7 business days
• Expedited U.S.: 1 to 3 business days
• International Standard: 2-6 weeks (except Canadian orders)
• International Expedited: 2-7 business days for most international shipments.

(Other special delivery services such as Priority Overnight or Saturday Delivery may be arranged for an extra charge. Please contact us for quote.)

Do you ship outside the United States?

Yes, we ship to most locations in Europe and Asia. Due to security concerns, we reserve our rights not to ship our products to certain regions or countries. If you have any questions regarding our international shipping policy, please contact us for assistance.

How will my order be shipped (which carrier)?

Standard Delivery Service for typewriter orders is via UPS or FedEx Ground and small packages such as accessories and gifts are shipped via U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail or Priority Mail. Expedited or Express Service is via UPS or FedEx 2nd Day Air for domestic orders. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico are shipped via U.S. Postal Service. myTypewriter.com is proud to offer shipping to APO addresses. International orders are shipped via U.S. Postal Service for Standard mail and UPS or FedEx Express for Expedited services.

What if I change my mind and want a different model or color after my order is placed?

Once an order is placed at myTypewriter.com, you cannot make changes. For assistance please contact us via email.

What if I am not pleased with my selection, can I return this purchase?

As long as the purchase was made within 30 days from the receipt of your order, you may return or exchange your order. We must receive goods in their original condition to fully credit you for the return or exchange. All return shipping must be prepaid by buyers and we cannot accept collect deliveries.

• Before you make a return, you will need to obtain a Return Authorization Number by contacting us first.
• Once you receive our confirmation, download the Return/Exchange form and return the completed form along with your package.
• Make sure that items are properly packed and return to the address as indicated in our return authorization email:

If you are returning a typewriter, please follow the detail packing instruction provided in the Returns & Exchanges section.

Will my order be taxed?

Applicable sales tax will be included on all orders shipped to a Virginia address.

What do I do if my item arrives damaged?

Customer satisfaction is our goal at myTypewriter.com. Please contact us immediately via email and we will replace the order for you.

Can I see a record of my transactions with myTypewriter.com?

By registering with us, you can check your order status online by clicking on the My Account link. All of the details regarding past purchases will be conveniently stored for you in an organized listing. You can also check the status of an order placed with myTypewriter.com by contacting us via email.

Do you offer gift packaging?

Currently , we are unable to offer gift packaging for typewriters. For other products, please contact us by email and as we may provide the service at a nominal fee.

Are your vintage typewriters in working condition?

Yes, unless otherwise noted, each vintage typewriter we offer is restored to its original condition by professional typewriter repair technicians. Each machine is cleaned, oiled and mechanically adjusted or repaired. The original paint, decals, and pinstripes are retained to preserve their value. Some damaged original parts may be replaced by parts from identical typewriters or new reproduction parts, if appropriate.

Please note that although all of our machines are functional when shipped, some models, particularly those from the 1920s or earlier, are not recommended for prolonged use.

What does the grading on your product description page mean?

The grading or condition of a vintage typewriter can considerably influence the monetary value of the machine. For this reason, we carefully rate each machine according to its physical condition before it is listed. Our grading system offers an option for every taste and budget. Here are the descriptions of general categories to help you select the machine that suits your needs:

• Excellent: The Excellent category offers the best possible condition for a given vintage typewriter. These machines appear to be pristine and have little wear.

• Very Good: The Very Good category offers the combination of condition and value. These machines have above average condition and show moderate amount of wear and tear.

What are the sources of your typewriters?

We acquire vintage typewriters from various sources such as antique dealers, local flea markets, auctions, estate sales, and private collectors. Because of our extensive network and expertise in this field, we are able offer a larger selection of vintage typewriters than any other place.

Can I order a replacement ribbon for my typewriter?

We offer an extensive range of typewriter ribbons for 95% of typewriter brands and models in the market. If you are unsure which ribbon type you need, please contact our customer service for assistance.

What accessories are included in my typewriter order?

A fresh ribbon is included with your typewriter order. For most portable typewriters, an original carrying case may be included if available or unless otherwise specified (note: condition of the carrying case is not part of the typewriter grading and is sold in as-is condition). A reproduction instructions manual may be included if available.

Do you purchase typewriters from private sellers?

No, currently we only purchase typewriters from our preferred dealers or collectors who have a large collection. For information on how to become a preferred dealer, please contact us.

How do I date my machine based on my typewriter's serial number?

Please try The Typewriter Database , a site that lists serial numbers for many makes and their corresponding production year if available.

What is the value of my old typewriter?

The value of a typewriter can't be determined precisely. Unlike other more popular collectibles such as vintage cameras or firearms, there is no well-established market for vintage typewriters in the U.S. Furthermore, the condition of a typewriter affects its value significantly. When referencing the value of our typewriters, please keep in mind that our typewriters have been professionally serviced by typewriter mechanics. Therefore, they should not be treated the same as those typewriters found in a flea market or online auction sites. The price of our typewriters reflects the labor cost to restore them as well as overhead cost.

In general, 95% of the commonly found machines falls into the price range of  $50-150 before they have been professionally restored. Examples of common typewriter brands are Corona (Smith-Corona), Remington, Royal, Underwood, Oliver, Woodstock, L.C. Smith, Olivetti and Olympia.

Where can I find a local typewriter repair shop?                              

Besides your local phone book and online search engines, one excellent source is the Typewriter Repair Shops list complied by collector Richard Polt, author of the Classic Typewriter Page. This useful list contains regional typewriter repair shops info submitted by collectors in the U.S. as well as around the world.

How do I clean a vintage typewriter?

If you have a collectible typewriter (pre 1900s), let the professionals handle it. However, majority of vintage machines are not rare and you may wish to clean it yourself.