COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OUR BEDS

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OUR BEDS 05/15/07 Q: WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STANDARD & SPECIAL FINISHES? A: A special finish involves 2 to 3 steps, including hand painting and a electro-statically applied powder paint. The standard finish is one step which is the electro-statically applying of the powder paint. The special finish requires an additional 4-10 hours of work which is why there is a price difference. Electro-statically applied means the headboard or footboards are charged with electricity which causes them to become a magnet. The metallic powder paint is sprayed into the atmosphere around the headboard & footboard, which having become magnetic, draws the powder into each every crack and craves. Special Finish Process: Typically involve a powder base coat Bed is then hand painted or by an individual. This step requires 4-8 hours depending on the bed, finish, etc... Usually the bed will get a second powder coat (exceptions would be painted rosettes (castings) on black baroque, gold dust, opal mist). Q: IS THERE A CONTRAST BETWEEN THE CASTINGS AND THE REST OF THE BED WITH THE STANDARD FINISH? A: No, with a standard finish there is not a contrast. The entire bed is done in one solid color finish. Q: WHAT SIZES DO THE BEDS COME IN? A: All beds come in full and queen size, most come in twin, king, and California king. A size will not be done in a bed model if the integrity of the design is affected. Q: I DON T LIKE ALL THIS STUFF AT THE FOOT; CAN YOU GET IT WITH JUST A HEADBOARD? A: Yes, because the beds are custom made, the bed maker is able to offer many options. We offer an open footboard which has a minimal design with maybe a shortened corner post, and maybe a crossbar or we can do what we call a stubby foot, which cuts and caps the corner post at frame height. This maintains the advantage and stability of our frame system while allowing for having no visible footboard, with the stubby feet being behind your bed skirt. Q: THE PRICE SEEMS HIGH ON THE BEDS, WHY? A: We feel they represent a real value. When you compare the design, construction; the fact that the beds are handcrafted; the lifetime warranty; and the hand poured castings, and hand finishing; I think you will come to the same conclusion. You might even consider them to be reasonably priced. Some other reasons; first, we are unaware of anyone that offers a brass or iron bed with the type of frame system that ours has. This interlocking system is critical in terms of a truly stable bed. 1

Also, our beds are handcrafted vs. mass produced. Each bed has a lot of hands on labor hours (an average of 12-15 hours per bed), which we feel makes them a great value for the money. The less expensive and sometimes more expensive beds have thinner tubing & materials and are mass produced mostly overseas. The finishes used are often times not as aesthetically pleasing as well. Essentially, we feel you get more value for your money with our product. Remember, regarding price versus quality, the bitterness of poor quality remains long After the sweetness of low price is forgotten! Q: THE PRICES FOR THE BEDS ARE VERY REASONABLE, AREN T THEY? A: We hear that a lot. We do know that they are the best quality beds available, and do represent real value. Also see comments above. Q: WE HAVE A VERY THICK MATTRESS, WOULD NT IT BE HIGH ON THESE BEDS? A: A thick mattress works well on most models with the 12 frame. However if there is any doubt about the model you choose, we can show you where the mattress will come to on the headboard and footboard. Two other things can be done to make the mattress work on a particular bed, order the bed with an 8 frame instead of the 12, or if you are buying a new mattress set, order it with a low profile box spring. Q: WILL MY (whatever), MATTRESS FIT ON THESE BEDS? A: Yes, providing your mattress set is a standard size, twin, full, and queen, king, or Cal. king. Another consideration of coarse would be the height, regarding the need to order a standard or custom height frame. Q: WHATS THE GUARANTEE ON THESE BEDS? A: Structurally, we offer a two generation warranty provided by our manufacturer. Your finish is warranted for one year. If there is a problem with your finish after one year, and it is determined to be the result of a manufacturer error, Brass Beds of Va. would fix your bed. Q: WHAT FINISHES DO THE BEDS COME IN? A: (IRON) All; Standard-Marble (faux)-hand painted Castings on Gun Metal Rods (WELDED) Standard-Marble (faux)-gun Metal (STEEL) Standard-Marble (faux)-gun Metal (some beds may have some brass accents) (BRASS) Un-polished, raw brass Polished brass Brushed brass (not recommended) Q: WHAT BEDS COME IN CANOPY? A: Iron beds available in canopy are the Jessica, Juliette, Lady Jane, Betsy, and the Americana. Additionally there are many brass and steel designs available in canopy. Generally any brass or steel bed with straight corner post can become a canopy. Q: CAN I TAKE THE CANOPY OFF LATER IF I WANT? A: It s possible but not recommended except maybe on the Betsy, and the Americana. All but these two models would not look proportionate since the finials could not be dropped down to 2

the top of the corner post correctly. On the Betsy, and the Americana it would need to be done professionally so as not to scratch the finish. If scratched it would require touch up. Q: WHY ARE THE CANOPIES SO SHAKY? A: Although the corner post and risers are made of 16 gauge steel, which is 90% as strong as solid steel, like all tall objects;, there will be some flexibility. The amount of flex is influenced by the diameter as well as length. Our canopies, even with a slim riser, are very stable where it s needed. The stability from a little above the mattress top through the frame joint to the floor is as solid and sturdy as our non canopy beds. If you move up and down in the center of the bed, the risers barely move. Q: CAN I GET THIS BED WITH OUT THIS BRASS BALL, OR PIECE ON IT? A: Yes, and there are other options available on most beds. Q: CAN YOU DELIVER TO ANOTHER STATE? A: Yes, We frequently ship to customers throughout the US. By the way in these cases we do not charge sales tax, and that amount often offsets the freight charges. To assist our customers we obtain a shipping cost estimate in advance. All out of state orders are shipped freight collect and the assembly must be done by the customer. (we provide instructions, which are very simple). Drop ships receive a delivery credit since we will not be making the delivery. Considering the tax savings and the delivery credit it can sometimes cost less to drop ship. Please remember, if the boxes are damaged at all, please refuse the delivery. If the boxes are damaged, chances are that so is the finish on the bed. Q: WHERE ARE THE BEDS MADE? A: The beds, American Made, are handcrafted in Richmond Va.. Our factory has been making these beds for over 24 years. We are very specialized in that the beds are our primary product. Q: DOES ANYONE ELSE SELL THESE BEDS, IN ATLANTA? A: No, HIB is the exclusive dealer. Q: WHAT KIND OF SLATS DO THE BEDS HAVE? A: The slats are steel angle iron. On a queen bed there are two slats that fit horizontally between the two side rails. On a king bed there are two slats that run vertically from headboard to footboard. The king slats are drilled in the center for the attachment of two legs with an adjustable foot. The headboard and footboard sections of the frame system are also drilled in the center, for placement of two more support legs. These legs are for insurance against overload. Q: WILL THE BEDS WORK WITHOTHER TYPES OF FURNITURE, WOOD FINISHES, GLASS, LEATHER, ETC, A: Yes, one reason iron beds have always been so popular is that they open up the room allowing you to be able to see the other pieces in the room, open and airy. They work well with a broad mix of styles and finishes from traditional to contemporary all colors shades, textures, and materials, glass, wood, metals etc... The wood pieces in the room can accent the iron beds, and the iron bed can accent the wood for example, so all the pieces in the room are distinctive, and can be seen. They don t run together like the old wooden bedroom suits did, where everything was one solid color. Our manufacturer reproduces and creates designs that will stand the test of 3

time. Some of our iron beds still are selling very well (that have been in the line for over 10 years). Most of our competitor s catalogs are over 80% different than 10 years ago. Q: I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED WOODEN BED, WHY WOULD ANYONE BUY AN IRON BED? A: See Above!!! In addition the quality of our beds would fairly suggest that our iron bed would be around for many years longer than most wooden beds, and will maintain it s appearance much longer, A true Heirloom. Q: DO YOU NEED TO POLISH THE BRASS BEDS, ARE THEY COATED? A: The beds are made to last at least 100 years. The bed maker does not put a coating on the beds as the brass will outlast any coated finish. Nicks in a coated finish provide places for moisture to accumulate and tarnish. Concentrated tarnish in a small spot could pit the brass if left alone. In order to clean the spots the coating would need to be removed from the entire bed, this is very expensive. We sell an approved brand of brass polish to use on your bed. Keeping a brass bed polished is high maintenance. Many people prefer to leave the patina that develops on brass rather than polish it. If you have the patience it can become very beautiful developing a greenish gold glow or patina. Q: HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE BEDS? A: Iron, steel and welded beds require only simple dusting. Most scuff marks can be removed with a soft rag and a little denatured alcohol, or mineral spirits. Brass beds --see above. Q: IF I BUY A BED AND DON T LIKE IT CAN I RETURN IT? A: For our custom order beds the sale is final. For beds sold from stock the customer has up to 3 days from the date of purchase to cancel the order if it has not been staged for delivery. Q: CAN YOU RAISE THE HEADBOARD? A: Yes, some our designs are available in custom heights for an additional charge. Q: DO YOU HAVE DAYBEDS? A: Yes. We offer very high quality daybeds based on the same interlocking frame system and other construction characteristics that our other beds have. (no squeaky bolted link springs to cheap stamped steel legs) Any of our bed models available in the twin size, that would be suitable, can be ordered with a footboard at both ends and an open back, to make what some people might call a French daybed. Q: WHY ARE THE DAYBEDS SO HIGH, I SEE THEM ADVERTISED FOR $199? A: See above, there is a dramatic difference in quality! Q: CAN YOU GET A TRUNDLE BED WITH YOUR DAYBEDS? A: Yes, we offer both rollout and pop-up style trundles. When using a trundle under a daybed the height of the daybeds frame (clearance), to the floor, the thickness of the mattress and the combined height of the trundle, at its lowest, with the mattress sitting on the trundle are critical. We normally order the daybed frame at 15.5 s. Deduct the angle iron frame height, 2 s that will leave 13.5 s for the trundle unit fully depressed, and the mattress. The roll under unit from the decking, where the mattress lies, to the floor is, the pop-up when pressed down, is, this 4

would mean the mattress height could be from, thick. The mattress height, for the top, would be determined by what the customer considers acceptable in terms of the seat height. Example, frame height 15.5 s, Bunkie board 1.5, s, would make the seat height before adding a mattress, 17 s. Therefore an 8 mattress would mean a 25 high seat, a 10, 27 s, etc. Q: WHAT KIND OF MATTRESS DO I NEED WITHA DAYBED? A: Daybeds accommodate a standard twin-size mattress. Box springs are not used when the daybed will be used for seating as well as sleeping, which is normally the case. In this case a Bunkie board is used on top of the frame, under the mattress. Bunkie boards are about 1.5 s thick, and the same width and length as a twin mattress. Q: WHY ARE THE SPECIAL FINISHES SO MUCH HIGHER THAN THE STANDARD? A: Standard finishes are one color; they are electro-statically applied powder coats that take less than one hour to do. This is the same way automobiles are painted. Special finishes require numerous additional processes, including hand finishing; it can take one to two days and consequently have a higher cost. Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BED WHEN YOU ORDER? A: This is subject to the builders order rate. Currently we are quoting 4-6 weeks for iron beds; (this can vary up to 8-10 weeks), steel beds take a little longer; and, brass beds are approximately 2-3 weeks. Welded beds normally take a week or two longer the iron beds. Q: CAN I JUST ORDER THE HEADBOARD? A: Yes, but we do not recommend it. Quality iron headboards are very heavy and most bed frames are made of stamped steel, very light weigh and flimsy. Our headboards bolted to these frames would wobble and may even pull the bolt heads through the stamped steel bolt holes. It cost very little more to get our frame system. The beds come in open foot with minimal visibility, or you can get the frame system with a stubby foot this could show nothing at the foot, being hidden by the bed skirt. Q: IS THE TUBING IN THE BEDS SOLID? A: For iron beds, the tubing on the inside of the design is solid. The end posts are not, but they are either 16 gauge (.065wall) or 14 gauges (.083wall). It is hollow because the weight of solid would make the beds unmanageable to handle. All steel used in the beds tubing and barstock is cold rolled which cost more than hot rolled. It is harder to bend or dent cold roll steel vs. the hot roll steel. Cold roll is a hot roll steel that goes through additional process at the mill where it is cold drawn to give it more strength and finer finish. The angles used on the frames are hot rolled steel. For brass beds the tubing is pure brass which measures.042 and each corner post is reinforced with a column of 18 gauge steel. Q: HOW ARE THE STEEL RODS ATTACHED TO THE CASTINGS, WILL THEY PULL OUT? A: The steel rods and tubes are cut and hand bent with the help of bending machines, to specifications for the model being made. These pieces are then laid into place on the open molds that will form the castings. Where the ends of the rods and tubes lie inside the mold a small raised bead spot is placed. This is done so that when the other half of the mold is attached and the molten mixture that is poured into the mold to form the casting the casting sets-up (turns solid), with the weld beads locked into place so the rods and castings can t pull out. 5

Q: ARE THE BEDS EVER ON SALE? A: We have rarely discounted the beds except for occasionally when we have cleared aged inventory, or sold any blemished beds we may have received or accumulated. We like to maintain a fairly consistent, level pricing policy. We don t take the kind of mark-ups needed to run the wildly fluctuating discounts, like; the price marked is 50% off, etc. Our beds are to unique for us to be that drastic. Q: WHY ARE YOUR BEDS SO TALL? A: Most of our beds are reproductions of beds from the turn of the century. At this time, the frame of the bed was 12 s from the floor versus the 8 s that has become standard today. The higher frame adds authenticity of the reproduction. There is also some difference in bed heights due to the different mattresses that are displayed. Mattress and box springs selection has a lot to do with the height and overall appearance as well Q: CAN YOU SELL THE BEDS OFF THE FLOOR, OR DO WE NEED TO ORDER? A: Generally not, however we do have a large inventory in our warehouse to select from. Or of coarse the best way to get exactly what you want, like most people do, is to order. The time goes by quickly, and you can be excited because you re getting the bed you wanted. Q: CAN YOUR DELIVERY PEOPLE TAKE AWAY MY MATTRESS OR HELP ME MOVE MY FURNITURE? A: Our agreement with our delivery service does not include this service; however, it can be arranged if requested in advance with the delivery service. For consideration, there are a number of charitable organizations that will accept mattress donations. Out of State deliveries are made via a Freight Truck. The driver will deliver your bed to you front door. Q: DO YOU DELIVER ON SATURDAYS? A: Our delivery company has very few delivery spots open on Saturday. If Saturday is a requirement, it could delay the process of getting your bed. Q: CAN YOU PAINT BRASS? A: Brass can be painted with some finishes. It does take longer for the paint to season on the brass which makes it not as scratch and chip resistant as our other standard finishes. After aging a few years it is not quite as sensitive. Q: CAN WE ADD CASTERS TO THE IRON OR BRASS BEDS? A: We do not recommend because this enables the bed to move which may eventually cause the bed to loosen up the rail joints. Q: DO THE BEDS COME IN CALIFORNIA KING? A: With the exception of the Jessica and the Abigail, any bed design that is available in a King is also available in California King. Q: I HAVE AN OLD IRON BED AND THE SIDE RAILS ARE MADE UPSIDE DOWN AS COMPARED TO YOURS. WHY THE DESIGN CHANGE? A: Some originals are like that, but most are like ours. The design of ours is preferable because the strength of rails is increased in terms of buckling, or bowing out. Another reason is that our slat system (angle iron slats) requires this as they fit in such a way that they won t fall or squeak, which are both characteristic of the other design. 6

Q: BECAUSE OF THE OPEN DESIGN OF THE HEADBOARDS, WILL I BE ABLE TO READ IN BED WITHOUT FALLING THROUGH? A: As with any headboard, you would use a pillow to cushion yourself against the headboard. We recommend a European sized pillow for best results/comfort. Q: WILL MY BED RUST? A: The iron and brass beds should not rust unless chipped or scratched. Powder coating is very chip resistant, but like all coatings, it will react to heavy or sharp metallic objects that collide with the finish (i.e., heavy belt buckle, hammer, screw driver, heavy toy, etc.). The warranty would cover defects in manufacturing on finish, but not finish problems as a result of improper handling or care. Q: I HAVE A ROOM WITH AN ANGLED CEILING, I NEED A LOWER HEADBOARD. CAN THE HEADBOARD BE LOWERED TO FIT THE SHORTER WALL HEIGHT? A: Most headboards can be altered in height. We would need to call our factory to determine if the design you like would be a candidate. There would be an up charge for altering the height of a bed. Frame height also needs to be considered in these cases along with mattress & box spring height regarding appearance. Q: CAN I PUT A WATER BED ON YOUR FRAME SYSTEM? A: Yes, water beds can be accommodated by adding additional legs for support. There is an up charge for this adaptation. Q: CAN I ADD A CANOPY TO MY BED LATER, AFTER I HAVE HAD IT FOR A WHILE? A: Generally, no. Some beds models could be done (Betsy, Americana) but it would take a professional to do so and your finish is probably not going to be the same on your new added pieces. If you order a canopy, however, it is detachable. Q: CAN I ORDER A BED WITH TWO FOOTBOARDS? A: Yes, the cost would be the same as a complete bed. Q: IF I ORDER AN OPEN FOOT, AND DECIDE LATER I WANT A COMPLETE FOOT, CAN I ORDER A NEW FOOTBOARD? A: Yes, however we caution that as the beds are handmade by individual artisans, the finish could vary... - 7