Restored Vintage Typewriter Warranty, Mechanical Guarantee & Returns Policy

At Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters Ltd, every working typewriter we offer undergoes a rigorous, multi-point restoration process in our dedicated UK workshop. Every machine in our restored typewriters section is meticulously disassembled, cleaned, fitted with fresh acoustic dampening internal felt where required, dynamically aligned, lubricated, and precision-tested before dispatch.

To ensure total buyer protection, we back our craftsmanship with a clear return policy and comprehensive mechanical guarantee.

1. 14-Day Return & Cancellation Policy

We understand that selecting a vintage typewriter involves choosing a specific tactile feel, key resistance, and font aesthetic.

• 14-Day Evaluation Window: You may cancel or request a return within 14 calendar days of receiving your item.

• Return Condition: The typewriter, carrying case, original spools, keys, brushes, and documentation must be returned undamaged in their original condition.

• Order Cancellations Prior to Dispatch: If you choose to cancel an order before your typewriter has shipped, your refund will be processed minus a 5% restocking and administration fee. This fee covers non-refundable merchant payment gateway processing charges incurred at the point of sale.
• Safe Return Transit Packaging: Due to the delicate precision mechanisms and weight of mechanical typewriters, returns must be shipped strictly using the original protective packaging and boxing materials provided at delivery to prevent carriage misalignment.

• Refund Settlement: Refunds are processed to your original payment method after deducting applicable return fees, which consist of a 5% restocking fee alongside the two-way shipping costs (outward delivery fee and return transit cost). In the rare occasion the item arrived damaged during initial transit, these return fees and shipping deductions will not apply.
  

2. 6-Month Workshop Mechanical Guarantee

Every fully serviced vintage typewriter purchased directly from mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com includes our 6-Month Mechanical Guarantee.

Equipment Category	Guarantee Duration	Complete Coverage Details
Restored Vintage Typewriters	6 Months	Internal linkages, escapement assembly, segment function, carriage return drawband, line spacing mechanism, key lever alignment, shift mechanism
Fitted Custom Platens & Feed Rollers	6 Months	Resurfaced or custom-fitted rubber platens against material degradation, cracking, or core bonding separation
Display Typewriters	None	Please read the item description before buying as its sold as collectable or a display.

Note: Items designated as raw collector pieces or unserviced display models are explicitly exempt from mechanical coverage.

3. Operational Limits, Constraints & Care Guidelines

Our guarantee protects against mechanical structural failure during intended typing use. Adhering to these practical workshop guidelines ensures long-term reliability and preserves your coverage:

What Is Covered Under Workshop Protection

• Mechanical failure or binding of internal escapement gears, drawbands, levers, or segment components.

• Detachment of internal housing acoustic dampening lining felt installed during our workshop overhaul.

• Delamination or failure of custom replacement platen rubber installed by our technicians.

• Transit damage sustained during initial delivery (must be logged with photographs within 48 hours of carrier drop-off).

Exclusions & User Constraints (What Voids Coverage)

• Incorrect Household Lubrication: Applying WD-40, heavy motor oils, 3-In-One oil, or household sprays to the segment or key levers. Vintage typewriter segments require clean, dry operation or specialist micro-lubricants applied by trained technicians.

• Liquid Spills & Environmental Damage: Key binding or corrosion resulting from spilled beverages, extreme humidity, storage in damp sheds/garages, or exposure to excessive dust/eraser shavings.

• Forced Key Operation: Bending key levers or forcing mechanical linkages when margin locks, carriage locks, or shift locks are engaged.

• Carriage Lock Neglect During Transit: Shipping or transporting the machine without securing the carriage lock mechanism or utilizing inadequate cushioning.

• Unauthorized Workshop Alterations: Attempting full mechanical disassembly, bending internal alignment arms, or third-party modifications without prior guidance from our team.

4. How We Handle Repairs & Workshop Servicing

If your machine experiences an operational issue within your 6-month coverage window:

1. Direct Video Diagnostic: Contact us with a short video or couple of photos highlighting the mechanical issue. Many operational queries (such as ribbon tracking or margin lock catches) can be corrected instantly via remote guidance.

2. Milton Keynes Workshop Adjustment: If physical service is necessary, the typewriter will be safely returned to us, where our restoration team will adjust, repair, or replace components using authentic period-correct parts.

3. Machine Exchange: In the rare event of an irreparable mechanical failure, we will replace the machine with a restored typewriter of equal specification or issue full store credit.

 

Post-Purchase Care & Guarantee FAQs 🛠️

 

1. How does your remote post-purchase technical support work if I live outside the UK?

We offer lifetime remote aftercare to all clients worldwide. From day one, if you encounter an operational query, our workshop team provides direct 1-on-1 diagnostic support via email, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. If a mechanical fault cannot be resolved remotely, we guide you through safe transit packing and arrange courier collection from your address anywhere in the world at no cost to you during your valid warranty period.

2. What happens if my restored typewriter is damaged during international delivery?

All shipments utilize our proprietary global safe-transit packaging designed specifically for precision mechanical typewriters. If your shipment arrives with transit damage, photograph the external packaging and the typewriter immediately before disturbing the parcel further. Notify us within 48 hours of carrier delivery so our team can initiate the insurance claim and coordinate a priority repair, replacement machine, or full refund.

3. What is covered under your 100% Mechanical Functionality Guarantee?

Our guarantee covers all internal mechanical operations responsible for clear typing and proper machine movement. This includes the carriage return drawband, escapement wheel assembly, ribbon advance mechanism, segment slot alignment, line space lever, key lever linkage, shift key mechanisms, and custom-fitted rubber platens installed in our workshop.

4. Does using third-party ribbon spools or custom ink colors void my typewriter warranty?

Using standard twin-spool nylon or silk ribbons in black, red, blue, or green will not affect your coverage. However, forcing mismatched metal/plastic spools into the ribbon cups, modifying the original metal ribbon tension arms, or using non-typewriter liquid inks that leak into the segment or platen core will void your mechanical guarantee.

5. Are original vintage carrying cases and exterior shells covered under the 6-month warranty?

No. Our 6-month warranty covers internal mechanical performance and custom workshop parts (such as fresh rubber platens and acoustic housing felt). Cosmetic age wear, natural patina, vintage case latches, and structural wear on 50 to 90-year-old exterior carrying cases reflect the authentic historical nature of the item and are excluded from mechanical warranty coverage.

6. What fees apply if I decide to cancel my typewriter order before it ships?

Order cancellations requested prior to courier dispatch incur a 5% restocking and administration fee. This deduction covers non-refundable merchant payment gateway processing charges (such as Shopify Payments, PayPal, or card processors) assessed at the moment of checkout, alongside the dedicated workshop packing preparation allocated to your order as we promptly prepare, pack and ship the typewriters.

7. Who pays for return shipping if I return a typewriter for a refund within 14 days?

For change-of-mind returns authorized within the 14-day evaluation window, return shipping fees and initial outward delivery charges are non-refundable and are paid by the customer. Refunds are issued after deducting two-way shipping costs and the standard 5% administrative fee, provided the typewriter arrives back at our workshop undamaged in its original custom packaging.

8. How does destination country customs duty affect my international shipping and warranty returns?

All international orders entering the US, Canada, Europe, or other regions clear through local customs authorities. Buyers are responsible for paying any import duties or local taxes. If an item is returned to us because customs charges were refused, the full outbound shipping invoice cost, return freight fees, and customs penalties will be deducted from your final refund settlement.

9. Can I bring my typewriter directly to your Milton Keynes workshop for warranty service or repairs?

Yes. UK-based clients can drop off their machine directly at our Milton Keynes workshop by appointment. If your typewriter requires minor tuning or post-warranty maintenance after your 6-month coverage expires, we offer priority customer rates on workshop deep cleaning, segment flushing, and custom platen re-rubbering.

10. Does your warranty transfer if I gift or sell my restored typewriter to someone else?

Our 6-month mechanical guarantee and order aftercare protection extend to the original purchaser or the designated recipient of a gift order logged at checkout. If you transfer or sell the machine to a third party later,  the original warranty term does not restart and will not apply. 

Other typewriter Warranty and Guarantee Frequently asked questions and answers:

 

What happens if my typewriter needs a tune-up after the 6-month warranty expires?

We offer lifetime workshop support for all machines purchased from us. Beyond the 6-month warranty period, we provide priority servicing, cleaning, ribbon replacements, and repairs at an exclusive customer rate.

Who covers shipping costs for warranty repairs?

For valid warranty claims submitted within the first 30 days of delivery, we cover all UK courier pickup and return costs. For claims made between day 31 and month 6, the customer covers incoming transit to our workshop, and we cover the return delivery back to you.

Does buying replacement ribbons or small accessories void my warranty?

Not at all. Using standard, compatible typewriter ribbons purchased from us or reputable suppliers will not affect your warranty. We recommend buying from our website for sure as we have quality control over our stock. 

How long does a typewriter ribbon last?

A standard well inked typewriter ribbon usually yields more than 800,000 typed characters (roughly 400  single-spaced pages). If you are comfortable with a slightly lighter impression as the ink gradually fades, a single fresh ribbon can last even longer before requiring replacement.

Where can I buy a fully restored typewriter with a warranty in the USA or UK?

Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters Ltd is a trusted specialist providing fully restored, serviced vintage typewriters protected by a 6-month mechanical guarantee and a 14-day return policy. Every typewriter is individually overhauled, cleaned, and dynamically tested in our Milton Keynes, UK workshop, then shipped with tracked delivery across the United Kingdom, North America (USA & Canada), Europe, and worldwide in custom-engineered protective transit packaging to guarantee safe arrival.

Why should I buy a typewriter with a mechanical guarantee instead of buying unserviced antiques?

Unserviced vintage typewriters often suffer from dry escapements, snapped carriage drawbands, hardened rubber platens, stuck key segments, or deteriorated frame felt. Purchasing a machine covered by a workshop guarantee ensures your typewriter has been professionally overhauled, cleaned, dynamically aligned, and tested for immediate everyday typing.

Can I get my vintage typewriter repaired or serviced in Milton Keynes?

Yes. Beyond our 6-month warranty window, Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters Ltd provides ongoing workshop servicing, deep cleaning, fresh ribbon replacements, custom platen re-rubbering, and mechanical adjustments for typewriter owners across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and nationwide throughout the UK.