Help & FAQs | Vintage Villages – Answers to Your Questions

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us at info@vintagevillages.ca.

1. General Information

What Does 'Vintage Villages' Mean?
For us, it means curating a collection of older, hard-to-find Department 56 or Lemax retired pieces that hold unique, nostalgic value. We specialize in retired items from past collections, ensuring that collectors have the opportunity to find discontinued designs that may no longer be available elsewhere. We may also use the term vintage in place of the term secondhand or used. Whether you're looking to complete a cherished holiday village or expand your display with rare and sought-after pieces, our selection of retired Department 56 and Lemax items makes us an ideal destination for collectors.

Are You Affiliated With the Brands You Sell?

Vintage Villages is an authorized retailer of Lemax products. We proudly carry the latest Lemax collections, including new releases and seasonal village pieces.

For all other brands featured on our website, we are not officially affiliated unless otherwise stated. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.

We specialize in vintage and secondary market collectibles, including retired and hard-to-find pieces. While we aim to expand our offerings, our current selection includes a curated mix of both brand-new items (such as Lemax) and carefully sourced vintage treasures.

What Does It Mean When Department 56 or Lemax Retires a Product?
At the end of each year, Department 56 and Lemax retire certain pieces from their collections, marking the end of their production. Once a piece is officially retired, the mold used to create it is typically destroyed, ensuring that no additional units will be made. This not only limits the number of existing pieces, increasing their rarity and collectible value, but also allows designers the creative freedom to develop new and innovative designs for future collections. Retired pieces often become highly sought after by collectors, as availability decreases over time.

Do You Carry New Department 56 or Lemax Items?

At Vintage Villages, we specialize in vintage and secondhand collectibles sourced from the secondary market. This means many of our pieces are gently used, retired, or no longer in production — perfect for collectors and those seeking nostalgic charm.

We do not carry new Department 56 items. Our Department 56 inventory consists exclusively of vintage and previously owned pieces, including hard-to-find and retired collectibles.

However, with Lemax, we offer both vintage and brand new items. We are an authorized Lemax retailer, and proudly carry new releases, including current and previous year collections — as well as a curated selection of vintage Lemax buildings and accessories.

What Does 'Powered by AI' Mean?
"Powered by AI” means we use artificial intelligence to help create unique artwork for our greeting cards. AI assists us in generating creative images, which we then refine, blend, and perfect with our personal touch in Photoshop. This combination allows us to craft original, high-quality designs efficiently. It also helps us keep costs low and provide a huge selection of greeting cards for you!

What is AI?
AI is technology that allows computers and machines to perform tasks. This can include creating art. AI learns from large amounts of data and can improve over time by identifying patterns and adjusting based on new information. When something is "powered by AI," it means an intelligent system is working behind the scenes to make it function smarter and faster.

2. Ordering & Payment

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods during checkout. Cash payments are only accepted upon pick-up in Toronto. Please e-mail us to arrange this.

3. Shipping & Delivery

Do You Offer Free Shipping?
Everything in our store ships for free! We want to make your transaction as easy as possible. You buy it and we'll do the rest!

Where Do You Ship?
We currently ship to Canada

Shipping ONLY available in Canada.

We DO NOT ship to the USA at this time, but you are more then welcome to come pick up your package in Toronto.

Need shipping outside these countries? Contact us, and we'll provide an international shipping quote. We'll do our best to find you the best available rate!

info@vintagevillages.ca

How Long Will My Order Take to Arrive?
Shipping times vary based on location and order volume. Standard shipping typically takes 2 to 9 days.

How Can I Track My Order?
Once shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number via email to monitor your package's journey.

Can I Pick Up My Order?
If you are local to Toronto and want to pick up your order, please contact us and we will process your order manually. Send us an email at info@vintagevillages.ca

4. Returns & Damages

Why Are Vintage Items Final Sale?
All vintage items are sold AS IS and are final sale. Vintage items are final sale because they are often one-of-a-kind pieces with unique characteristics and wear that reflect their age. This policy ensures that each item is carefully chosen by the buyer, and it helps us maintain fairness and integrity in our sales process. We encourage customers to review descriptions and photos thoroughly before purchasing. If you received the wrong item, or the item is not as described, please reach out to us.

What If My Order Arrives Damaged?
If your item arrives damaged, please email us within 48 hours with photos of the packaging and item. We will review the claim and assist with next steps.

Do You Accept Returns or Exchanges?
Non-vintage items may be eligible for returns within 14 days of delivery. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. Customer provides return shipping. Please see our refund policy or contact us for more details.

5. Special Services

Do You Buy Entire Villages or Collections?
Yes we do! We’re always looking to expand our vintage selection. Email us with photos and details of your collection for consideration.

info@vintagevillages.ca