Frequently asked questions

Question 1

What is Shelf.me?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me makes customizable shelving and furniture sized to your space. You can start with an existing design or design from scratch, then order a piece built locally in Seattle.

Question 2

What makes Shelf.me different?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me gives you something that is usually hard to get at the same time: the size you actually want and a timeline measured in days, not weeks or months. You do not need to settle for a stock size that almost works, hire a contractor just to get a custom built-in, or spend weekends visiting stores hoping something close will fit. Start from an existing design or create your own, size it around your room, your lifestyle, and the things you need to store, and in most cases have it delivered within a day or two. If you want to talk through a project in person, you can book an appointment or visit the Ballard shop.

Question 3

What kinds of furniture and shelving does Shelf.me make?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me offers shelving and furniture for rooms like living rooms, offices, closets, mudrooms, laundry rooms, entryways, and more. The catalog includes things like bookcases, desks, media storage, shoe storage, and built-ins.

Question 4

Is Shelf.me a catalog of fixed-size products?

Accepted Answer

No. Shelf.me is built around configurable designs, so product pages are usually starting points rather than fixed-size catalog SKUs.

Question 5

Can I change dimensions and features on a product page?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can start with a design you like and adjust dimensions and details so the piece fits your room and how you want to use it.

Question 6

Do I have to design from scratch?

Accepted Answer

No. Many customers start with an existing design and customize it. If you want something more specific, you can also start from scratch in the designer.

Question 7

What if I do not see the exact design I want?

Accepted Answer

Pick the closest design and use it as a starting point, or browse other products and solution pages first. If you need a different direction entirely, start a fresh design.

Question 8

Is Shelf.me a good fit for awkward or exact-fit spaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is one of the main reasons to use Shelf.me. The system is especially useful when standard sizes do not work well for the room, alcove, or things you need to store.

Question 9

Do you have a showroom or a place to visit?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me is not a traditional showroom, but you can come by the Ballard shop to talk through a project and see the materials. The whole process can also work online if you prefer.

Question 10

Can I get help before ordering?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shelf.me supports both self-serve and guided paths, so you can reach out if you want a second set of eyes before you order.  To get help with your design, sign up for a slot on our appointments page.

Question 11

How does pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Pricing updates as you configure the design, so you can see the cost of the version you are actually ordering instead of waiting for a quote.

Question 12

Do I need an account to order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An account is required for key parts of the Shelf.me workflow, including saving work and ordering. You can sign up with email and password or with a Google account.

Question 13

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge to browse or design. You pay once you are ready to purchase the configuration you want.

Question 14

How are payments handled?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed by Stripe. Shelf.me does not store your credit card information directly.

Question 15

How quickly can I get my order?

Accepted Answer

Many straightforward orders are eligible for delivery by the next day. After checkout, Shelf.me contacts you to coordinate delivery timing.

Question 16

Where does Shelf.me deliver?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me currently delivers only to selected Seattle neighborhoods near its Ballard shop, including Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake, Phinney Ridge, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Richmond Beach, West Seattle, Columbia City, Redmond, Bellevue, and Newcastle. Delivery eligibility still depends on the exact address and product.

Question 17

Is delivery included?

Accepted Answer

Delivery is included for eligible orders in the current local service area unless a different arrangement is confirmed before purchase.

Question 18

Do you ship outside the Seattle area or by parcel carrier?

Accepted Answer

No. Shelf.me products are not sold as parcel-shipped flat-pack items. If an address is outside the current delivery area, Shelf.me may decline the order or help plan a custom arrangement before checkout.

Question 19

Will my order arrive assembled?

Accepted Answer

Small pieces are typically pre-assembled before delivery. Larger pieces may be assembled during delivery, depending on size and complexity.

Question 20

Does Shelf.me install or anchor shelves to the wall?

Accepted Answer

No. Customers are responsible for proper installation, anchoring, fastening units to the wall when needed, and verifying that the mounting surface is suitable.

Question 21

What materials does Shelf.me use?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me products are built around Baltic birch and related wood-based materials with a natural wood look, exposed edges, and furniture-oriented joinery.

Question 22

Do you offer lots of colors, finishes, or wood species?

Accepted Answer

No. The standard look is natural Baltic birch, so if finish requirements are central to your project, it is worth confirming details before ordering.

Question 23

Can I return a custom order?

Accepted Answer

In general, no. Shelf.me products are custom goods made to order, so general returns are not accepted for changes of mind, customer measurement errors, or approved design choices.

Question 24

What if there is a defect or a Shelf.me sizing mistake?

Accepted Answer

If there is a verified defect in workmanship or materials, or a sizing error caused by Shelf.me or its vendors, Shelf.me may repair, replace, correct, or refund the affected component.

Question 25

Is there a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shelf.me provides a limited workmanship warranty for defects under normal use and proper installation. It does not cover misuse, improper installation, accidents, modifications, or normal wear and tear.

Question 26

What information does Shelf.me collect, and can I ask to access or delete it?

Accepted Answer

Shelf.me collects account information, order and transaction history, content you upload or submit, communications, and technical usage data needed to operate and improve the service. Depending on your location, you may also have rights to access, correct, delete, or request transfer of your personal information.