Home » Mr. McGroovy's Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering Questions
Where is my email with links to download plans?
- How much is shipping?
- How long will it take to get my order?
- Do you offer "overnight" shipping?/USPS Express Mail details
- Do you ship outside the United States?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Can I order by phone?
- Can I buy these in stores?
- Will I get a bunch of spam if I order from you?
- Do I have to create an account?
- How do I return my order?
Product Questions
- Are cardboard boxes included with the project kit?
- What's included in the (project kit)?
- What kind of Box Rivets should I order?
- Can I get just (Refrigerator or Moving) Box Rivets?
- How many Box Rivets are in a box?
- Are Box Rivets reusable?
- Is this something kids can do?
- How big are Box Rivets?
- How do you use Box Rivets?
Project Building Questions
- Where can I get FREE cardboard boxes?
- How long does it take to build the (project)?
- How big is the (project)?
- What kinds of paint should I use?
- How do you paint that cool brick pattern on the castle?
- Is building with Box Rivets a great learning activity?
- Is play time critical to child development?
- Everyone links to other cool stuff. Where are your links?
And Lastly...
Ordering Questions
Where is my email with links to download plans?
The email with your links to download plans is auto-generated immediately upon completion of checkout, and should arrive as fast as the internet takes to deliver an email. This is usually within a few seconds but may take up to a few minutes. Getting my emails past all the various spam filters, however, is another issue. It's not like they publish what triggers the spam filter, so I can tailor my email to avoid it. If you have not received your email within a few minutes, check your "Junk" mail folder as your email spam filter may have filtered it out.
Not in your spam folder either?
Many email services are auto-deleting suspected spam rather than sending it to your junk mail folder. If your download links email is not in your junk mail folder, then please add mr.mcgroovy@mrmcgroovys.com to your "safe" list and send me a quick email asking to resend you download link email. Please accept my apology for the inconvenience.
Do you have a Comcast email address?
I've submitted my site to be added to Comcast's "Safe" list three times, been approved three times, but my emails still get blocked by Comcast. Please add mr.mcgroovy@mrmcgroovys.com to your "safe" list and send me a quick email asking to resend you download link email. Please accept my apology for the inconvenience.How much is shipping?
There is a flat rate shipping charge for all orders added at checkout. All orders are shipped next business day.
- USPS Priority Mail shipping 2-3 day delivery ($4.95)
- Canada 6-10 day delivery (US$17.00)
- International 6-10 day delivery (US$24.00)
How long will it take to get my order??
***Important Holiday Shipping Information***
The last day to order and still receive your purchase by Christmas is December 18th.After December 18th, Mr. McGroovy is taking a well-deserved vacation to visit family for the holidays. All orders placed after December 18th will be shipped on January 2nd.
Thanks for your patience and understanding. Have a great holiday!
***ALL ORDERS SHIPPED MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009***
Mr. McGroovy is taking a well earned summer vacation from Tuesday, June 30th to Monday, July 13th. I still pack and ship all orders myself, but I can't do that when I'm out of town. Please accept my apology for the inconvenience, and thank you for understanding.All orders will be shipped on Monday, July 13, 2009
Have a great summer!
-Mr. McGroovy
***Important Shipping Information***
Mr. McGroovy is attending TOY FAIR 2010 in NYC from Sunday, February 14th to Wednesday, February 17th. I still pack and ship all orders myself, but I can't do that when I'm out of town. Please accept my apology for the inconvenience, and thank you for understanding.All orders will be shipped on Thursday, February 18, 2010
-Mr. McGroovy
Your order will be shipped the next business day, and take between two and three days.
So if you order by at 3:30PM on Tuesday, your order will ship by 12 noon
on Wednesday, and you should receive your order on Saturday (3 days delivery). If you order at 9:15AM Wednesday, your order will ship by 12 noon on Thursday and you should receive
your order on Monday (3 days delivery). However, orders shipped to Pacific time zone addresses are usually delivered in 2 days.
Do you offer "overnight" shipping?
No. I've tried different overnight services, but the cost is too prohibitive, and when your shipment doesn't show up on time I just can't afford it. But I hope you will keep Mr. McGroovy's in mind for your next party or project!
Do you ship outside the United States?
Yes. International shipping is available for all products except cardboard armor kits and is added at checkout.
- Canada 6-10 day delivery (US$17.00)
- International 6-10 day delivery (US$24.00)
Shipping is by USPS Priority Mail International 6-10 day delivery.
What payment methods do you accept?
Mr. McGroovy's accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.
Purchase orders from school districts are accepted and should be mailed to the following address:
Mr. McGroovy's
4115 Freeda Court
Livermore, CA 94550
Can I order by phone?
No. I tried using a call center, but their product knowledge and customer service was sub-par, and the number of phone orders didn't pay for the service. If you have trouble using my online order form, please email me and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Can I buy these in stores?
Mr. McGroovy's Box Rivets are currently only available from Mr. McGroovy's garage in Livermore, California, but hopefully that will change in the future.
Will I get a bunch of spam if I order from you?
No. Mr. McGroovy sells rivets...not spam! Mr. McGroovy's never sends unsolicited emails and will never sell your information to anyone, ever.
When you order you will receive an email confirmation with your receipt.
If you sign up for Mr. McGroovy's newsletter you may receive a quarterly newsletter (pretending Mr. McGroovy finds the time to write a quarterly newsletter).
Do I have to create an account?
Mr. McGroovy's uses an off-the-shelf ecommerce package to process all orders, which requires that each order be assigned to an unique customer ID in order for the database to work properly. Your account also allows you to view your order status and order history. If you ever need to access your account, there is always and email option to retrieve your user password. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience, but an account is required to process your order.
How do I return my order?
You may return your order up to 90 days after purchase by shipping it to the following address:
Mr. McGroovy's
4115 Freeda Court
Livermore, CA 94550
Please include identifying information such as order#, email address, or purchaser's name. It's also helpful to include a phone number in case I need to contact you. Refunds will be made back to the purchasing credit card once the return has been received.
Product Questions
Are cardboard boxes included with the project kit?
No. Each kit includes 100 Box Rivets (200 pcs.) and instructions. Project Plans must be purchased separately.
What's included in the Rivet Project Kit?
Each kit includes 100 Box Rivets (200 pcs.) and instructions. Project Plans must be purchased separately.
What kind of Box Rivets should I order?
Moving Box Rivets work best for regular cardboard, like moving boxes and washer/dryer boxes, because they fit snug and people like that. They also work on some of the smaller refrigerator boxes.
Refrigerator Box Rivets work best for connecting two layer cardboard called "doublewall" that is used for most refrigerator boxes. Refrigerator Box Rivets also work to connect three or four layers of regular cardboard.
Refrigerator Box Rivets also work for regular cardboard, but they don't fit snug unless there are three or four layers.
Can I get just (Refrigerator or Moving) Box Rivets with my kit?
Yes. This option is must be chosen when 'Adding to Cart'. Half&Half option means half Refrigerator Box Rivets (50 rivets=100 pcs.) and half Moving Box Rivets (50 rivets=100 pcs.).
How many Box Rivets are in a Project Rivet Kit?
Each piece is identical and it takes two pieces to make one connection. There are 200 pieces in each Rivet Project Kit to make 100 connections.
Are Box Rivets reusable?
Yes. An adult can usually slide their hands between connected layers and give a quick tug and the rivets will pop apart but without breaking. Occasionally you will come across a stubborn rivet, which can easily be removed with a common hammer (pull, don't pry). So you can easily build your project at the park, store it for another day, donate it to your school, church or library, or build a whole new project.
For more information about reusing rivets, click here.
Is this something kids can do?
Not without adult help and supervision. Inserting rivets requires first making a hole in the cardboard, and it's also difficult for kids to assemble the rivets. However, kids go crazy for painting! It is highly recommended to involve kids in the painting process, as well as the design process, but leave the cutting and assembly to adults. Building with Box Rivets is a really fun activity to do with your child and will nurture your feelings of closeness. It's "quality time" to the max!
How big are box Rivets?
Refrigerator Box Rivets have an assembled thickness from 1/2 to 3/4 inch, and work best for connecting big refrigerator boxes which use thick, two-layer cardboard called "doublewall". Refrigerator Box Rivets also work great on regular cardboard, but they don't fit snug unless there are three or four layers.
Moving Box Rivets have an assembled thickness from 3/8 to 5/8 inch, and work best for regular cardboard like moving boxes and washer/dryer boxes, because they fit snug and people like that. They also work on some of the smaller refrigerator boxes.
Both Refrigerator and Moving Box Rivets have a big 3/4 inch head diameter, which keeps them from pulling through the cardboard even when the play gets a little rough.
For more information on Box Rivet dimensions, click here.
How do you use Box Rivets?
Each piece is identical and it takes two pieces to make one connection. Rotate the prongs at a 90 degree angle and then ratchet the pieces together.
In order to insert the rivets into cardboard, you first have to make a hole. Then insert one piece on each side and snap the two pieces together.
For further instructions, click here.
Project Building Questions
Where can I get FREE cardboard boxes?
Mr. McGroovy has a web page with lots of advice and tips for finding free cardboard boxes in your community.
For more information, click here.
How long does it take to build the (project)?
This varies, but the most time consuming task is painting your project. If you've looked over and understand the instructions, one adult can cut and assemble the castle project in about two hours. If you cut the castle ahead of time it can be assembled in about 30 minutes. The pirate ship takes longer, but can be cut and assembled in about 3 to 4 hours.
Painting your project varies depending on the techniques you use, but can take anywhere from one hour to several days (some people get pretty fanatical!). Projects that are totally decked out with decoration may have a little more "WOW" factor during the first impression, but ultimately it makes little difference to the enjoyment that children will get out of playing in the project. The important thing is to find a balance between meeting your own expectations for how you want your project to look, and finding a method that doesn't take more time than you want to invest.
For more information about painting your project, click here and click here.
How big is the (project)?
That depends on the size of boxes that you use. Typical refrigerator boxes are about 30"x30"x60".
For smaller children and toddlers, consider using moving boxes. Moving boxes come in standard sizes, and some have proportions similar to refrigerator boxes. In particular, wardrobe boxes work great! If your project is going to be inside, wardrobe boxes are smaller and much better than refrigerator boxes for indoor projects. If you are building a project for toddlers or small children, "Dishpack" boxes are a great alternative. Again, they have similar proportions to a refrigerator box, but are much better for indoor projects. Even better, it's pretty easy to get your hands on moving boxes.
Approximate castle size if built with...
- Refrigerator boxes = 10' x 10'
- Wardrobe boxes = 8' x 8'
- Dishpack boxes = 5' x 5' (toddler sized!)
Approximate pirate ship size if built with...
- Refrigerator boxes = 6' x 18'
- Wardrobe boxes = 4' x 12'
- Dishpack boxes = 3' x 8'
What kinds of paint should I use?
The best paint to use is regular house paint like you buy at the hardware store. Quality of the paint is irrelevant, so buy the cheapest you can find. Some discount stores have generic brands for as little as $9/gallon. Better yet, ask if they have shelf for returned or mismatched paint - usually 50% off. Both acrylic and latex paint are water based so cleanup is very easy, and come in various finishes like gloss, semi-gloss and matte. Latex paint is rubbery when dry and maybe a little better as a protective layer that can repel water and make for easy clean-up of birthday cake frosting and sticky ice cream fingers.
How do you paint that cool brick pattern on the castle?
Believe it or not, the brick design is really easy to paint (anyone can do it)! For instructions click here.
Is building with Box Rivets a great learning activity?
For more information on the educational philosophy behind building with Mr. McGroovy's Box Rivets, please click here.
Is play time critical to child development?
Abso-posi-lutely! For more information on the importance of play, please click here.
Everyone links to other cool stuff. Where are your links?
And Lastly...
Is Mr. McGroovy a real person?
Yes. Mr. McGroovy's real name is Andy McGrew and he lives in Livermore, California. He has another full-time job and a young family, and runs Mr. McGroovy's in his "spare" time. He tries to answer all email within 24 hours, but usually much sooner. You can email him using the contact form.
To learn more about Mr. McGroovy's, click here.
