FAQIronEight™ Products
Ordering
Gift Services
Shipping
Guarantee and Returns
Privacy and Security
Contact and Customer Service
Corporate, Retailers, and Media relations
IronEight™ Products
Are your products licensed?
Yes, we’re proud to be officially sanctioned by several of the most discerning licensing organizations in all of sports:
- Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc.
- Ironclad Authentics, LLC
Each IronEight™ product displays the MLB hologram guaranteeing authenticity. To learn more about these organizations visit our Official Licensors page.
What if I have a question about a product?
If you can’t find your answer on the products page, email customer service. We’ll respond as soon as possible, usually by the end of the next business day.
How can I get information about new products?
To get the latest about new products, special offers, and new website features and services, send your email address to subscribe to our IronWorks email newsletter. If you have questions about a specific new product or program, email customer service.
Where can I find more Cal Ripken, Jr. collectibles?
We recommend the Ironclad Authentics website. It carries the most complete line of collectibles and memorabilia celebrating Cal. The site also has great collectibles for other sports legends and links to even more resources. Authenticity of all signed items is guaranteed.
I saw the IronEights™ on QVC!
Yes, and thanks for the plug. We were proud to have our premier products presented on QVC by the “Iron Man” himself, Cal Ripken, Jr. It was a very satisfying moment for everyone who worked so hard to make this project happen.
How were the IronEight™ products made?
We began with an actual jersey number and had an artist interpret the fabric in a bolder pattern that would withstand the casting process. The artist’s work was then molded in aluminum, which was used to create individual sand molds ready for casting. Next iron was melted and ladled into the sand molds. After cooling for several hours, the sand molds were broken open. The castings were cleaned and ready for finishing. Each casting was then powder-coated, accent-painted, and etched with Cal’s signature.
Where were they made?
The iron was cast and finished in Rhode Island, but to create the IronEights™, we have depended on advice, work, and materials from experts and vendors in Maine, California, Minnesota, Alabama, Massachusetts, Colorado, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. We’re proud that our vendors are all based in America and that our entire product and packaging were created here.
Where’s your foundry?
Our primary foundry has been the Cumberland Foundry, in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Its attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to customer service have allowed us to bring our unique products to you.
American Cast Iron Company does not operate our own foundry. We have and continue to rely on some of the most talented and respected foundrymen in America.
It’s worth noting that all of the foundries we have worked with or even consulted are long- established, family-run businesses.
Where did you get those crates?
Our custom crates were created by the Napa Wooden Box Company. Given its location, in American Canyon, California, it’s no surprise that most of its work serves the wine industry. We are glad to have found Napa and are very pleased with its work.
Will there be any more Cal Ripken products?
Yes, there are a couple in the works. If you’d like to stay updated, check back here or subscribe to our IronWorks email newsletter.
What’s that straw-like material that you use for packing?
It’s called excelsior. It’s stranded wood fibers manufactured from Aspen trees, so it’s a renewable resource. We get ours from the American Excelsior Company, which has been providing this natural material since 1888.
Can I display the IronEight™ products outdoors?
Best not. Eventually exposure will cause iron to rust no matter what coating or protection is applied. To keep the finish intact and the IronEight™ looking good as new, keep it indoors. It was designed for indoor display.
Can I get an extra crate or box?
Well, we aren’t set up for it, but drop a line to customer service, and we’ll see what we can do.
Do you keep a register of limited-edition numbers?
We don’t have a register at this time, but are interested in hearing opinions on the need for one. Let us know what you think.
Can I get my IronEight™ autographed by Cal?
Yes. There are two ways to make this happen. We offer the option to have any of our products hand-autographed by Cal. These autographs are done under the supervision of Ironclad Authentics and are guaranteed by that company. Or you can take your IronEight™ to a personal appearance by Cal.
Do you have other products planned for other players?
Yes. It’s a little early to announce, but check back here or subscribe to our IronWorks newsletter and you’ll be among the first to know.
Why cast iron?
Well, first of all, it seemed natural that some tribute to the Iron Man should be iron. And iron has such great associations with strength, character, and endurance that it’s the perfect metal to celebrate heroes.
What other IronEight™ products are there?
At this time there are six cast-iron products available. There are also some really cool promotional items in the works, including T-shirts, hats, polos, and bumper stickers. Check back on our products page soon or subscribe to our IronWorks newsletter, and we’ll update you as soon as they’re ready.
Can I send my ideas to you?
No. As you might imagine, the legal issues surrounding who authored which idea can be complicated and costly. In fact, to protect ourselves, any unsolicited ideas submitted will be treated as the sole property of American Cast Iron Company.
So please don’t; we aren’t able to entertain unsolicited ideas. And besides, if you have good, valuable idea (and why wouldn’t you?) keep it for yourself. Develop it, test it, build a business, succeed—it’s the American way.
Ordering
How do I know if a product is available?
Availability information for each product is posted on individual product pages and will be updated as necessary.
What if I order the wrong item or want to cancel an order I’ve already placed?
Let us know by contacting customer service. If your order has not shipped, we will change or cancel your order per your request. If your order has shipped, you may exchange your item. If it is necessary to return an item, a customer service representative will provide you with materials to do so.
Gift Services
Is gift-wrapping available?
Yes. IronEight™ products make terrific gifts. This service is free to all of our customers.
Shipping
Can orders be shipped outside the U.S.?
Our licensing agreements prohibit us from shipping internationally except to military bases. Attention Canadian MLB fans: Please contact customer service for updates about availability of our products in to Canada.
Can I send one to a military base?
Yes, and we’ll be glad to help. If you’re sending any of the products purchased from our website to a son, daughter, father, mother, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, friend, neighbor, or anyone currently in the U.S. military anywhere served by an APO or FPO, we will ship it for free.
What shipping methods are available?
Our standard shipping method is UPS ground service. Other shipping options will be available in the near future.
How do I know when my order has shipped?
All orders are shipped within one business day.
Guarantee and Returns
What is your return policy?
American Cast Iron is committed to your 100% satisfaction, guaranteed. If you’re not completely satisfied with a product purchased from our website, you may exchange it or receive a full refund within 30 days of the date of your purchase. Click here to read our customer-friendly policy.
What do I do if my order arrives damaged?
If your order arrived damaged, please email customer service. We’ll arrange for product pickup and replacement to meet your needs.
Privacy and Security
Will anyone else have access to my personal information?
American Cast Iron does not trade, rent, or sell customer information to anyone. Information collected is used to process orders, to keep you informed about your order, and other necessities. Read our Privacy Policy for full information.
What measures do you take to ensure transaction safety and security?
American Cast Iron takes all appropriate steps to ensure data privacy and security, including through various hardware and software methodologies. Unfortunately, like all Internet retailers, we cannot absolutely guarantee the security of information disclosed online.
Contact and Customer Service
How do I contact American Cast Iron?
We’re here. Contact Us provides links and an address. If you have any questions or comments, please email customer service. We’ll respond as quickly as possible, usually by the end of the next business day.
Corporate, Retailers, and Media relations
Can products or packaging be customized for corporate giving or employee awards programs?
Yes. Email corporate sales and let us know what we can do for you.
Can my retail store carry American Cast Iron products?
We’re eager to build long-term relationships with qualified, high-quality retailers. Contact us through new retailers.
How can I get more information about American Cast Iron and its products for our print, broadcast, or online venue?
Our News and Press Releases page provides information about our company and products, and what we have planned for the near future. Email media for more details or to request product photos for publication.