Frequently Asked Questions
When will my order arrive?
We complete most online orders on the next business day. However, this is a part-time business. If your order will take more than 3 days to be processed, we will advise you by email within that time.
If you need rush shipping or or a guaranteed ship date , please order by phone (888-568-MAPS) or inquire ahead by email.
What’s the return policy?
If you feel less than confident you have chosen the right products, please contact us before submitting an order. Wondering how up to date a map really is? Will a certain map suit your exact purpose? Is your town on the map? The Map Center cheerfully answers questions like this. Trial and error shopping is wasteful because returned maps can seldom be resold as new and we cannot dump returns and overstock back to our suppliers as retail giants do. Instead, we stand for patient, knowledgeable customer service before the sale, sufficient to get it right the first time.
If your purchase is not as expected due to an error on this website or other communication from us, or due to shipping error or merchandise defect, we will correct the problem. If your shipment was damaged in transit do not discard the items or the packaging. Let us know as soon as possible and we will arrange a prompt replacement of your order.
All other returns must be authorized by phone or email and are subject to a 20% restocking charge. Returned packages must be marked with our return authorization number. The customer is responsible for all shipping charges and properly repacking the merchandise. Credit will be issued only for merchandise received in new condition. The Map Center will not accept delivery of any returned package that is not clearly marked with our return authorization number.
Shipping or pickup?
The Map Center has some big maps. Some are downright huge. Maps wider than about 4 feet do not ship as a package, they are freight and that incurs a considerable jump in cost. If you order one of the huge framed maps (about 6 feet wide) a $300 shipping charge will be added at checkout. This is subject to adjustment up or down because every freight delivery is quoted separately. If the adjustment is an increase, we will not act until we have informed you of the actual cost and received your instructions to proceed or to cancel and refund. If you are interested in having a huge map delivered you are welcome to inquire about freight cost before you enter an order in the webstore.
You’re also welcome to pick up any order at The Map Center in Pawtucket where we will have your piece packaged and ready to take home yourself. You’ll get your order faster, cheaper, with less hassle and with less risk of damage to your purchase.
Can you custom print me a map?
If it’s a public domain intellectual property (anything made prior to 1929) that is free to use, absolutely! We can print, mount, laminate and frame maps, posters, photos, drawings, scans, designs or any other image you like. To a certain extent, we’ll even help you track down a map from online or in our database so that you get the right map for you.
Can you custom make me a map?
Making a map is a time and resource intensive activity. Some are fairly easy to make, some take years and years to complete. If you have a vision for a map that doesn’t exist but you think should, let’s have a conversation. We’ll do our best to match you with a cartographer within our network who can do the job.
Will you buy my old map?
I am not an antiquarian nor am I an appraisal specialist. This is an area where it’s very easy to get hosed, and if I’m being honest, I’m much more interested in the maps being made today by my colleagues and myself. the Map Center is unique in that it’s one of the very few map stores left in North American that specializes in contemporary rather than antique maps. You’re welcome to consign the piece to The Map Center for a 40% sales fee, donate it or simply stop by and show me what a cool thing you’ve found, otherwise I can redirect you to Anne Hall Antique Prints in Newport, Mainely Maps and Frames in Portland Maine or Ward Maps in Cambridge.