Six questions we answer every week, printed here so you can save the stamp.
— Worried, in Leeds
Platen replies
It will. Each machine travels with its carriage locked, foam all round and a double-walled box, insured to full value. One has arrived damaged since 2011, and we replaced it that week.
— Curious, in Porto
Platen replies
With a portable from the 1950s or 60s: light, forgiving and easy to find parts for. Every machine ships with a fresh ribbon and a one-page how-to.
— Alarmed, in Toronto
Platen replies
Write to the bench first. Every machine is guaranteed for twelve months, most fixes are a five-minute video, and if it has to come back we pay the post both ways.
— Unsure, in Ohio
Platen replies
Then it comes home. You have thirty days to send it back for a full refund, and we email the prepaid label. Keep the box it came in.
— Inherited an Olivetti, in Lyon
Platen replies
Tell us the make and model at checkout and we wind the right spool. Nine machines in ten take the universal ribbon, and we stock the odd ones too.
— Hopeful, in Melbourne
Platen replies
To forty-one countries, usually in three to ten days. Duties are shown at checkout, so nothing is owed at the door.
Not here? Write to bench@platen.example. A person replies, usually on a typewriter.