Questions

We've tried to cover any questions you may have about Paper Tiger and our products. If you can't find the answer here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

The Product—

How long do they last?

Paper Tiger furniture will last for years, so long as you follow our assembly instructions and use it for the purpose it was designed. Stools have withstood over a year of heavy use in busy cafés, and in office environments they've lasted more than five years. Some extra measures can be taken to make your furniture even more durable, which includes glueing to our specifications and clear-coating the surface with a water-based varnish or water-based house paints. Ask us how.

CAN I RE-USE THEM? How many times?

Re-use is possible, and encouraged. To disassemble you must reverse the steps taken to fold them together and very carefully uncouple the tabs without tearing. Store flat in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat can warp the board. The number of times in which they can be re-used depends on how well preserved the tabs are. It also depends on the item in question as some products have a more permanent locking mechanism than others, and are more susceptible to damage when dis-assembling. Ask us prior to purchase if re-use is important to you and we can guide your selection.

How much weight can they hold?

The stools have been used extensively in public environments since 2007. We have never received a complaint that they are not fit for the purpose of carrying the weight of the general population in normal use (ie. sitting, not jumping, standing or bouncing). We don't guarantee the products for excessively heavy loading.

Are they difficult to put together? 

Not at all! But some degree of practical ability, and a little patience is needed at first. If you consider Ikea products difficult, you may want to find a friend to give you a hand. We provide clear step-by-step instructions, as well as an indicative video, and are always on call if you need it.

what are the environment benefits? (Are they made from recycled cardboard?)

Paper supplied to Paper Tiger Products is a combination of responsibly sourced kraft liner and 100% recycled paper. 
Virgin wood fibre sourced for this kraft liner is from responsibly managed softwood plantation thinnings, and saw mill residue. The virgin fibre inputs are evaluated against internationally recognised standards for forest management. The recycled products used contain approximately 98% post consumer and 2% pre consumer recycled fibres. Much of the pre-consumer recycled content is a by-product of board manufacturing processes.

WHERE ARE your PRODUCTS MADE?

Paper Tiger furniture is manufactured in Reservoir, Melbourne by Visy Board. Most printing processes are done by secondary companies throughout Melbourne, though high-volume printing is done in-house by Visy. We also have manufacturing established in Belgium to supply the European market.

How do I print on them, and how much does it cost?

We offer a range of processes, depending on the look and the budget of the project. 

1. Ink stamping is the entry-level process for making a simple and cost-effective one-colour logo. We manage the production of the stamps, and send with an inked stamp pad of your colour choice - black, green, blue, or red.
2. Vinyl sticker printing is also a cost-effective way to have a logo or design prepared and has the advantage of full-colour processing. 
3. Screen-printing looks fantastic, and is commonly done for up to three colours in an isolated design such as a logo or pattern which covers some but not all of the cardboard surface.
4. Digital printing is used if the whole board surface needs to be printed but the volumes of production are small. Photo quality imaging can be achieved by digital processes. Quantities are commonly less than 50.
5. Flexographic printing (the standard process for cardboard box packaging) is done when the volumes are high - generally 250 or more, and when a full colour or coverage print is required. Set up costs are high but unit costs are low once the volumes exceed a certain level, which depends on the individual circumstances.

CAN I GET the products FIRE-PROOFED FOR SAFETY REGULATIONS?

In the past it was is possible to purchase a proprietary spray-on fire retardant to comply with regulations of venues that demand it. This company is no longer around, but we will help you find a solution if that is required.

What happens when it rains or if they get dirty?

Corrugated cardboard is not a waterproof material. In general we recommend avoiding wet areas at all times; even with a waterproof coating, water will soak up from the bottom edge. That said, if you want to protect your furniture from spills or light rain showers we can arrange a water-based paint or varnish, and if it is a high-volume production run, the chairs can be varnished in the manufacturing or printing process. This can also protect against wear and tear.
The cardboard will weather, 'ding' and get depression marks through normal use. Spills are not a problem if they are wiped clean quickly.

HOW MUCH SPACE DO THEY TAKE UP WHEN UNFOLDED?

The products vary in size, but all are die cut from large sheets of cardboard typically 1 by 2 metres and 4mm thick. They lie flat or can be folded in half to take up less space, though folding over will double their width. Ask us specifically about your order.

WHERE CAN I SEE ONE? DO YOU HAVE ANY IN STORES?

We don't currently sell through stores, but if you are interested in ordering a large quantity, we are happy to post out a sample.

WHAT OTHER COLOURS CAN I GET?

White and brown are available in most orders, but special colour runs can be made depending on volume and budget. Ask us for more details.

HOW MUCH FOR JUST ONE?

We don't sell single units, but we can offer small quantites of unprinted products (eg a box of 5 stools), or small packages (eg. one table with four stools). Please contact us to find out more, and to discuss pricing.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW BEFORE I BEGIN?

For best results, follow these simple steps: (detailed folding and assembly instructions can be found here)

1. Use two hands and even pressure
2. Always fold to 90 degrees or more
3. Patience is a virtue, forcing is never good

My order and shipping —

HAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept payments from credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and electronic transfers from your bank to ours.

HOW BIG IS THE DELIVERY?

The delivery comes on pallets, with the flat sheets stacked up to 1m or so high. The sheet size depends on the product.

HOW MUCH DOES DELIVERY COST?

Our delivery charges are based on weight and location and are calculated at checkout. 

DOES YOUR DELIVERY FEE INCLUDE INSURANCE?

Yes, your order is fully insured.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY FURNITURE TO BE MADE AND DELIVERED?

Large orders (100 units or more) are made-to-order in the factory and delivered directly from there. Allow up to 4 weeks, and add another 2 weeks for any printing. Small orders are generally pre-packed at our warehouse and will take 2-4 business days after despatch, which occurs each Friday. 

WHEN WILL YOU DISPATCH MY ORDER?

Unless we tell you prior to you placing your order, orders are shipped weekly, on Fridays.

WHERE DO YOU DELIVER? 

Paper Tiger delivers Australia-wide. Unfortunately, we don't offer international shipping at this time.  

CAN I TRACK THE PROGRESS OF MY ORDER?

Yes. A tracking number will be emailed to you once your order has been dispatched.

DO I NEED TO BE there TO RECEIVE DELIVERY?

Unless you give us authority to leave your order without getting a signature, someone will need to be there to sign for the delivery. In the case of larger shipments where there is no forklift or pallet jack, there may need to be assistance in removing the delivery from the truck.

CAN YOU DELIVER TO A POST OFFICE BOX?

All orders are dispatched by our Australia wide courier system. Delivery to a PO Box isn’t an option as part of this system.

CAN I PICK UP MY PURCHASE FROM YOUR WAREHOUSE?

Pickup can be arranged with enough notice given for large orders. Talk to us first.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME ARE DAMAGED?

If you receive damaged stock, we can replace or compensate for the damage, depending on the circumstances. Given that the sheets are cardboard, it is possible from time to time for edges and corners to get bumped in transit.
In most cases this makes no difference to the appearance of the furniture when folded, as most of these edges are hidden from view. If you have any concerns we are ready to help.

CAN I RETURN UNWANTED PRODUCTS?

We are happy to receive unwanted products so long as they are in as-new condition and are delivered to our warehouse. The furniture must be packed flat, unfolded and be in exactly the same state as when it was shipped. Upon inspecting and approving the returned goods we will refund any costs associated with the products. We don't refund any costs incurred in shipping the returned goods to us.