FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Gadanke – the Word
What does “GADANKE” mean?
The name comes from the German word that means thought, idea, or mind.
Gadanke has a big “thank you” in it. (Danke means thank you.) It’s kind of my way to tribute all the fabulousness in our lives.
How is “GADANKE” pronounced?
gah-dawn-kuh
(gah + the German word for "thanks")
Creating Each Eco-Savvy Journal
What types of materials do you use?
My heart really goes into locating beautiful and nostalgic materials from the US and Europe and focusing on environmental stewardship at the same time. That’s why you’ll see a lot of 100% recycled papers at Gadanke.
As we document life, I believe with all my heart that we should also be preserving it.
As for all the writing prompts? I collect moments of beauty and kindness in my back pocket. Years of studying poetry and personal essays taught me how to craft those moments into prompts. So yep, all the prompts are 100% my own.
Didn't I hear that Gadanke has won green business awards?
It did three times! In 2010, 2011 and 2012, the governor of Montana awarded Gadanke the EcoStar Green Business Award for our green business practices.
What kind of environmental impact do your journals have?
For every 100 Gadanke journals out there, just our decision to use 100% recycled paper over any virgin tree equivalents is saving:
- 58 gallons of water
- 15 percent of a mature tree
- 35 kWh of electricity
- 2.8 quarts of oil
- 375 cubic inches of solid, non-hazardous waste
Where do you make each journal?
The business launched in an “Earthship”, a house made of hundreds of repurposed tires. Then my husband, Martin, and I restored a vintage airplane hangar to include a home for ourselves and a studio for Gadanke. That’s where we’re at right now! We use a geothermal heating and cooling system and have a dream of installing wind generators to take us completely off the grid.
Placing An Order
What method of payment do you accept?
Gadanke uses Paypal to process orders securely. But don’t worry; you do not need a Paypal account to make a purchase. We accept credit cards, debit cards, EC cards (European), and e-checks.
Will you ship outside of the United States?
Absolutely! The only sad part is that I cannot guarantee the arrival time of your package due to customs delays. Expect a minimum delay of 2-4 weeks for your order to get through the mail and customs. If you’d like them to ship faster, upgrade to Priority Shipping.
How much does shipping cost?
Prices are based on product size and where you live. Kits, flat journals, and various embellishments cost less. The rates for all of my journals with rings are:
- US orders: $2.50 for one journal, $.75 for each additional book
- Canada orders: $6.25 for one journal, $.75 for each additional book
- International orders: $8.25 for one journal, $1.25 for each additional book
How long will it take to get my journals?
Current turnover is 2-4 business days to package your order. I ship with the United States Postal Service, and I’ll send you a confirmation note to your email address listed with Paypal on the day your package ships. From there, everything is in the hands of our mailmen.
Roughly speaking, it takes the US Postal Service 3-5 business days to ship in the US, 1-3 weeks to ship to Canada, and 2-4+ weeks to ship everywhere else. If you’d like them to ship faster, upgrade to Priority Shipping.
Do you send me an invoice?
You will receive an email invoice from Paypal. An additional invoice is never enclosed in your order, saving paper and making journals easy to gift.
What if I gave you the wrong shipping address?
If you do not give me the correct shipping address, I cannot be held responsible for nondelivery to you. I’m just mailing to the address you give me. So double check that your address is updated on Paypal if you moved recently!
Just placed an order a minute ago and made an address mistake? Quick. Email me.
Can I send a package to a friend and include a note?
Yah for gifts in the mail! I’ll do my best to make the experience awesome for the recipient.
During checkout, you'll see an option for a gift note. Write what you’d like. Keep it brief, and we’ll tuck in the handwritten note with your well wishes.
All Gadanke journals are packaged in ready-to-gift materials (most of which are compostable or 100% recycled!).
Do you offer wholesale orders for my shop or not-for-profit?
You betcha! Please use the contact form to request your digital catalogue and join our wholesaler mailing list.
Will you make me a custom journal?
I want you to customize your book. Stamp it. Paint it. Rip it. Take off big bites. Or keep it absolutely pristine! I don’t customize for a special reason:
I don’t want your journal to be a reflection of me; I want it to celebrate your story!
Do you accept returns?
I want you to be happy. I want you to enjoy your Gadanke purchase. But if for any reason you are not happy, I really want you to let me know. Please contact me within one week of receiving your journal. We will work it out.
Let’s Connect!
Where else can I find you?
- Making This Home - my blog about storycatching
- newsletter
I’m driving through your area. Want to meet up?
We know where they make a mean buffalo burger... (That means heck yah!)
I have a journal idea. Do you want to hear?
Yes I do! Shoot me a note.
Could I share my journal on the "Peek in our journals" page?
YES! Getting a note like this is like receiving a king size candy bar in my trick-or-treat bag. If I can post your journal, you’ll receive another journal and embellishing goodies with my compliments. Use the contact form to let me know the type of journal you've put together, and we'll go from there.
Can I mention Gadanke on my blog?
That would be so sweet. Send me the link so I can spread the love about your blog.
Spread the Word!
I love Gadanke! How can I spread the word?
(I blush.) Journaling is such an intimate thing that we don't always think to talk about, so I'd love your help:
- Pinning your favorite items on Pinterest
- Telling local small shops who might love carrying our journals
- Mentioning your favorite journal to friends online or when you get together for dinner