Dealer FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions by dealers about our products. To find a store in your area go to our store locator. To find a rep firm in your area go to our rep locator page.

What's your opening order?

Open credit is extended to customers with creditworthiness and an opening order of $500. Payment by credit card for orders of lesser value is encouraged. Credit applications are still requested.

What's your lead time?

Standard lead time is 3 weeks.

Do I pay ChemArt or Baldwin?

All payables are to The ChemArt Company, Lincoln, RI.

When did ChemArt start selling and marketing the Baldwin ornament and collectible lines?

In July of 2005, ChemArt was awarded the license to sell and market the Baldwin ornament lines. ChemArt was the behind-the-scenes designer, manufacturer, assembly and distributor of Baldwin since its inception in 1997.

Is it the same quality?

The quality of all ChemArt products is outstanding. Our in-line inspection process provides our customers with the product quality they expect. There is no difference between the Baldwin product produced in 2004 and today, other than the styling and use of materials to elevate the design appeal. That is a function of design, not quality.

Where’s the product made?

ChemArt is proudly a US manufacturer with a facility in Lincoln, RI. We are a fully integrated company meaning that we control the process from design, tooling, plating, manufacture, assembly and distribution.

All custom and ChemArt Retail products are made in the US. 99% of all Baldwin products are also made in the US. Some competencies are migrated from the US to off shore and those ornaments with porcelain and epoxy are designed by ChemArt and made in our partners’ facility in China. All MSDS certifications are on file and quality testing is validated on these few products.

How do you sell?

Our target customers are year-round Christmas shops, high-end gift specialty stores, department stores, and select collegiate sports stores and bookstores.

Do you offer dealer protection in specific geographic areas?

Our target base is quite defined. As a result, we charge our territory reps with the management of their accounts. We do not have a stated policy, but reasonably assess the opportunity in the marketplace.

My customers are seeing more and more laser and photochemically etched products on the market. What is our response to that?

The resurgence of the gold finished ornament has been our focus through the first 5 years of the program. There is no single source that offers a more comprehensive or complete line of product than Baldwin.

The key to our success has been our ability to listen to what the customer is looking for. We continue to be innovative and push the mix along. We will always be the leader in new ideas, forms, complexity and complementary product. As we become that specialist, we also become more vulnerable. Knock offs will always win out over design and value. Knock offs will always sell if the common denominator is price.

Baldwin goes beyond that. We have a fully integrated marketing approach with collateral material, programs, fixturing, advertising programs, etc. That provides value.

How does Baldwin fit into the collectible landscape?

Baldwin is a good fit for stores selling Lenox, Waterford, Reed & Barton, and Polonaise. Both style and price points complement each other. Each of these brands has its' own special look and design. Just like Baldwin, these collections are well designed, well defined and are accepted by the consumer as highly price-valued.

What is the difference between the Baldwin Collection and the ChemArt Retail Line?

The Baldwin Collection is part of a branded program with its roots in beauty, elegance, and artistry. The collection represents the finest in quality craftsmanship as is reflective of other Baldwin quality products throughout the home industry.

The ChemArt Retail line is a compilation of products that are regional in orientation and complement but are not competitive with the Baldwin offering. This approach allows the retailer to tailor an assortment with a particular feel or theme, and be able to so without having to shop multiple vendors; making the buying process easier.

Tell me about the Custom options you have?

ChemArt’s largest business segment is creating custom products one project, one customer at a time. We create keepsakes for civic and cultural groups, governmental agencies, colleges and universities, philanthropic organizations, and children’s charities to name a few.

Making custom product is our competence and making the process easy is our forte. We have taken these capabilities and introduced the concept to the retail market. This provides specific differentiation in a given market and sets the retailer apart from its competition. You can choose from ornaments, bookmarks, page clips, lapel pins, metal invitations and much more. Our representatives are well trained to walk you through the process simply and painlessly.

What is the White House Ornament Program?

The White House Historical Association is a charitable nonprofit institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House. From private funding and sale of its educational products, WHHA supports the acquisition of artwork and objects for the White House collection and contributes to the conservation of public rooms. In 1961, Mrs. John F. Kennedy approved the National Park Service suggestion that such an association be formed.

ChemArt has manufactured the ornament every year since its inception. We have won the design competition all but 6 years. In 2007, the White House Historical Association granted ChemArt the right to sell and market the program through the retail sector.

The White House Ornament Program is the largest and most prestigious collectible program of its kind in the United States. It is currently in its 27th year, commemorating the presidents’ legacies in chronological order. This has been interrupted only to commemorate milestones dealing with White House or the Office of the President.

How should the ornaments be cared for and stored?

Handling: Always use the hanging cord to lift or inspect the ornament. This will help keep the piece sparkling bright.

Cleaning: Keeping the ornaments clean and free of fingerprints is easily achieved with a soft lint-free cloth. You may use a diluted mix of a mild household window cleaning solution. Never rub or press too hard. DO NOT IMMERSE IN ANY LIQUIDS FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME.

Dusting: A small unused water color paint brush or a cotton swab will gently remove any dust particles.

Storage: We recommend the presentation box be used for storage. The specially designed box is strong and should provide years of protection. Never stack heavy objects on top of the presentation box. Store away from or on top of heavier objects. If the box has been tossed away, it is recommended that a non-acidic tissue paper be used to wrap and store the item. Storage containers are also readily available at most collectible stores.

Storage Conditions: All ornaments should be stored in temperate areas and should not be subjected to extreme temperature and humidity changes.