If you do not find your question here, feel free
to email us.
• What types of things
do you work on?
• Do you frame?
• What kinds of problems can you fix?
• Do you restore ink?
• Does it take long?
• How much does it cost?
• What types of payment do you accept?
• Should I worry about sales pressure and giving out my information?
• Do the items have to leave my house?
• Are the items safe and secure during
treatment?
• What is your experience?
• Do you serve clients outside your
area?
• How do I mail my item? Do you have a preferred carrier?
• Why should I use this service? My
papers and photos will be fine!
• What is unique about your service?
Can’t I get this somewhere else cheaper?
• What if my item is in really bad shape?
• How do I treat my items after they
are fixed? Do they require special care?
What types of things do you work on?
We treat anything that is paper based. This means papers, maps,
books, photos, albums, art prints, baseball cards and more. It
also includes paper-like items such as vellum. We can consult
you on care for films, negatives and other recording media, although
our treatment options for these are limited to archival storage
solutions.
Do you frame?
No, we do not frame and we do not recommend doing so. Framing is hard on artifacts, and we encourage you to frame a color copy instead and let the document rest in good storage. But we do help you get an item ready for framing if you wish.
What kinds of problems can you fix?
We can fix tears, remove mold, dirt and fasteners. We also remove
acids from most items (photos do not require this), stabilize
them and provide proper archival storage. This is all done professionally
and with the right supplies. Additionally, we teach you how to
keep them stable in the future, and how to fix storage problems.
Do you restore ink?
No, we cannot restore ink once it has faded or been washed away. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Does it take long?
You should have your items back in a few weeks, sooner if you request it. We will tell you a more exact timeframe before you
make a commitment.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what you need fixed. For a closer explanation of
pricing, click here.
What types of payment do you accept?
We take checks or cash. We cannot accept credit cards because the fees for this are too high and our business is extremely small. If you really want to use a card, consider paying with a check from the credit card company.
Should I worry about sales pressure and giving out my information?
We are a very small operation and we strongly believe that making clients uncomfortable with sales pressure is wrong. We believe that it is unprofessional to sell people things they do not want. When contacted, we will simply answer your questions and be honest about costs.
We never give your information to anyone. We do not engage in address selling or telemarketing. If we ask for your information, it means that we need it to do our job. Your information never leaves this office.
Do the items have to leave my house?
In most cases, yes. Your consultation will take place via email, in your
home, on the phone or in a neutral meeting place if you wish.
However, in order to do the best possible service on your items,
they will have to come to our treatment area, where we have all
of the necessary supplies.
Are the items safe and secure during treatment?
The treatment area is protected by an alarm system, and we always take great care to protect clients’ artifacts in the same manner as museums protect their collections.
What is your experience?
Eleonore Aarsen, the owner of Make It Last Document Preservation has over 16 years of archival experience. This includes graduate-level education from Wichita State University, and working experience in several professional archival institutions. Preservation work on papers and photos was a daily part of these jobs. She is a member of the Society of American Archivists and of the Society of North Carolina Archivists. John Aarsen, assistant and consultant, is a museum curator and has worked in the field for 22 years. He is a member of the American Association of Museums.
Do you serve clients outside your area?
Absolutely. Most of our clients live outside of our State. Although we may not be able to come to your home,
we can discuss the items over the phone or per email. Signed agreements
and payment can be sent by mail. You can pack your items securely
and mail them to us insured (if you so choose). We will return
them by mail when they are finished. The mailing costs are added
to your bill.
How do I mail my item? Do you have a preferred carrier?
Make sure the item is secure and does not bend during transport. Do not fold or roll anything that was not previously folded or rolled! You can mail the items to us any way you wish (Postal Service, FedEx, UPS etc). We prefer to mail them back to you via U.S. Postal Service because they are much more flexible about packaging odd-sized things than the other carriers are. You dictate the use of special services (registered etc.)
Why should I use this service? My papers and photos will
be fine!
Think again! Your treasured items are deteriorating while you
read this.
What is unique about your service? Can’t
I get this somewhere else cheaper?
Our service is unique because it is a simple, affordable version
of traditional conservation service. It is like the work that
archivists and curators do in-house. This level of work is not
widely available to private clients. Usually the only way to get
help for family heirlooms and collectibles is to contract a high-level
conservation lab. While these services are fantastic, they are
also much more than the average person needs.
We bring you simple straightforward protection for your items.
It is cheaper than the conservation labs because it is simpler.
What if my item is in really bad shape?
Then we should talk about it. We may be able to stabilize it.
It may also be necessary to forward it to a conservation lab.
It really depends on how bad it is, and how badly you want to
keep it.
How do I treat my items after they are
fixed? Do they require special care?
We will tell you. That information is part of your consultation.
In most cases, you will not have to make any major inconvenient
changes to protect your items.
