SHOP FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Build-A-Bear FAQ
Everything you need to know about GCNWI’s Build-A-Bear Workshop in Vernon Hills.
Our associates can make minor repairs in our Vernon Hills location; however, we are not able to accept bears requiring extensive repairs.
We will always do our best to take care of your furry friend and will provide as much assistance as we are able.
Yes. Our walk-in hours are:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed for lunch 1- 2 p.m.)
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
At this time we are unable to setup in-store pickup for Build A Bear items on our website. Please reach out to our staff and we will try to accommodate any requests: customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
We want to make sure each of our guests is beary happy with their purchases. If for some reason you would like to return an item, we will be happy to assist you according to the terms of our Satisfaction Bearantee.*
A refund is available with the original proof of purchase from Girl Scouts GCNWI. If you do not have an original proof of purchase, we will exchange or provide merchandise credit for any returned product at our discretion. A refund or credit will be issued for the purchase price, current list price, or prorated price, depending on the item(s) returned.
We can not accept returns from other Build-A-Bear Workshop locations.
Please note that shipping fees are non-refundable.
*We gladly accept returns for exchange or refund within 90 days. Please save your receipt.
Payment is due 24 hours in advance of your scheduled party. You will receive an invoice from Square for total payment. Any additions made to your event or for additional purchases will be charged at the end of your party.
If you wish to use Nutty Bucks or Cookie Dough, email customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org, and we can apply this payment to your purchase.
If payment is not received prior to your event, we can reschedule your event.
You are welcome to bring party supplies, including food, to your scheduled event. We will have a meeting space with tables and chairs that will be available to you and your group. You can also decorate the space.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago will not provide any party supplies or decorations.
At this time, we are only offering the Build-A-Bear WorkshopTM in our Vernon Hills Gathering Place. Let us know if this is something you are interested in. Email customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org. Please include “Build-A-Bear Question” in the subject line.
GS+ FAQ
Frequently Askedd Questions
We try to promptly process online orders as they arrive. If you need to edit your order, send us an email at customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org. If your order has not been processed we can make edits before you are charged. If your order has been processed, we can reach out to you to place an additional order or refund. Edits cannot be made to an order once it has been picked up by the delivery carrier.
Your service unit can request to make your Service Unit meeting either an order drop off location or ask for an in-person mobile shop. Please see our Mobile Shop page for more details.
The answer is yes!
Fill out the Mobile Shop Form and we will take care of the details.
Expect a call or email within 3 business days after you have submitted the form to confirm your information.
Please note that the Mobile Shop is available based on schedule and staff availability. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. Please make requests at least 2 weeks before your event.
To use a cookie dough/gift card payment you will simply add your card # into the “Order Notes” section on the checkout page. You will need to add a credit card number to complete your order. Your card will not be charged at that time. Once we begin to process your order we will apply the gift card number and charge any remaining balance to the credit card if there is one.
*Please note that we do only accept Cookie Dough or Gift Cards issued by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. We are not able to accept GSUSA gift cards or cards issued by another council.
We process and ship back-ordered and out-of-stock items as soon as they return to stock. You’ll be charged for shipping one time, upfront for the entire order which includes the back ordered item(s).
Note: Back-ordered items will only ship standard delivery.
ORDER PICK UP GUIDELINES
Orders can be placed online at www.shop.girlscoutsgcnwi.org for order pick up during open shop hours.
Customers will schedule their designated order pick up appointment at the time they place their order online at www.shop.girlscoutsgcnwi.org. Orders not picked up at their designated order pick up appointment can be picked up during any open shop hours after the missed pickup up date.
Orders must be placed at least 2-6 days prior to pickup depending on location. Please see available pickup times at checkout for the soonest pickup date.
For questions regarding our order pick up shopping experience, contact GCNWI’s Customer Care Team at 855-456-8347 or customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org
GS+ UNLIMITED FREE SHIPPING PLAN
Orders of $10 or more of eligible items qualify for unlimited FREE shipping.
Valid July 20, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Details
- At zero cost, service unit managers (SUMs) who reached 50% of their 2025 membership goal by June 30, 2024, and renew by Wednesday, June 30, will receive FREE shipping on eligible online orders of $10 or more.
- For $39, leaders or co-leaders who renewed 50% of their troop for the 2025 membership year by June 30, 2024, and renew by Wednesday, June 30, will receive FREE shipping on eligible online orders of $10 or more. Full retail value is $79.
- For $79, all Girl Scout members can purchase the FREE shipping plan and use on eligible online orders of $10 or more.
For more detailed information, visit https://shop.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/gs-plus-loyalty-program/.
Special order patches are ordered every other Monday and take about 3-4 days to arrive before they are shipped to you. If your order includes other items, your order will be held until your fun patches arrive and will ship complete.
Special order fun patches are not returnable and cannot be exchanged for other merchandise.
We do our best to process items as soon as they become available. Some items can be shipped from another council shop location when available. It may only take a matter of days or several weeks. To check the approximate availability of an item, email customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
Note: Back-ordered items will only ship standard delivery.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana offers a Lifetime Membership discount of 10% off select items purchased on our online site; www.shop.girlscoutsgcnwi.org .
ONLINE
Merchandise categories that qualify for the 10% discount:
- Gifts
- Clearance
- GSUSA Apparel and Accessory Collections
- GCNWI Council Own Merchandise (product that includes our council’s name or acronym)
- Fun Patches
Merchandise categories and items that DO NOT qualify:
- Uniforms and Starter Kits
- Badges and Insignia
- Build-A-Bear Merchandise+above criteria.
___
Select Partner Brand Discounts
Please note that these secret codes are for Girl Scout lifetime members, like you, only.
We ask that you—on your honor!—not share them.
54 Thrones is a botanical skincare company founded by Girl Scout alum Christina Tegbe. Products—from body butter to face masks—are sourced first-hand from African artisans.
- You Get: 20% off online shopping, excluding sales.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeThrones20
Dagne Dover is a handbag company, founded by Girl Scout alum Melissa Mash, that offers everything from wallets and laptop cases to diaper bags.
- You Get: 20% off online shopping, excluding sales.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeDagne20
GoldieBlox, which was founded by Girl Scout alum Debbie Sterling, aims to educate and empower girls ages four to nine with STEM toys designed to build their skills and confidence.
- You Get: 20% for online shopping, excluding sales.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeGold20
Kinfield, founded by Girl Scout alum Nichole Powell, makes plant-based, cruelty-free outdoor-focused products, including sunscreen, bug repellent, and anti-itch balm.
- You Get: 20% off online shopping, excluding sales.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeKinfield20
Trade Street Jam Co., founded by Girl Scout alum Ashley Rouse, makes small batch, gluten free, vegan preserves and sauces that are low sugar and avoid pectin.
- You Get: 20% off online shopping, excluding sales.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeJam20
Women in Negotiation (WIN) was founded with the understanding that hard work often goes unrewarded unless you know how to ask for what you want.
WIN’s products include memberships to their online program of negotiation courses as well as personalized coaching.
- You Get: 20% off annual membership and individual products, and 30% off monthly membership.
- Not combinable with other offers.
- Secret Code: GS4LifeWIN20
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (“GCNWI”) agrees to heat press earned awards, patches, and/or insignia on garments exclusively sold in our shops or ordered online from shop.girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
GCNWI will do their best to produce the best-looking garments. However, heat pressing is subject to imperfections, and/or other small inconsistencies. Before placing your order, ensure that the items you wish to have heat transferred to a garment have adhesive backing.
GCNWI will follow instructions from the customer as to placement of patches and earned awards. If instructions are not included in the online order notes or when in the shop, staff will follow a standard layout as follows:
Patches on back of tunic, vest, or sash
All patches will be applied from bottom of the garment to the top of the garment.
Earned Awards and Insignia
All awards and insignia will be applied based on the approved layouts from GSUSA.
Care Instructions
To ensure product longevity, we recommend machine wash cold, tumble dry low for all garments.
Turn Around Time
Our standard time is two to three business days once the order has been placed online. If an order is placed in one of our shops, staff can heat transfer a garment if they have time while you wait. If we are unable to heat transfer a garment during the time you are in the shop, we will provide an estimate of when the work can be completed, and we will reach out to confirm pick up or if we need to ship to you.
GCNWI is not responsible for the following:
- Customer ordering the wrong size tunic, vest, or sash.
- Customer ordering the wrong troop number.
- Errors in placement as instructed by the customer.
- Not being able to heat transfer earned awards, patches, or insignia that do not include adhesive backing.
- Material damage to garment from adhesive backing.
- Customer does not like the placement of earned awards, patches, or insignia.
- Damage to garments once they have been washed and dried.
- Earned awards, patches, or insignia that have been picked at or pulled off a garment.
Payment
Payment for heat transfer service is paid in full at the time of order. No refunds will be issued. Your purchase of this service constitutes that you agree to the Terms and Conditions identified above.
GCNWI reserves the right to change its Terms and Conditions at any time without notice.
If you have any questions regarding our Terms and Conditions, please email customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org, using Heat Transfer Service in the subject line.
Our goal is to set clear expectations of the service provided for our volunteers. Thank you for allowing us to heat press earned awards, patches, and insignia to your garments. We look forward to working with you.
USPS typically will make three attempts to deliver your merchandise. When the package is undeliverable after three attempts and/or not picked up from the local post office, the order will be returned to our council shop and any fees associated with the return delivery are charged to GCNWI by the carrier.
If merchandise is returned to our council shop because the package is undeliverable after three attempts and/or not picked up from the local post office a credit will be issued for the cost of merchandise, but you will not be credited for any shipping and handling costs you may have been charged. You will be responsible for shipping costs in both directions. The refund process will not begin until after the merchandise has been received by our council shop.
If you refuse delivery of your package, a credit will be issued for the cost of merchandise only. You will be responsible for shipping charges in both directions. All credits will be applied to the payment method in the original order. The refund process will not begin until after the merchandise has been received by our office.
If you have entered the wrong shipping address on your order and you do not receive your merchandise, you are responsible for locating your order. We are not responsible for wrong shipping information provided, so please check your orders prior to placing.
Approximate measurements for GS Level Badges:
Daisy Badges – 1 1/2″
Daisy Leaves – 2 1/2 x 1″
Brownie Badges – 2 x 2 x 2″
Junior Badges – 1 1/2″
Cadette Badges – 2 1/2 x 1 7/8″
Senior Badges – 1 7/8 x 1 1/2″
Ambassador Badges – 1 1/2 x 1 1/2″
Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn.
All three awards give you the chance to do big things while supporting an issue you care about. You might plant a community garden at your school or inspire others to eat healthy foods for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold. Whatever you choose, you’ll inspire others (and yourself).
Also a given: as you earn one of Girl Scouts’ highest awards, you’ll change your corner of the world—and beyond. The possibilities are endless.
Want to see what Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Girl Scouts have done to earn these important recognitions? For inspiration, check out examples via Girl Scouts of the USA’s Map It: Girls Changing the World.
Most earned awards such as badges and pins by grade level are available for purchase on our GCNWI Official Online Shop.
Special Recognition Awards and the Girl Scout highest awards such as Gold and Silver award items are not available for purchase online. Council verification is needed for these items.
Girl Scouts at each level have one required element (Tunic, Sash or Vest) for the display of official pins and awards which will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.
For all girls, the unifying look includes wearing a choice of a tunic, vest, sash for displaying official pins and awards, combined with their own solid white shirts, activity shirts, khaki pants or skirts and a scarf.
For adult members the unifying look of the uniform is a Girl Scout official scarf or tie for men, worn with the official membership pins, combined with their own navy blue business attire.
SPECIAL EARNED AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Most earned awards such as badges and pins by grade level are available for purchase on our GCNWI online store. Girl Scout badges, patches, awards, and other insignia should be presented, worn, or displayed only after Girl Scouts have completed the requirements outlined in the appropriate program materials.
Special Recognition Awards and the Girl Scout highest awards such as Gold and Silver award items are not available for purchase online. Council verification is needed for these items.
GCNWI standard shipping is sent via US Postal Service with a standard 2-4 business day delivery in the Chicagoland area. Expedited shipping orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail with a standard 1-2 day delivery in the Chicagoland area. Orders to addresses outside of the Chicagoland area may take additional days to deliver.
Standard shipping typically delivers within 3-7 business days once you have placed your order and ships via standard USPS mail.
Expedited shipping typically delivers in 1-3 business days once you have placed your order. Expedited shipping orders can ship via UPS or USPS Priority mail.
Once your package has shipped you will receive a tracking number via email from our online site. These emails may sometimes go to a junk or spam folder in your email box.
If your tracking number shows that your package has been picked up by the post office, please reach out directly to the post office customer service for additional delivery questions.
For any inquiries for packages that have not arrived within 10 business days please email us at customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
All insignia and earned awards are to be worn on the front of your tunic, vest or sash. Fun patches are to be worn on the back.
For an illustrated pdf of each level, print out the Uniform and Insignia Guide for you and your Girl Scouts.
All insignia are owned by Girl Scouts of the United States of America and are protected by law for use by GSUSA. None of the insignia may be copied, duplicated, or reproduced without prior express written authorization from Girl Scouts of the USA.
All rights reserved.
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