Answers to frequently asked questions

Q. How come the domain name is therealleiman.com and not theleiman.com?

A. An interesting question. Although I have held the trademark and servicemark of THE LEI MAN™ since 1994 and am rightfully recognized as such, I have been unable to secure the domain name, theleiman.com. Litigation is ongoing and I hope to be able to claim my rights to the name soon. I apologize about the inconvenience and I hope to resolve the issue but until then, I am www.therealleiman.com.

Q. What celebrities have worn your leis?

A. A wide range from Harry Connick to Jim Palmer to trumpeter Maynard Ferguson to the original "Hot Lips Houlihan" Sally Kellerman have all sported my leis.

Q. Can you make specific colored leis?

A. Yes - within reason. I feature green and white leis for St. Patrick's Day, red, white and blue leis for the 4th of July, and autumnal centerpiece leis for Thanksgiving. Specific colors for schools or businesses are also available.

Q. What are the traditions surrounding leis and their presentation?

A. Leis were given in Polynesian cultures to honor the high priests and priestess and were commonly made of flowers, nuts, or stones. In modern society leis are often given to express love, congratulations, farewell and good luck.

Q. What are the proper occasions to present a lei?

A. Birthdays, anniversaries, going away parties, congratulations, funerals, graduations, Mother's/Father's Day, Valentine's Day - Leis are an appropriate gift for many events from new births to New Year's Eve to no reason whatsoever.

Leis have become international symbols of goodwill and are used for weddings, graduations, birthdays, holidays, retirements and a host of other special events. Leis are traditionally presented with a kiss or a handshake and draped around the shoulders.

Q. Where do the flowers come from?

A. Everywhere from Costa Rica, to Thailand, to Hawaii depending on the season.

Q. What about volume discounts and large (50 plus) orders?

A. Volume discounts are available and larger orders are usually no problem given enough lead-time.

Q. How much does a lei cost?

A. Carnation leis are $40, orchid leis are $45, and rose leis are $55. Overnight shipping and handling charges are $23 for up to two leis shipped to the same address and $25 for up to four leis shipped to the same address. Please contact me for shipping costs on orders of five or more. (Add an additional $10 for Saturday delivery.) Join our LEI MAN™ Club and receive a free lei for every eight that you purchase.

Q. How are the leis shipped?

A. All leis are made daily and shipped FedEx or USPS overnight in airtight plastic lids to ensure their freshness. Freshness is essential to a lei's appearance. Since I am located in Charleston, SC, you receive the lei the next day unlike Hawaiian based lei sites which require two days to deliver to most of the mainland.

Since it is tradition that leis are presented with a kiss, all leis come with a chocolate candy kiss. Flowers and chocolate all in one tidy package. A lei care and etiquette sheet is also included along with a paper drink umbrella and a personalized message card. Overnight Sunday shipping for Monday delivery is available to select markets via USPS. Contact me for details.

Q. How long will my lei last and how do I preserve it?

A. Leis reflect the beauty and fragility of Mother Nature. However, once a lei is strung the blossoms are no longer alive. A lei will last from 3 to 5 days if cared for properly. When not wearing your lei, store it in the refrigerator in its original container or a plastic bag. Preserve the memories by drying the lei on a hook, as it looks great around a candle, a picture frame, or a lampshade. You can even crush it up for potpourri or hang it on your car's rearview mirror.

Q. How far in advance do I need to order?

A. THE LEI MAN™ handcrafts 30 leis daily. Once these are sold, there are no more that day. Any orders received for next day shipping may be available but a minimum of 2 to 3 days advance notice is preferred in order to guarantee delivery.