Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see “Rose’s Top Tips”  first

Getting Started

My computer is 3-4 years old. Will I still be able to do this?
How much lead time do I need to make a VoiceQuilt?
What if I need a VoiceQuilt right away?
What do I get when I sign up?
How much does it cost?
How much time do I get?
What if I need extra time?
How much does it cost callers?
What happens if no one calls in with messages?
Do I get a refund for unused days of toll-free phone time?
Can other people hear the messages over the internet?

Inviting Friends and Family

How do I invite people?
What if someone doesn’t use e-mail very often?
What if someone doesn’t have an e-mail address?
How are voices recorded?
Is it easy to use?
What should people say when they call?
How do I get reluctant people to call in?

Selecting Best Hits for your VoiceQuilt

What if someone leaves a message I don’t like?

How do I keep track of who leaves messages?
What if I don’t have enough messages?
How many messages will fit in a VoiceQuilt Keepsake?
If someone leaves a rambling voice mail can I edit out part of the message?

Selecting a VoiceQuilt Keepsake

How do the keepsakes play voice messages?
How does someone navigate between messages?
How does the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box preserve messages?
How long do the batteries last?
If the batteries die, will messages be lost?
How do I change batteries?
How is the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box manufactured?
Is the keepsake guaranteed?

Delivering your VoiceQuilt

How do I get my VoiceQuilt?
How much does a VoiceQuilt keepsake cost?
What does a VoiceQuilt keepsake look like?
If I select a VoiceQuilt keepsake how is it delivered?
Can I e-mail the VoiceQuilt to the recipient?
Can I get my VoiceQuilt on CD?
Can I order more that one of the same VoiceQuilt?
Can I add new messages to the VoiceQuilt Keepsake?

Getting Started

My computer is 3-4 years old. Will I still be able to do this?

If you can hear the sample VoiceQuilt, you have what you need to make a VoiceQuilt. Just go to our “Occasions“  page and click on  “Hear Sample Messages”
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How much lead time do I need to make a VoiceQuilt?

It takes fewer than five minutes to get started. You set up your VoiceQuilt account, record a “Greeting” (outgoing message)  then invite friends and family to call in with messages. After that, it’s up to you. We’ll email you periodically to let you know who has left messages and who hasn’t. After everyone has called in, just log onto your website, re-label the messages and choose the best for your VoiceQuilt.

To keep the project moving, we recommend providing a one week deadline for callers. That way, everyone will focus on contributing a meaningful message right away. A quick turnaround also ensures that memories are fresh if your VoiceQuilt commemorates a special event.

Just remember that every family has at least one person that needs extra reminders!

Once you finalize your VoiceQuilt, we will ship a keepsake no later than the next Business Day. (Saturday is NOT a Business Day) Or you can download an electronic VoiceQuilt right away to a computer or digital audio player. You can also share your VoiceQuilt by email or on Facebook at any time for no additional charge.
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What if I need a VoiceQuilt right away?

We recommend starting AT LEAST four days before your deadline. If timing’s tight, just adjust your gift presentation: download the VoiceQuilt to a CD or digital audio player and play it at the event. Or just share it online. You can always have a Keepsake  Gift delivered after the event.
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What do I get when I sign up?

You’ll get:  (1) Phone Days of unlimited messages  in our toll-free voice message system, (2) a secure web site for listening to messages and creating an electronic VoiceQuilt playlist;  and (3) the ability to download or share an electronic VoiceQuilt. You can also choose a beautiful Keepsake Gift  to preserve your VoiceQuilt messages.
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How much does it cost?

When you sign up, select a toll-free phone package based on your celebration date. See the phone packages here. When you estimate, remember to back out shipping time. Although electronic VoiceQuilt playlists can be shared or downloaded instantly, keepsakes can take 3-5 business days depending on where your gift recipient lives. For more information on shipping options and delivery time, click here.

Your initial purchase includes toll-free phone time for collecting voice messages, a secure web site for listening to and approving messages, plus a FREE electronic VoiceQuilt that can be downloaded to a computer or digital music player. The download is ideal if you want or need the VoiceQuilt right away for a special celebration – or if you want to share the VoiceQuilt with someone far away.

For an additional $21.95 – $99.95, you can choose an audio CD or a beautiful Keepsake Box that plays and preserves your VoiceQuilt for years to come. If you’re collecting money from a group and want to give a $79 keepsake box, assume a total price of $100. This includes 3 days of unlimited toll-free voice messages, the keepsake box, standard shipping and tax. We include gift wrap and an elegant card listing your VoiceQuilt messages for FREE.
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How much time do I get?

When you sign up, select a toll-free phone package based on your celebration date. Be sure to take into account shipping time. Although electronic VoiceQuilt playlists can be shared or downloaded instantly, keepsakes take 3-5 business days to ship via UPS Ground depending on where your recipient is located. For more information on shipping options and delivery time, click here.
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What if I need extra time?

Adding days of unlimited toll-free messages is easy. See prices for additional days here.
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How much does it cost callers?

Since your purchase includes toll-free phone calls to the voice message system, there is no charge for callers in the U.S. and Canada. Calls to VoiceQuilt’s Skype account are no charge for Skype users.  If one of your callers dials in from abroad, VoiceQuilt  does not charge them for the call. (They may incur charges from their local phone company, however.)

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What happens if no one calls in with messages?

Organizing family and friends to make a simple phone call by a specific date can take some persistence – but it’s well worth the effort. You and everyone who participates will be delighted by the final result. With that in mind, be sure to e-mail and talk with the people you’ve selected to participate. Keep in mind that it may take more than one reminder. Some may feel a bit of anxiety or “stage fright.” Others may not be able to think of anything to say. They’ll need your encouragement and ideas to get started.

But don’t worry – we’ve worked with many different kinds of families and groups and our expertise is available to you. We’ve provided plenty of tools and ideas via e-mail and our web site so that managing your project will be easy.
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Do I get a refund for unused days of toll-free phone time?

No. The toll-free phone time you purchase is non-refundable. Keep in mind that you might want to update the voice messages in your keepsake after the celebration is over. It’s easy. Just reactivate your VoiceQuilt online, invite callers to phone in messages, add the voice messages to your VoiceQuilt playlist and then order a new memory card. It’s easy to insert the new memory card into your keepsake. For keepsake mechanics click here.
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Can other people hear the messages over the internet?

Only you have access to the secure, password-protected VoiceQuilt web site where you can review and approve messages. If you like, you can share the finished VoiceQuilt electronically or on Facebook. You can order additional Keepsake Gifts to share your VoiceQuilt messages. However, no one but you has access to the messages until the project is complete.
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Inviting Friends and Family

How do I invite people?

Once you record your Greeting (outgoing message), the system will email you instructions to invitte others  to record a message. You are in control of how you invite people. You can invite everyone instantly using VoiceQuilt’s email invitation system. You can also invite people by phone or even include dialing instructions with party invitations. Choose what works best for you.  ALL Invitation Numbers can be used multiple times.

If you’re already mailing out party invitations, simply include VoiceQuilt instructions inside.
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What if someone doesn’t use e-mail very often?

Just give them a call, tell them about the project and ask them to look for your e-mail. The e-mail will include their unique Invitation Number and step-by-step instructions for using the toll-free phone system.  The invitation instructions can be shared…the more the merrier!
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What if someone doesn’t have an e-mail address?

If they don’t use e-mail at all, just call them up and provide two pieces of information: the VoiceQuilt toll-free number and the Universal Invitation Number assigned to your VoiceQuilt. This special access code is at the bottom of your sign-up confirmation e-mail AFTER you record your Greeting. You can also log into the VoiceQuilt Message Center, click “Manage Invitations and Reminders” then click “Dialing Instructions”.
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How are voices recorded?

After dialing the toll-free number, your callers hear “Welcome to VoiceQuilt. Please enter your Invitation Number“. After entering the number using their phone keypad, they will hear a greeting from you, the Organizer. Your Greeting will set the mood and prompt your callers to record a meaningful  message.
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Is it easy to use?

With our phone-based message system, it’s easy for everyone to participate. If your friends can dial a phone toll-free number, they can record a VoiceQuilt  message.

Cast the net as wide as possible so that your VoiceQuilt includes lots of people. Quite often, relatively distant acquaintances show up when least expected and contribute a vital piece of the finished VoiceQuilt.
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What should people say when they call?

Voices warm the heart most when words and mood fit the occasion. With that in mind, we provide sample Thought Starters and scripts for a variety of situations so that it’s easy to leave meaningful messages. To view some Thought Starters, click here.
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How do I get reluctant people to call in?

Every group has its procrastinators, and every VoiceQuilt has a few callers who need extra encouragement. We’ve found that the best way to get results is to pick up the phone. When you provide a firm deadline and a few message ideas, you usually get results. For especially shy invitees, you might need to stress that leaving a message is all that really matters – what they say and how they say it is secondary. It truly is the thought that counts.
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Selecting Best Hits for your VoiceQuilt

What if someone leaves a message I don’t like?

You can delete messages you don’t like or simply omit them from your VoiceQuilt. You can also ask callers to record again. The final VoiceQuilt includes only the messages you’ve chosen. When you click on the “trash can” you will see a prompt to delete a message. If you click “OK”, the message will be permanently deleted.
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How do I keep track of who leaves messages?

When you invite friends and family using VoiceQuilt e-mail tools, each invitee receives a unique Invitation Number. This allows you to track who has recorded a message and who needs to be reminded. When an invitee calls, their message is automatically labeled with their e-mail address and caller ID information. (We recommend re-labeling “VoiceQuilt-worthy” messages with something more personal. It’s easy to do.) We also send periodic e-mail updates so that you always know the status of your project.
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What if I don’t have enough messages?

When you send out e-mail invitations be sure to include people from your friend’s or loved one’s neighborhood, religious organization, work, schools, clubs, etc. If you don’t have those e-mail addresses, ask friends and family to forward on their invitation – each Invitation Number allows multiple phone calls.

We’ve been amazed at the power of messages from relatively casual acquaintances. These stories often add a vibrant and unexpected swatch to the final VoiceQuilt.
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How many messages will fit in a VoiceQuilt Keepsake?

The VoiceQuilt player in our keepsake boxes will hold up to 999 messages or roughly 4.15 hours of recording time – whichever comes first.
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If someone leaves a rambling voice mail can I edit out part of the message?

We’ll soon provide easy-to-use tools that will enable you to edit messages. In the meantime, we suggest placing longer messages towards the end of the VoiceQuilt. That way, your recipient can skip forward or backward to other messages if a message is too wordy.
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Selecting a VoiceQuilt Keepsake

How do the keepsakes play voice messages?

The VoiceQuilt Keepsake operates like a music box. When you lift the lid, your messages play automatically. Inside,  easy-to-use buttons make it easy to navigate to favorite messages or adjust the  volume level. Each Keepsake Box  provides plenty of room for photos and special mementos. Check out our beautiful keepsake boxes here.
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How does someone navigate between messages?

It’s very easy. Click here to see how simple it is for anyone to enjoy a VoiceQuilt.
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How does the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box preserve messages?

Messages are stored in a digital format on a memory card, similar to those found in many digital cameras.
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How long do the batteries last?

VoiceQuilt Keepsake boxes are designed to provide up to 5 hours of continuous use from 2 AA Alkaline batteries. That way, you can play messages over and over again. You can even lift the keepsake lid and let messages play continuously while you do other things.
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If the batteries die, will messages be lost?

No. Messages are digitally stored in a stable format that will last for years to come even if batteries lose power.
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How do I change batteries?

VoiceQuilt Keepsakes are powered by two AA batteries which provide up to 5 hours of playback time. Battery replacement is simple – just open the battery hatch located behind the controls.
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How is the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box manufactured?

We work with several long standing keepsake manufacturers that specialize in high quality craftsmanship and classic design.
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Is the keepsake guaranteed?

Yes. But, like any precious object, it should be treated with care. VoiceQuilt Keepsakes utilize the same technology as digital music players. They should not be submerged in water or treated carelessly. For details, click here.
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Delivering your VoiceQuilt

How do I get my VoiceQuilt?

Your initial purchase includes toll-free phone time, a site for playing and selecting messages, and a FREE electronic VoiceQuilt that can be downloaded and played on most computers and digital music players.

For an additional fee, we provide a variety of keepsake gifts for playing and preserving VoiceQuilts. These range from $21.95 to $99.95 in price, plus tax and shipping. Our goal is to preserve your messages for years to come so that they add context to photographs, letters and other mementos.
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How much does a VoiceQuilt keepsake cost?

Currently we offer a variety of keepsake gifts that range from $21.95 – $99.95. If you’re collecting money from friends for a group gift and want a $79 keepsake box, assume a total cost of roughly $100. This will cover one week of phone time, the keepsake, standard shipping and tax. We include gift wrap and an elegant card listing your VoiceQuilt messages for FREE.
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What does a VoiceQuilt keepsake look like?

Our elegant Keepsake Boxes are beautifully crafted. To see them, click here.
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If I select a VoiceQuilt keepsake how is it delivered?

We will ship your VoiceQuilt keepsake to any location in the continental U.S. via standard UPS ground delivery. If you live outside the continental U.S. or you’d like your VoiceQuilt to arrive more quickly, simply select expedited delivery when you finalize your choice.
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Can I e-mail the VoiceQuilt to the recipient?

Yes, you can share your VoiceQuilt by email. You can also download the VoiceQuilt at the last minute and play it during a group celebration. Then, if appropriate, you can send a keepsake at a later date as a memento.
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Can I get my VoiceQuilt on CD?

For $21.95 - $49.95 (plus shipping and handling) we deliver an audio CD that can be played on your car stereo or any other CD player. One of our members created a VoiceQuilt for her mother’s 70th birthday. On the way to the family celebration she played messages from people who couldn’t attend the party. That way, her mother heard from everyone that evening – even those that couldn’t make the event.
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Can I order more that one of the same VoiceQuilt?

Yes. You can order multiple VoiceQuilt Keepsakes and CDs.
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Can I add new messages to the VoiceQuilt Keepsake?

Yes. Thanks to our new plug and play keepsake boxes, you can always add a new memory card with an updated – or completely new – “best hits” VoiceQuilt playlist. For more on keepsake mechanics, go here.
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