Welcome to Caravan Beads of Chicago – FAQs and Class Policies

Caravan has been a family owned business since 1994. We are known for our top quality classes and personalized customer service. Stop on in, meet our owner Charlene, and stay a while!

I’d like to print out your class calendar.  Where can I find it?
Our March and April 2013 class calendar is available here.  If we have forgotten to update it, please give us a call at 773-248-9555.

I purchased a Groupons class. What do I need to know?

If you purchased a Groupon coupon please call us to register for any of our classes at 773 248-9555. (The Mission Beading Express classes are not part of our regular classes; therefore the coupon cannot be used for them. If the class you like is more than $35.00, you can pay the difference the day of the class. You cannot combine two groupon coupons for 1 class that is more than $35.00. We will keep adding more classes for May and June soon. Please print your coupon or just show it to us on your phone. When you register, please tell us the Groupon number, which is located under the scan code. Please arrive on time. If you need to cancel your reservation, please call us at least 24 hours in advance so we can let the next person on the waiting list take the class. The Paulina Brown line stop is just one block away. We do not have private parking, but you may find street parking on Ravenswood  or Paulina Ave. You do not need a permit during the day and night, unless there is a Cubs game going on at night. Thank you and enjoy your class!
Remember, you need to call us at 773-248-9555 to register and reserve your seat in the class to make sure we have room for you. Once you’ve made the reservation if you find you need to reschedule, just give us a call 48 hours before your scheduled class and we can transfer you to another date for that class. If you need time to think about it, we can issue you a refund or store credit for the fee you paid to Groupon. If you cancel at the last minute or do not call or do not show up for class your Groupon will only be good for what you paid for it. The “deal” will be forfeited but you can still use the Groupon at face value. (what you paid to Groupon) As with all of our classes, if you are more than 15 minutes late you may not be admitted to class or may not receive the full instruction. We like to give all of our students the same attention and it is not fair to your fellow students if you are late. (Also, no alcoholic beverages are allowed) And remember, this class is for ages 12 & up. Happy Beading!

Can I bring my children, grandchildren or guests to class?
Classes are designed for beginning and advanced bead lovers, ages 12 and up. Please do not bring guests or children to class unless you have made a pre-registration for them, they are the correct age and you have paid in full. We do not allow audits.

Can I just show up to class?
Pre-registration is required. Reservations will be held only with payment in full. You can now make a reservation and pay online at http://www.caravanchicago.com. We will also reserve a class over the phone with a credit card.

I have a coupon. Can I use it for class?
Coupons do not apply to class fees. Please call us to reserve your spot if you have a coupon. Our tuition pays our instructors, some of whom travel to get to our store.

What happens if I am running late to class?
Classes start promptly. In fairness to your fellow students and teachers, if you are more than 15 minutes late, you may not be admitted to class and will forfeit your deposit (applies to Groupons as well).

Please allow plenty of time for traffic and parking. Parking is available via meter on the street and also three blocks south in a metered parking lot. Still, it can get tight.

We recommend taking public transportation if you can. We are just steps from the El Brown Line Paulina stop.

What happens if I need to cancel my class registration?

If you need to cancel your reservation, we require 48 hours notice prior to class, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited.  If you have a GROUPON< just give us a call 48 hours before your scheduled class and we can transfer you to another date for that class. If you need time to think about it we can issue you a refund or store credit for the fee you paid to Groupon. If you cancel at the last minute or do not call or do not show up for class your Groupon will only be good for what you paid for it. The "deal" will be forfeited but you can still use the Groupon at face value. (what you paid to Groupon)No transferring to another class, no store credit or refunds will be given unless we are notified 48 hours in advance. No exceptions, unless we can fill your spot from a waiting list.

Can I bring refreshments to class?
Absolutely you can bring snacks and sodas. We do not allow alcoholic beverages in class.

Will the store be open after class for shopping?
If you have shopping to do, please allow time before class as the store will be closed for shopping when class gets out.

You will receive a 10% off coupon to use on merchandise after you complete your class. This coupon is good for one month after your class.

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