Mikasa Sports

Categories: Website | Products | Online Purchasing

Website

Q: Can I order Mikasa balls through your website?

The answer is Yes! We have a state-of-the-art online store and offer our complete product line here on our website.

Q: What are cookies? Why do you use them?

A "cookie" is a small file stored on your computer by a web site which gives you a numeric user ID and stores certain information about your activity on the site. We use cookies to let us know that you are a prior customer and to provide certain features to you; for example, to store information on your product selections as you shop on our site, but we do not store any personal information or financial information about you using cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but most allow you to instruct your browser to prevent the use of cookies. However, if you disable this feature, certain aspects of the Mikasa Sports store, such as the shopping cart, will not function properly.

Q: Is my credit card information safe?

Protecting your order information is a priority. Mikasa Sports USA makes every effort to protect your online order information by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. SSL encrypts your order information to avoid the decoding of that information by anyone other than Mikasa Sports USA Online. To check the security of your connection, look at the lower left-hand corner of your browser window after accessing the server. If you see an unbroken key or a closed lock (depending upon your browser), then SSL is active. You can also doublecheck by looking at the URL line of your browser. When accessing a secure server, the first characters of the site address will change from "http" to "https." Some versions of browsers and some firewalls don't permit communication through secure servers. In that case, you'll be unable to connect to the server so you won't have to worry about mistakenly placing an order through an unsecured connection. If you can't access the secure server for whatever reason, place your order by phone.

Products

Q: What is the difference between indoor and outdoor volleyballs?

As a general rule, indoor volleyballs are "molded" and outdoor volleyballs are "stitched". The panels of an indoor ball are adhered to the inner bladder/fabric center or nylon wound core, valve housing and valve core. The molded panel construction is designed for aerodynamic tendencies of indoor play and are very susceptible to wind and outdoor elements. The panels of an outdoor ball are hand-stitched together to form the cover, and the bladder, valve housing and valve core are assembled and inserted before stitching closed. The texture and composition of the stitched cover allow outdoor balls to react more favorably in the outdoor elements (wind, moisture, sand, etc.). Remember, indoor balls are made from the "inside out" and outdoor balls are made from the "outside in".

Q: I bought a Mikasa ball from the store, and it is really hard on my daughter's arms. Why do you make your balls so hard?

Typically, retail sporting goods stores will offer the highest-quality products and products that meet the price demands of the consumers. Nylon-wound balls will tend to have a "harder" impact on the arm's passing platform. Generally, male players tend to favor the nylon-wound ball due to its "bounce meter" effect during warm-up hitting. For the younger player, the nylon-wound ball may be too hard for the platform. A better alternative is a "composite" material ball, such as the VQ2000 volleyball (also available in colors) for indoors and the VX20 Pro Tour volleyball for outdoors. Both feature a "composite" cover that is softer and more durable than leather. In the United States, fabric-center volleyballs are used by female competitors almost exclusively. In the Mikasa Sports line, the VFC200, VFC210, VQ2000 (white and colors), MGV500 and VUL500 are all fabric-center construction.

Q: My ball cart broke and I want to know if you guarantee it or if you can fix it.

Ball carts are guaranteed under limited warranty and Mikasa's return/replacement policy only covers those items purchased first-quality and found to be defective under normal use. Ball carts are not guaranteed against abnormal use and are subject to inspection by Mikasa prior to any replacement. You can either return the product to the store where it was purchased or contact Mikasa Customer Service.

Q: My ball won't hold air. Can I get a replacement?

This is a very unusual situation. Mikasa Sports balls are manufactured under strict production guidelines to insure the highest levels of quality control. Depending on the model of ball, most balls are guaranteed against manufacturer's defects for 1-2 years. We advise that you return the ball to the store where it was purchased or contact Mikasa Customer Service for further instructions.

Q: What is the correct air pressure for my ball?

As a general rule, most Mikasa Sports products have the recommended air pressure range printed near or around the valve of the ball. You can also refer to the official rulebooks for the sport or refer to the general range of air pressure by sport below: Basketball: 7-9 pounds per square inch (psi). Volleyball: 4-5 pounds per square inch (psi). Soccer: 8-10 pounds per square inch (psi). Water Polo: 5-7 pounds per square inch (psi). Playground: 1-2 pounds per square inch (psi). Tetherball: 5-7 pounds per square inch (psi). Football: 11-13 pounds per square inch (psi).

Online Purchasing

Q: How do I remove an item from my Shopping Cart or change the quantity?

In your Shopping Cart, under "Items in Your Shopping Cart," enter the new quantity to order. To remove an item, click "Remove". Click the "Update Cart" button.

Q: What shipping options are available?

Shipping options vary depending on the type and quantity of merchandise you choose to buy and your shipping address. Place items into your Shopping Cart by clicking on the Buy Now button next to the item, then click the link in the Shopping Cart page to view your available shipping choices. When you reach the Shipping page in the ordering process, all available choices will be displayed. Your shipping costs will be displayed in your Shopping Cart before you buy. For more information about shipping policies, visit our Shipping charges and information section.

Q: How will I know if my order has shipped?

You will receive an automatic confirmation via e-mail when your order ships. We only offer items in the Mikasa Sports online store that are currently in stock, so in most cases, if you order an item, it will ship within a day or two. In the event of a back-order, you will be contacted as soon as possible.