Pfaltzgraff By Request Program
What does Pfaltzgraff "By Request" mean? If you have been collecting Pfaltzgraff for years, you probably already know the answer to that question. However, those who are not familiar with the company may need an explanation. In today's fast passed society, dinnerware patterns come and go rather quickly. Most patterns are only produced for a year or two, which makes finding replacement pieces difficult. However, there are always a few patterns produced by a company that become very popular and are produced for several years or even decades. At some point those beloved patterns too are discontinued, or more accurately "retired."
When Pfaltzgraff retired a popular pattern that had been available for years, the company would be overwhelmed with requests from fans and avid collectors to bring the pattern back. The solution Pfaltzgraff came up with was the "By Request" Program. Once a year Pfaltzgraff would select about a dozen retired patterns to offer in the annual By Request Program. A catalog would be sent out to customers containing the chosen patterns and the pieces available to order. These would include standard pieces like plates, bowls, cups and saucers. (This was before mugs became the more popular alternative to cups and saucers in dinnerware collections.) However, also available would be special items that had recently been produced for current patterns. For example, a uniquely designed bowl or plate with the pattern motif on it.
Customers would have to submit their orders by a deadline date. Items would be produced and then shipped to the customers several months later. There would also be overruns, which would be available at Pfaltzgraff Outlet stores. When the Internet emerged, those extra items would also be offered for sale online.
Pfaltzgraff was sold to Lifetime Brands in 2005. While there is still a program called "By Request" it is more along the lines of "First Come, First Served." Pfaltzgraff still produces items in several patterns that have officially been retired, but the company no longer sends out catalogs for customers to pre-order the items they want. Instead, a limited run of items are produced in the "By Request" retired patterns and made available for sale.
If you happen to collect one of the retired patterns that is currently considered a "By Request" pattern, chances are you will be able to purchase additional basic pieces.
The Current Pfaltzgraff By Request Patterns
The following patterns are currently considered retired but individual pieces and dinnerware sets are available for purchase.
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