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Frequently Asked Questions
What's Your Return & Exchange Policy?
How long do I have to return an item?
You have 14 days from the date you receive your order to return an item. If you’re a little past that window, especially if your tiles are still in their original shrinkwrap, reach out to us at connect@themahjongline.com, and we’ll do our best to work with you. Please note that a 15% restocking fee applies if the shrinkwrap has been removed from the tiles.
Can I exchange my order instead of returning it?
We’re currently set up for returns only. Simply return your item and place a new order for what you’d like instead.
Does removing the outer packaging trigger the 15% restocking fee?
No. The 15% restocking fee only applies if the shrink wrap on the tiles themselves has been removed. Feel free to open the outer box to see what’s inside.
Who pays for return shipping?
Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility unless the item arrived defective or we made a mistake with your order. In that case, we’ll email you a prepaid shipping label.
How Do Replacements Work?
What if a set arrives with a missing or damaged tile?
We’ll send a replacement at no charge, no return necessary. Just email connect@themahjongline.com, and we’ll take care of it.
Are individual replacement tiles available?
Yes. Individual replacement tiles are available for $15. Email connect@themahjongline.com for assistance ordering the tile needed.
Can a single rack or pusher be replaced?
Racks and pushers are replaced as a pair to ensure they fit and work together properly. Because the replacement pair may come from a different production run, there may be slight variations in color or finish from the original set.
When Will an Item Be Back in Stock?
How can customers find out when something will be restocked?
The most up-to-date restock information is shared on each product page as soon as it’s available. Sign up for restock notifications there or follow @themahjongline for the latest updates.
What Are Your Shipping Policies?
Does TML offer free shipping?
Yes. Orders of $300 or more qualify for free shipping.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
How long do personalized orders take?
Personalized items take approximately four weeks to produce. Once complete, they’ll ship together with the rest of the order.
What is TML’s order cutoff time?
Orders placed before 12:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday, may ship as soon as the same business day. Orders placed after 12:00 PM or over the weekend will begin processing the next business day.
Please note: Preorders and personalized orders follow different processing timelines.
How Do Sales & Discount Codes Work?
Does TML have sales?
We hold one sale each year around Mother’s Day to celebrate motherhood. Follow @themahjongline in early May for all the details.
Are there other ways to save on TML products?
Yes. More than 200 TML ambassadors across the country teach mahjong in their communities and can offer students a one-time discount code. Use this map to find an ambassador near you.
Can a discount code be applied after an order is placed?
Discount codes must be entered at checkout and cannot be applied retroactively.
How Are TML Tiles and Products Made?
What are TML tiles made from?
TML tiles are made from solid, premium-quality acrylic with no layering. The color runs throughout the tile rather than sitting on the surface, giving the tiles their signature look, feel, high-shine finish, and durability for years of play.
Why doesn’t TML make layered tiles?
Layered tiles are made from sheets of plastic that are bonded together. While less expensive to produce, the layers can separate, crack, or break over time with regular play. We choose solid acrylic because quality and durability are important to every set we make.
Why does a TML set look slightly different from the photos online?
Every set is hand-painted in small batches, so slight variations in color or finish may occur between production runs or from the photos online. These subtle differences are a natural part of the hand-painted process and make each set unique.
Are your wooden racks made from solid wood?
Our wooden racks and pushers are made from engineered wood, chosen for its smooth, consistent surface and long-term stability. Unlike solid wood, it is free from natural grain variations and knots, allowing for a flawless, even paint finish. It also resists warping, twisting, and the seasonal expanding and contracting that can occur with solid wood, helping our racks maintain their shape and beautiful finish over time.
How Does Personalization Work?
Can a personalized order be modified after it’s placed?
Changes may be possible before an item enters production. Contact us at connect@themahjongline.com as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate the request. Once production begins, personalized orders cannot be changed or canceled, so be sure to double-check all personalization details before placing an order.
What are the monogramming options?
Monogramming options vary by font, and some are limited to three letters. Use the online preview to see how the personalization will appear before placing an order.
Can TML help with choosing a thread color?
We’ve selected thread colors that pair beautifully with our products, so every option is a great one. Use the online preview as a guide to see how the monogram will look, keeping in mind that actual thread colors may vary slightly from what appears on screen.
Where Can I Buy The Mahjong Line Products?
Does TML have a retail store?
We do not have a retail storefront, but customers can shop our full collection online at themahjongline.com.
Can I pick up my order locally?
We’re unable to offer local order pickup. All online orders are shipped directly to you.
What Comes With a TML Mahjong Tile Set?
What’s included with a tile set?
Each tile set includes 160 tiles, a vegan leather or canvas tile bag, and a Field Guide.
Are dice included?
Dice are not included with our tile sets but are available for purchase separately, along with other mahjong accessories.
What tiles are included in each set?
Our tile sets include 160 tiles: 36 bams, 36 craks, 36 dots, 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers, 10 jokers, and 6 blanks that can be used as replacements if needed.
The Classic Line is the exception, with 168 tiles, including 8 additional season tiles for compatibility with both American and Chinese mahjong.
What Size Are The Mahjong Line Tiles, Racks & Mats?
Will TML tiles fit other racks, display cases, or automatic tables?
Our tiles measure 1" × 1-7/16" × 7/16", with a larger playing surface that makes the artwork easy to see and the tiles comfortable to handle. Because sizing varies, TML tiles may not fit racks, display cases, or automatic tables designed for other tile dimensions.
What size are TML racks and pushers?
Our racks and pushers are designed specifically to fit our tiles. Each rack measures 19" × 2¾", and a full set of 152 mahjong tiles fits perfectly across the four pushers.
What size are TML game mats?
Our game mats measure 31.5" × 31.5" and fit comfortably on a standard 34" × 34" card table.
How Do Gift Cards & Gifting Work?
Do TML gift cards expire?
No. TML gift cards do not expire and can be used at any time.
Are prices included with gift orders?
No. Pricing is never included in gift shipments. A gift message will appear on the packing slip, but the prices of the items will not.
How Do I Care For & Store My Tiles and Mats?
How should tiles be cleaned?
Gently spot clean tiles with a damp microfiber cloth and cold water, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid soap or cleaning products, as they can damage the acrylic and painted details.
How should tiles be stored?
Store tiles in a climate-controlled space away from extreme heat or cold, which can damage the acrylic and painted details over time.
How should a game mat be cleaned?
Machine wash the mat in cold water on a gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry. This should take care of most stains and can also help eliminate any out-of-the-box odor.
What’s the best way to store a game mat?
Game mats can be folded, rolled, or hung for storage. Folding may leave temporary creases, but they should smooth out with use or after washing.
What Is The Big Card, and How Is It Different From the NMJL Card?
Is The Big Card the same as the NMJL card?
No. The Big Card and the NMJL card are separate American Mahjong cards, each featuring its own unique hands. The Big Card is TML’s original American Mahjong card, created in partnership with I Love Mahj. A new card drops annually, with shipping beginning in December ahead of the year of play.
The Big Card follows the long-standing rules and traditional terminology of American Mahjong while introducing entirely new hands and a fresh, easy-to-read design each year. It is not produced by or affiliated with the National Mah Jongg League. All four players at a table should play from the same card.
The Big Card is played at tables and tournaments across the country, and 30% of every Big Card purchased through our website is donated to charity, supporting a rotating selection of causes throughout the year.
What Else Should I Know About TML?
Who creates TML’s tile designs?
Every tile and product design comes straight from us, co-founders Kate and Annie. We design every line in-house, tile by tile, because we’re mahjong obsessives first and business owners second.
Does TML offer group or organization discounts?
We work with businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations on a variety of special and volume orders. Because every request is a little different, we review opportunities individually.
Email connect@themahjongline.com with details about the organization, request, and timing, and our team will be happy to explore the options available.
How can an authentic TML product be identified?
The only way to guarantee an authentic TML product is to shop directly at themahjongline.com. Counterfeit products have appeared on third-party and resale marketplaces. For questions about a product or seller, email connect@themahjongline.com before purchasing, and our team will be happy to help verify it.
How does The Mahjong Line address counterfeit tiles and unauthorized copies of its designs?
The Mahjong Line owns the copyrights to every piece of original tile artwork we’ve created, and we take protecting our intellectual property seriously. We have a dedicated team that actively monitors and pursues trademark and copyright infringement across our entire product line.
Counterfeit tiles and unauthorized copies of our protected designs aren’t just a violation of our intellectual property rights. They also fall far short of our quality standards. These imitations are often cheaply made using inferior plastics, inks, and manufacturing processes.
We’ve invested significant time, creativity, and resources into developing our original designs and high-quality products, and we are committed to protecting what we’ve created.
How should a counterfeit TML product be reported?
Please send the product link or photos to connect@themahjongline.com. We take counterfeit products seriously and appreciate the help in bringing them to our attention.
What’s Needed to Play American Mahjong?
What’s needed to get started?
American Mahjong requires a set of tiles, 2 dice, 4 American Mahjong cards (we’re partial to The Big Card, of course), and 4 racks and pushers. A game mat is optional, but adds grip, protects the table, and helps soften the sound of shuffling tiles.
How many tiles are needed?
American Mahjong is played with 152 tiles: 36 bams, 36 craks, 36 dots, 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers, and 8 jokers. TML tile sets include 160 tiles: 36 bams, 36 craks, 36 dots, 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers, 10 jokers, and 6 blanks that can be used as replacements if needed.
Blank tiles are not part of the official rules of American mahjong. However, some groups choose to play with blanks as a house rule, allowing players to exchange them for previously discarded tiles. These are unofficial variations of the game, and the rules for using blanks may differ from group to group.
The Classic Line is the exception, with 168 tiles, including 8 additional season tiles for compatibility with both American and Chinese mahjong.
What goes into the cost of a mahjong set?
A great mahjong set takes time, thoughtful design, quality materials, and careful craftsmanship to get right. From the first design to the finished product, each detail contributes to the quality, look, and feel of the set.
Is a mahjong game mat necessary?
A game mat isn’t required, but it provides a more comfortable playing surface, helps protect the table, and softens the sound of shuffling tiles. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring a little more personality to the table.
What size table works best for American Mahjong?
A 34" × 34" square card table is a great fit, with plenty of room for a game mat, racks, pushers, and tiles.
What’s the difference between a rack and a pusher?
The rack holds tiles and exposures, while the pusher helps move the wall forward during play. They’re designed to work together and are sold as a set.
Can TML tiles be used with a tile shuffler?
Yes. TML tiles are designed to stand up to regular play, including use with a tile shuffler.