Here are answers to some of the questions people most often ask Mama. If you don't find the response to your question below, send an e-mail and Mama will get back to you as soon as she can.

Question: Why do I need to email you my order if I want to ship to an address outside of the United States?

Answer: Beginning January 2007, the cost of shipping items using International Priority mail has increased drastically. After researching for solutions, we have determined that including an extra step in the ordering process is the most effective way to deal with the extra costs.

International clients are still able to order. If you decide instead to place the order and have it sent to an address outside of the continental United States, we will contact you via email with the total of the additional shipping charges to arrange that payment be made before your item is shipped. Contact us at: Contact@MamaAfrika.com and we'll send you a quote for shipping charges if you would like to know the total for shipping in advance. Otherwise, we will simply send you an extra bill via PayPal or the additional shipping charges and we will send your order out to you as soon as the additional shipping is paid. This allows us to find the least expensive shipping cost to your address and pass that savings on to you.

Question: Can I still order and have my items sent to an APO or FPO address?

Answer: Yes. Since postage to APO and FPO addresses is still calculated as US postage, you are definitely welcome to place your order!

Question: I am not comfortable paying online, can I order and pay you by check or money order?

Answer: Yes. You can choose instead to order by email, Contact@MamaAfrika.com Just send Mama a list of items you'd like to buy including the quantity and their item codes. Mama Afrika will reply to your email to inform you of the total cost (including shipping) and then you can send along a payment by check, cashier's check or money order. Our mailing address is: 1136 Arguello Court, Lompoc, California 93436, USA. Please do NOT mail payment until you have emailed us and had your order confirmed.

Please understand that there will be additional delays if you send payment by personal check, as Mama must wait until the check clears the bank before shipping your order. With cashier's checks or money orders on the other hand, your products will be sent out the day that payment is received.

Note: Personal checks accepted ONLY when issued by United States banks. All international orders must be paid by international money order or by credit card via PayPal.

Question: How long will it take to get my items?

Answer: Mama works hard to ensure that your art and handicrafts are shipped out and arrive promtly. Items which are in stock are shipped out within a day and depending on where you live, you can expect to receive your order within 2 to 8 business days. Remember that holiday shipping could take longer due to additional postal delays, so place your order early!

Delivery times are as follows:

*2-6 working days for North America

*6-8 working days for Europe

*6-12 working days for other countries

* Shipping times are approximate.

Please contact us for information for express delivery options via DHL or FedEx.

Question: Will the item I order look exactly like the one in the picture?

Answer: Each item that the artisans produce is a handmade, one of a kind piece. The photos you see are representations of what yours will look like; but there may be slight differences in color or design. This is especially true with carvings, as variations are completely normal. Sizes are standardized and will be the same within an inch or two. This is the added benefit of having handmade artisan wares: you can be sure that noone anywhere will have the exact same piece that you do.

Question: What if I am not happy with the item I order?

Answer: Mama is confident that you will be very satisfied with the items she has chosen from the cooperatives she trades with. Great care is taken to ensure the excellent quality of the art objects before they are shared with you. But if you are not satisfied with an object after receiving it, simply e-mail immediately to let her know. Then return the item within a week in order to have your item exchanged or to get a full refund. We understand the problem of postal delays, so all that is required is that the returned item is postmarked within a week after its initial receipt.

Question: How do I order something that is a special order item?

Answer: In order to provide you with a larger selection of items, Mama has selected some special order items which she doesn't have in stock; but can get for you from the coopertives she trades with. To order any of the items which are labeled special order items, simply send an e-mail to Mama; or click where you see the words "special order" under the product description and photo. Please include the following information: Item name, item number, quantity, price and the local NGO you'd like your donation to go to. Mama will e-mail immediately to tell you how long the expected production time is. Once you confirm that is acceptable, Mama will place the order for the item and E-mail you to let you know when it's arrived and is ready for shipment. You will be billed when the item is ready for shipment, not before. Special orders can take up to 4-6 weeks to be made, received and packaged for shipment to you.

Question: What if I order something labelled "special order" AND something you have in stock; do I have to wait until my special order is ready before its all shipped to me?

Answer: No. You will be informed as soon as we get your order for the "special order" items and you will be asked if you would like the order sent in two shipments, or if you'd like to just wait until its all available to save on shipping charges. So don't worry, Mama will let you make the choice.