|
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 can't I place an international order to an address outside of the United States?
Answer: Beginning January 2007, the cost of shipping items using International Priority mail has increased drastically. We are currently working to find alternate shipping solutions that will make it possible for us to again serve our international customers. We are hoping that this problem will be solved by September or October; so thank you for your patience!
Canadian clients are still able to order. If you decide instead to place the order and have it sent to a Canadian address, 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.
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.
|
