frequently asked questions

 
1. What happens if I do not get the quality promised to me?
In case of any quality problems, appropriate credit will be issued to the buyer to be adjusted against immediate next future order invoice. There is a stringent quality control process in place. However, since the product is handicrafts, there are some variations in parameters but which do not normally exceed 1 - 2% of the products quantity, finish and value.
   
2. Are the product dimensions exactly as mentioned in the company offer?
NO. Since the products are handmade and handfinished with the aid of machines, very minor variations in dimensions do exist. Though it is our endeavour to have the products as accurate to the dimensions given as far as possible.
   
3. From your country the common experience is that shipments take too much time to reach the destination ports. What happens if the shipment is inordinately delayed? How do I get my order in time?
In our terms of sale, payment and packaging, we have given the time limit it takes for the shipment to reach your chosen seaport of destination country. In addition, it is your right to have a specific commitment from us as to delivery date range at your seaport. However, if due to any reason the shipment does not meet the delivery dates given plus a grace period of 15 days, then YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEMAND AN AIRSHIPMENT OF THE SAME GOODS IF NOT ALREADY SHIPPED OR A NEW ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS:
A: In case the order is delayed and still not shipped, we will convert the terms of the order from FOB exfactory New Delhi to C.I.F. seaport/airport in destination country. The implication is that we will be liable for the airfreight less the seafreight payable for the order goods to be airshipped by us. However, this liability will be there only if we airship the goods on your written instructions.

B: In case the goods will be delayed beyond the grace period but are already on the water, you have the right to place a new order for goods to be delayed and ask for an airshipment on terms C.I.F. instead of FOB exfactory New Delhi, India, wherein we will be liable for the airfreight less the seafreight payable for the order goods to be airshipped by us. The liability though will be there only if we airship the goods on your written instructions.
   
4. What are your minimums?
We have no minimums, either in quantity or value. Our terms are FOB ex-factory New Delhi, India. You pay the handling and freight charges from our factory. However it is our experience that if the order value is about US $ 15,000 or above, sea freight and handling charges come to approximately 15% of the ex-factory FOB value. For smaller shipments, the percentage can rise to 20% and above, whereas for container shipments, it falls within 5-8%. On airshipments, the freight and handling component is between 60-70% of the ex-factory FOB value of the shipment.
   
5. May I check your credibility with your other international clients?
By all means. At your request we will provide you names and addresses of our past and existing clients from whom you may verify our antecedents and working. In addition, we will supply bank and trade references if you so desire.
   
6. What are your terms of sampling?
A: If the sampling items are those for which the moulds already exist with the company, we will send you one unit of each item subject to maximum of five items as free trade samples. The samples will be either airfreighted or couriered on collect basis that is all handling and freight charges will be borne by the consignee.

B: If the sampling items involve making of new moulds, then we will require 100 % mould costs in advance. However the countersamples from these moulds will be sent on the same terms as A above. If the new samples translate into orders, then you will receive credit for the mould costs already paid to the extent of 10% of invoices raised against orders of these items on a continuous basis till the credit is exhausted.
   
7. All said and done, how do I know that you will not ship me stones of very bad quality when I have already paid say one third of the order value in advance as per your payment terms or opened an irrevocable letter of credit?
It is true that you do not know what we will ship. But we will be able to do this only once. You may like to try us out with a few shipments of value within your financial comfort zone. If we meet your standards you will automatically buy what you need. If the quality is not upto your standard, then there is no point doing business with us in any case. You could also check on our credibility. However, even after we have successfully done many shipments with you, some risk as to your question always exists. This will always remain in the realm of business, and your judgement of it based on your working experience with us.
   
8. Will I have exclusivity on your products within my marketing area? If I get specific designs made from you, will you sell these design products to others in my market or outside?
Within your market on designs offered by us, we will normally not offer these designs to anyone else. However, we will not sign an exclusivity agreement on these terms on these items with you. Our experience has been that there is sufficient business generated by a buyer in an area not to necessitate our marketing the same products through another buyer. We are also aware of the niche natur of our decorative products which translates into a narrow market with frequent design changes making it imperative for very close interaction between us and our buyers. Therefore we averse to having more than one buyer for a designated area which normally corresponds to one country. However, if you need to sign an exclusivity contract, then we will need a certain minimum order value commitment from you for the specific time period being the validity of the exclusivity contract.

Within items made from your designs you will have complete exclusivity for them for your market area. However, we reserve the right to market these products in other market areas in which you have no interest whatsoever.