SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How does Kara help the Handloom sector in Kerala?
Since Kara is entirely self-financed and self-initiated by our team, we decided to pitch in to help the existing netowrk of Government Weaving Centres by creating a line of products that merged this ancient weaving craft and a contemporary lifestyle. By taking up e-business, we are so glad to be able to reach out our small list of products to the far corners of the globe. This in turn creates the much needed awareness and patronage that any art-form requires.
Why Handloom?
Handloom’s unique quality is that of the yarn which is of pure cotton variety suitable only for slow speed spinning and weaving process. This preserves the lustre, colour-holding capacity, absorbency, softness and durability of cotton products. It was this finesse and feel that made Indian cotton fabric so famous in earlier times.
How are our prices decided?
We at Kara work with different sets of Government Weaving Co-operative Societies all over Kerala. We buy our custom-woven fabric from them at premium prices. Our internet prices cover the stitching charges and our own overheads including the design and management work done by our team. Annually, we revise our prices keeping in mind the changes in various steps of our product fabrication. For all items on our site, we offer free shipping to several countries!!
What are our labor policies?
Firstly, we take care to ensure that no child labor is involved in any of our fabrication. We are working with government weaving co-operatives who work under subsidies and social security schemes from the government.
OUR PRODUCTS:
How absorbent are the towels?
These towels have been in use for generations in this part of India. The fine weave allows for it to absorb moisture very well. Our towels are custom designed in large sizes and we have re-worked the weave to be the most efficient in absorption. The added secret with our towels are that they dry really quickly in humid climates and are the best travel companions, occupying minimal space in your luggage!
How do I maintain the towels?
You can handwash them or run them in your washing machine with a mild tumble dry. Iron them as cotton; a very mild bleach preserves the pure white.
How do I maintain off-white linen curtains and cushion covers?
The fine linen curtains and cushion covers with the gold and silver is again a very traditional weave that has been around Kerala for generations. Dry clean for the first time to ensure best results. In a machine wash, use cold water settings with mild detergent. Starch them mildly to retain the crispness, iron as cotton and avoid tumble dry (avoid very hot iron on the gold and silver weave).
In my order I noticed that some items feel slightly different from the others in the lot; why is that so?
We work with different state-run weaving units acorss Kerala. Since each item is handwoven, the tension of the weave differs on each loom due the person weaving it and due to the yarn which could be from differnt lots. Similar to handmade paper, no two items are completely identical, although every one of them is 100% cotton.
What about color variations in my order?
Another thing characteristic of handwoven is the fact that the colors are a close appproximation of each other. Since each lot of yarn is custom-dyed according to our color chart, a slight variation is possible. The copper blue towel woven in July at a certain weaving unit might differ slightly from the copper blue towel woven in August at another weaving unit. Please accept these minor variations as the trademark charm of a handmade product.
WHOLESALE INFORMATION:
How do I order wholesale?
We offer discounts to interior designers and small boutique owners who wish to stock our products. We request a co-branding as we are very keen to let people know the story of our brand and fabrics. to order wholesale, simply email us and we will mail you back our rates, minimum quantities and shipping details.
SHIPPING, REFUND & EXCHANGE:
How much do I pay for shipping?
Shipping is included in the prices at checkout.
Who do we ship with?
We ship with the Indian government's Express Mail Service (EMS). EMS has tie-ups with each country's national postal service, so this remains a depandable and economic means of shipping.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Provided items are in stock, the shipping time is 5-7 days. In most cases the items are in stock; if we are out of stock, please count a few extra dys for these handwoven products to get made.
Which countries do you ship to?
We have a complete list of 98 countries that we ship to right here.
What about the rest of the countries?
If your country does not feature in this list, please contact us with your order directly.
How do I exchange what I ordered if I'm not happy with it?
We are very keen for you to be happy with our products and continue shopping with us. Please be assured that we personally inspect each shipment. Incase of any damaged shipment or if it does not meet your expectations in any way, please email us at info@karaweaves.com and we'll assist you with returning the shipment.
Do I get a refund if I am not happy with my order and return it?
Since we are PayPal merchants, all the PayPal refund policies apply to us. If you are unsatisfied with the product and wish to be refunded please contact us at info@karaweaves.com or visit the PayPal website for more on refund policies.
For queries, please contact us at:
info@karaweaves.com
Address:
Kara Ventures
7/604, Kulayettikara PO
Ernkulam District
Kerala 682315, India
Tel: +91 4842746003 / 9995327661 |
