- Carpets & Rugs FAQs:
- Pashmina & Silk-Pashmina Shawls FAQs:
- Purchase FAQs:
Q. What is a WISHLIST? What is the next step after this?
WISHLIST simply contains a list of product/s that you may be intending to buy for yourself or for gifting it somebody at our online store. Once you have completed your window shopping at our site you have to merely select your favorite product/s in an imaginary cart (
WISHLIST) and submit your entry with some of your details
(please
click here to see a demonstration). The next step is our response based on your inquiry that will be sent to you through an informative mail giving you complete details about your intended purchase, shipment procedures, payment method, etc.
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Q. How do I make the payment once I decide to buy from your site?
There are several options for you to make the purchase once you have taken the decision to buy from us. For a detailed explanation please visit our Payment Options page.
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Q. Are there any duties or taxes that I need to pay when importing your products?
Though there are NO duties, taxes or VAT for our products that are exported (shipped) outside India, there maybe such applicable charges depending on your country's local tax or duty structure. For brief information please click here - Custom Duties & Related Taxes.
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Q. What exactly is Pashmina?
A: In despite of all the fancy stories, let us see the explanation from the official organization for wildlife: FWS (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service): "Pashmina is the local name in India for the cashmere goat. Recently, this name is attributed to not only the source animal, but to the fiber and the actual shawl itself. Pashmina shawl has become extremely popular in the fashion world since publicity about the illegality of shahtoosh ended most overt shahtoosh sales."
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Q. What's the difference between shahtoosh, shamina, pashmina (cashmere), merino wool, alpaca, and mohair?
A. Let us compare these woolen products from their sources and fiber diameters:
- Shahtoosh: downy undercoat from Tibetan antelope (or chiru) (Pantholops hodgsonii); between 10 and 12 microns
- Cashmere: downy undercoat from goats (Capra hircus); between 12 and 21 microns
- Shamina: finer and softer cashmere fibers; may be less than 14 microns
- Merino wool: fleece from a breed of sheep (Ovis aries); between 18 and 24 microns
- Alpaca: hair from llama; between 17 and 28 microns
- Mohair: fleece from Angora goat; kid fleece is 22 to 27 microns; adults, over 40 microns
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Q. What is cashmere is it kind of tiny wool?
A. Cashmere is not just a kind of tiny wool, it is not wool at all. Cashmere comes from goats living in the high and dry plateaus surrounding the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and China. Exposed to the most extreme environmental elements of altitude and cold, the goats grow a downy undercoat of soft hair beneath their coarse exterior coat, those hairs are extremely sleek, soft, warm and silky, they are called Cashmere.
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Q. Why is cashmere usually so expensive?
A. Cashmere, the very word evokes images of luxury, warmth and softness. The ultra-fine fiber from the undercoat of the Cashmere (or Kashmir) goat, is indeed a premium fiber - one that generally costs a good deal more than mere sheep's wool.
Cashmere is the highest class of all natural fiber, warmer, softer, and lighter than all the rest. A goat only produces about 1.76 oz (50 grams) of washed cashmere each year. A woman's sweater usually weighs 5.29 to 10.58 oz (150 to 300 grams). That's the cashmere from 3 to 6 goats! Furthermore, garment production requires more than 20 separate processes, special equipment, and a lot of labor.
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Q. I saw Pashmina shawls sold just for $9.9 by some individual sellers elsewhere, and the seller claims that it is 100% cashmere, could this be true?
A. Currently there are a lot FAKE Pashmina shawls are sold as real Pashmina shawls over Internet. The current prices for those fake Pashmina shawls are from $9 to $49.
Those fake Pashmina shawls are usually made of 100% mercerized wool, some of them are made of acrylic (a kind of synthetic fiber), that is why they could make it so cheap (this price can not even cover the cost for a real cashmere shawl).
Be a smarter cashmere shopper! Those fake Pashmina shawls are actually sold just for $1 or $2 in the market of Asian countries. Do not be fooled! Do not pay for those worthless fake things, do not encourage the liars by doing business with them!
We assure you of 100% pure Pashmina shawls, so pay no heed to cheaters!
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Q. Where can I get the information for cashmere from a non-commercial source?
A. Fortunately there are many non-profit organizations working to promote the use of genuine cashmere products and to protect the interests of manufacturers, retailers and consumers of these products. Please check Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI).
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Q. What is Shahtoosh? Do you sell Shahtoosh?
A. Shahtoosh (aka Shah tush) is the shawl made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope, which is a kind of endangered species. We do not carry any Shahtoosh. It is illegal to import, sell, or buy Shahtoosh in U.S. and other 150 countries which signed CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Treaty.
However we do carry something looks and feels like a shahtoosh but, happily, does not require the killing of up to five chirus to make one. Please check out our Pashmina shawls, it is made of 100% finest cashmere, very soft with the natural shine of fine cashmere. It also features a Shahtoosh type fringe. Our Pashmina shawls are available in over 100 colors for you to choose.
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Q. Are your carpets hand-made or machine made? And do you use natural or artificial fibers?
All our carpets are completely hand-made and hand-knotted with natural fibers like pure wool, silk and a blend of both the fibers too (wool/silk). We never use any automatic, semi-automatic or any mechanized tool in the making of our carpets. We never use any kind of artificial, synthetic or man-made fibers in any of our products. All our carpets are produced in the age-old method of traditional, oriental carpets that are being produced for the last 450 years.
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Q. What kind of wool do you use for wool carpets?
We use two different types of wool sources for various categories of wool carpets. The basic (standard) grade of wool carpets is made of local wool from Kashmir that is used to produce carpets with thick and heavy pile. These carpets usually have bold motifs and are often used in corridors and passageways. The other type of wool that we use for a majority of our carpets comes from New Zealand - Merino sheep wool, often considered to be amongst the finest in the world. Merino wool gives a superb luster and shine that is similar to pure silk but having all the trademark characteristics of the wool fiber - sturdiness, robustness and extremely fine lushness thereby lending high workmanship and outstanding durability to the carpet that lives for generations to come.
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Q. What kind of silk do you use for your silk carpets? What is artificial silk?
Our magnificently beautiful silk carpets from Kashmir are made of only pure natural silk, which is completely made by nature and never mixed with artificial or synthetic fibers or materials. Silk is an extremely fine, soft and shiny fiber that is used in a variety of luxury textiles, garments, upholstery and carpets. Pure natural silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm larva by an ancient process known as sericulture. The shiny appearance of silk comes from the fiber's triangular prism-like structure, owing to which the fabric refracts light at different angles. Pure silk (C15H23O6N5) is a naturally protein fiber and is composed of a number of amino acids. Silk is extremely high in tensile strength, exceeding that of nylon and other such synthetic fibers. For centuries, the silk fiber has been used to make Oriental carpets owing to its unmatched luster, shine, fineness and permanence. Artificial silk simply means synthetic or something that is not produced from the silkworm cocoon. This could also mean that it is mercerized cotton; sometimes it means a manufactured fiber like rayon or a blend of chemically altered and/or manufactured fibers.
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Q. Is there any way to test the silk fiber?
Yes, there are various methods to test the silk fiber that have been accepted internationally too. The traditional way to know whether the fiber is natural silk is to vigorously rub the area with your open palm. The real silk carpet feels warm after this while the artificial silk carpet stays cool to the touch. However a more comprehensive way is to burn the silk fiber by extracting few fibers from the back of the carpet. In the case of pure silk, the fiber does not burn till the end but will extinguish shortly after being burnt. And in case the fiber burns till then end then the fiber is most certainly not pure silk. ). A real silk fiber, after being burnt will get reduced to a black, crispy ash, and the smell would be similar to hair being burnt (commonalities being the protein in silk as well as hair) and would be distinctly pungent. An artificial silk fiber, on being burnt, on the other hand will be reduced to an ash that is soft and chalky, and the smell resembles like burning paper. The third test is to dissolve the silk fiber. This is considered to be the most accurate test as this chemically differentiates protein from cellulose or petrochemicals. At room temperature, mix a solution of 16 g copper sulphate (CuSO4) in 150 cc of water. Add 8-10 g glycerin, then caustic soda (sodium hydroxide: NaOH) until a clear solution is obtained. This solution will dissolve a small sample of natural silk, but will leave cotton, rayon, and nylon unchanged.
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Q. Do your carpets provide any insulation & comfort?
Carpet provides an added measure of warmth and insulation with its millions of fibers and places between them to hold warmth or to insulate against extreme heat or cold. It's warmer to sit on or work on, providing more stable temperatures for foot and leg comfort near the floor. In colder climates or seasons, it retains warm air longer, an important benefit in our energy-conscious world. In warm climates, it also insulates against invasive heat.
When the insulation value is important, the carpet's label may offer an "R-value," and a cushion label may offer one, as well. When the carpet R-value is not available, CRI suggests multiplying the total carpet thickness measured in inches by a factor of 2.6 to approximate the carpet's R-value. The R-values are additive for any combination of materials. For example, a combination of carpet with an R-value of 1.3 and a prime polyurethane cushion with an R-value of 1.6 will yield an overall R-value of 2.9.
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Q. What protection does your carpets provide against safety from Slip/Fall?
Especially for small children, seniors, and generally the entire family, safety in the home is a primary focus. We seek a stable, non-slick walking surface that prevents slips and falls and for the time when someone does trip, a surface that protects from bruises and other injuries. Carpet is great for cushioning our foot steps, minimizing slips and minimizing injuries from falls. It's hard to watch a toddler take his first steps on a cold hard floor. Carpet's softness and cushioning nature is ideal for family activity - whether it is the first steps of a toddler, the slow steps of the grandparent, or the fast action of the mother or teen-ager.
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Q. What are the sound reduction qualities of your carpets?
Carpet is as Easy on Your Ears as Your Feet
With the introduction of computers, speaker telephones, big screen TV's and video games, our homes have become a lot noisier. Fortunately, the solution to this problem of airborne sounds can be found right below our feet -- carpet.
Carpet not only serves as a beautiful floor covering, it also provides sound insulation. Additionally, carpet creates an aesthetic ambiance conducive to lowered voices and heightened privacy. The sound-reducing qualities of carpet include.
1. Carpet absorbs sound
Recently, home builders have moved towards reshaping the home by combining all of the living area rooms into one big, open space. This layout promotes the family togetherness, but also creates a noisy atmosphere. With the addition of carpet, sound is absorbed rather than bounced off the floor and back onto the walls and furniture. Results from tests show that there is a pronounced "hush" in carpeted rooms.
2. Carpet and cushion reduces noise better
Carpet serves as an effective noise-reducer because it absorbs the sound of foot traffic within the home. These results are even more pronounced with the addition of carpet cushion. Research shows that properly specified carpet and cushion combinations produce better noise-reduction than carpet alone. Carpet cushion also increases comfort and ergonomic qualities, adds insulation, and extends the life of your carpet by protecting it against wear and tear.
The CRI "Residential Carpet Installation Standard, CRI 105" calls for carpet cushion that is both firm and resilient and no more than 7/16 of an inch thick. Under the thinner carpet styles, such as some Berbers, use an even thinner cushion - maximum 3/8".
3. Carpet and cushion insulate between floors
Carpet works as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to rooms below. Carpet and carpet cushion are especially effective in masking the "hollow" sound from foot traffic often associated with staircases. Specific noise reduction data can be obtained from CRI.
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Q. What safety do your carpets provide for Seniors?
Well known for its ability to provide warmth and style to a room, absorb unwanted noise, and provide firm traction, our carpets are continuing to gain a reputation as the floor covering of choice for senior adults and their families.
1. Safety is tops
Safety is a top consideration for seniors, who seek a stable, non-slick walking surface that protects them from "slip and fall" accidents. Carpeted surfaces are significantly more effective at preventing slips and falls than hard, smooth surfaces.
Maintaining balance, a consideration for individuals who use braces, a cane or a walker, can be less difficult with low pile carpet combined with an extra firm cushion. CRI also recommends securely fastening carpet and rugs to provide firmer footing.
Carpet can also reduce or eliminate reflected glare, minimizing disorientation, and can reduce leg fatigue associated with walking or standing on hard surfaces.
2. Healing colors
Studies have shown that color has psychological affects on moods. With this in mind, blues, greens, teal, mauve, coral, peach and warm neutrals are often chosen for their soothing effects. Avoid "hot" tones such as red, which may raise blood pressures for some, and yellow, which may cause nausea and anxiety to someone that already is not feeling well.
Color also plays a significant role with Alzheimer's patients. According to the Alzheimer's Association, patients remember colors better than numbers; therefore, color in carpet can provide a memory link and better help to orient a person to a specific room or area.
3. Acoustics - It's quieter
Privacy and unwanted noise can sometimes challenge senior parents, who appreciate their independence and may not be used to the noise levels created by visiting family members.
Carpet's ability to absorb airborne sound, reduce surface noise ("footfall noises"), and block sound transmission from floor to floor is well known. Carpet with an attached or separate cushion is the most effective way to control noise and minimize sound indoors.
4. Comfort - Warm your ankles
Seniors whose feet and ankles are susceptible to temperature changes, will stay warmer on carpet due to its natural insulating properties. The surface temperature of carpet is substantially higher than that of hard surfaces due to its pile construction that acts as an efficient thermal insulator.
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Q. How thick is the pile of a carpet?
The thickness of the pile varies depending on the style or the category of the carpet.Top Of Page
Q. When should I use under-padding?
Under-padding is generally recommended only for thinner carpets since it will prevent the carpet from slipping and helps it stay in place. It also provides a cushion-effect � which many people prefer, and will also help in prolonging the life of your carpet by preventing pile crush, and protects the carpet from the effects of sharp objects like heels, furniture, etc. Top Of Page
Q. What are tassels or fringes?
A fringe (also known as tassels) is the extension of warp strands in carpets; they are knotted at the ends to ensure that the wefts and the knots do not unravel. It also adds beauty to the overall appearance of the carpet. Top Of Page
Q. Why do the fringes of a carpet vary in terms of length and (sometimes) appearance?
The exact length of the fringes depends on the weaving of the carpet and the weaver who has produced the carpet. Fringes are sometimes trimmed short, sometimes long, and in older carpets they may be braided or non-existent. The type or length of the fringe of a carpet has little to do with its value or quality. Each carpet being unique has its very own unique fringe. Top Of Page
Q. Do all handmade carpets have some imperfections?
Yes, nearly all handmade carpets have (some) imperfections and since they are entirely handmade, this is completely acceptable and customary. These little imperfections also add to the value, significance and attribute of the carpet. In nomadic (tribal) carpets, most variations are unintentional, but simply due to the fact that it is much harder for nomadic weavers to manufacture the carpets, than it is for workshop weavers � who have access to better facilities. The looms used in rural areas are usually very basic horizontal looms placed on the floor, which makes it much more difficult for the weavers to knot a perfectly symmetrical carpet or a rug. Top Of Page
Q. Some carpets have different shades/nuances, is there a fault or defect in such carpets?
No, there is no fault or defect in these carpets. What you notice is known as an Abrash (can be seen in certain carpets only). An Abrash is a Turkish term � that means partly colored. This difference in nuances is generally found in nomadic (tribal) carpets, and it occurs when a weaver uses yarn from a dye that was not done in the exact same shade as the previously used. The Abrash therefore adds more character and charisma to the carpet and is symbolic of the extraordinary surroundings where some of these fascinating carpets are made Top Of Page
Q. Do you use child labor for making your carpets?
No, absolutely not � we never ever use child-labor in producing our carpets in any circumstances. We encourage our customers to visit and inspect our workshops where all our carpets are produced. Independent inspectors and government officials also monitor the production of our carpets and also check the working conditions and that no children are involved in the production at any given time. Please click here to read our policy on this critical issue. Top Of Page
Q. What kind of dyes do you use? Are these fast colors?
Almost all our carpets and rugs have SWISS Chrome dyes, except for the Caravan carpets and certain Jhelum rugs. However we can incorporate SWISS Chrome dyes or Organic dyes for custom-ordered carpets based on specific requirements.
In the beginning of 20th century, began the usage of synthetic colors known as Chrome dyes. These were reliable and fast (do not run) and resembled the natural dyes by being sun- and wash proof (they keep their colors when being washed and exposed to sunlight). Today one can find the chrome dyes in a large variety of nuances and in almost 95% of production in the world of carpets.
Chrome dyes are a special group of azo-dyes (acid direct dyes) which interact with a non-traditional mordant, chromic oxide, and are then firmly bound to the fiber, resisting acids, alkalis, and light.
All our carpets and rugs, irrespective of the dyes that we use, are guaranteed for color fastness, bleeding, etc. Top Of Page
Q. Do the colors on the CARPETSOFKASHMIR.COM website match the colors of the actual rugs?
All CARPETSOFKASHMIR.COM rug images shown on this website have been professionally photographed and enhanced to show the true colors and intricate details of each rug. However, due to differences in color settings on individual monitors, CARPETSOFKASHMIR.COM cannot insure that each rug is absolutely color correct to the image on this website.Top Of Page
Q. What are the available sizes for each of the rug patterns?
Consumers can find out the sizing for each of our collections by reviewing the varied size options at our home page.Top Of Page
Q. Do your rugs come with and without fringe?
There are some collections that are available without the fringe (also called tassels), while a majority of our carpets come with the fringe. Most rugs are constructed with fringe, unless otherwise noted. However you can specify your requirement of the fringe while placing your order for any of our rugs � whether in ready inventory or the custom-ordered option. Top Of Page
Q. How do you get a rug to lay flat?
Getting a rug to lay flat can be easily done using the reverse roll method - simple roll the rug in the opposite direction. We also highly recommend laying a rug pad down directly underneath the carpet. Top Of Page
Q. Are your rugs hand-knotted or hand-tufted? What is the difference?
All our rugs are exclusively hand-knotted and are never �tufted�. Our rugs are proudly termed as masterpieces, made with emotion and life. A genuine and �real� Oriental rug is a work of art. This exquisite art form dates back to about 3000 B.C. Often called "functional works of art for your floor," the warmth and beauty of oriental rugs brings interest and luxury to any room in the house.
Originally, oriental rugs were hand-knotted with wool and silk fibers. Over time, newer and non-traditional constructions and fibers have been introduced and mixed, resulting in a larger category into which oriental rugs now fall, broadly referred to as area rugs.
Here is a brief synopsis of hand-knotted rugs and hand-tufted ones:
- Hand-Knotted �
A traditional hand-knotted rug is made with wool or silk. They are usually finished with a special luster wash for softness and shine and come with a fringe. Hand-knotted rugs take the longest time to make and therefore the most expensive, but allow for the most flexibility in design and color placement. To construct a hand-knotted rug, the weaver strings cotton threads or silk too, called warps, on a frame which becomes the foundation of the rug. The pile yarns, usually wool or silk, are looped around cotton threads one at a time to create a thick pile. Cotton or Silk yarns are then woven side to side through the warps to hold them together; the cotton threads are generally tied off into decorative fringes.
- Hand-Tufted �
A hand-tufted rug can be made with many types of fibers including wool but mostly are made of acrylic, polypropylene or a combination. Hand-tufted rugs are far less expensive than hand-knotted rugs and are best termed as �replacement� rugs. The life of a tufted rug is not more than 3-5 years compared to a lifetime for a traditional, hand-knotted Oriental rug. To construct a hand-tufted rug, a cotton canvas is stretched on a frame to form the foundation of the rug. The design is drawn on the canvas in stencil or in outline form. Using a hooking tool, pile yarns are pushed through the foundation, making a loop, which is then cut giving the finished rug a plush or cut pile surface. The back of the foundation is given a latex coating to lock the pile yarns in place. A secondary canvas backing is applied to the rug to give it more stiffness and to cover the latex.
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Q. How do I go about purchasing a rug?
When you find a rug you wish to purchase, please click on the �Wish List� link within its details page. A "details" page for a particular rug can be accessed by clicking on the rug's thumbnail image or carpet number within a particular rug gallery.
Rugs on our web site are almost always available, as the web site is updated continuously to update the status of all items.
Once we receive your Wish List, we will immediately contact you � either through e-mail or telephone (you may specify your preference) to finalize and/or discuss your requirements. After you have arrived at a decision, we will provide you various options for making the payment �
- Credit/Charge Card � Visa, Master Card or American Express.
- Wire Transfer � please note that your bank will charge a fee for this payment method.
- Paypal
- Check or Demand Draft payable in US Dollars, Euros or Indian Rupees
Once we receive the payment, we will immediately ship your rug(s) and send you a FedEx tracking number via e-mail. This will enable you to track your consignment online at http://www.fedex.com during transit. Any of the above payment options take anywhere between 2-5 business days.
Click here to go to our shipping option page. Top Of Page
Q. How long does it take for delivery?
International delivery usually takes between 3 and 5 business days through FedEx from Mumbai, India. Top Of Page
Q. Can I track my shipment online?
Once rugs are shipped, carpetsofkashmir.com provides all customers with an online tracking number and instructions to track their rugs online during the course of the delivery period.Top Of Page
Q. What is the cost of shipping?
We ship all our consignments from Mumbai, India through FedEx only. And at this present moment, we are shipping FREE of cost to most parts of the world, including USA, Canada, Europe, most of Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius and South Africa.
For all other regions, a detailed quotation is provided in our reply to your inquiry based on the destination and the weight of the consignment. We strictly follow a 'No Profit - No Loss' principle for our shipping cost, that means we charge you the exact same amount what our shipping company charge us for shipment in these parts of the world. Also we do not charge a single dollar for the water-proof, tamper-proof packaging that we do for all our consignments.
Shipping Cost:
Shipping costs depend upon two important factors.
- 1. The destination country & place where the Order has to be shipped.
- 2. Total weight of your Order.
Shipping Partner:
All our shipments are sent through FedEx as they are the world's premier logistics carriers having an extensive network in all parts of the world.
Shipping & Delivery Time:
International delivery usually takes between 3 and 5 business days through FedEx from Mumbai, India. This is after we receive your confirmed order and/or payment.
Customs:
You may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by you; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for further information.
Additionally, when ordering from Kashmir Oriental Carpet Enterprises, you are considered the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the country in which you are receiving the goods.
Generally, customs forms for international packages will list the value of your order's contents by product type. We would like our international customers and customers shipping products internationally to be aware that cross-border shipments are subject to opening and inspection by customs authorities.
Also, we may provide certain order, shipment and product information, such as types of carpets, to our international carriers, and such information may be communicated by the carriers to customs authorities in order to facilitate customs clearance and comply with local laws.
Insurance
All rugs are insured during the delivery period. If a rug is delivered to you in damaged condition or has been lost during the shipping period, customers will receive a full refund.
Duties/Taxes
United States of America
Most US customers do not have to pay any duties or taxes on their purchases, as the rugs are usually for personal use. Officially, however, US duties/taxes for rugs are very modest, ranging from 0% to 3.5% of the rug's purchase price.
For shipments over US$2000, customers may be charged 0.21% or a minimum of US$25 by FedEx for customs clearance services.
Customers may be contacted by FedEx when the shipments arrive in the USA, to confirm that the rugs were ordered by them and to obtain any information needed at the time (such as additional address details, social security numbers if duty/taxes are to be applied, etc.).
Duty/taxes and FedEx charges, when applicable, are sent to the customer in the form of a bill sometime after the rugs have been delivered.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
All deliveries to the United States are charged a Merchandize Processing Fee (MPF) of US$ 25 by the US Customs Service. In addition, couriers usually add US$ 5 for advancing any duty that may be applied. Payment for MPF and the courier's advance duty fee is the responsibility of the customer.
European Union
Customers are required to pay VAT when their rugs enter their country of residence (FedEx will pay VAT for customers and send them a bill on or sometime after delivery).
In addition, duty may apply when rugs are processed for customs clearance and varies from country to country. However, many customers are not charged duty, as the rugs are for personal use. For all other EU countries, please contact your local customs authority.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
United Kingdom
Customers are required to pay VAT, currently at 17.5% for handmade rugs, when their rugs enter the United Kingdom.
In addition, duty may apply when rugs are processed for customs clearance. This can range between 0 to 8% of the purchase price.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
Australia
There is no duty for handmade rugs. However, customers must pay 10% GST on the total invoiced value of the shipment.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
Singapore
Customers are required to pay tax, currently at 5% for handmade rugs, when their rugs enter Singapore.
In addition, duty may apply when rugs are processed for customs clearance.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
Canada
Import duties are currently at 6.5% for hand-knotted rugs and 12.5% for hand-woven rugs (or Kilims).
Additionally, goods imported into Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland and Labrado will incur a Harmonized Sales Tax of 13% (this is inclusive of 5% GST).
For other provinces, a minimum of 5% GST will be applied.
Taxes are applied to the Canadian dollar value of the goods, including any duty applied to the goods.
FedEx will handle all customs clearance and related procedures. Delivery time of 3 to 5 business days includes customs clearance time by FedEx.
All other countries...
For duty/tax information for other countries, please contact your local customs office.
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Q. How do I have additional images of a rug sent to me?
Carpetsofkashmir.com is happy to provide customers with additional photos of rugs, such as close-up images, to help clarify the rugs colors and design. On the inquiry page, fill in your contact details, request additional photos in the questions/comments field, and press the "Submit Inquiry" button.
Alternatively, send us an e-mail at koce58@hotmail.com or contact@carpetsofkashmir.com with the number of the carpet you are interested in, mentioning that you would like to see additional images of the rug. Top Of Page
Q. How to store Pashmina / Silk Pashmina shawls etc.?
Before storing your precious cashmere garments in basements or attics, check carefully for leaks, dampness and sunlight.
Fold clothes or pack them neatly in tissue paper or plastic bag and store them in closet away from light, dust and dampness.
Cleaning before storage is recommended, as fresh stains that may not yet be visible will oxidize and become fixed during storage, they may also be the food for moths. Moths have a discerning palate, they feast only on natural fabrics. Mothballs (naphthalene) and cedar chips are standard protection from moth infestation of woolens.
To store a pure cashmere sweater during summer, the most important thing is to keep moisture away, so please do not store cashmere in a damp place. A well-sealed plastic storage box (available in most stores) is good enough (a see-through one is better as you can notice that if there is any moisture inside). Make sure the box is dry before you put sweaters in.
To keep the moth away, the first important thing is to make sure that the sweater is clean before long-time storage. Pay close attention to any food stains as moths are particularly attracted to our normal food proteins and cooking oils. Those mothproofing products are helpful, or simply spray some perfume on a piece of paper and put the paper next to your sweater inside the box.
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