Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received along with our answers. This will assist you to better understand our commitment to producing a quality item, desire to provide you with a positive buying experience, and overall process.
Whenever you have a question, please connect with us by completing our form or by phone. We’ll respond within 24 hours or less.
Q. Do you manufacture custom made items?
Q. Do you provide business gifts with or without logo imprint?
Q. How long will it take to receive my item?
Q. Will I have to pay duties or customs fees/taxes?
Q. How do I know that your items are authentic and legal?
Q. How do I care for my exotic leather item?
A. EXOTIC elegance serves designers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and other entities who desire to create one or more unique exotic leather items. EXOTIC elegance specializes in wholesale, private label, custom made and debossing offerings.
Q. Do you manufacture custom made items?
A. We love bringing your ideas to life in beautiful exotic leathers. Just imagine how proud you’ll feel carrying an item that YOU’VE designed or how about that line of business or personal accessories you’ve always wanted but didn’t know where to start. Plus, you’ll be very pleased with how low our minimum quantity is per item/design.
Our policy and process is simple and straightforward:
A prototype or physical example of the item you wish to be created is required. Submit a detailed black and white sketch with noted changes/enhancements (we can provide sketch service if this is not accessible). Be sure to include all dimensions along with the exterior and interior materials. In addition to crocodile, items can be created from ostrich, python, lizard, stingray, and more! Once we receive your specifications, a proposal will be prepared for your approval. Then, we’ll journey the path together, culminating with the creation of your very own unique design, bearing your individual spirit. Email questions and/or requested information to info@exotic-elegance-handbags.com and we’ll be in touch with you.
Custom made orders are as low as 10 pieces per item/design and there is a 60 – 90 day lead time. There will be an artwork charge to set up a plate of your logo.
A 70% deposit is required with the remaining balance due before your order ships.
We can also assist you with custom packaging, professional photography, and drop shipping for a complete solution.
Q. Do you provide business gifts with or without logo imprint?
A. We are your source for unique and beautiful luxury business gifts. Our special accessories are suitable for a VIP or as company gifts, featuring your business logo, for clients and employees. We specialize in debossing logos which is a depression in the leather. It does not leak any additional color onto the item being debossed. You can purchase minimums as low as 10 pieces per item/design and there is a 60 – 90 day lead time. There will be an artwork charge to set up a plate of your logo.
Why not go a step further and design your own item hand crafted from exotic skins and full grain leathers perfectly finished for the workplace! Email questions to info@exotic-elegance-handbags.com and we’ll be in touch with you.
Q. How long will it take to receive my item?
A. From the time we confirm your order and receive payment, it may take 60 – 90 days for delivery. We will be sure to communicate with you on the approximate shipping time.
Each and every one of the accessories produced is designed and created with extreme care by dedicated leather artisans who have over a decade of expertise specifically crafting exotic leather—from raw skin selection to the tanning process. This is followed by the hand cutting of the design, the handcrafted stitching and application of final details.
Every kind of leather has its own unique tanning and finishing process. However, the exotic leathers that tend to be the most complex to tan are alligator, crocodile and ostrich. So, there is an extended creation time for exotic skins compared to standard cowhide leather.
While you wait, please consider all the factors that go into creating your exquisite item. Remember, each item is unique and is synonymous with elegance, practicality and quality.
Q. Will I have to pay duties, customs fees/taxes, other taxes?
Duties, customs fees/taxes, shipping/handling are included. We take care of the entire process so that delivery of your item is straight to your door. Sales tax is excluded and is calculated at order placement.
Q. How do I know that your items are authentic and legal?
Your exotic leather accessory is produced under the rules and regulations of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This documentation guarantees authenticity, respect towards protected species, and confirms that the skin has gone through the appropriate import/export customs processes.
Protected species covered by CITES are classified into three groups according to the level of threat they face. Import and export of live specimens, of their parts or of products derived from them is either banned or else permitted only with special authorization. In other words, if you want to trade parts of animal species included in the CITES Act or products made from them (e.g. handbags, wallets, belts, shoes), at the time of import or export, you are required to present the original valid CITES certificate issued by the appropriate country of origin or provenance. The necessary documents can only be issued upon satisfaction of certain conditions. They must then be presented to the customs authorities.
The procedures followed are quite complicated and demanding. Each step must be carried out no matter what quantity of articles is purchased. In fact, this procedure must also be followed even if just a small binding or pendant is made from exotic leathers under this protection!
In summary, EXOTIC elegance assures that your accessory was produced according to the rigorous criteria of CITES, which regulates trade in protected species. All of our exotic leathers are obtained through legitimate, legal channels.
Q. How do I care for my exotic leather item?
Take care of your leather by first keeping it in a clean dry place. It will continue to look new and you will enjoy it for a long, long, long time.
Items created from exotic leather are designed to last and will if given the right care. It is very important to give leather the attention it deserves especially with regular and consistent conditioning.
STORAGE
- Always store your leather items in a cool, dry place. Reptile products are delicate—they cannot withstand water (rain, humidity, etc.) and the extreme heat (radiators, stoves, etc.).
- Leather is porous and should not be stored in plastic or air-tight containers; a dust bag is recommended.
- Damp leather items are best dried by stuffing absorbent tissue paper in them and leaving them to dry at room temperature. Avoid intense heat or the leather will dry up and crack.
CLEANING
- Clean leather regularly with a dry cloth to remove dirt from the pores.
- Grease stains are usually not removable; however, you may want to apply some talcum powder on the stain immediately. This may help to reduce the appearance of the grease mark.
CONDITIONING
- Condition the leather on a regular basis. We recommend the Tenderly Exotic Leather Conditioner.
- Use only neutral color lotions and those formulated for exotic leather.
- Crocodile leathers should be conditioned more frequently because of their special membranes.
Q. Your bags are beautiful. I am also looking for high quality Italian made leather handbags. Would you have a recommendation?
A. Yes! For beautiful Made in Italy handbags and business items, go to www.jjelite.com. These gorgeous bags are also available for wholesale and private label.
Q. I love your items but am concerned about confirming my purchase. What guarantee can you provide me?
A. We will completely satisfy you whether it’s before, during or after your purchase. We’re interested in building a long-term relationship and want you to feel appreciated and as special as you are. We want you to be so completely enchanted with the service we offer and the high quality of our items so that you’ll spread the word.