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FAQ
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General
General questions
How can I contact Africa Imports?
We're open 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday, and 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday.
You can call us at 201-457-1995 or toll-free at 1-800-500-6120. You can also email contact@africaimports.com or fax us at 201-342-0362.
What are Africa Imports?
Africa Imports is a wholesale distributor connecting small U.S. businesses with handmade African products. We source directly from African artisans and communities, offering natural oils, shea butter, clothing, and wellness products at wholesale prices. Every purchase supports African families while helping you grow your business.
Learn more about us and how we give back to Africa.
What makes Africa Imports different from other wholesalers?
We focus on ethical sourcing and community impact. Our products are handmade by African artisans, and profits directly support orphaned children, schools, and families in Africa. We're not just a supplier, we're your business partner committed to mutual success.
Where is Africa Imports located?
You can find our office and warehouse at 240 South Main Street, Unit A, South Hackensack, NJ 07606. This location is for order pickup only, not retail shopping. Please allow 4 hours for order processing, and bring a form of photo ID.
How can I learn about new products or deals?
Sign up for our email updates to get notified about new arrivals, special pricing, and wholesale promotions. We regularly add new products and offer exclusive deals to our wholesale customers.
Account & Ordering
Information on changing or viewing your account
Do I need to create an account to order?
Yes, an account is needed for checkout and to access wholesale pricing. Creating an account takes just a few minutes and saves your information for faster future orders.a
How do I create an account?
Click "Sign In" at the top right, enter your email under "New Customer?”, click “Create Account”, and fill out the required fields.
You'll receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to activate your account and start shopping.
If you haven’t received any email after a few minutes, please check your “spam” and “junk” folders.
How do I reset my password?
Click "Sign In," then "Forgot your password?" Enter your email and click "Reset Password." You'll receive an email with reset instructions within a few hours. Check your spam and junk folders if you don't see it.
Can I update my email or shipping address?
Yes. Log in to your account dashboard and update your information under "My Account." You can edit your email, shipping addresses, and billing information at any time.
Can I place an order without using a credit card?
Yes, we accept PayPal (send to paypal@africaimports.com), money orders, and mailed checks. You can also pay by phone using your debit card. Contact us at 201-457-1995 for assistance with alternative payment methods.
Why do I see a $1 charge on my card?
This is a temporary authorization hold to verify your card is valid, not a real charge. It's automatically removed by your bank once the transaction is complete, usually within 3 days. Contact your bank to release holds immediately if needed.
Can I place an order over the phone, fax, or mail?
Yes. Call 201-457-1995 during business hours, fax your order to 201-457-1910, or mail it to our South Hackensack address. Include product details, quantities, and payment information with your order.
Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
Orders can only be changed or canceled if you call us immediately at 201-457-1995 before 10:00 AM EST on the day you placed your order. After that, orders enter our fulfillment process and can’t be modified.
How do I check the status of my order?
You can check your order status by logging into your account and checking your order history. You'll see order status and tracking numbers for shipped items. All orders placed online, by phone, or by fax appear in your account dashboard.
Why do I receive an email after every order?
We send a quick confirmation of your order to help ensure everything is correct and give you a quick way to contact us about any issues. It also serves as a reminder to re-order before you run low on items you might need, and helps us improve our service based on your feedback.
Wholesale & Business Customers
Information about wholesale and business customers
What’s the difference between wholesale and retail pricing?
Wholesale prices are lower but require minimum orders. Retail prices have no minimum and are shown as MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price). Wholesale customers get significant discounts for bulk purchases intended for resale.
What is the minimum wholesale order amount?
First-time wholesale orders require $100 minimum. All repeat wholesale orders have a $50 minimum. Orders below these amounts are charged retail prices.
Do I need a physical store to buy wholesale?
No, you can work from home, sell online, at markets, or through pop-up shops. You just need to be buying products for resale to qualify for wholesale pricing.
How do I qualify for wholesale pricing?
Create an account and request wholesale access. We'll manually set your account to wholesale status so you can see and purchase at wholesale prices.
20. What is the Business Starter Kit?
Our Business Starter Kit includes a curated collection of our best-selling products designed for new resellers. It's an easy way to meet the wholesale minimum while testing which products work best for your customers.
Can I make smaller orders at retail price?
Yes, if your order is under the wholesale minimum, you'll automatically be charged retail prices. This lets you try products or make quick restocks without meeting minimum requirements.
What tools can help me sell more?
We provide free marketing materials, including posters, flyers, business cards, and display materials. These help you promote products professionally and increase sales.
What are the most popular products to start a business with?
Fragrance oils, candle oils, shea butter, black soap, and African clothing are our top sellers. These products have strong profit margins and consistent customer demand.
Do you offer dropshipping?
Yes, we offer dropshipping for $5 per order. We ship directly to your customers with your business information on the package. No pricing is shown to maintain your customer relationships.
Shipping & Delivery
Information on shipping and delivery
When will my order ship?
Orders placed Monday-Friday ship on the same day if placed before 2:00 PM EST (UPS/FedEx) or 11:00 AM EST (USPS). Orders placed after these cut-off times are shipped the next business day.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery time depends on your location and shipping method. UPS Ground typically takes 1-5 business days, USPS Priority Mail takes 3-5 days, and USPS Parcel Post takes 5-10 business days.
How is shipping cost calculated?
Shipping costs are based on package weight, size, and your location. Costs are calculated automatically at checkout and shown before you complete your order.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, orders over $500 are eligible for free shipping within the continental U.S. (excluding oversized items). Orders over $500 require signature confirmation at no additional cost.
Can I track my order?
Yes, tracking information is available in your account dashboard once your order ships. You'll receive tracking numbers for all carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS).
Can I pick up my order from your warehouse?
Yes. Select "Customer Pickup" at checkout. Please allow at least 4 hours for order processing and bring a photo ID that matches your billing information.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide via USPS International services or UPS (Canada). PayPal is the preferred payment method for international orders. Shipping costs are calculated after your order is packed.
Will I be charged customs fees or duties?
Customs fees and duties are not included in the cost of your order and remain your responsibility. These fees vary by country and are collected by your local customs office upon delivery.
Please see our shipping policies page for more information.
How do you handle shipping overcharges?
We refund significant shipping overcharges but don't bill for small undercharges. Our goal is to charge exactly what carriers charge us, and we monitor this closely to ensure fairness.
What’s your holiday shipping schedule?
During November-December, shipping may be delayed due to carrier backlogs. The cut-off days for Christmas delivery are: UPS 3-Day (Dec 19), UPS 2-Day (Dec 20), UPS Next Day (Dec 23). Please be aware that we can’t guarantee delivery timeframes during peak season.
Returns & Guarantee
Information on returns and guarantees
What is your return policy?
We offer 30-day returns for full refunds or exchanges on unused, undamaged items. Clothing must not be soiled or laundered. Items must be in original condition for return.
How do I return an item?
Contact us at 201-457-1995 or contact@africaimports.com for return authorization. We'll provide return shipping instructions and process your refund or exchange once we receive the item.
What if my item is damaged or defective?
We'll provide a full refund or replacement for damaged or defective items. Contact us immediately with photos if possible. For fragile items like drums, special handling instructions apply.
What if the product I received looks different from the photo?
We make our products by hand, so some natural variations should be expected, and the item you receive may not look exactly like the photo. If you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within 30 days.
Do you guarantee customer satisfaction?
Yes, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.
Product Information
Information about our product
Are your products all made in Africa?
Most of our products are made in Africa, but some are made in other countries, including the USA. The country of origin is clearly listed in each product description.
What types of oils do you sell?
We offer fragrance oils, essential oils, and carrier oils. Our oils are popular for candle making, soap making, personal care, and aromatherapy applications.
Can I mix fragrance oils and essential oils?
Yes, many customers create custom blends for soaps, candles, and personal care products. Start with small test batches to achieve your desired scent profile. Learn more about the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils here.
Are your oils skin-safe?
Many of our oils are cosmetic grade, but we recommend patch testing before direct skin application. Check individual product descriptions for specific safety information and usage guidelines.
Can I use these oils in candles or soap making?
Yes, our oils are commonly used by DIY creators and small businesses for candle making, soap making, and crafting. They're designed to perform well in various applications.
What’s the difference between refined and unrefined shea butter?
Unrefined shea butter is raw and retains its natural nutrients and slight nutty scent. Refined shea butter is processed to remove impurities and has a neutral color and smell.
Do your soaps contain artificial ingredients?
Many of our soaps are all-natural, but ingredients vary by product. Check individual product labels and descriptions for complete ingredient lists and manufacturing details.
How should I store shea butter or oils?
Butters and oils should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in tightly sealed containers. Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains product quality.
Why do leather products have a strong smell?
Natural leather has a distinctive scent from the hide and dyes used in production. This is normal and will fade over time. Proper ventilation helps reduce the smell more quickly.
How can I care for African drums or wooden products?
Store in a dry environment and occasionally treat with appropriate oils to prevent cracking. Handle gently and avoid extreme temperature changes to maintain quality and sound.
Safety & Ingredients
Information on safety and ingredients
Where can I find the MSDS for your perfume body oils?
Our Material Safety Data Sheet contains important safety, handling, storage, and first aid information. This documentation is essential for resellers who need safety data for shipping or regulatory compliance.
What are phthalates, and do your oils contain them?
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals sometimes used in fragrance oils. Africa Imports offers many phthalate-free options. Phthalate information is available on individual product pages where applicable.
Are your fragrance oils IFRA-compliant?
Most Africa Imports fragrance oils comply with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) safety standards. This ensures oils are safe for skin, candles, soaps, and other applications when used as directed.