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artisan furniture USA

Frequently Asked Questions

API Plug-Ins

Can I continue to sync data using CSV uploads for free on my website?

Absolutely, you are free to use CSV uploads for synchronizing product data on your website at no cost.

Our paid options for automated product syncing include Universal API, WooCommerce Plugin, BigCommerce Plugin, Wix Plugin, Magento Plugin, and Webhook Plugin, each offered at $99 per year, excluding tax.

Version 1.0, the service until July 2023, provided. static syncing. Version 2.0, the current service, offers daily dynamic synchronization to ensure your system is up-to-date with new additions.

Integration of these plugins or APIs may require a developer or technical team as we do not provide support in this area.

Purchases of syncing options are final and non-refundable.

Using Magento, you won’t be able to sync product images due to its limitations, which is beyond our control.

The syncing options are exclusively for syncing data between our service and your own website, and not with multi-channel sales partners.

Customer Service

What is the full name of the company Artisan Furniture?

The company is officially known as Global Vision Direct Limited, doing business as Artisan Furniture.

The office address of Artisan Furniture in the US is 3600 Route 66 Suite 150, Neptune, NJ 07753. We also have offices in London, UK and Dusseldorf, Germany.

The contact number for Artisan Furniture is a US toll-free number,

Artisan Furniture US’ office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

The registered office address in the US is 3600 Route 66 Suite 150, Neptune, NJ 07753.

Become a Vendor

Does Artisan Furniture work directly with artisans and manufacturers?

Yes, Artisan Furniture prefers direct collaborations with artisans and manufacturers, with a focus on the grassroots of Indian handicraft.

Once at the Jaipur Fulfillment Center, products undergo quality checks, repacking, photography, and cataloging.

Suppliers are paid a 30% deposit when their products are selected by buyers (pre-shipment), and the remaining 70% is paid 8 weeks after delivery to the Jaipur Fulfillment Center.

Artisan Furniture covers all expenses from the moment products arrive at the Jaipur Fulfillment Center, including shipping, customs clearance, storage, last-mile distribution, marketing, and returns handling.

Products go live on the marketplace even before they arrive in the United States, enabling streamlined distribution and faster payments for suppliers.

Suppliers will still receive the balance 70% payment 8 weeks from the date of delivery to the Jaipur Fulfillment Center, irrespective of sales performance.

Artisan Furniture offers access to thousands of businesses across the United States, opening up a significant market in the furniture and gift industry. The products will be available to numerous American customers without suppliers having to stock and ship the products themselves.

Interested vendors can register on our website. However, please note that Artisan Furniture primarily works with artisan communities in northern India, and may not be able to entertain vendor partnerships outside this scope at present.

Bespoke Services

Does Artisan Furniture accept bespoke product requests?
Yes, Artisan Furniture welcomes bespoke product requests. We offer two levels of bespoke manufacturing. Level 1 includes minor modifications to standard items, like changing knobs, wood finishes, or fabrics. Design rights remain with Artisan Furniture, and US customers must take immediate delivery upon arrival. Level 2 involves creating entirely new designs based on customer drawings. After agreement, design rights belong to the customer, granting them exclusive product rights.

The final determination between Level 1 and Level 2 bespoke manufacturing is made solely by Artisan Furniture.

The standard delivery timeline for bespoke orders is 8-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the order.

Prices for bespoke products are quoted upon request and may vary slightly once the final product is ready (+/- 5%).

Artisan Furniture can provide a sketch upon request, but please note that sketch dimensions are approximate and may vary during production.

Bespoke products cannot be canceled, refunded, altered, or replaced after the order is placed.

A non-refundable 50% deposit is required for all bespoke orders.
The full balance for a bespoke order must be paid prior to delivery. Failure to complete payment will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.

ERP Syncing

What is ERP integration and when is it available for free?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integration is a data module connecting your website or e-commerce accounts with Artisan Furniture’s database for real-time product information, prices, and stock updates. As of now, it is a paid service.

Yes, backorders can be tracked through Flo and the customer dashboard

Flo is Artisan Furniture’s Virtual Assistant, equipped with continuously enhanced capabilities. You can check all functionalities managed by Flo on our website. 

Drawbacks include lack of technical support for integration, webhook or plugin development, system compatibility, and handling storage costs and management. Also, if multichannel partners decline data syncing, data flow for that platform may be halted. You’re responsible for beautifying the raw data and should be aware of potential initial complications as this is a beta version.
The complete version of ERP is now available.

Visit artisanflo.net, log in with your trade account, and follow the steps under the Dashboard, API Manager, and Products tabs to sync your platforms and start using ERP.

Yes, after connecting, products will automatically sync, and you can monitor the progress under the Products tab.

The ERP system provides details on stock levels, estimated restocking times, product dimensions, photos, and other product information.

Pros and Cons of Dropship

What are the advantages of Artisan Furniture's Dropshipping?
The benefits of dropshipping with Artisan Furniture include free signup, quick registration, no monthly subscription fees, no minimum spend requirement, no need to hold stock, focus on other business aspects, basic e-commerce knowledge needed, free delivery in the continental US, global delivery options, bespoke service, and a click and collect option.

The drawbacks include high market competition, the necessity for continuous marketing efforts, strict return deadlines, higher prices compared to wholesale, delivery surcharge outside the continental US, limited applicability of US consumer protection laws regarding returns.

No, the dropshipping program is exclusively for traders and businesses. Artisan Furniture does not sell directly to the public.

All returns must be reported within two working days. Transit damage or manufacturing defects are valid reasons for returns, subject to approval by the returns team. Artisan Furniture provides free collection for approved returns.

Dropshipping Ecommerce Platforms

What is BigCommerce, and what are its advantages?
BigCommerce, established in 2009, is an e-commerce platform that simplifies online selling with integrated hosting, sales, and cart functionalities. Ideal for beginners, it offers a user-friendly inventory tool, striking a balance between simplicity and effectiveness.

3dcart, dating back to 1997, powers over 22,000 online retail stores. It’s a comprehensive platform with a monthly fee covering online security, hosting, and software updates, making it suitable for newcomers without extensive technical knowledge.

Launched in 2002, EKM PowerShop is the UK’s first cloud-based e-commerce platform, resembling Shopify with its all-in-one monthly fee model. It caters to small businesses lacking web development resources, offering a straightforward, UK-based solution.

Magento is a highly customizable and flexible platform, best for experienced businesses. It provides various extensions but requires technical expertise. The open-source software is free, but hosting, support, customization, and extensions may incur additional costs. 

OpenCart is a free, open-source e-commerce platform offering flexibility and ownership. It doesn’t include hosting or maintenance, posing challenges for inexperienced businesses without technical know-how.

Started in 2007, PrestaShop is a global e-commerce platform offering resources and support in multiple languages. It’s a free, open-source software but requires technical expertise for hosting and setup.

Shopify is a widely-used platform designed to be user-friendly. It’s ideal for new business owners lacking web development experience, offering a comprehensive set of tools for business management.

Established in 1999, Volusion is a hybrid platform offering hosting and updates with customization options for those with programming knowledge. It allows selling on platforms like Amazon and eBay but has reported integration issues.

WooCommerce, founded in 2011, is an open-source platform compatible with WordPress. It powers 35% of e-commerce sites and integrates seamlessly with WordPress, making it an ideal choice for WordPress users.

Selecting the best platform requires assessing your business’s unique needs and challenges. Consider the specific features and limitations of each platform to align with your business goals.

All Architects, Interior Designers, and Project Managers

How is Artisan Furniture beneficial for Architects, Interior Designers, and Project Managers?

Artisan Furniture assists architects, interior designers, and project managers by offering bespoke products and services, both wholesale and dropship. Specializing in furniture customization, they provide a diverse range of styles including brass inlay, hand-painted, bone inlay, resin, carved, and solid wood pieces, enhancing the versatility of project designs.

Services include:

  • Dropship service
  • 3-5 day delivery
  • No minimum order value or volume
  • Global delivery
  • Free delivery within the continental US
  • Over 1500 product catalog
  • Wholesale options
  • 20ft/40ft Container load service
  • Up to 50% discount on trade prices
  • 8-week production, 4-week delivery
  • Click and collect option from their Ipswich-based warehouse

Contact Artisan Furniture via phone or email on their website. Alternatively, sign up for an account at www.artisanfurniture.us.

Yes, customization is available in terms of design, fabric, finish, color, size, and specifications. You can also create a unique product design, and Artisan Furniture will develop it with no minimum order restrictions.

Our Virtual Assistant Flo

How do I book an appointment with Artisan Furniture using Flo?

Book an appointment through Artisan Furniture’s Virtual Assistant Flo by visiting the “Appointments” section on their website.

Yes, Flo provides information about bespoke services and directs you to resources for modifying existing products or creating new ones.

The dropship service allows businesses to sell Artisan Furniture products without needing to stock them physically. Flo can offer more details on how this can benefit your business.

Flo aggregates all available deals under the “Deals” section, which are frequently updated and available while stocks last.

Provide your Order ID to Flo, and it can generate and email an invoice to your registered email address. 

Yes, Flo can guide you through the sign-up process and address any queries.

Enter your Order ID in the “Orders” section, and Flo will provide updates on your order’s progress.

Input the product code in the “Stock Availability” section, and Flo will inform you about stock levels and restocking dates.
Flo provides details about container loads, wholesale prices, and the wholesale program in the “Wholesale” section.
Claims submitted via Flo have a higher acceptance ratio compared to emailed or ticketed claims due to Flo’s deep integration with Artisan Furniture’s network. Claims through email or tickets are often rejected.

Aftercare

How should I care for wooden furniture?

Keep wooden furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators. Periodically polish non-painted parts with beeswax to maintain sheen and prolong its lifespan. Use coasters to protect surfaces from spills and promptly clean any spills with a lint-free cloth.

Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture with an upholstery brush to remove dust and dirt. Periodically clean the entire piece to maintain its appearance and reduce wear and fading. Avoid harsh cleaners and seek professional upholstery cleaning as needed.

Use a suction-type vacuum cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean light dirty marks with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or dry clean. Address spills immediately by blotting with a dry cloth. Seek professional cleaning advice for stubborn stains and avoid harsh chemicals.
Shedding is a natural characteristic of wool and does not affect a rug’s lifespan. Regular vacuuming is advised to remove excess fluff and fibers.
Trim any longer strands with sharp scissors. Avoid pulling long threads as this can damage the rug.

Crease marks should fade with normal use and regular vacuuming. They are temporary and not indicative of a defect.

New rugs might not lay flat immediately. This is temporary, and the rug will flatten as it adjusts to its new environment.

Click and Collect

What is the minimum order requirement for click and collect?

A minimum of 10 pieces is required for click and collect orders.

Email us your selected products, and we can offer you special prices excluding tax.

Yes, for large-scale orders, please refer to our wholesale program details.

Collection Address – Artisan Furniture, 1090 KING GEORGES POST RD, EDISON, NJ 08837

We do accept returns for manufacturing defects and transit damage.

Schedule a collection date and time with our warehouse between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Collections must be completed within 3 working days.

A 50% deposit is required when placing the order, and the remaining balance is due a day before collection. We accept online, bank-to-bank, and telephone payments.
Yes, bespoke orders are welcome.

No, you need to arrange your own collection team for loading and unloading.

Packaging

How is the furniture packaged?

Furniture is packaged using advanced Packaging 3.0, which is regularly updated to align with industry standards and to minimize plastic use while ensuring product protection during transit and delivery.

Yes, interlocks are applied to doors and drawers, with knob protection as needed.

Products are wrapped in thick craft paper.

High-density and thermocol corners are used along every edge, followed by strong cardboard.

Yes, additional thermocol blocks are applied within every 10-12 inch gap, around the edges and on top of the product.

Yes, a drop test is conducted to ensure the product is mail order compliant.

Fragile items are packed in two boxes (inner and outer) with additional thermocol on fragile areas.

A 7 ply strong corrugate box is used, followed by taping, strapping, and labeling.

Higher weight products are placed in a box with higher density.

Hardware is placed in a small plastic bag, wrapped in Styrofoam to avoid damage, and attached to a red ribbon.

Legs are individually wrapped in thick craft paper, and Styrofoam is applied on the feet. These are then placed in a separate box, packaged with the product.

Wasted Delivery Charges

Is delivery free within the continental United States?

Yes, Artisan Furniture offers free delivery within the continental United States, regardless of order size or value.

Charges apply for subsequent delivery attempts or any modifications to the order, such as re-delivery, address changes, or updated contact details.

If change charges are unpaid, the courier will hold the product at the depot for 3 days. If charges remain unpaid, the product will be returned to the warehouse, incurring additional fees.

Worldwide Dropshipping

Does Artisan Furniture offer international shipping?

Yes, Artisan Furniture provides worldwide delivery from our factory in India to destinations around the world.

How do I select the country for delivery when placing an order?

Some products may not qualify for international delivery due to size restrictions.

International shipping does not qualify for free delivery. Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout.

For shipments within the EU, VAT and customs duties are calculated and charged at checkout. For non-EU shipments, VAT/taxes and duties are calculated but not charged at checkout.

There are no minimum order quantities or minimum monthly spend requirements for international dropshipping.  

Returns are not accepted for international deliveries. In cases of incorrect products, or manufacturing defects, appropriate refunds/discounts will be offered or a replacement product shipped, depending on the case.

A detailed list of countries covered by road and air services can be found on the Artisan Furniture website.

Yes, for full container load services outside the US, refer to the wholesale section on the Artisan Furniture website. We offer 20ft and 40ft deliveries to any location.

The van delivery option is a specialized service for delivering large orders directly to your doorstep, provided the total order volume justifies a full load shipment.
Generally, an order should consist of 25 or more pieces, depending on the mix of products ordered, to qualify for van delivery.
The van delivery service must be selected at the time of placing the order.
No, the entire order must be delivered to a single address when using the van delivery service.
The van delivery is pre-arranged for a specific date and ensures delivery of the entire order in one batch.
This service is offered at no extra charge.
The service is available from the Artisan Furniture distribution center located at 1090 KING GEORGES POST RD, EDISON, NJ 08837
The logistics team determines if an order qualifies for van delivery based on the products ordered and logistical and commercial considerations.

Delivery Surcharge

Are all deliveries within the continental United States free?
Most deliveries within the continental United States are free, with no restrictions on minimum order quantity or value, but some exceptions may apply.

Yes, delivery surcharges apply for extended areas, and these charges vary depending on the logistics partner and the product profile.

Artisan Furniture primarily uses UPS for shipping products within the United States.

Zone A (Continental US): Free

Zone B (Alaska and Hawaii): Charges vary, please contact customer service for details.

B2B and B2C

What is B2B?

B2B (business-to-business) involves transactions where a business sells products or services to another business, often involving high volume and specific infrastructure. Marketing methods might include trade shows and business magazines.

B2C (business-to-consumer) involves transactions where a business sells products or services directly to consumers. This can include both traditional retail and online e-commerce stores.

In B2B transactions, return policies are dictated by the terms of service between businesses and can vary. B2B transactions are not typically subject to consumer contract regulations.

Businesses must provide information like their name, email address, trade association details, tax ID etc — more information can be found on the signup page.

Buy Now, Pay Later

What is Pay Later (PL)?

Pay Later is an option that allows customers to choose between 30, 60, or 90 days of credit, paying at their convenience. Artisan Furniture facilitates this arrangement with IWOCA, with no liability on approvals or liabilities.

Key features include paying in 3 monthly installments, no fees or interest, a spending limit of up to $15,000, and refunds conducted as per Artisan Furniture’s standard terms. Any outstanding amount with iwoca must be resolved directly with them.

Your business must be registered in the US with a valid company number. Sole traders and partnerships are excluded. The business should also be based in the US.

Select Pay Later at checkout. For questions about pay later, contact iwoca at their provided number.

Costs depend on the supplier’s setup, either split into 3 equal monthly payments, interest-free, or a variable interest rate over 90 days based on your business.

Escalation Procedure

What is the Escalation Procedure for Artisan Furniture?

The procedure has four stages:

  • Stage 1: Contact the trade desk via email with your complaint.
  • Stage 2: Escalate to the Trade Desk Team Leader if needed, through a separate email.
  • Stage 3: For unresolved issues, escalate to the managerial desk for independent review.
  • Stage 4: If still unsatisfied, escalate to the highest level of managerial hierarchy via an online form for an unbiased review.

Modern Slavery

What is Global Vision Direct Limited's stance on modern slavery?

Global Vision Direct Limited, trading as Artisan Furniture, strictly opposes any form of modern slavery and human trafficking in their operations and supply chain, adhering to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Artisan Furniture sources products mainly from India and China, ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards. Their main factory in Jaipur, India, is BSCI compliant, and all timber used is EUTR compliant.

Artisan Furniture mandates their suppliers and factories to understand and sign their policy requirements. Regular visits to main suppliers in India and China are conducted to ensure compliance.

Artisan Furniture expects full cooperation with their Modern Slavery Policy and conducts investigations if necessary. They will cease relations with any supplier found violating these standards.

Behaviour towards our employees

What is Artisan Furniture's policy towards employee safety and well-being?

Artisan Furniture is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. They do not tolerate any form of threatening, abusive, aggressive, or violent behavior towards their staff.

No, employees are not obligated to serve customers exhibiting inappropriate behavior. The company reserves the right to refuse service and take legal action if necessary.

Threatening behavior includes threats of violence, sexist, racist, or homophobic remarks, intimidating language, swearing, and aggressive body language.

Complaints are taken seriously, and the company reserves the right to suspend accounts or pursue legal action against customers displaying inappropriate behavior.

Artisan Furniture accepts returns for manufacturing defects but not transit damages, subject to approval by the Returns Team. Free collection of defective or damaged merchandise is provided. All returns must be reported within 2 working days through the Trade account dashboard or Virtual Assistant Flo.

Submit a return request by logging into your Trade account and navigating to the ‘My Returns’ tab. Returns via email are not accepted. Incomplete or incorrect returns may not be processed.
Refunds are processed within 14 business days and are issued only to the original bank account used for the order.
Bespoke orders cannot be canceled, refunded, or replaced if already in production or shipment, except in rare cases of damage upon arrival.
Report the issue within 2 working days from delivery, submit the return request on your Trade account, and provide necessary details and evidence of the defect.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

What is Artisan Furniture's Plastic Free Pledge?
Artisan Furniture has pledged to eliminate plastic packaging from their products by the end of 2022, focusing on plastic-free alternatives without compromising quality or increasing costs.

Artisan Furniture uses wood from commercial regenerative plantations and trees that have finished their commercial life, ensuring responsible forestry practices. All timber is EUTR compliant.

Yes, all fabrics used are tested and comply with the latest Fire-Retardant Standards with certifications kept for each batch.
All paint and finishes used are lead-free, and application is done in enclosed booths to prevent environmental contamination.
Artisan Furniture maintains open and honest relationships with suppliers, ensuring prompt payments and excellent working conditions.
Yes, the factories have undergone Social Audits and are certified as BSCI compliant, ensuring fair labor practices and no child labor.

Privacy Policy

What is the purpose of Artisan Furniture's Privacy Notice?
The Privacy Notice explains how Artisan Furniture uses and protects personal and business-related information. It outlines individual rights, data security measures, types of collected information, and the legal basis for using personal data.

The Privacy Notice applies to all dropship and wholesale furniture or services provided by Global Vision Direct Limited.

Information collected may include details of guarantors, directors, officers, employees, partners, owners, trustees, trade account holders, and other persons connected to your business dealings with Artisan Furniture.
Data collected includes information from forms filled on their site, correspondence, survey responses, site visit details (including traffic, location, and communication data), and cookies.

Cookies are used to track website usage, estimate audience size, store preferences, customize the site experience, speed up searches, and recognize returning visitors.

Yes, you can set your browser to refuse cookies. However, this may limit access to certain parts of the Artisan Furniture website.

Dropship Programme

What is the purpose of the Dropship Furniture program?

The Dropship Furniture program is designed for online businesses to sell a wide range of furniture products without holding stock, offering access to thousands of items.

The program is suitable for both new startups and established businesses wanting to sell furniture without managing inventory and wanting to start with a lower initial investment.

There is no minimum order requirement for the program.

Yes, the program offers free shipping within the continental United States.
An extra 10% discount is available for orders over $1000 before taxes, allowing for additional profit on larger orders.
There is no annual spend commitment in the program.

Wholesale Programme

What is the purpose of the Wholesale program?
The Wholesale program is designed for large-scale customers who can purchase and pay for a full container of stock at one time. It offers higher discounts and more flexibility for running an import-based furniture business.

The program is ideal for large customers, including businesses requiring substantial quantities of furniture for projects such as hotel refurbishments or large-scale interior design projects.

Higher discounts provide more margin on the selling price or can be used to offset storage costs, offering flexibility for your import-based business.

Purchasing a full container at once allows you to know your stock levels and manage your inventory effectively.
Yes, it can be used for quoting specific large projects, like full refurbishments of hotels or other large-scale projects.
Yes, this program is for customers who can take and pay for a full container of stock at one time.

Trade Programme

What is the purpose of the Trade Furniture program?

The Trade Furniture program is tailored for companies with their own storage and delivery systems, offering more control over their supply chain and flexibility in production.

Suitable for companies with their own storage and delivery systems, as well as ‘bricks and mortar’ customers who wish to stock items for their shop floors.

Yes, the program offers higher discounts for larger projects, such as hotels or interior design projects.

Orders can be delivered either directly from our warehouse or to your customer’s address, as per your preference.

There is no commitment to repeated orders, giving you flexibility in ordering.

It allows them to stock items directly on the shop floor, enhancing the in-store shopping experience.
By managing your own storage and deliveries, you have greater control over stock levels, production, and delivery times.

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