Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "Pura Vida" mean?
2. Which countries do you represent?
3. What does Fair Trade mean?
4. Are all of your products certified Fair Trade?
5. What forms of payment do you accept?
6. Do you offer gift cards?
7. Do you offer lay-a-way?
8. Do you offer gift wrapping?
9. What is your return policy?
10. I’m a visual artist. How do I exhibit my work there?

1. What does "Pura Vida" mean?
Pura vida is a Spanish term literally meaning "pure life". It's also a positive expression commonly used in Costa Rica meaning that life is good and that people and things are cool, rad. For example, "Teresa is pura vida!" or "That show was all pura vida!" means "Teresa is rad!" and "That show was awesome!" Ticos (Costa Ricans) also use “pura vida” in greeting someone and in saying goodbye; in doing so they are wishing the other person a good day or a good life. We hope you are having a pura vida day so far!
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2. Which countries do you represent?
Our hand-picked items come from dozens of countries including Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Spain, India, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco, Nepal and the U.S.A. We seek products from across the world that are traditional, authentic, unique, fun and beautiful. We also diligently look for eco-friendly and fair trade products.
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3. What does Fair Trade mean?
Fair Trade means that the farmers or artisans are treated and compensated fairly for the clothing, coffee, art, or other item that they produce. Generally this is accomplished by paying a purchase price that earns them a profit; ensuring prompt or oftentimes prepayment to ensure sufficient funds for raw materials; providing technical support and education, market information, product feedback, and training; and ensuring safe working conditions and no forced labor of any kind.
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4. Do you support Fair Trade?
We believe strongly in fair trade and strive to maintain a fair and respectful relationship with all our art as well as cocoa and coffee sources. We work with hundreds of Certified Fair Trade Organizations and Artisan Co-ops all over the world. In addition, we often buy directly from artisans both locally and abroad.
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5. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash and all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
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6. Do you offer gift cards?
Yes! In any denomination you choose.
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7. Do you offer lay-a-way?
We do offer flexible lay-a-way terms. Many of our customers use this service to ensure they set aside that perfect gift they discover here.
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8. Do you offer gift-wrapping?
At this time, we do not provide gift wrapping. However, we do have beautiful tree-free gift-wrap paper available for purchase.
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9. What is your return policy?
We will gladly exchange merchandise or issue store credit if merchandise is brought back within 15 days of purchase.
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10. I’m a visual artist. How do I exhibit my work there?
We enjoy supporting local emerging artists. Send us an email with “visual artist” in the subject heading. The body of the email should include your resume or bio and small jpg samples of your work or a web site where we can see your work. If we are interested we will contact you to set up an appointment. Please do not drop by with your art on hand without an appointment. We will not view it out of respect for your time and ours.
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