Services & Common Questions
- Warranties
All products sourced by TOSCANA meet our standards in regards to quality and manufacture by reputable companies. However TOSCANA does not provide any guarantees or warranties – all care is taken but we do not take responsibility in respect to compliance with standards. Please advise our staff if there are government standards applicable to the country of destination that must be met by your product selection.
- Product Samples
Toscana is primarily a consulting and brokerage service. We do not manufacture ourselves. We can organise and negotiate for a sample from the manufacturer for you, but this will be at a cost. Our office can advise you of the costs involved for this service upon enquiry.
- Specialty Products
Toscana specialises in products listed in our catalogue. For these items we have a proven track record with the manufacturers and are proud to present their products. However should there be a specialized or custom item that is not in our product catalogue please forward all the details to our office and we will source for you.
- Can I visit your office in China?
Yes - we would be delighted to host your visit to our office in Shenzhen, China and to organise any inspections that you may wish to make to manufacturers to view products. You may view samples of all of the products listed in our catalogue at our office. Please contact our staff for further information in regards to the costs of visiting factories etc and suitable times for your visit.
- What does FOB China mean?
This means that your invoice includes charges incurred to the point that the goods are handed to the shipping forwarder (FOB = Free On Board). Shipping costs and applicable country duties are additional costs to this invoice and are payable directly to the shipping company or forwarder.
- What additional costs can be incurred?
Please note: the following are estimates for Australian imports only.
- Fumigation Charges - $500
- Customs charges - $500
- Clearance Coordination - $600
- Delivery from Port to your destination - $550 (1hr radius from port)
- Duty and GST
- Note: Different provisions apply in different countries
- Fumigation Charges - $500
- Insurance
TOSCANA requires insurance coverage for the shipment of all products. This charge will be included in your invoice. Insurance is from the Chinese Port to the designation Port only. We suggest that you order slightly more quantity than you require to allow for any breakages or damage in transit.
- How long does it take to get my order?
Production and shipping times will vary according to each order. As a guide anticipate 5-6 weeks turnaround once your deposit has been received. Please contact our staff for further information and advise if you have any urgent requirements. We will do our best to facilitate your timing needs.
- Shipping Forwarders
TOSCANA have a number of forwarders that we are happy to recommend in Australia. Our staff will provide you with details after determining your specific requirements.
- Small Quantity Orders
As TOSCANA orders directly from the manufacturers it is quite expensive to order smaller quantities of items. Most orders are shipped in a 20 foot or 40 foot shipping container. Smaller orders can be organized for transport by airfreight or in mixed loads with other clients shipping but the frequency of these mixed loads depends upon our schedules. Please contact our office for further information in regards to your requirements.
- Payment Terms
Your invoice will indicate the amount of your deposit which will usually be 50% and is payable prior to the order being placed with the manufacturer. The balance of the invoice is payable prior to the goods being shipped. All payments are USD.
- Paying Invoices
Our bank account details will be provided on the invoice and are available by e-mail. Depending upon your banking accounts a direct deposit or telegraphic transfer will be required for payment in US dollars. On payment we request that you fax or email your transfer receipt to our office for confirmation. Please note that international transfers can take up to 3-4 working days to appear in our account.
- Why is payment in US Dollars?
Due to fluctuating international currencies many of our suppliers request payment in US Dollars only. As a guide USD $1 = RMB 6.844. Where is a fluctuation rate above 2% prior to your final balance being paid, the US dollar value day rate will be applicable (i.e. original balance and *6.844/ value day rate). If the fluctuation is within 2%, the loss will be borne by the seller.
- Bank Details
Bank account details are provided on your invoice or can be supplied by e-mail.
- Our References
TOSCANA has been providing importing services for several years with many satisfied customers. We would be delighted to provide you with references and contacts of clients that can recommend our service and products, or visit the Case Studies page.
- Does your office speak English?
TOSCANA is a Hong Kong Company with an office in Shenzhen, China. Our staff are Chinese nationals who speak English of a standard that is quite good. However as this is their second language we ask that you are patient with them as communication is a little more complex at times. We find that communicating by email is a lot easier than trying to communicate by phone.
- What is the time difference in China to Australia?
There is a two hour time difference between Shenzhen and the Eastern states of Australia where China is two hours behind (i.e. 8:00am AEST and 6:00am China) and three hours when daylight saving is in effect.