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Frequently Asked Questions


Find your question and its answer by clicking on one of the following categories:


I GENERAL QUESTIONS
II ORDERING QUESTIONS
III SHIPPING QUESTIONS
IV PAYMENT QUESTIONS
V PRICING QUESTIONS

I GENERAL QUESTIONS
(Click on a question to view the answer)
1) Who is Emporium Italy?
2) How long has your web site Emporium Italy been operating?
3) What is Emporium Italy specialized in?
4) Who will I be dealing with and do you speak English?
5) Where is Emporium Italy located?
6) Which countries do you ship to?
7) How can I contact you?
8) How long does it normally take for you to respond to inquiries?


II ORDERING QUESTIONS
(Click on a question to view the answer)
1) How do I order?
2) I have tried to order but I am still having difficulties what should I do?
3) How will I know that my order has been accepted?
4) How do I check the status of my order?
5) Do you accept orders via Phone or Fax?
6) Do you accept orders via regular letter mail?
7) What credit cards do you accept?
8) Do you accept a check or money order?
9) Who do I write my check to?
10) What address do I mail my check, money order to?
11) What if my country or currency is not included in your pricing?

III SHIPPING QUESTIONS
(Click on a question to view the answer)
1) How will you ship the products?
2) How long do I have to wait to receive my goods?
3) What does mailing type "SM" mean?
4) What does mailing type "RM" mean?
5) What does mailing type "AM" - mean?
6) What does mailing type EMS mean?
7) Is mailing through the postal system the best way to ship the goods?
8) Do I need to pay anything when the goods are delivered?
9) Where will you deliver the goods?
10) What can I do to inquire about my order?
11) How do you pack the goods?
12) Who will we be receiving the goods from?


Secure Credit Card Payment & Order Form

IV PAYMENT QUESTIONS
(Click on a question to view the answer)
1) Which type of credit cards do you accept?
2) When am I paying for the goods I order?
3) Do you accept a check or money order?
4) In which currency will you charge my credit card?
5) What exchange rate do you use when charging my credit card using currency different than Euros?
6) Can I send you my credit card details through fax?
7) Can I give you my credit card details over the phone?
8) Can you phone me up so that I can give you my credit card details over the phone?
9) Do you accept international postal money orders or Western union Money transfer?


V PRICING QUESTIONS
(Click on a question to view the answer)
1) Do your products have the same price in all the countries?
2) What if my country or currency is not included in your pricing?
3) How are your mailing costs calculated?
4) Do you charge anything for handling in your mailing prices?
5) Are your prices the same as in your shops?


Answers To
I - GENERAL QUESTIONS


1) Q: Who is Emporium Italy?
A: We are a family that runs several retail arts & crafts stores in the Republic of San Marino that is in central Italy. We sell to tourists from all over the world visiting San Marino. Our retail shops are called "Emporio Titano" & "Riflessi D'Arte" and have been established since 1979.

2) Q: How long has your web site Emporium Italy been operating?
A: In October 2000 we have opened our web site under the name "Emporium Italy" and have already established a good costumer base with many repeat orders developing a good experience for mailing internationally.

3) Q: What is Emporium Italy specialized in?
A: We are specialized in offering beautiful Italian arts & crafts goods made by Italian craftsmen found by me, located in the remote areas of Italy which are present on the local Italian markets but on a very limited scale, also chosen European arts & crafts. It is our mission to sell top quality hand made products at reasonable prices with the convenience of ordering direct from Italy combined with -"To your door service".

4) Q: Who will I be dealing with and do you speak English ?
A: You will normally be speaking to me, Riccardo or my wife Lisa, owners of Emporium Italy. I, Riccardo handle all orders, payments and packing myself. We both speak fluent English, being born in the US (Michigan) but now living in San Marino (Italy). I am usually in my shop Emporio Titano during work hours 7 days a week where you can contact me. We are in central European time bracket. We use my shop Emporio Titano as base for the Emporium Italy web site.

5) Q: Where is Emporium Italy located?
A: We are located in the Republic of San Marino which is a famous tourist destination being the oldest and smallest republic of the world, situated on a picturesque mountain facing the Adriatic sea located in central Italy 50 miles south of Venice and 30 miles east of Florence. Our address is as follows:
Emporium Italy
Contrada dei Magazzeni, 33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino (ITALY)

e-mail info@emporium2.com

Calling from USA dial 011 378 99 23 07 or by fax dial 011 378 879 315
Calling from Europe dial 00 378 992 307 or by fax dial 00 378 879 315
From other countries: ++ 378 99 23 07

We speak fluent English so don't hesitate to call.

6) Q: Which countries do you ship to?
A: We ship worldwide using the international Postal System.

7) Q: How can I contact you?
A: We speak fluent English and Italian, but Spanish, German and French are for also fine for us, our e-mail address is info@emporium2.com or through regular mail:
Emporium Italy
Contrada dei Magazzeni,33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino (ITALY)

Calling from USA dial 011 378 99 23 07 or by fax dial 011 378 879 315
Calling from Europe dial 00 378 992 307 or by fax dial 00 378 879 315
From other countries: ++ 378 99 23 07

We speak fluent English so don't hesitate to call.

8) Q: How long does it normally take for you to respond to inquiries?
A: I normally respond within 24 to 48 hours.


Answers To:
II ORDERING QUESTIONS


1) Q: How do I order?
Step 1- Browse through the 16 listed product categories Murano Glass, Nao by Lladro, Ceramics, etc. and choose the single article you are interested in by clicking on the photo.

Step 2 - Here you will find a detailed picture with description of article and details on the two different mailing Areas: Area USA or Area Europe informing you of article price and relative mailing cost to Area USA (prices expressed US dollars) and Area Europe (prices expressed in Euros) with information stating: Article price, Method of shipment, Weight, Mailing cost, Days delivery, Total Amount .

Step 3 - Once you have found a article you wish to order press the button " Click To Order".

Step 4 - Fill in the Order Form regarding your complete mailing address, e-mail contact information, and phone number and credit card details.

Step 5 -On bottom of this Page click on the "Send" button

Within the next 24 hours you will be receiving a Confirmation mail from Emporium Italy at your e-mail address stating:
Article ordered, Article price, Mailing cost, Days delivery, Credit Card Authorization Status, Total amount charged, day parcel will be mailed out to you.

If your country is not included in the two areas please fill our order form and we calculate the mailing cost to your country.

If having difficulties ordering or other questions please contact me directly at this address: info@emporium2.com

2) Q: I have tried to order but I am still having difficulties what should I do?
E-mail me at this address: info@emporium2.com or phone me and I can explain to you directly about article costs and mailing cost.

Calling from USA dial 011 378 99 23 07 or by fax dial 011 378 879 315
Calling from Europe dial and many other countries 00 378 992 307 or by fax dial 00 378 879 315
From other countries: ++ 378 99 23 07

We speak fluent English so don't hesitate to call.

3) Q: How will I know that my order has been accepted?
A: Within 24 hours Emporium Italy will send you an e-mail confirming your order and the approximate arrival date.

4) Q: How do I check my order status?
A: You are most welcome to send us an e-mail at: info@emporium2.com and we will follow up on your query.

5) Do you accept orders via Phone or Fax?
A: Yes we do. You can phone us or fax us with you your order and your credit card details at the following numbers:

Calling from USA dial 011 378 99 23 07 or by fax dial 011 378 879 315
Calling from Europe dial 00 378 992 307 or by fax dial 00 378 879 315
From other countries dial: ++ 378 99 23 07
We speak fluent English so don't hesitate to call.

6) Do you accept orders via regular letter mail?
A: Yes we do. Address your letters to:
Emporium Italy
Contrada dei Magazzeni, 33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino

7) Q: What credit cards do you accept?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

8) Q: Do you accept personal check or money order?
A: Yes we accept personal checks and international bank checks sent through the post with priority mail, in this case shipment of article will be done once we have obtained bank clearance (18 days)

We also accept international postal money orders, Wire Bank Transfer (SWIFT) orders and Western Union money orders. Once sent please confirm us via e-mail info@emporium2.com the sending of check and money orders.

9) Q: Whom do I write my check to?
A: You can write them out to Emporium Italy

10) Q: What address do I send mail my check, money order to?
A: Please address checks and international money orders to:

Emporium Italy
Contrada dei Magazzeni, 33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino (ITALY)

Once sent please confirm us via e-mail info@emporium2.com the sending of check and money orders.

11) Q:What if my country or currency is not included in your pricing?
A: Send me an e-mail to info@emporium2.com with your request and stating your country and I will calculate pricing in your local currency and calculate the cost of mailing to your specific country.


Answers To
III SHIPPING QUESTIONS

1) Q: How do you ship the products?
A: We use the International Postal Services that provide 4 types of mailing services for our articles, Surface mail "SM" (20-25 days delivery), Registered mail "RM" (10-14 days delivery), EMS fast mail (7-8 days delivery) and Airmail "AM" (14-18 days delivery)
Note: theses delivery times are based on our experience with the Postal System towards the USA but sometimes can vary.

2) Q: How long do I have to wait to receive my goods?
A: The delivery times are stated on the Area USA and Area Europe mailing information tables.
Note: theses delivery times are based on our experience with the Postal System from Italy towards the USA but sometimes can vary.

3) What does mailing type "SM" mean?
A: It means Surface mail. It is used for larger / heavier parcels and is the most convenient way to receive your goods with delivery times ranging from 20-25 days. You receive your package directly at your mailing address. The postal surface mail service uses ships and trucks to deliver and is available to all countries that have regular letter post.

Plus: very convenient cost and very reliable.

4) What does mailing type "RM" mean?
A: It means Registered mail. " RM" letter service is used for smaller parcels, is very conveniently priced and is a very reliable way to receive your goods with delivery ranging from 10 -14 days. The registered mail service uses airplanes and trucks to deliver and is available in all countries that have regular postal service. You receive your package directly to your ordering address.

Plus: Very reliable at low cost.

5) What does mailing type "AM" mean?
A: It means Airmail. "AM" parcel service is used for larger/ heavier parcels, is more expensive than Surface Mail and is a very reliable way to receive your larger parcels goods with delivery ranging from 14 -18 days. The postal air service uses airplanes and trucks to deliver and is available in all countries that have regular postal service. You receive your package directly to your ordering address.

Plus: Very reliable at reasonable cost.

6) What does EMS Mail mean?
A: EMS - stands for Express Mail Service- This is a fast mail service provided by the postal service with delivery times in 7-8 days. The postal service uses airplanes and trucks to deliver directly to your ordering address. This service is available for most countries.

Plus: very fast, traceable delivery with cost sometimes comparable to airmail.

7) Q: Is mailing through the postal system the best way to ship the goods?
A: Yes the postal service has proven to be the best way to receive the goods because of moderate cost and of their worldwide service.

8) Q: Do I need to pay duties or any other expenses when the goods are delivered?
A: No duties are normally requested for the USA as they are considered by USA customs as small Internet Purchases and declared so when mailed to you. Our" total amount" prices are all inclusive of article price & mailing type choose by you, no other expenses are requested.

9) Q: Where will you deliver the goods?
A: Your goods will be delivered directly to the mailing address you have provided in our Order Form page section.

10) Q: What can I do to inquire about my order?
A: You are most welcome to send us e-mail at info@emporium2.com and we will follow up on your query.

11) Q: How do you pack the goods?

A: We take special care in packing all goods using extra strong 3 layer boxes, bubble wrap protection and styroform chips that have proven to be an excellent packaging for all of our articles sold on Emporium Italy.

12) Q: Whom will we be receiving the goods from?
A: Your package be sent to you from:
Riccardo Gai
Contrada dei Magazzeni,33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino


Answers To
IV PAYMENT QUESTIONS


1) Q: Which type of credit cards do you accept?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Your credit card will be authorized through your credit card company.

2) Q: When am I paying for the goods I order?
A: Your credit card will be authorized by your credit card company and charged one day before the mailing of the goods. In your credit card invoice statement will appear the name of "Emporio Titano - San Marino" and relative charge from our retail shop in San Marino

3) Q: Do you accept a check or money order?
A: Yes we accept personal checks and international bank checks in Euros or in USA dollars. Please send checks through post using priority mail or registered mail, in this case shipment of articles will be done once we have obtained bank clearance.

4) Q: In which currency will you charge my credit card?
A: Your credit card will be charged in Euros our local currency, and then converted into your local currency if different from Euros by your credit card company.

5) Q: What exchange rate do you use when charging my credit card using currency different than Euros?
A: We charge you in Euros, which is our local currency in Italy. Your credit card company will convert this charge into your local currency if different than Euros using the daily exchange rate with Euros. This is the amount you will find on you credit card invoice statement.

6) Q: Can I send you my credit card details through fax?
A: Yes you can send you credit card details though fax with to the following number:

From USA by fax dial 011 378 879 315
From Europe by fax dial 00 378 879 315
From other countries Fax: ++ 378 879 315


7) Q: Can I give you my credit card details over the phone?
A: Yes you can phone me, Riccardo and give me your credit card details over the phone. We are in the Central European time zone.

Calling from USA dial 011 378 99 23 07
Calling from Europe dial 00 378 992 307
From other countries: ++ 378 99 23 07
We speak fluent English so don't hesitate to call.

8) Q: Can you phone me up so that I can give you my credit card details over the phone?
A: Yes we use this system very often. On the order form fill in the special fields with your phone number and best time to call you your local time and I will be call within 48 hours or send me your phone number via e-mail and when it is most convenient for you to receive my call.

9) Q: Do you accept international postal money orders or Western Union Money transfer?
A: Yes we accept international postal money orders and Western Union. Please send them to the following address:
Emporium Italy
Contrada dei Magazzeni,33
47890 San Marino
Republic of San Marino (ITALY)

Note: please send us notice e-mail at info@emporium2.com when sending International money Orders or Western Union Money Orders.


Answers To
V PRICING QUESTIONS


1) Q: Do your products have the same price in all countries?
A: Yes they do. The prices displayed for all articles are the same worldwide but calculated in different currencies, the only difference is the mailing cost to the three different mailing areas divided as follows:

Area USA - prices and mailing cost valid for all USA expressed in USA Dollars
Area Europe - prices and mailing cost valid for all of Europe expressed in Euros
Area Italy - prices and mailing cost valid for all of Italy expressed in Euros

2) Q: What if my county or currency is not included in your pricing?
A: Send me an e-mail to info@emporium2.com
with your request and stating your country and I will calculate pricing in your local currency and calculate the cost of mailing to your specific country.

3) Q: How are your mailing costs calculated?
A: Mailing costs depend on the weight/size of the article plus its safe packaging (box & padding). The mailing is passed on at cost price. No other charges are made for handling or packaging.
The mailing cost is determined by us using the most convenient Postal Rate offered between (SM, RM, AM, EMS) postal services according to the different mailing regions: Area USA or Area Europe and Area Italy.

Our web site is has 3 different mailing areas:
Area USA- prices valid for all USA expressed in USA Dollars
Area Europe -prices valid for all of Europe expressed in Euros
Area Italy - prices valid for all of Italy expressed in Euros

For other areas and countries not included please contact us at: info@emporium2.com

4) Q: Do you charge anything for handling in your mailing costs?
A: No handling or packaging or other charges are included in mailing prices.

5) Q: Are your article prices the same as in your shops?
A: Yes prices are the same as in our retail shops