Hi there!
As the owner of several saris, I can appreciate your frustration in
your quest for a reputable sari merchant. In my own sari shopping
experiences, I've found that the most difficult of your criteria to
match is a return policy - most merchants do not allow returns.
Unless you've managed to develop a good rapport with a local merchant,
returning a sari can be nigh on impossible. Typically, merchants cite
the ridiculously high import duties on Indian clothing.
That doesn't mean it's completely out of the question, though.
ShalinCraft Best of India store offers several styles and fabrics to
choose from in their sari line. Additionally, they carry jewelry,
accessories and Indian menswear.
They deliver in the US, accept Mastercard, Visa and PayPal over a
secure connection, and offer a rather liberal return policy:
"We give you a lifetime guarantee on all of your purchases and accept
your returns without setting any time limit. We accept your returns
even if you have already used the product and felt the product has not
met your expectations."
They also offer "Live Help" at the click of a mouse during regular
business hours:
ShalinCraft Best of India
http://www.shalincraft-india.com/
Like ShalinCraft, Pardesi Services offers a wide variety of saris in
varying fabrics, from cotton, to crepe and silk. They accept
Mastercard and Visa through a secure shopping cart, and have a
somewhat restrictive, but still reasonable, return policy:
"At Pardesi Services, it is our goal to keep our customers happy. It
is with this in mind, that we strive to provide accurate information
concerning our items. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we
ask that you contact us within 24 hours of your items arrival.
Refunds and Exchanges are allowed as long as the following conditions
are met:
* Items must be returned US Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation
stamped within 72 hours of original package arrival.
* Item must return in the same condition it was shipped in. Pardesi
Services, LLC. will be the sole judge in the item's condition.
* Postage is non-refundable.
* If the original payment was made by check, a 14 day holding period
will be in effect before refund is issued."
There is no refund or return on custom orders, however.
Pardesi Services
http://www.pardesiservices.com
Bhartiyakala is home to 87 different saris in several fabrics,
including silk, brocade and cotton, in a variety of colors. Not
surprisingly, they refer to their rich fabrics as "artworks", and
include both petticoat and blouse with each sari ordered (these are
typically separate items).
Bhartiyakala offers a full refund within seven days if you are unhappy
with your purchase:
"Returns and Exchanges
Exotic India guarantees the quality of the products we offer. We also
realize it is difficult, sometimes, to accurately judge a work of art
from an image on a screen. We want to assure our customers that while
we do not want curiosity sales, we will allow you to return a work in
its original condition for a full refund of the amount paid by you, if
it does not meet your expectations."
Bhartiyakala - Exotic India
http://www.bhartiyakala.com/textiles/Sarees/1/
None of the three merchants listed has complaints against them, and
all three offer customer testimonials. Though I prefer shopping for
saris in person, I've personally ordered from Bhartiyakala, and found
the service to be outstanding.
If I might make a suggestion? Try to find a local sari merchant if
you plan to buy more saris in the future. This is especially helpful
if you're not familiar with the various kinds of saris available (you
don't say if you are Indian or Western). Texture and overall feel of
the fabric is an important consideration when purchasing a sari - what
may look supple and elegant in a picture might turn out to be stiff
and unwieldy when it arrives. Also, by developing a good relationship
with a local merchant, you're more likely to get advance notice of new
shipments and the opportunity to get the first look at beautiful
fabrics. What better way to impress your girl than with a sumptuous
silk brocade that no one else has?
If you'd like assistance in tracking down a local sari merchant, or
would like further information about online sari purchasing, just let
me know. I'll be glad to help.
--Missy
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