The Logistics of Cultural Connection At Bòkatedral, our mission is to provide a seamless bridge between the vibrant workshops of Haiti and the doorsteps of global enthusiasts. Shipping and delivery represent the most critical phase of this journey, as we ensure that delicate crafts, unique textiles, and traditional delicacies are transported with the respect and urgency they deserve. Because our platform is a collective of independent sellers, the shipping process is a collaborative effort between the vendor, international logistics partners, and our internal oversight team. We are committed to transparency in every mile traveled, ensuring that you are never left wondering about the status or safety of your purchase as it makes its journey across borders and oceans.
Order Processing and Fulfillment Timelines The journey of your order begins immediately after payment confirmation. Each of our independent sellers operates with their own specific fulfillment timeline, which is clearly indicated on the individual product pages. Typically, artisans require a period of two to five business days to carefully inspect, package, and prepare your items for international transit. This processing time is essential for ensuring that items—many of which are handmade or fragile—are secured using high-quality protective materials. During peak seasons or for custom-made commissions, these timelines may be slightly extended to accommodate the meticulous craftsmanship required. Once the seller has finalized the packaging and generated a shipping label through our integrated logistics partners, you will receive an automated notification confirming that your piece of Haiti is officially on its way.
International Transit and Carrier Partners To maintain the highest standards of reliability, Bòkatedral primarily partners with world-class logistics providers such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS. These carriers were selected for their extensive experience in navigating international customs and their robust tracking capabilities. Depending on your geographic location and the shipping method selected at checkout, transit times generally range from seven to fourteen business days. It is important to note that since many of our sellers are based in Haiti, shipments are subject to international aviation schedules and regional logistical factors. While we strive for speed, our primary focus remains the safe arrival of your goods. We also facilitate economy shipping options for non-perishable items, which may take longer but provide a more cost-effective solution for our global community.
Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations When purchasing goods from Bòkatedral, it is important to understand that your order may be considered an international import by your local government. As such, packages may be subject to customs inspections and the assessment of import duties, value-added taxes (VAT), or other local fees. These charges are determined by the destination country and are the legal responsibility of the recipient. Because customs regulations vary significantly from one nation to another, Bòkatedral cannot predict the exact amount of these fees. However, we encourage our sellers to provide thorough and accurate customs documentation to minimize delays and ensure that your package clears inspection as quickly as possible. We recommend that international buyers consult their local customs office for specific information regarding duty thresholds and restricted items before finalizing their purchase.
Packaging Standards and Cargo Safety The protection of your items is our sellers' top priority. Bòkatedral provides guidelines to all vendors regarding the use of sustainable and durable packaging materials designed to withstand the rigors of international shipping. For fragile items like metalwork, paintings, or ceramics, sellers utilize reinforced boxing and ample cushioning to prevent movement during transit. In the case of traditional food items or delicacies, packaging is designed to maintain freshness and comply with international agricultural and safety regulations. In the rare event that an item arrives damaged due to a failure in packaging or mishandling by the carrier, our Buyer Protection policy ensures that you are not left at a loss. We ask that customers document any external damage to the packaging before opening it, as this greatly assists us in resolving claims with the shipping provider.
Delivery Confirmation and Receipt As your package nears its final destination, the carrier will provide a final delivery estimate. Depending on the carrier’s local policies and the value of the shipment, a signature may be required upon delivery to ensure that the package is received by the correct party. If you are unavailable at the time of delivery, the carrier will typically leave a notice with instructions for rescheduling or for picking up the package at a local secure facility. Once the tracking system marks an order as "Delivered," Bòkatedral considers the transaction successfully completed from a logistical standpoint. If a package is marked as delivered but has not been received, we provide a dedicated support window to help investigate the discrepancy with the carrier. Our goal is to ensure that the final step of the journey is as satisfying and secure as the first.