THE ORGANIC COMPANY.COM FAQ

ORDERING:

• Can I order over the telephone?

Yes. You can order over the telephone. You can call us at (605) 593-5650 and if we are not available, please leave your name and number and a good time to call you, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

However, it is important to know that ORDERING ONLINE is the MOST SECURE way to order because there will be an immediate record of your transaction.

Online orders receive these benefits:

1. Immediate order confirmation email

2. Shipping confirmation email with tracking numbers

3. You have the ability to search and view any of your past orders.

4. Online orders are SSL encrypted for your protection.

We encourage you to take advantage of all of the extra benefits that secure online ordering offers, enabling us to give you the very best service at the lowest cost to you.

• Can I get a paper catalog?

Sorry, we do not have paper catalogs at this time.

• How do I know if the item I am looking for in stock?

We keep everything in stock (with the exception of some large items that are drop-shipped from the manufacturer). However, there are very rare occasions when something may be out of stock. You may always email us to check the availability theorganiccompany@gmail.com

• How can I tell what size clothes to order?

Everything we carry fits traditionally and the fit has been tested on hundreds of people. If an item runs large or small we will note it in the description. You do NOT need to buy a size larger for shrinkage. If you have additional questions please email us theorganiccompany@gmail.com and we will be happy to help as we have personal experience with the items.

• Why can’t I find the product or size I saw previously?

Occasionally, some items may be removed from the website because they are no longer available, or for other reasons. If you have any questions about an item you saw previously but do not see any more, feel free to email us. theorganiccompany@gmail.com

• Does The Organic Company sell products that are not listed on the website?

Currently we only sell products listed on the website, but if you are looking for something you do not find listed, please email us as we do occasional special orders. theorganiccompany@gmail.com

• What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

SHIPPING:

• What is your mailing, billing, and shipping address?

Office:

The Organic Company

6399 Southside Drive

Rapid City, SD 57703

Tel (605) 593-5650 (Billing)

Tel (605) 593-5650 (Internet Orders & General Questions)

• Where is my order shipped from?

Most items are shipped from our Rapid City, SD location. Occasionally some items may be shipped from our Fairfield, IA location. Larger items are drop shipped from our manufacturers to keep your prices low.

• Can I pick up my item locally?

Yes!  If the items you ordered are not drop ship items you can pick them up at our shipping office.  Please call ahead to let us know when you'll be picking the items up at the following number:  Tel (605)593-5650

We are usually able drop an item off at your place of work or meet you if you prefer as well.

If you plan on using local pick-up enter: "Rapid City" in the coupon code area and it will remove any shipping charges.  We'll give you a call when your order is ready to be picked up.  (If you don't live in the area and don't plan on using local pick-up DON'T use this coupon code.  If you do we will call you and make fun of your inability to read and hold your order until you tell us how you would like us to ship the order and give us approval to charge your credit card for the shipping charges.)

• How much is shipping?

Shipping costs are calculated based on the shipping address zip code and the size and weight of the package, insurance, cost of the packaging materials and labor.

For a shipping quote:

1. Add an item(s) to your cart and go to the “view cart” page.

2. Toward the bottom of the page you will see "Estimate Your Shipping Costs:", enter your city, state, postal code, and country, then click “go”.

3) You may now use the "shipping method" button to choose the shipping provider and delivery type with the price for each.

• What shipping options does The Organic Company offer?

We ship orders by UPS or USPS. You may choose during the checkout process.

• Do you ship internationally?

Yes we do. For International shipments, we recommend USPS as the rates are better. Because non-US addresses are in a different format, it occasionally makes the credit card get declined. If you have any trouble with placing your international order, please email us right away and we will be happy to help you. Email: theorganiccompany@gmail.com

• How long will it take to receive my order?

In general, allow 24-48 hours for order processing of in-stock items and then allow the appropriate amount of time for the shipping option you choose. UPS Ground is 4-7 days, guaranteed. USPS Priority Mail is NOT guaranteed, and though it usually takes 4 days, it can take much longer.

When you select expedited shipping (Overnight, 2^nd-Day Air, 3-Day Select) during the checkout process, we will make every effort to ship your in-stock items that same day.

• How soon will my order be shipped?

Orders of in-stock items will be shipped within two business days of ordering. If there will be a delay because a product is back ordered, we will contact you either by phone or email.

• Are there shipping charges for back orders?

No. All of the shipping charges for your order are calculated when the order is placed and do not change even if your items end up being shipped separately.

• When will my back ordered item be shipped?

You will be notified immediately if an item is back ordered.  Back ordered items will be shipped as soon as they are available, USUALLY within one week of your order.

• Will my order be shipped in separate packages?

Occasionally if one of the items you ordered is back ordered we may go ahead and ship the available items immediately and ship the back ordered item as soon as it is available, or we may ship items to you from more than one location. Some items that we sell are drop shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items will also be shipped separately.

RETURNS:

• What is your return policy?

We want to make sure you are 100% satisfied with every order you receive from The Organic Company. If you are not satisfied with an item, we will arrange a replacement, or exchange; or if the item is in new condition, a refund for the full merchandise amount. Please fill out the return form you received with your order and return the item to us (insure it for your protection) within two weeks of receiving your order, and return the item to us at:

The Organic Company

6399 Southside Dr

Rapid City, SD 57703

Tel (605) 593-5650

Email: theorganiccompany@gmail.com

• How long will it take to process my return?

Returns and exchanges are processed within four days of being received. We will email you to let you know the details of your refund or exchange.

• How do I return my order?

Please fill out the return form you received with your order within 2 weeks of receiving your order and return the item to us at:

The Organic Company

516 6th St.

Rapid City, SD 57701

Tel (605) 593-5650

Email: theorganiccompany@gmail.com

Please remember to insure it for your protection. After receiving your return, we will arrange a replacement, or exchange; or if the item is in new condition, a refund for the full merchandise amount, depending on your request.

• Can I exchange my merchandise for another item?

If you would like to exchange your order for another item you can do this by filling out the exchange section on your return form and mailing it with the items you are returning.

MATERIALS:

• Are The Organic Company’s products certified?

Yes. We make every effort to make sure that The Organic Company’s products are manufactured in a way that is environmentally responsible all the way from production of the raw materials to manufacturing, to our store. They are certified by OCIA, SKAL, or a similar group.

For an item to be “Certified Organic,” its fiber must be grown in accordance with strict, uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.

Conventional farming relies upon toxic chemicals. They mix with the soil and effect future vegetation and animal life for years to come. Organic farmers use natural composting, crop rotation, beneficial insects and predators instead of these synthetic fertilizers to intelligently grow crops that are better for you and the earth.

• Are your products fairly traded?

Yes. In addition to being environmentally safe, we make every effort to make sure that The Organic Company’s products are manufactured in a way that is socially responsible all the way from production of the raw materials to manufacturing, to our store. Many of our suppliers actually have programs that benefit the community where the items are produced (i.e. education programs, personal development programs, infrastructure programs, etc.) We invite you to read their stories.

• What is Organic Cotton?

Conventional cotton production also leads to poisoning of the soil and the product, this can cause various health problems for the farmers that grow it and the people who use the products.

The problem of poisoning due to chemical insecticides and pesticides is so acute that thousands of farmers in developing countries are risking their lives with this livelihood.

Organic cotton production, on the other hand, ensures a healthy life for the farmers producing it, those around them and those that buy their products.

The Organic Company is taking a pro-active, farmer friendly, Earth-friendly stance.

The more we support these organic farmers by spending money on their organically grown cotton and bamboo, the smaller the human foot print will be on the Earth.

• What is Bamboo?

Bamboo is a sustainable material because of its high rate of growth and reforestation. Bamboo fibers are biodegradable. Petroleum based synthetic textile fibers stay in our earth’s system long after you dispose of them. Bamboo is truly unique: not only is it a highly durable fabric enduring many machine washings with grace, it also feels soft and luxurious.

Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial. Bamboo is great for your skin as it wicks moisture away. A cross section of Bamboo fiber is a matrix with many microscopic gaps. Bamboo fiber breathes thereby keeping you cooler, drier and more comfortable.

• What is Kapok?

Kapok is an all-natural fiber pulled from the seed pods of the kapok tree. A sustainable and pesticide-free product, kapok is hypoallergenic, resilient, lightweight, and water/mold resistant. A superior stuffing material for soft goods, seen mostly in pillows.

• What is Natural Latex?

100% Natural Latex Rubber (sap from the heven brasiliensis, or the rubber tree - with no artificial additives to dilute its quality) makes the most naturally durable cushioning material available.

Natural Latex is naturally hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant, and anti-microbial (will not support mildew or bacteria). This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone wanting to breathe fresh, clean air while they sleep. In addition, natural latex is breathable, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It is resilient, so it does not hold body impressions, and is ideal for all body types and all ages.

• How are The Organic Company’s products dyed?

At this point there are no commercially available natural dyes that color-fast. Our organic cotton clothing is dyed with non-toxic low-impact dyes that are free of chlorine, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Our products are color-fast.

• How do I wash Organic Cotton, will it shrink?

Although organic cotton is generally preshrunk, it is not chemically treated (like conventional cotton) to keep from further shrinkage. If you dry using high heat in a dryer, you can expect 5-10% shrinkage. When your cotton garment fits when you first put it on, without room for shrinkage, please be very careful in how you dry the item. If you want the cotton garment maintain its original size, please line dry or dry using low heat.

Drying with heat can cause more than 4% shrinkage. Be very careful how you dry organic cotton apparel. Conventional cotton apparel is usually treated with chemicals to reduce the shrinkage effects of heat. Organic cotton is not treated, so in high heat it is possible for the cotton to shrink more than 10%. Any shrinkage is worse for the lengths of the garments and is less noticeable for widths.

• What type of detergent should I use?

Laundry detergents without optical brighteners and bleach protect your skin and the environment, and preserve the fabric and color. Conventional detergent is designed for conventional, chemically-treated clothing. Because organic cotton production does not make use of certain chemicals, for best results use a non-phosphate detergent. These are available from several companies, (i.e. Seventh Generation, Ecover, Method, Ecos) and can be found at many grocery stores.

• How durable is Organic Cotton?

Because organic cotton is not exposed to the weakening harsh chemicals that commercially grown cotton is, it will last many years, with proper care.

• Can I use bleach?

We do not recommend using chlorine bleach on organic cotton products. As with most garments, colors can fade and the bleach will weaken the garment’s fiber strength. In addition, chlorine bleach puts toxic chemicals into the clothing and the environment. Instead, we recommend using a natural, color-safe OXYGEN whitener. There are several companies manufacturing these and they are for sale at many grocery stores.

• Will the colors fade?

Eco-friendly low-impact synthetic dyes that are used on our items are just as long lasting as the harmful toxic synthetic dyes used on conventional products.

Because organic cotton production does not make use of chemical color fixatives, please do not mix dark colors with light ones for the first few washes due to dye bleed. For the first wash, you may wish to add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the final rinse, helping to set the color and resist fading or bleeding.