FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping & Returns

Please see our Shipping and Returns page.

Payment

Which payment methods do you accept?

On our online shop we can currently accept M-pesa and cash on delivery (COD), we hope to be able to accept more payment methods in the near future. For bespoke orders and wholesale customers we can offer bank deposits into our TSH or USD accounts.

How can I use a discount code?

When using a discount code please double check to make sure you type in the code just as it appears. Our checkout process will prompt you to apply the code after you have entered your shipping information. If you do not see this section when you reach the check-out please get in touch before you complete your payment and we’ll try to solve the issue. Please make sure that before you complete your order that you verify if your discount was applied to your total purchase. This code will not be able to be applied at a later time. Multiple discount codes cannot be applied to one order.

Wholesale

How do I make a wholesale request?

To enquire able wholesale prices and products please contact: orders@neemacrafts.com. We have a minimum order value of 1 million TSH for wholesale prices and usually need 2-3 weeks to process an order.

Products

How can I find out which lampshade matches with my chosen lampbase?

At the bottom of this page is a handy chart which will help you find the right size lampshade for your choice of lampbase.

How should I look after my product?

For wooden products: Wipe clean and apply linseed or olive oil occasionally to keep the wood protected and looking its best

For fabric and woven products: Our cushion covers, woven items (such as throws and table mats), clothes and bunting can be put on a cold machine wash. For toys, bags and accessories such as purses we would recommend hand-washing in cold water or simply wiping clean with luke-warm water.

I can’t find your vitenge lampshades on the website?

Due to the high turnover of vitenge fabrics we are unable to repeatedly source the same designs. If you would like a vitenge lamp shade, please contact us on our Whatsapp number: +255744854754 and we can share pictures of the fabrics we currently have in stock.

Why is there a variation between two products that are the same?

Due to the handmade nature of our screen printed products colours may vary slightly from item to item. Items made using vitenge fabrics may not be exactly the same as the ones pictured, as it is very difficult to repeatedly source the same design. However, we will make every effort to ensure the colours are similar to those in the picture.

How environmentally friendly are your products?

We try to have a minimal impact on the environment and use natural and recycled materials where possible. All our cotton fabrics are locally grown and dyed and then hand woven. Our leather is sourced locally and our wooden products are bought from a sustainably grown teak plantation (certified). Our glass products are made from recycled materials. We also make handmade paper out of maize leaves and even elephant poo!

Orders

Can I make a bespoke order?

If you can’t find what you are looking for please email: orders@neemacrafts.com. We are able to take bespoke orders for lampshades, cushions and furniture depending on the nature of the order and how busy we currently are. Please be aware that it will take 1-2 weeks to process your order and we’ll need to add a shipping cost from our workshop in Iringa.

Can I buy your screen printed fabric?

We are just setting up our screen printing workshop so that we can print fabric by the meter, watch this space!

General

Do you have a bricks-and-mortar shop?

Yes, we are located in Iringa, Tanzania. The centre consists of a shop, cafe, guesthouse and eight workshop areas which you can visit and take a tour of each area.

See Visit us for more information.

Is Neema Crafts a not-for-profit?

Yes, Neema Crafts is a not-for-profit.The center trains and employs 120 deaf and disabled staff in its workshop, cafe and guesthouse. The project is self-sustaining financially, so by purchasing a product from Neema Crafts, your money goes directly back into staff salaries and towards other projects that allow all our staff to live more abundant and enriched lives. For more information about how Neema Crafts began see Our Story and to find out more about how your purchase makes a difference, see Support our Projects.

How can I keep up to date with the latest news at Neema Crafts?

Follow us on social media!

Instagram
Facebook

You can also sign up to our newsletter on our the Home page and we will send you information about new products, discounts and our artisans.

Visit our Blog for regular stories too.

Are you looking for volunteers?

Please see our Volunteer opportunities page.

The best benefits

LAMPSHADE AND LAMPBASE SIZE CHART

Use our helpful chart to choose a lampshade to match your lampbase.

Large Dots: Recommended
Small Dots: Also suitable