2.1 Artisan Vendor Selection

TICC sources exclusively from vetted artisan vendors with established craft skills and quality records. New vendors are assessed through sample evaluation and site review before any commercial orders are placed.

2.2 Pre-Dispatch Inspection (All Orders)

TICC conducts its own internal quality review of all orders before packing. Items that are clearly defective — broken, structurally compromised, or materially non-conforming — are rejected and replaced before dispatch.

2.3 SGS Pre-Shipment Inspection (Bulk Orders — Mandatory)

All bulk orders are subject to a mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) conducted by SGS — the world's leading independent inspection authority. The SGS PSI covers: product quality and workmanship; quantity verification against the Proforma Invoice; SKU and specification conformance; and packing and labelling standards. The SGS certificate is provided to the Buyer before balance payment is requested and constitutes conclusive evidence that goods were inspected and found conforming at the point of dispatch from India.

2.4 Export Packing

All goods are packed to international export standards — appropriate cushioning, individual wrapping, H-taped cartons, and master carton labelling — designed to protect goods through DHL Express and sea freight transit.

Key Rule: Variation within the ranges described above is a characteristic of genuine handcrafted goods — not a manufacturing defect. TICC will not accept claims based solely on variation within these natural ranges.

Claims for genuine defects must be submitted within the timeframes in TICC's Returns, Damage & Claims Policy: 48 hours from delivery for transit damage; 3 calendar days for wrong item, shortfall, or concealed defect. Claims must be supported by photographic evidence and — for bulk orders — the SGS PSI Certificate reference.

5.1 Samples Are Indicative

Samples provided to buyers represent the quality, design, and character of TICC's products at the time of ordering. They are indicative — not contractual specifications — unless specific tolerances were expressly agreed in writing and documented in the Proforma Invoice.

5.2 Natural Production Variation in Bulk

Bulk production units may vary from the sample within the natural tolerances described in Section 3 of this Policy. This is normal and expected. It is not grounds for a quality claim.

5.3 Agreeing Tolerances

If a buyer requires tighter tolerances than the natural variation ranges above — for example, a specific colour band, a maximum size range, or a particular finish standard — these must be discussed, documented, and expressly agreed in writing in the Proforma Invoice before production commences. TICC will advise on what is achievable with artisan production.

5.4 SGS Conformance

The SGS Pre-Shipment Inspection verifies that bulk goods conform to the agreed specifications in the Proforma Invoice. Once SGS certifies conformance, any variation within natural tolerances is accepted as conforming delivery.

▸ Reading this Policy before placing any order with TICC.

▸ Inspecting all orders promptly upon delivery and raising any claim within the timeframes in TICC's Returns, Damage & Claims Policy.

▸ Communicating specific quality requirements, tolerances, or standards in writing before confirming a bulk Proforma Invoice.

▸ Advising their own customers and retail buyers that TICC products are handcrafted and carry natural variation — this is part of the authentic provenance and story of the goods.

Selling the Story of Authenticity

Natural variation is one of the most compelling features of genuine handcrafted goods for today's conscious consumer. Buyers who communicate the handcrafted story to their retail customers typically find that variation — far from being a complaint trigger — becomes a selling point. Each piece is unique. Each carries the marks of the artisan who made it. That is the essence of what TICC and its buyers offer.