Frequently Asked Questions
Build An Order
Mixing Product & Categories
Each category is a separate ordering and loading option (loading from different warehouses worldwide). Therefore, not all categories can be mixed together per order.
Some categories (for example, categories from the same country) may potentially be mixed together but this may require additional lead time and additional cost.
If you have specific requests, please Contact Us.
Floor Loaded / Pallet Loaded Container
Each category has different standard operating processes for providing floor loaded or pallet loaded containers.
If your product category of interest only shows one option, and you require another - when you submit the order please add your requirement on the Additional Order Notes (shown at the bottom of Your Cart), for our team to review.
MOQ
Each Category has different standard requirements to build a Full Container Load (varying between; Case Quantity / Pallet Quantity / Volume / Weight). The MOQ requirement for each category is highlighted in purple on the specific category page.
You can Add To Order and build your total order using the Totals Calculator at the bottom of the page (also shown in Your Cart).
If you cannot order per Full Container Load, please Add To Order your required volume and we will review internally to provide potential options on how to fill the container.
Shelf Life
Each product and category has different shelf life (manufacture shelf life and loading shelf life).
The guideline shelf life (on loading) is shown at the top of each category page.
The specific product shelf life (on loading) is shown within the details on each product.
Order Process
Step 1
Once you have added your order to Your Cart and you are ready to submit, please click Check Out and go through the various checkboxes.
Step 2
If you think our team may need to know any additional information, please remember to add any 'Additional Order Notes' (shown at the bottom of Your Cart).
Step 3
When ready, click Complete Order - you will receive an email notification and our team will start to review your draft order immediately.
Step 4
Once our team has reviewed your draft order and all details are clear and aligned, we will share a Pro Forma Invoice, by email, for your review and final confirmation.
Step 5
Once you have confirmed the Pro Forma Invoice, our team will begin to process your order.
Step 6
We will update you throughout the order process, and, once your container order loads we will add the Final Invoice and Shipping Documents to your personal Document Portal (shown at the top of My Account).
Logistics
Lead Time
Each category has different lead times. The guideline lead time (from submitting an order, to the order being ready-to-load) is shown at the top of each category page.
Shipping Schedule (ETD / ETA)
Unless stated otherwise, Black Sand will manage the shipping. We will always pick the quickest / most reliable option, whilst considering the total cost.
We will share the final and confirmed shipping schedule once known.
If you have specific considerations (shipping lines / transship options / etc.) please add these to Additional Order Notes (shown at the bottom of Your Cart), for our team to review.
Container Tracking
Once a container order has loaded, we will provide you with a live tracking link (with automatic updates) that you may refer to, to track your order at all times.
The live tracking link for each order will also be shown within your personal Document Portal (shown at the top of My Account).
Customs Clearance / Import Compliance
As your supply partner, we are not the nominated importer in any given destination market.
Therefore, you are responsible to check for import compliance and customs considerations before confirming your final order.
Order Status Updates
If you require any specific updates about an order, please Contact Us.
Documentation
Standard Documentation Process
By default, we will provide the Final Invoice / Commercial Invoice / Packing List / Draft Bill Of Lading, within a few working days of a container order loading.
Once your container order is soon to arrive at your required destination port, we will provide the Express Bill Of Lading.
Document Access
Once available we will add the Final Invoice and Shipping Documents to your personal Document Portal (shown at the top of My Account).
We will notify you directly once any document is uploaded.
Other Documentation Requirements
If you need specific additional documentation, please add details prior to submitting your order to Additional Order Notes (shown at the bottom of Your Cart), for our team to review.
To ensure clarity, please also email examples of your requirements, as a guideline, for our team to follow.
Pricing / Payment
Pricing Terms
All product pricing for each category is FOB Origin Warehouse (unless stated otherwise).
Additional logistics costs will be added to the Pro Forma, at cost.
Payment Terms
We have general and standardized payment terms, however we will support you as best we can. Factors to consider are; the different categories / order volume / relationship length / payment history.
Payment Method & Currency
Payment will be received by wire transfer, per standard international swift payment process.
The default currency is USD, unless stated otherwise.
Product Requests / Other Requests
Product Information Requests (Images / Certificates / Ingredients / etc.)
Please Contact Us with any specific requirements and our team will assist swiftly.
Once information is available, we will add all Documents to your personal Document Portal (shown at the top of My Account).
Labeling / Additional Services
Labeling may be available (depending on product category), normally at a fixed cost per label application.
If you require unit or case labels, please add the relevant details prior to submitting your order to Additional Order Notes (shown at the bottom of Your Cart), for our team to review.
Other Products / Other Brands
If you are looking for other products, please Contact Us and our team will review and confirm supply status.
Best Sellers / NEW / Offers / Seasonal
Best Sellers / NEW Products
General best-sellers are shown with the product “Best Seller” tag added.
If you require best-seller suggestions and guidance, please Contact Us.
NEW Products are continually added to our platform. We will notify you directly once any NEW Products of interest are added.
Limited Edition / Seasonal
We may have specific offers or seasonal ranges available per category throughout the year.
We will notify you directly of any special offers and tag them per product.
Volume Discount
Depending on your order volume, we may be able to offer price reductions or payment term flexibility when ordering larger volumes.
Please Contact Us with your volume details for our consideration.
Credit Claims
Claims Process
If any discrepancies are noted on arrival, please document these immediately on the packing list; adding your name / title / signature / date.
Discrepancies must be documented within 7 days of container arrival.
Please share the details immediately by email, including the noted and signed packing list, plus unloading images.
Our team will confirm support separately once all details have been reviewed fully.