FAQs
1. Are your crocodile and paiche leathers genuine?
Yes. All Summit & Selva products use genuine exotic leather, never embossed or synthetic. We work with responsible, small-batch suppliers and artisan workshops in Bolivia who follow ethical sourcing practices and CITES compliance where required.
2. What is the difference between crocodile flank and crocodile tail?
- Flank: Soft, flexible, organically patterned scales — ideal for wallets, cardholders, folios, and accessories.
- Tail: Structural, evenly shaped rectangular scales — perfect for belts, straps, shell pouches, and watch cases.
- Each has a different look and durability profile, and no two hides are ever identical.
3. What makes paiche leather unique?
Paiche is a large Amazonian fish whose hide creates a lightweight, flexible leather with a distinctive overlapping scale pattern. It is sustainably sourced, as paiche hides are a byproduct of managed fishing and food systems in Amazon communities.
4. Are your alpaca blankets real baby alpaca?
Yes. We use 100% Baby Alpaca fiber, the highest category of alpaca textile. It is lighter, warmer, and softer than sheep wool, and is naturally hypoallergenic due to low lanolin content.
5. Can I request a custom size, color, or leather cut?
- Absolutely. We offer custom orders for belts, folios, watch rolls, shotgun shell pouches, wallets, and DIY leather strips.
- Provide your sizing, project details, and preferred leather type. Our artisans will handcraft your piece.
6. Do you sell exotic leather by the foot for DIY projects?
Yes. Selected crocodile tails, flanks, and paiche strips are available sold by the foot or by custom measurement. You may order raw material for belt making, crafts, small batch projects, or specialized design.
7. How do I care for exotic leather?
- Avoid prolonged sun, moisture, or heat.
- Clean using a soft, dry microfiber cloth only.
- Do not use household cleaners or alcohol-based products.
- Store in a cool, dry environment and never sharply fold crocodile leather.
8. Are your products mass produced?
No. Every Summit & Selva accessory is artisan-made, professionally cut, stitched, and finished individually. We do not use factories or assembly lines.
9. Where are Summit & Selva products made?
Our products are handmade in Bolivia by master artisans from the Andean Highlands and Amazon Basin. We support fair wages, artisan families, and cultural craftsmanship.
10. Do the scale patterns vary from piece to piece?
Yes — and that is the beauty of exotic leather. Each hide has its own natural scale geometry. Your item will be unique, not identical to an online picture.
11. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, depending on compliance requirements. Some exotic leathers require CITES documentation for export. We will guide you through the process when applicable.
12. Are your products suitable for gifting?
Many of our items — wallets, watch rolls, folios, blankets — are ideal for luxury gifting. We offer presentation-ready packaging for most products.
13. What is your return policy?
Returns & Exchanges
At Summit & Selva, we take pride in offering exceptional handcrafted products made from premium natural materials. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we are happy to assist with an eligible return.
Return Eligibility
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for items that are:
- Unused and unworn
- In original condition
- Free from odors, stains, scratches, or damage
- Returned with all original packaging, dust bags, tags, and accompanying materials
Because our products are handcrafted from natural materials, slight variations in color, grain, and scale patterns are considered part of the product's unique character and are not considered defects.
Non-Returnable Items
The following items are not eligible for return or refund:
- Custom or personalized products
- Made-to-order items
- Clearance or final sale merchandise
- Gift cards
- Products showing signs of use, wear, alteration, or damage after delivery
How to Request a Return
To initiate a return, please email info@summitandselva.com with:
- Your order number
- Full name
- Item(s) you wish to return
- Reason for the return
Returns must be approved before shipment. Items returned without authorization may be refused.
Return Shipping
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item arrived damaged, defective, or incorrect.
We recommend using a trackable and insured shipping service for all returns. Summit & Selva is not responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, we will notify you of the approval status.
Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days. Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error.
Damaged or Incorrect Orders
If your order arrives damaged or you receive the wrong item, please contact us within 5 days of delivery and include photographs of the item and packaging. We will work quickly to resolve the issue.