Shipping & Care

Pre-Order Policy

  • At Hija we prioritize the artisan’s pace over mass production. Every piece is 100% hand-crocheted and hand-woven by master makers like Soledad Torres and Sandra Hoyos. By producing in small batches and to order, we ensure that every item receives the time and attention it deserves, maintaining a direct connection between the maker and your home.

  • The Launch Original:
    We currently hold one (1) "Ready-to-Ship" unit of each design in our Portugal studio. The first customer to purchase will receive this piece within our standard European shipping window.

    Made-to-Order:
    Once our initial unit is sold, that product transitions to Pre-Order status.

    Timeline:
    Please allow 5 to 6 weeks for the creation and delivery of pre-ordered items. This period allows our artisans in Colombia to harvest, dye, and hand-weave your piece from scratch before it is sent to us in Portugal for final quality checks.

  • Payment for pre-orders is collected in full at checkout to secure your place in our artisans' production schedule. We will keep you updated as your piece is being crafted. You will receive a final confirmation and tracking number as soon as your order departs from Portugal to your doorstep.

Shipping & Delivery

We ship worldwide from our studio in Porto, Portugal.

  • • Portugal (Mainland & Islands): €7.00 Flat Rate. Free Shipping on orders over €150.

    • European Union (EU): €15.00 Flat Rate. Free Shipping on orders over €250.

    • Rest of World: Calculated at checkout based on destination and weight.

  • • Ready-to-Ship (Launch Originals): Our in-stock units are processed and dispatched within 1–2 working days of order confirmation.

    • Made-to-Order (Pre-Orders): Once our initial units are sold, items move to Pre-Order status. Please allow 5–6 weeks for your piece to be hand-woven in Colombia and delivered to our Porto studio for final quality checks before shipping. (find more information about our pre-order system below) .

  • • Our Partners: We partner with CTT (Correios de Portugal), FedEx, and TNT to ensure your order arrives safely. Given the 2026 shipping climate, we select the most reliable tracked service for your specific location.

    • Tracking: Once your order departs from Portugal, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

    • Support: If you haven’t received your parcel within 7 working days (for EU) or 14 working days (International) after receiving your tracking number, please contact us at hello@hijastore.com.

  • For orders shipping outside of the European Union (EU):

    Please note that your order may be subject to Import VAT, customs duties, and local processing fees. These charges are determined by your country's authorities and are not included in our pricing. These fees are the sole responsibility of the customer.

  • If you need to update your delivery address or add an item, please contact us immediately. We cannot modify or cancel orders once they have been dispatched from our studio.

  • At Hija, we want you to love your handmade piece. While we do not offer cash refunds, we are happy to provide an exchange or store credit for your purchase.

    • Exchange Window: Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order to initiate an exchange or store credit.

    • Damaged or Faulty Items: If your item arrives damaged, please notify us immediately. Faulty items must be reported and returned within 7 days of delivery in their original packaging with proof of purchase.

    • Condition of Return: To be eligible for an exchange, items must be unused, in their original packaging, and with all tags and labels attached.

    • Sale Items: All sale items are final sale and are not eligible for return, exchange, or store credit.

  • 1. Get Approval: All returns must be pre-approved. Please email hello@hijastore.com with your proof of purchase and the reason for the return before sending your package.

    2. Shipping: The customer is responsible for return shipping costs, including any customs duties. These costs are non-reimbursable.

    3. Tracking: We recommend using a trackable shipping service. We cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit.

    Note: We reserve the right to deny a return if the item does not meet the conditions outlined above.

The Art of Preservation: An Extended Care Guide

  • Iraca is a remarkably resilient fiber, but because it is hand-dyed using organic pigments, it requires specific attention to maintain its vibrant geometric patterns.

    • Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight can fade the hand-dyed colors over time. Keep your boxes in shaded or indoor areas to preserve their brilliance.

    • Moisture: If your box gets damp, reshape it immediately and allow it to air-dry in a cool, ventilated space. Do not use artificial heat (like a hairdryer), as this can make the fibers brittle.

    • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust from the weave.

  • Fique is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world, traditionally used for coffee sacks because of its incredible tensile strength.

    • The "Relax" Period: Because your bag has traveled from Colombia to Portugal, it may arrive slightly compressed. Simply hang it up or stuff it with a towel for 24 hours to let the fibers "relax" into their natural shape.

    • Spot Cleaning: For small marks, use a damp cloth with a tiny drop of pH-neutral soap. Gently dab the area—never scrub, as this can fray the natural agave fibers.

    • Storage: When not in use, store your bag in its cotton dust bag in a dry place. This prevents dust from settling into the deep grooves of the crochet weave.

  • Size & Function

    • Our hand-woven coasters are designed to bring a pop of Colombian artistry to your table. Because they are made of natural Iraca fiber, they are naturally heat-resistant, making them perfect for both chilled glasses and hot ceramic mugs.

    Daily Care

    • Spills: If a drink spills, do not let it "soak" into the fibers. Gently blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

    • Condensation: After use with cold drinks, if the coaster feels damp, leave it out on a flat surface to air-dry completely before stacking them away.

    • Maintaining Shape: If a coaster becomes slightly curved, you can lightly mist it with water (just a damp touch) and place it under a heavy book overnight to flatten it back to its original shape.

    What to Avoid

    • The Dishwasher: Never put Iraca coasters in the dishwasher or submerge them fully in water. This will swell the fibers and ruin the structural weave.

    • Staining: Be careful with high-pigment liquids like red wine or coffee. If a stain occurs, use a very small amount of diluted, mild soap on a damp cloth to dab the spot.

  • Our goal is for your hand-woven treasures to last for generations. If you have any specific questions or comments on how to best take care of or preserve your piece—whether it is a Fique handbag, an Iraca nesting box, or a set of coasters—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Contact us at: hello@hijastore.com