FAQ
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ECO-CHIC MARKET
What's a souk, I wonder?
Great question! :) In the Middle East and in North Africa, it's a marketplace! It's where the local community gathers to exchange goods.
Here at BBsouk, we define it as an eco-chic market for babies and toddlers, and we aim to become the sustainable one-stop-shop for all baby’s needs.
How is BBsouk an "eco-chic market"?
For BBsouk, an eco-chic market means finding all baby essentials in ONE place, and having them delivered in ONE shipment, hence reducing our carbon footprint.
It means getting as close as possible to zero waste, by following these 3R principles:
Reducing (and consuming better):
By offering high-quality, sustainable textiles, durable and functional products that are free of harmful chemicals and, when possible, products that are made locally or close by. It also means limiting our packaging to the minimum and using eco-friendly materials.
Reusing: By offering used items in our pre-loved collection.
Recycling (upcycling): By trying our best to give damaged clothing another shape.
ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Is BBsouk packaging eco-friendly?
Absolutely! Our packaging has been carefully selected to minimize our environmental impact.
For textiles and non-fragile items, we use low carbon footprint poly mailers by EcoEnclose, which are made from 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waste, and feature a dual adhesive strip for reuse.
Our minimal packaging consists of 100% recycled white tags and tissue paper, as well as natural hemp twine, which is biodegradable and compostable.
We do not use plastic stickers as part of our wrapping process, but instead, we use an adhesive almond paste when needed.
At last, do not be surprised if you receive a cardboard box with a random name on it: we reuse all boxes! Rest assured: we will only use the ones that will keep your items safe, and we will seal the box with our strong, water-activated tape. 😊
Note: some of our brands still use plastic, either in their original packaging or protective wrapping, which is out of our control, especially during this pandemic time, as we want to minimize contacts with your items.
What does “organic” consist of, in terms of clothing?
Organic textiles can be composed of cotton, silk, wool, among others, but they are grown without chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. Instead, natural fertilizers are used, and soil and water conditions are monitored. Not only is it safer for Baby and you, it does not poison the environment nor the farm workers.
All organic textiles found at BBsouk are GOTS certified. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. Their assessment is based on environmental, technical quality, human toxicity as well as social criteria, and participating companies must work in compliance with all criteria.
Why should I buy less and better?
There are numerous reasons, but here is a start:
- To offer harmless, high-quality, durable products to you and your family;
- To conserve our natural resources, energy and landfill space;
- To save time and money…!
How can I consume less and better?
First, by reusing and repurposing. Keep in mind that the most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own.
By buying less: only the essentials, but of higher quality and made responsibly.
By choosing more sustainable textiles, such as man-made cellulose fibers from plant-based materials (e.g. Tencel or Lyocell) or bast fibers like hemp, jute or linen.
By encouraging organic farming, which is more sustainable than conventional farming: organic cotton, for example, requires much less water and energy than conventional cotton, and does not contain harmful chemicals.
By washing your clothes with cold water on quick cycles, which uses half the energy of washing warm.
NEW PRODUCTS
Where do your items come from?
Our brands are either Canadian, American, or European.
We try hard to offer products that are made locally! Have a look at the products’ title and description to find out which ones! 😊
But some materials are simply not produced here, and some brands want to offer quality, organic items at a more accessible price. For those reasons, some of our brands design their products in their original country, but also produce overseas, ethically, and responsibly.
What are your products made of?
We prioritize durable fabrics that are free of chemicals, such as organic textiles, hemp, or linen. More information in our Sustainability FAQ.
Some clothes also contain lyocell, an anti-bacterial and super soft fabric that is produced from renewable cellulosic plants and that is biodegradable.
As for non-textile items, you will mainly find products made of bamboo, silicone, and stainless steel.
What is grow-with-me clothing?
Grow-with-me clothes adjust to your little ones, either by rolling or folding a cuff or a sleeve, and still looking good in the process. They usually have a looser fit than regular clothing. Sizes vary according to the manufacturer, but in some cases, a single item could fit an 18-month baby and a 3-year toddler (and some items, even longer).
So don’t be misled by the higher retail price: one pair of high-quality, grow-with-me pants could easily replace 4 pairs of regular pants!
Investing in grow-with-me clothing = great savings!
Are your items more expensive than those of fast fashion brands?
Many of our products are comparable in price to mid- and high-end brands. But the brands we carry do things differently and more sustainably, without compromise on style and quality.
Not only is it a better way of consuming, it also means that these items will still look good when Baby will have outgrown them – provided they were cared for properly.
How do I know if I am purchasing new or used?
All second-hand items are identified as “pre-loved” in their product title, and their description also mentions the item’s condition. All other products are new.
PRE-LOVED ITEMS
What kind of items can I find on BBsouk?
Clothes, shoes, accessories, bags and small equipment for babies and toddlers.
We do not sell used teething products, pacifiers, underwear, socks or toys, as well as any product that is damaged.
In which condition are your pre-loved items?
You can expect to find second-hand items in variable conditions, from normal wear & tear to new with tags. Occasionally, you will find an item that is imperfect, but still beautiful and functional.
All items are assessed according to their current retail price and pre-loved condition.
ORDERS & SHIPPING
What is your default currency?
BBsouk operates in Canada. Our default currency is therefore Canadian dollars.
How quickly do you fulfill your orders?
All orders are processed within 2 business days, which means from Monday to Friday, except Quebec public holidays.
Where do you ship?
We ship everywhere in Canada.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free shipping! More info here.
How much is shipping for orders below the threshold?
We offer a flat shipping rate of $9.95 for Quebec & Ontario, and $14.95 for other Canadian provinces. Other fares are calculated at check-out.
How quick is delivery?
All orders are shipped using Canada Post’s expedited service or Purolator Ground services. Delivery times vary from 1 to 3 business days in Quebec, and up to 7 business days in the rest of Canada, but are subject to change without notice. BBsouk is not responsible for postal delays.
Do you offer free local delivery?
Yes! As we are located in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec, we offer free local delivery to our Vaudreuil-Soulanges customers, with purchases $50 and above (amount after discounts, before taxes).
Can I collect my order?
No, as we do not currently have a brick & mortar store.
RETURNS
Do you have a free return policy?
Yes! At BBsouk, we do our level best to ensure that you are happy with your purchase, but in case you have to return an item, we'll be happy to provide you with a smooth experience and free shipping. More info here.
Exceptions: pre-loved items and other products marked as final sale.
Can I exchange an item?
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have received, and make a separate purchase for the new item.
COVID-19 MEASURES
What safety measures have you put in place against covid-19?
Besides following all sanitary measures recommended by our federal and provincial governments, all items are kept in a room with minimal access, and direct contacts with items are limited.
Note about used items:
We clean all pre-loved items upon their arrival. Before packing the items for you, we use a professional steamer to remove wrinkles and disinfect fabrics once again.
Despite our efforts, we still recommend that you wash all products before first use, new or pre-loved. (Unless you intend to return your merchandise, in which case it must be unworn and unwashed.)