Sauna FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

## Pricing & MOQ

## Q: What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

**A:** Our standard MOQ is **1 unit** for most sauna models. For custom OEM orders with branded materials or bespoke dimensions, the MOQ starts at **5 units** per SKU. We also offer a mixed-container option allowing you to combine 2–3 different models in one 20GP shipment, which can reduce per-unit costs significantly for smaller retailers.

## Q: How are your sauna prices structured?

**A:** We quote on an **EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP basis** depending on your preferred incoterm. Listed indicative prices are per-unit in a 20GP full-container load (approx. 4–6 units depending on model size). Sample orders (1 unit) are priced 15–25% higher to absorb solo-shipment logistics costs. Request a formal quotation with your destination port and we will break down material, labor, packaging, and freight components clearly.

## Q: Do you offer volume discounts?

**A:** Yes. We tier our pricing as follows: **1×20GP = list price, 2×20GP = 5–8% off, 5×20GP+ = 10–15% off.** For hotel or resort projects exceeding 10 units, we can often arrange a project rate that includes dedicated QC inspections and flexible payment terms. Discounts are applied per order batch, not cumulatively across separate orders.

## Q: What payment terms do you accept?

**A:** For first orders we require **30% deposit via T/T or PayPal, with the balance paid against shipping documents (B/L copy)**. Established clients with a proven track record (3+ orders) may qualify for **L/C at sight or O/A 30–60 days**, subject to credit approval. All payments are processed through our USD or EUR account. We do not accept credit cards for orders above USD 500.

## Q: Are there additional costs I should budget for beyond the unit price?

**A:** Beyond the unit price, consider: **ocean freight** (USD 1,800–4,500 per 20GP depending on destination), **destination port handling** (typically USD 200–400), and applicable **import duties and VAT** (EU: 6–9% for saunas under HS code 9402; USA: 0–3% depending on origin). We can provide a **DDP simulation** so you know the all-in landed cost before placing an order. Wooden packaging (plywood crates) is included; custom branded packaging is available at additional cost.

## Product Quality

## Q: What certifications do your saunas carry?

**A:** Our products are **CE certified** (EU market) and we hold **ISO 9001:2015** for our manufacturing quality management system. For the North American market, we can provide **ETL/UL electrical component documentation** upon request — note that the sauna cabin itself does not require ETL listing, but the heater and control units do. All timber is sourced from **FSC-certified** suppliers. We can share test reports and certificates during the quotation stage.

## Q: What type of wood do you use, and why does it matter?

**A:** We use **Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)** as our primary cabin wood, with **Nordic Spruce** and **Thermowood (heat-treated pine)** as alternatives. Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, warping, and insects — critical for sauna longevity in humid environments. Thermowood undergoes a kiln heat treatment that enhances dimensional stability and reduces resin content, making it ideal for high-temperature use. We do not use poplar or low-grade softwood in visible cabin surfaces.

## Q: How long does a Csauna heater last, and what are the heater options?

**A:** Our electric sauna heaters (available in **3kW, 6kW, 9kW, and 12kW** sizes) carry a **2-year warranty** on heating elements. Expected element lifespan is 5–8 years with normal use (3–5 sessions/week). We also offer **wood-burning stoves** for off-grid or rustic installations, and **infrared carbon panel heaters** as an alternative for lower-temperature, energy-efficient setups. Heater selection depends on cabin volume — we will calculate the correct kW rating for your specific model.

## Q: How do you ensure quality control before shipment?

**A:** Every unit undergoes a **3-stage QC process**: (1) In-line inspection during assembly, (2) Pre-shipment inspection with a full checklist covering electrical safety, timber moisture content (<12%), heater function, and glass door operation, and (3) Optional **SGS or Bureau Veritas inspection** at the buyer's request (cost borne by the buyer). We provide detailed inspection reports and photos before loading. A 1-year structural warranty covers manufacturing defects.---## Import & Logistics---## Q: How long does production and shipping take?**A:** Production lead time is **25–35 days** after deposit confirmation and final specification sign-off. Ocean freight from Yiwu/Ningbo to major European ports takes **25–35 days**; to US West Coast **18–25 days**, East Coast **28–35 days**. Total lead time is typically **50–70 days** from order confirmation to arrival at port. For urgent orders, we can air-ship a sample unit (3–7 days) or discuss splitting a container via express freight.---## Q: Do you handle export documentation and customs clearance?**A:** We prepare all export documentation including **commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (Form E for China), and Bill of Lading**. For DDP shipments, we manage the full customs clearance chain to your named place of delivery. For FOB/CIF shipments, the buyer is responsible for import clearance. We strongly recommend using a licensed customs broker at the destination — we can recommend partners in Germany, Netherlands, UK, and USA.---## Q: Can I arrange my own freight forwarding?**A:** Absolutely. Many clients use their own freight forwarder for cost optimization or existing contractual relationships. We will load the container at our warehouse, seal it, and hand it to your nominated forwarder. We support both **CY (Container Yard)** and **CFS (Consolidation)** shipments. We can also support **LCL (Less than Container Load)** for orders below 3 units — though LCL carries higher per-unit freight and handling risk, and we recommend full-container wherever possible.---## Q: What packaging is used for international shipping?**A:** Sauna cabins are packed in **5-ply plywood crates** (recyclable/reusable) with internal foam padding and cardboard corner protection. Glass doors and heaters are packed in separate cartons within the crate. All packaging is **ISPM 15 compliant** (heat-treated timber) for international phytosanitary compliance. Crate dimensions vary by model — a typical 2-person cabin fits in a crate approximately **2,100 × 1,200 × 1,500 mm**. We can provide 3D crate diagrams for your warehouse planning.---## Q: What are the import duties and taxes for the EU and USA?**A:** - **EU:** Saunas fall under **HS code 9402.10.00**. EU import duty is **2.7%** + destination country's VAT (typically 19–27%). DDP service covers all of this. - **USA:** Saunas are **duty-free** under the **China Tariff Exemption** for certain sub-codes, though this is subject to policy changes. Buyers should verify current import duty rates with their customs broker. Florida, California, and Texas have no additional state-level duties on sauna imports. - **UK:** Post-Brexit, standard rate is **2.7%** duty + **20% VAT**. We recommend confirming current rates with a licensed customs broker before ordering.---## OEM & Customization---## Q: Can we customize the sauna with our own brand logo and packaging?**A:** Yes. We offer **full OEM services** including: laser-engraved or silk-screen logos on the sauna cabin, custom-printed interior labels, branded remote controls, and custom outer packaging with your barcodes, bilingual instructions, and brand colors. Branding services start at **USD 50–200 per unit** depending on complexity. Custom packaging design takes an additional **5–7 working days**. We require artwork files (AI/PDF vector) to begin.---## Q: Can we request custom dimensions or configurations?**A:** Yes. We can produce saunas in **custom widths from 1.2m to 3.0m**, with configurable bench layouts (single-level, double-level, angular), door positions (left-hinged, right-hinged, double-door), and roof styles (flat, curved, insulated). Custom dimensions require a **new mold/routing setup fee of USD 300–800** depending on complexity. Custom orders have a lead time of **35–50 days**. We recommend custom dimensions for hotel chains or spa developers where standard sizes won't fit the space.---## Q: What is the process for placing an OEM order?**A:** 1. **Inquiry & brief** — Share your brand guidelines, target price, quantity, and destination. 2. **Technical review** — Our engineering team confirms feasibility and provides a specification sheet. 3. **Sample approval** — We produce a prototype (or virtual prototype with CAD drawings) for your sign-off. 4. **Deposit & production** — 30% deposit, 35–50 day production. 5. **QC & shipment** — Pre-shipment inspection, balance payment, dispatch. 6. **After-sales** — Documented warranty and spare parts kit included with every OEM order.---## After-Sales Support---## Q: What warranty do you offer, and what does it cover?**A:** We provide a **2-year warranty** covering: cabin structure (timber warping, joint failure under normal use), heater elements, and electrical control systems. The warranty **does not cover** damage from improper installation, excessive moisture exposure beyond sauna use, voltage fluctuations, or cosmetic issues like minor surface scratches. Warranty claims are handled via email with photo documentation. We ship replacement parts (heater coils, PCBs, glass panels) at our cost within the warranty period.---## Q: How do I get replacement parts if something breaks?**A:** Every shipment includes a **spare parts kit** (extra heater stones, silicon seals, LED strips, and fasteners — value approx. USD 30–50). For additional parts, simply email our support team with a photo and the model/serial number. We ship parts via **DHL express (3–5 days)** for urgent cases or sea freight for non-urgent bulk orders. Common parts (heater elements, control boards, glass doors) are kept in stock year-round. We maintain a **parts inventory for 7 years** after a model's production end date.---## Q: Can you provide installation support or on-site service?**A:** For standard sauna models, we provide detailed **illustrated installation manuals and video walkthroughs** (available in English, German, French, and Spanish). Most saunas arrive pre-assembled in modules and can be installed by **2 people in 3–5 hours** with basic tools. For hotel or resort projects (5+ units), we can arrange a **remote video commissioning session** with our technician, or quote for an on-site installation supervisor if your project is in Asia-Pacific. On-site installation is not included in standard pricing but can be arranged at cost.