FAQ

Who is DiY District?

We are an online retail company based in Kyoto, Japan, specializing in the sale of high quality Japanese fabrics. The company is committed to offering a selection of premium fabrics, as well as exceptional customer service to help customers find the perfect fabric for their creative projects.

When was your company founded?

DiY District was founded in France more than 8 years ago. We have recently moved to Japan and more precisely to Kyoto. We are proud to continue our tradition of providing the highest quality products to our customers, while exploring new opportunities in the field.

Can we visit you?

We would be delighted to welcome you to our office in Kyoto. You will be able to see and buy our high quality products directly. However, this is only possible by appointment via e-mail. We will contact you and offer you the different time slots.

What is the width of the fabrics?

Japanese fabrics are usually between 108 and 112 cm wide, while for brocades this can vary from 70 to over 140 cm. It is always advisable to check the product sheet for more precise information on the dimensions of the fabric you choose.

Are the colours of the fabrics accurate?

We do our best to reproduce the colours of the fabrics as accurately as possible in our photos, however, it is possible that colours may vary from one screen to another. Please check the colour information in the product description.

How do I know the price per metre or yards ?

Our fabrics are sold in multiples of 50 cm, and the price indicated for one unit corresponds to 50 cm of fabric with its width. Therefore, the price per metre corresponds to two units of fabric.

We would also like to point out that there is a subtotal displayed below the price to allow our customers to view the total price excluding VAT based on the quantity selected and the conversion of cm to yards.

I would like information about the products. Is this possible?

We provide our customers with a detailed product sheet for each fabric, including the most important product information.

If you are looking for additional information that is not available on the product sheet, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.

How do I care for my purchased fabrics?

Each type of material or print requires a specific cleaning and care method to maintain its quality as long as possible. We have therefore included cleaning instructions on each fabric sheet. Please feel free to consult them.

And if you need more information, please contact us.

Where do your fabrics come from?

Our Japanese fabrics are made and come directly from Japan. As for the brocade fabrics, they are from Vietnam and China.

Are your fabrics suitable for all types of creation?

Our fabrics are generally suitable for all types of designs, such as clothing, accessories, and patchwork. However, pay attention to the weight of the fabric to better adapt the product to your needs. For example, a silk brocade or cotton lawn fabric is too thin and light to cover an armchair, whereas a heavy cotton canvas is perfect for this type of work, but not suitable for a summer shirt.

You can find more information about the weight in each product’s sheet. If you are unsure about any particular characteristics that are not mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.

Are the kimonos new or second-hand?

All our kimonos are carefully selected and are generally second-hand. We always specify their condition in the description.

However, sometimes we find new kimonos that have never been worn. Even in these cases, they may have some defects due to prolonged storage.

We make sure to choose kimonos with the least amount of defects possible to offer you quality pieces.

Are the kimonos unique?

Each kimono, haori, and obi we offer is unique. This means you own an exclusive piece with unmatched history and authenticity. However, it is impossible for us to precisely date these items or provide a certificate of authenticity.

Can I return a product from the kimono category purchased on DIY District?

Returns of products from the kimono category are only accepted if the received product does not match the one purchased. Returns for reasons such as size issues, color differences compared to photos, or a change of mind will not be accepted. Be sure to read the product description carefully. Everything is detailed there.

If you have any questions about a product from the kimono category, please do not hesitate to contact us before placing an order. We will be happy to help you.

How can I be sure of the size and color of the kimono I want to buy?

We encourage you to carefully check the descriptions and size guides available on each product page. If you need further details about the products or sizes, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you make the best choice.

Can products from the kimono category have defects?

Although we strive to identify all defects in products from the kimono category, some may still show slight imperfections due to their second-hand nature. We mention any notable imperfections in the product description.

However, if a defect is not mentioned, it means it is hardly noticeable and does not compromise the quality of the product in our eyes. It is important to realize that these are second-hand products, mostly already worn.

How to take care of my kimono, including Yuzen types?

Taking care of your kimono requires special precautions, especially if it is a hand-painted Yuzen kimono. Here are some cleaning tips:

Professional Cleaning Recommended

  • For all kimonos: It is generally recommended to have your kimono cleaned by a professional, especially if it is silk. Professional cleaners have the necessary experience to handle delicate fabrics without damaging them.
  • For Yuzen kimonos: Given the delicacy of hand-painted patterns, it is highly recommended to use professional cleaning to avoid damaging the colors and designs.

Hand Washing

  • For all kimonos: If you decide to wash your kimono yourself, use cold water and a mild detergent. Do not rub or twist the fabric. Rinse thoroughly and gently press to remove excess water. Dry flat on a towel to avoid deforming it.
  • For Yuzen kimonos: Due to the delicate dyeing technique, absolutely avoid machine washing. Always use hand washing with a mild detergent and dry flat away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Stain Treatment

Use a clean, damp cloth to gently blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing to avoid damaging the fabric. Always test an inconspicuous corner of the kimono before cleaning a visible stain.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your kimono and preserve its beauty, whether it is a classic kimono or a hand-painted Yuzen kimono. For more detailed instructions or specific advice, it is always best to consult a professional.

We cannot be held responsible for improper handling of the kimono.

How to store my kimono, including Yuzen types?

Proper storage of your kimono is essential to preserve its quality and beauty, especially for hand-painted Yuzen kimonos. Here are some storage tips:

Storage Space

  • For all kimonos: Store your kimono in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Use cedar blocks or moth repellent sachets to prevent insect damage.
  • For Yuzen kimonos: Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup that could damage hand-painted patterns.

Ventilation

Periodically air out your kimono to avoid musty odors and maintain fabric freshness. Gently shake the kimono to allow air circulation without exposing it to sunlight for too long.

Folding and Hanging

  • For all kimonos: Fold the kimono carefully along its natural lines to avoid creases and wrinkles. If you need to hang it, use a hanger specifically designed for kimonos to maintain its shape without stretching it.
  • For Yuzen kimonos: Avoid hanging Yuzen kimonos for long periods as this could deform the delicate fabric and painted patterns. Prefer gentle folding and flat storage whenever possible.

Storage Bags (Kimono Fukuro – 着物袋)

For optimal protection, use storage bags specially designed for kimonos, called Kimono Fukuro in Japanese. These bags are usually made of breathable materials that protect the fabric while avoiding moisture buildup. They also help prevent damage from dust and insects, while maintaining the shape and beauty of the kimono.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your kimono and preserve its beauty, whether it is a classic kimono or a hand-painted Yuzen kimono. For more detailed instructions or specific advice, it is always best to consult a professional.

We cannot be held responsible for improper storage of the kimono.

Will several quantities of the same fabric be delivered in one piece?

We guarantee that all fabrics with a quantity of more than 50 cm will be delivered in one piece, so you can be sure that you will receive your fabric in the best possible condition.

Is there a minimum order requirement for your products?

We sell our products at retail and ship from a minimum of one unit.

Is it possible to combine multiple orders into one?

Yes, if you have placed multiple orders at the same time with the same delivery address, we will group them together and ship them together. This will save you money on delivery costs and reduce the environmental impact of multiple shipments.

Please note that if you wish to combine orders placed at different times, please contact us so that we can assess the feasibility of your request and advise you of any additional costs.

Can I add more products to my order after I have placed it?

Yes, it is possible to add a product to your order, provided that it has not yet been dispatched. We recommend that you contact us within 24 hours of placing your order to request the addition of a product.

However, please note that this may incur additional charges, which will depend on the product added and the quantity ordered. We will do our best to accommodate your request and provide you with a satisfactory solution.

Is it possible to remove or exchange a product from my order after I have placed it?

Yes, it is possible to remove or exchange a product from your order, provided it has not yet been dispatched. We advise you to contact us within 24 hours of placing your order to request the removal of a product. We will then issue a refund for the deleted product via the same payment method you used to pay for the order.

Please note that if your order has already been dispatched, we will not be able to remove a product and you will need to place a new order for the product you wish to exchange.

I have placed an order, but I have not received any confirmation emails

There are several possible explanations: the confirmation e-mail may have been sent to the Spam box, so do not hesitate to check it.

Another reason could be that your e-mail address was entered incorrectly. If you contact us, we can check on your order and change the wrong address to the correct one.

It can also happen that the payment has not been finalized, which explains why your order has not been completed and therefore no confirmation email has been sent.

It may also be due to a technical problem. In any case, do not hesitate to contact us to solve this problem.

Do I need to create an account to place an order?

You can place an order on our site without having to create an account. Creating an account allows you to keep track of your previous orders history.

We are currently working on new features to improve our customers’ experience. In the near future, we plan to roll out these features to the customer accounts to provide additional options that will make our site easier to navigate and manage.

How to create an account on our website?

There are two ways to create an account:

  • When you place your first order, you will be asked to register by ticking a box at the billing and delivery address stage. Simply fill in the information requested and tick the box to create your account, which will be validated when you pay for that order.
  • You can also register by clicking on the user icon located next to the shopping cart in the main menu of our site. Click on this icon and fill in the registration form to create your account.

Once your account is created, you will be able to access all the features of your customer account, such as managing your personal information and order history.

Do you have rates for professionals?

We do indeed offer professional rates for our Japanese fabrics with very attractive prices. Please contact us for details.

What payment method can I use for my order?

You can pay for your purchase on our website using a credit card with an integrated security system, or through PayPal. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bank transfers or checks.

Will I have to pay any additional fees?

We accept payments in euros, US dollars and Japanese yen via our credit card payment systems and Paypal. We take care of the conversion and transaction costs, which means that the amount debited to your account will be exactly the amount of your order.

However, there may be additional charges for importing products from a different country. We recommend that you check the import regulations and customs tariffs applicable in your country to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you have any questions about import fees, please read the rest of the FAQ and/or contact us for more information.

What currencies are accepted for payment?

We accept payments in the following currencies: Euros, US Dollars, and Japanese Yen. You can therefore choose the currency that best suits you during the payment process. The exchange rate is updated daily.

What should I do if my credit card is declined for payment?

If your credit card was declined when you tried to pay, please check that your card details are correct. If the problem persists, please contact us so that we can work together to find a suitable solution.

We are here to help you resolve any payment issues so that you can place your order with confidence.

The status of my shipment has not changed for several days

Sometimes packages can be delayed in transit. When this occurs, it means that the parcel is no longer en route to its destination and may be held by the transport company for further inspection or by customs. If you are nearing the expected delivery date, please contact us. We will do our best to find a resolution.

At what order value are the shipping costs free?

We offer free shipping for orders over 22,000 yen to Europe, the United States and Reunion.

As an indication, this corresponds to about 150 euros. We hope that this new offer will allow you to fully enjoy our products without worrying about shipping costs.

Important Note: During special promotions on our website, the minimum threshold to qualify for free shipping may be adjusted. This is due to the potential increase in the quantity of fabric ordered, which significantly raises the weight of the parcels and, consequently, the shipping costs.

Where will my order be shipped from?

Your order will be shipped directly from our workshop in Japan.

When will my order be shipped and delivered?

We aim to process and dispatch all orders within 48 hours of payment. The delivery time will depend on your destination country and the carrier you choose.

If you choose FedEX or EMS, the delivery time will usually be between one and two weeks, while with Japan Post it can vary from seven to 25 working days. However, please note that delays may occur due to factors beyond our control, such as weather conditions, international transport issues, political conditions, etc.

We will do our best to keep you informed of any delays or delivery problems, and are always available to answer your questions and concerns.

Is there a tracking number available?

We provide a tracking number for all orders shipped from our shop. This allows you to track your package from the moment it is sent until it is delivered.

Which carrier will make the delivery?

We work with various shipping companies such as FedEx, DHL, and Japan Post, so you can choose the carrier that suits you best. Please note that some delivery methods are not available in certain countries, such as Japan Post’s Small Packet.

Tracking indicates that the package is being returned to the sender

If it is a carrier error, we will reship the package at our expense. Please ensure you provide full address details (street number, building number, apartment, door code, etc.) and also your mobile phone number in your order so that the delivery person can contact you if necessary. Please note that the parcel will only be sent to the address indicated in the order.

If you wish to have it delivered to another address, you will have to pay the shipping costs. This situation can also occur if the delivery address indicated was incorrectly filled in (lack of necessary information such as building, flat number, or incorrect street number/name, etc.) in your order. In this case, we will reship your order, but you will be responsible for the costs.

The estimated delivery date has passed and I still haven't received my order

If the estimated delivery date has passed and you still have not received your order, please contact us as soon as possible. We will then be able to contact the carrier to check on the status of your package. Please bear in mind that delays may occur due to issues with the carrier, weather conditions, or geopolitical situations.

However, if you do not contact us within one month of the expected delivery date, we will be unable to assist you. We therefore encourage you to regularly track your parcel using the tracking number provided so that you can stay informed about its progress.

My package is currently being held at customs

There are various reasons why a shipment may be held up by Customs. If you believe your package has been held up, please contact us as soon as possible. We will work with the carrier to resolve the situation.

Tracking shows delivery made, but I haven't received anything.

It often happens that the parcel is received by a neighbor or left at a common point (next to the letterboxes, at the caretaker’s house, etc.) if you live in a residence. Do not worry and ask the neighbors, the caretaker, or look for the communal letterbox.
It is also possible that it is a posting error and that the parcel is not delivered until a few days later.

If this is not the case, we consider this to be an error on the part of the carrier. Thank you for providing us with a hand signed letter describing the situation so that we can file a claim and investigate the service provided by the carrier. Once this is complete, we will reship a new package to you.

My package arrived damaged.

Please ensure that you do not accept a package that is obviously or visibly damaged. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check this with the carrier and send you a new parcel if the package has been refused upon receipt.

I mistyped or incorrectly entered the delivery address, what can I do?

If you have written down the delivery address incorrectly, it is important that you contact us quickly so that we can take action before the parcel is sent. If the package has already been shipped to the wrong address, we will do our best to contact the carrier and resolve the situation.

If the order has already been delivered to the wrong address, unfortunately we will not be able to refund the order and you will have to place a new order if you still wish to receive the products.

Why should I order products from your company despite the increased costs?

Taxes and customs duties are additional charges that may apply when importing products from outside your country of residence. These costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Should I expect to pay extra taxes and fees when ordering from abroad?

Our prices displayed on the site do not include taxes. We provide an estimate of the applicable VAT for orders shipped from our country of origin to yours. Please note that this information is provided as a guide only, and that the actual applicable tax may vary depending on the destination country and local regulations.

We recommend that you check the tax regulations applicable in your destination country before placing an order.

What are the regulations for shipments to the European Union and other countries?

Since 1 July 2021, VAT must be paid on any order, even for non-EU purchases under €22:

  • For shipments to the European Union, customs taxes must be paid on the value of the goods if it exceeds €150, $800 for USA, it is calculated on the amount of the goods + shipping costs.
  • VAT is due on all orders.
  • The carrier’s handling fee is usually applied in addition to the VAT and customs taxes. It corresponds to the cost of customs clearance.

How are the carrier's fees calculated?

When you import products into your country, you often have to pay duties and taxes to the appropriate customs authority. FedEX can pay these fees for you, but there is an additional fee called a disbursement fee or customs clearance fee.

The amount of the disbursement fee depends on the total amount of customs duties and VAT to be paid. Please contact FedEx customer service or us if you have any questions about the disbursement fee.

What is your policy on returns due to refusal to pay these additional taxes?

We do not accept returns or issue refunds for orders refused due to non-payment of customs duties, VAT, or disbursement fees. For orders refused for these reasons and thus returned to our offices, we will not refund the shipping and return costs incurred via the carrier. These costs will be deducted from the initial amount paid. The remaining balance after this deduction will be refunded to the customer through the payment system used for the purchase on our website.

Should a reshipment of the order be necessary, any additional costs incurred will be entirely the responsibility of the customer.

We encourage our customers to consider these conditions before refusing delivery due to non-payment of the required taxes and fees.

Do you have control over the additional costs and can you estimate their amount?

We have no control over additional charges for taxes and duties, and we cannot estimate or predict the exact amount of these charges. These costs depend on the customs regulations of the destination country and may vary depending on the value of the shipment.

For accurate information on these costs, we recommend that you contact your local customs office and post office to assess additional costs before placing your order.

Can you indicate “gift” or change the amount on my package?

As we are a company, we cannot afford to do this. Products imported from outside your country may be subject to taxes and duties. These additional costs are the responsibility of the customer. We cannot declare your package as a gift or alter the total value of your order.

We hope you understand.

Are there any useful links for further reading on the subject of taxes and imports in the EU?

Taxes and customs duties can be a complex and costly subject for international buyers. To help you better understand the regulations and costs associated with importing products, we have compiled some useful links below. Please feel free to consult these resources for additional information on customs fees and taxes applicable to your order.

European Commission website
DHL Faqs – Duties and Taxes

I want to return or exchange my items:

If your order has not yet been dispatched, we can cancel it and give you a full refund so that you can place a new order with the items of your choice.

If the order is in transit or has already been delivered, please contact us and return it within 7 calendar days of receipt of the package at our address :

DIY DISTRICT

〒604-8824

京都府京都市中京区壬生高樋町46番地ハイツ聖1階

You are responsible for the delivery costs required to return and transport your package to our office. Once we receive the package, we will inspect the condition of the product (it must be new and in its original packaging) and refund the amount of your order, excluding the shipping costs paid when sending it to your address.

We do not accept any cancellation requests after 7 days of receipt of the package, and no refunds will be made if the returned fabrics are damaged or unfit for use. Please pack them well and use a tracking number to avoid any inconvenience.

The product has defects. What is the procedure?

If the product you received has any defects, please contact us promptly within 72 hours and provide us with photos or a video of the problem. We will investigate the case and determine the appropriate course of action.

Please note that we are not responsible if the fabrics are not properly cared for or if they are not used properly. You will find care instructions on each product sheet.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions. In any case, we will work with you to find a satisfactory solution.