FAQs
ordering & checkout
We don't run sitewide sales or promo codes. New email subscribers receive a one-time 10% welcome code, which excludes Seconds & Last Pieces.
Yes! Pricing information is not included on our packing slips, which can be used as a gift receipt if an exchange is needed.
Once an order has been placed, we're unable to change the billing address, as it is tied directly to your payment method for security reasons.
If there's an issue with your billing information, our team will contact you. Otherwise, no action is needed on your end.
shipping & delivery
If your item is in stock, please allow up to five business days for processing and packaging before it ships using your selected shipping method. Once your order ships, you’ll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information.
Please note that some of our products are handmade to order and require additional time to create. Be sure to check the product description for estimated ship dates.
Orders cannot be changed or canceled more than 24 hours after being placed.
We ship to all 50 U.S. states, DC, APO/FPO addresses, and select U.S. territories, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.
Yes. UPS 3 Day Select is available at checkout for orders within the lower 48 states and DC. Please allow up to five business days for processing before your order ships.
Made-to-order, pre-order, and backordered pieces ship once they are complete, regardless of shipping method.
You'll receive tracking information via email or text message once your order ships. If you don’t see it, please be sure to check your spam or junk folder.
If your tracking shows the package as delivered but you haven’t received it, please contact UPS directly as soon as possible. Speaking with a UPS representative promptly gives the best chance of resolving a misdelivery.
Once an order has shipped, delivery issues, including misdelivered or lost packages, must be handled through UPS. Unfortunately, we’re unable to ship replacement items while an investigation is in progress.
Yes! Every order ships free within the lower 48 states and DC. Orders to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international addresses ship at calculated rates.
For delivery by Christmas within the lower 48 states:
Free standard shipping: order by December 10
UPS 3 Day Select: order by December 16
Made-to-order large sizes: order by November 12
Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international orders: order by December 1.
Orders placed after these dates will ship as quickly as possible, but we can't guarantee arrival by Christmas.
returns & exchanges
You can find our full return policy and shipping information here.
Please be sure to measure your space before ordering. If you'd like to exchange your basket for a different size, a restocking fee will apply, and return shipping is the customer's responsibility.
Each basket is handmade, and color variations are part of its uniqueness. We can’t guarantee specific colors, or the exclusion of certain colors, in rainbow baskets.
If your basket is postmarked for return within our 14-day return window, we’re happy to offer store credit minus a 10% restocking fee and applicable shipping costs.
product care & use
Because our baskets are made with natural materials, they don't tend to get dirty easily. If needed, gently wipe the area with minimal water and allow it to air dry completely.
Please do not soak your basket or leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this may damage the materials.
Liners are completely optional. Expedition Subsahara baskets are constructed with grass and recycled plastic, making them breathable and naturally odor-resistant, great for use as hampers.
We do not sell liners, but dimensions for each basket are listed on the product pages to help you find one that fits if desired.
Capacity varies by style and size. Please refer to the product page for approximate dimensions, and start dreaming up all the ways you'll use your beautiful basket!
product details & craftsmanship
Our baskets are carefully inspected before shipping, and any broken binding is clipped. Occasionally, a small piece may be missed. This is not considered damage; simply clip the piece and continue enjoying your basket.
Not at all. Our baskets are reinforced, and this does not affect their functionality. Simply feed the loose binding to the inside of the basket and trim it, or snip it from the front, and continue enjoying your piece.
Each basket and lid are made specifically for one another and are checked for fit before shipping. During transit, lids are placed inside baskets for efficient packing, which can cause the rim to shift slightly.
The top of the basket can be gently stretched and will naturally loosen over time. This is normal and not considered damage, and we’re unable to authorize returns or replacements for this reason.
All dimensions listed online are approximate. Because each basket is handmade, slight variations in size are expected. We're unable to authorize exchanges or returns based on minor size differences.
We're not able to take custom orders. Each piece is woven in the designs and sizes shown on our site, and because every basket is handmade, no two are exactly alike.
wholesale & partnerships
At this time, we’re not taking on wholesale partners, but we really appreciate your interest in carrying our products. We hope you’ll continue to follow along and we’ll be sure to share if anything changes in the future.
about expedition subsahara
Yes. Expedition Subsahara was founded by a Black woman, and all of our artists are Black women.
To learn more about our founder and our story, please visit here.
Expedition Subsahara is not a member of a national fair trade organization. That said, ethical production has always been at the core of our business.
For us, this means employing skilled weavers who are paid a livable wage; providing materials such as grass, binding, and water; covering travel and related expenses; and ensuring our artisans work in safe, clean environments. We do not use child labor and strive to reinvest in the communities where our weavers live and work.
Our weavers are paid hourly, with wages based on regional costs of living, similar to how many American businesses operate. Artisans are paid monthly based on hours worked, not on production volume.
Our weavers come from communities across Africa where weaving is a longstanding way of life, from Senegal to Ghana to Madagascar. While many people in these regions know how to weave, each artisan has their own specialties, and not every weaver creates every style in our collection.
No. Expedition Subsahara is a socially driven for-profit business. 20% of our profits go to girls' education in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Learn more about our mission here.
20% of our profits go to girls' education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more here.
company information
We do not have a brick-and-mortar storefront. While we do operate a warehouse, it is not open to the public. Our warehouse is located in St. Louis.
It's easy! Simply scroll to the footer of our website and enter your email address under "join our community."
Our annual sample sale is one of the most popular times of the year. It features limited-edition and small-batch items at deep discounts.
These pieces may include samples we chose not to carry or items used in photoshoots and may have minor imperfections that do not affect functionality. All sample sale items are final sale; no refunds, exchanges, or price adjustments.
We're happy to help. Please email us at info@expeditionsubsahara.com, and a member of our team will get back to you within 48 hours.

