For Retailers & Designers
How to work with SO–EN JAPAN — for select shops, galleries, museum shops, interior stores, hotels, architects and designers.
Everything between the workshop and your floor.
Curated product selection
Proposals matched to your store's direction, price positioning and clientele.
English communication
All inquiries, proposals and coordination handled in English.
Wholesale quotations
Clear written quotations covering price, lead time, shipping and terms.
Order coordination
Quantities, timing and specification managed between you and the workshop.
Workshop communication
We speak with the makers directly, so nothing is lost in translation.
International shipping coordination
Method, packing and documentation arranged for your destination.
Product & artisan stories
Background material you can use in-store and online, with attribution guidance.
Custom project consultation
Custom dyeing, dimensions and interior projects planned from feasibility up.
From inquiry to delivery.
A clear, written process — so that working with small Japanese workshops feels as reliable as working with any established supplier.
Start with an InquiryInquiry
Tell us about your store or project via the contact form.
Needs confirmation
We confirm your direction, categories, quantities and timing.
Product proposal
We propose suitable pieces with backgrounds and specifications.
Quotation
A written quotation with prices, lead time, shipping and terms.
Payment
Payment per the agreed terms in the quotation.
Production / procurement
The workshop produces or we procure; we report progress.
Inspection & packing
Each piece is inspected and packed for international transit.
International shipping
Shipment via the agreed method, with tracking shared.
Delivery
Arrival at your store or site — and the start, we hope, of a long relationship.
Order terms — confirmed per product.
Because we work with independent workshops, the following are not fixed across the catalog. They differ by product and workshop, and are always stated in your individual quotation.
| Minimum order quantity | Varies by product and workshop; small first orders welcome. |
|---|---|
| Lead time | Depends on product, quantity and the workshop's schedule. |
| Available stock | Confirmed at the time of inquiry. |
| Made-to-order production | Available for many items; specification agreed in advance. |
| Shipping cost | Depends on destination, weight, dimensions and shipping method. |
| Customs duties & import taxes | As a rule, the buyer's responsibility; please confirm your local regulations. Applicable terms are stated in the quotation or contract. |
| Payment terms | Confirmed in each quotation before order confirmation. |
| Currency | Confirmed in each quotation. |
About handmade indigo products.
Individual variation. Tone, shading, pattern and dimensions vary subtly between pieces. This reflects hand-dyeing with natural materials and is part of each piece's character rather than a defect.
Screen colors. Colors on monitors and phones can differ from the actual product. We do our best to photograph accurately, and can advise on tone before you order.
Natural materials. Natural dyes and fibers respond to light, moisture and use. Care guidance is provided with each product.
Made-to-order items. Returns of made-to-order and custom pieces are generally limited; conditions are stated in each quotation.
Transit damage. Please inspect goods on arrival and contact us within the period stated in your terms so we can respond promptly.
The above is general guidance. Binding conditions are those stated in your individual quotation or contract.
Frequently asked questions.
Do you hold stock?
It depends on the item. Some pieces are kept in limited stock, while many are made to order. Current availability is confirmed for each product at the time of inquiry.
Can we begin with a small order?
Yes. We prefer to start with an appropriately small first order so both sides can confirm quality, communication and fit. Minimums vary by product and workshop and are stated in each quotation.
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. Wholesale prices and terms are provided in an individual quotation once we understand your store, quantities and destination.
Can you ship internationally?
Yes. We coordinate international shipping to most regions. Shipping method and cost depend on destination, weight, dimensions and the service chosen, and are itemized in the quotation.
Can we request custom dimensions or colors?
Often, yes. Custom dyeing and custom dimensions are possible for many items, subject to each workshop's techniques and capacity. Feasibility is confirmed before any commitment.
How long does production take?
Lead times vary by product, quantity and the workshop's schedule — hand-dyeing takes the time it takes. A realistic estimate is included in every proposal, and we keep you informed of progress.
How are duties and taxes handled?
Import duties, taxes and local charges are, as a rule, the responsibility of the buyer and depend on your country's regulations. We state the applicable terms clearly in each quotation.
Are color variations considered defects?
No. Subtle variation in tone, shading and pattern is inherent to hand-dyed natural indigo and is part of each piece's character. Genuine defects — damage or errors against the agreed specification — are handled separately and fairly.
Can we use the artisan and product stories in our store?
Yes. We provide product and artisan background material for retail use — in-store, online and in your communications — with attribution guidelines supplied alongside.
Can you support hotel or interior projects?
Yes. We consult on hospitality, retail and residential projects — from a single statement piece to coordinated series — working with architects and interior designers from the planning stage.
Begin a conversation.
We reply to every serious inquiry with a considered, written response.