Frequently Asked Questions
How do I place a wholesale order and how do I order for the first time?
When placing your first order, contact us directly and an account representative will help include FREE displays, signage, gift cards, and retail packaging. These items are a great help in making sales. The account representative will also let you know about any quantity discounts available for the items you are ordering as well as any promotions.
If you have an order, call us at 1-800-463-9422,
send your order by FAX 1-614-824-4302,
or email your order to   [email protected]
 
Why should I buy from Costello International?
Because Costello International is the worldwide leader in the distribution of Fair Trade jewelry from Mexico. Our beautiful jewelry delivers above-average profits and we give you the very best service after the sale. We supply more than 1000 customers worldwide. We celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2021.
 
What's your minimum order requirement to start a wholesale account?
The first-time minimum order is $100.00. There is no minimum on reorders. Many items have discounts based on quantity. 
 
Will I be the only retailer in my commercial district?
Yes! A customer's exclusivity is guaranteed within their commercial
district.
 
What is my markup to retail going to be?
Smart retailers selling popular fashion accessories know to expect better than average margins from this category. Considering all the work required to make this art by hand, a simple keystone (double your cost) will often not create a price that agrees with your customer's expectations and perceived value.  
Your most successful markup for our line will average at least 4 times your cost! 
 
Do you guarantee customer satisfaction?
Yes! As a wholesale customer, you will enjoy having a guaranteed five-week retail trial on every order. You and your customers will love the quality and selection or Costello International will pay the shipping on any returns.
 
I like your products and the way you support retailers, I have a budget, are net terms available?
Yes, we can offer you net billing. Please ask your account representative for more details about credit terms. 
 
Do you compete with your wholesale clients through the retail of your products?
No, we do not.
Our customers find themselves at a disadvantage when competing with their wholesale suppliers for retail customers.
Our relationship with you comes first!
 
What are your best sellers?
Earrings and bracelets are best sellers. These come with free quality miniature displays, free silk voile bags, and free Fair Trade lifetime warranty gift cards. They make a very meaningful gift that people can afford to pick up for around $20 dollars. Displaying earrings and bracelets often generates the sale of a set and many stores offer a discount on any second piece.
Throughout the fashion world, the popularity of rings has become a market phenomenon. Our exclusive ring designs have become the number one selling item in many retail stores. Our stunning rings are flying off the shelves!
 
What other popular categories of gifts do you offer?
Popular categories include, tennis bracelets, barrettes, brooches, earring & necklace sets, ceramic art, amate bark paintings, religious gifts, anklets, toe rings, money clips, pill boxes, jewelry boxes, collectibles and the top-selling children's toy "Seismic Critters".
 
How do I display your products? 
High-quality miniature displays are free when you order from Costello International. We also offer a wide variety of useful display equipment at discounted prices. Costello offers colorful silk voile gift bags, excellent for the presentation of any gift.
   
Can I choose the pieces I want in my collection?
Yes, your input is important. We understand you know what your customers will be excited to find!
 
Most companies give no help with unsold merchandise. What does Costello International offer? What about an item that didn't sell?
We give a 100% unsold merchandise credit whenever you restock! After the initial five-week trial period has passed, you may still return any merchandise in any quantity for a 100% credit toward the future purchase of new merchandise. You may use returned merchandise credit for payment of up to 50% of the value of your next restocking. If your credit exceeds the allowed 50% value of the restocking your remaining credit will be carried over. 
 
What about shipping? How long will it take for my products to be delivered?
Most USA and Canadian customers receive their orders within five business days. Orders received by 12:00 P.M. EST are shipped within 24 hours F.O.B. our Columbus, Ohio warehouse. Guaranteed same day shipping on orders received by 12:00 P.M. EST is an additional $25.00. We ship USPS Priority Mail at no extra charge.
Overnight and international shipment quotes are available upon request. We recommend DHL for larger international shipments.
 
What information is on your free gift cards?
Gift cards that accompany Costello International jewelry include a lifetime guarantee for your customers.
Free educational gift cards explain the concept of Fair Trade and authenticate each piece as a Fair Trade product. These gift cards tell the story of the artisans who hand-craft these lovely adornments. Fair Trade makes for a meaningful purchase and a meaningful gift. 
 
Will you meet or beat any competitors price?
Yes, Costello International will beat any competitor's prices by 10%. 
 
How can I find out about your NEWEST products and promotions?
Join our email list to receive information on our NEWEST products and promotions.  SIGN UP HERE.
 
What materials are used in making your jewelry? 
For accessories such as rings, toe rings, and bracelets having an intimate contact with the skin, we use a .999 pure silver overlay. The same as fine flatware, the overlay will last a lifetime. Costello International also produces a complete line of Pure Copper jewelry, so desired for its purported health benefits. Our Rose Gold is a traditional alloy of pure copper and bronze known as tumbaga. Inlay materials include mother-of-pearl, lavender mother-of-pearl, cultured pearls, semi-precious stones, cubic zirconia, wildflowers, tropical hardwoods, Pacific abalone shell, and other natural materials and resins. Earring wires are made from hypoallergenic surgical steel. 
 
Where is your product from?
We work with indigenous artisan families in more than 40 communities in southern Mexico. Costello International is the world's leading supplier of jewelry and accessories from this region, world-famous for its folk art.
 
Is Costello International a member of any trade associations?
Yes. Costello International is the 16th most senior member of the Fair Trade Federation. We have been a member for more than 20 years. Learn more about fair trade at  fairtradefederation.org . 
 
I Have More Questions.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback. We are in touch with thousands of gift stores and we would be happy to share information about fashion trends and news in the gift industry.  Please don't hesitate to contact us by Phone; 
1-800-463 9422  or  via Email at   [email protected]  
 
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, Visa and Master Card
 
What are your hours of operation?  We are here to serve our clients from:
 
Monday
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
EST
Tuesday
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
EST
Wednesday
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
EST
Thursday
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
EST
Friday
9:00 AM
4:00 PM
EST
Saturday
10:00 AM
4:00 PM
EST


What is Fair Trade?


Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade's strategic intent is:

          Deliberately to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move            from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency to actively play a            wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade. 
Who benefits from Fair Trade?

Fair Trade provides tangible benefits for small-scale farmers, artisans, businesses, consumers and the environment.

1. Small scale farmers and artisans: 
  • Artisans and producers are given premium prices for their products
  • Empowering producers by providing direct relationships with businesses
  • Fair wages and safe working conditions
  • Improved facilities for the enhancement of products
2. Businesses: 
  • The building of future securities
  • "Direct trade" benefits
  • Stable prices; even when global market prices change
  • Credible ways to ensure their trade has a positive impact
  • Connecting consumers with other cultures
  • Repeat and conscious customers
3. Consumers:
  • Buying in line with their principles; directly affecting people's lives
  • Empowering them to participate in addressing trade inequality and support businesses that practice sustainability
  • The introduction of other cultures
4. Environment: 
  • Protection of natural resources through sustainable production practices
  • Intentionally not using products with GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms)
  • The promotion of sustainable production practices
Our Founders Story...

My name is Tom Costello, the founder of Costello International. I began work with artisans living outside the city of Taxco in Mexico in 1972. Costello International has always been a voice for economic justice in rural Mexico. We  promote traditional jewelry crafting. This area is famed for the production of gold, sterling, and folk-art jewelry.  These farming families create crafts part time. Their primary economic pursuits are agriculture and animal husbandry.  Indigenous communities in southern Mexico face increasingly adverse political and economic conditions. Economic insecurity, crime, and political corruption make a traditional way of life an uphill struggle. Rural absenteeism is estimated as high as seventy five percent.  For those artisans who work with us, our relationship has been a major factor in their ability to continue village life. We believe the bonds we have created with these families are the true measure of our work. 
State health authorities admit to being able to service only one-third of the geographical area of their jurisdiction. Health officials never visit the other two-thirds of the state.  The state budget for health care services for the remaining population they do serve, is less than one US dollar annually per person. Partnering with DHL, one of our accomplishments has been the acquisition and delivery of medical equipment used in ophthalmic analysis, surgery, and treatment. The recipient is the Taxco Adolfo Prieto Hospital for the Poor, where artisan families receive medical care. Please accept my gratitude for learning more about the work we do at Costello International. We hope you too will become a member of our greater family. 
"Somos sus servidores" - "We are your servants"
Contact Us

We like hearing from you and your feedback is important to us. Send us your questions, comments, and suggestions or call to say, "Hello."

Give us a call
1(800) 463-9422  

Send us an Email
For questions about orders, please include your contact information. 

Send us a Fax
614-824-4302 

Write to us
2066 Henderson Rd Suite 2 01  
Columbus, OH 43220



 
Learn More About Fair Trade & The Fair Trade Federation




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Customer Service/Sales
1-800-4MEXICAN
1-800-463-9422
FAX: 614-824-4302


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