Ordering
What are the minimum order quantities?
Typical reference ranges are 50-200 bracelets per design for stock beads, about 300-1,000 pieces per design for private-label packaging, about 500 pieces for a custom formula with sample rounds, 1-5 kg per bead size for loose beads and 200-500 boxes for incense gift boxes. They are confirmed in writing for each program; see MOQ and lead time.
How long do samples and production take?
Stock samples take 5-10 working days. Custom formula samples take 15-25 days because drying and aging cannot be rushed. Stock production is commonly 15-25 working days, regular batches 25-40 days and custom ancient formulas 40-60 days, since hand rolling and shade drying take 7-10 days alone.
Do you publish prices?
No. Cost depends on material grade, bead size, findings, packaging and quantity. Send a brief through the quote form and the desk prepares a quotation for that program.
Can I use my own brand and packaging?
Yes. Engraving, labels, cards and gift boxes are routine; see OEM and private label and packaging and gift boxes.
Materials and scent
What are the beads made of?
Powdered sandalwood or agarwood, sometimes with other botanicals, bound with nanmu bark powder (commonly about 25% of the powder) and a little honey, rolled by hand, shade-dried and aged. The standard specification has no synthetic fragrance oil and no industrial glue, confirmed in writing per order. See how incense beads are made.
Where does the sandalwood come from?
Origin is stated per lot, usually Australian plantation Santalum album or legally sourced Indian wood. Laoshan is a trade term, and we describe the actual source. Read the sandalwood guide.
How would you describe the scents?
Sandalwood is creamy and warm, agarwood deeper and resinous, goose pear sweet and fruity over dark wood. These are sensory descriptions; we make no claims about effects on health or mood.
How long does the scent last?
Beads keep their scent for years with proper storage. Body warmth and friction release it gradually. See how long incense beads last.
Quality and documents
How is quality checked?
Each lot is sampled for bead diameter and weight, hole size and centering, surface cracks and mold spots, hardness, dryness and scent against the retained sample. The plan is agreed before production; see quality control and testing and inspection.
Which documents are provided?
An ingredient declaration and inspection record come with each lot. Agarwood beads also carry CITES documentation per lot because Aquilaria is listed in Appendix II. Silver and metal findings come with a material declaration. See compliance.
Can the beads be sold in the EU or the US?
That depends on the product and findings. Nickel release and jewelry heavy-metal rules for the target market are checked against the declarations before the order is finalised; the desk can point to the relevant regimes but the importer remains responsible for its own market.
Shipping and storage
Incense beads are light and dry goods, so freight is rarely the difficult part. Moisture, heat and delay are what the desk plans around.
How are incense beads shipped?
They are light. Samples and small batches go by express in 3-7 days, air freight takes 5-10 days and sea freight about 15-25 days to the US West Coast or 30-45 days to Europe. See logistics and shipping.
How should the beads be stored?
Sealed, dry, away from heat and direct sun. Foil pouches or sealed jars with desiccant are standard, because humidity is the main enemy and causes mold spots. Do not leave beads in a hot car or a sunny window.
What if a lot arrives damaged?
Photograph the packaging and the beads and write to the desk within the period agreed in the order. Remedies are set in writing for each program, so state your handling expectations in the brief.
Can beads be repacked for retail?
Yes, and many buyers do. Open the foil pouch only when you are ready to repack, work in a dry room, and reseal with fresh desiccant. If you repack in bulk, ask the desk for a repacking note so that dryness is kept through your own handling. Packaging options are described on packaging and gift boxes.