Baja rectangular hut

Synthetic baja thatch 

Palapa with Netting

Every purchase of our thatch promotes economic development in Guatemala. Our thatch is handwoven by Men and Women from different communities throughout Guatemala. Supporting fair trade practice is important and ensures our suppliers are paid fairly for their time and work. Our thatch is delicately handcrafted.

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Sales tax
Except for deliveries within California, which are charged a 8.0% state sales tax, we do not collect sales tax on items purchased at TropicalShade.net. Any tax will be calculated at time of checkout.

Payment
For your convenience, when you pay by Visa, Discover, or Mastercard (we do not accept AMEX at this time), your order will be processed immediately for shipping within the normal lead times stated. If you wish to pay by personal check please call our Sales Staff at (858) 272-1598 for assistance. Orders placed by personal check will be processed after the check has cleared.

Our Charge Policy
Because the majority of our products are special order, your credit card will be charged at the time that you place your order. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please call us at (858) 272-1598.

Pricing & Availability
TropicalShade.net makes every effort to get your order to you as soon as possible. In-stock items are generally shipped within 24 to 72 hours. If there is a problem with your order you will receive an email stating more details. Most items are shipped UPS  and generally take from 2 to 7 days to arrive, depending upon your location. Most products are in stock and ready to ship. Palapa and Tiki Hut kits are special order and may take up to 2 weeks to process for shipping.
We do stock the 6 ½', 8-Ft and 9-Ft diameter palapa umbrella kits and these sizes usually ship out within 24 to 72 hours.
Due to events beyond our control as well as glitches in the "web world" pricing and availability is subject to change without notice.

Determining Lead Times
At TropicalShade.net, we understand that you want the right products, at the right price, at the right time.

Keeping that in mind, we will respond to your inquiries about lead-time as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours.

Product Price, Description and Color Accuracy
While we take measures to ensure that our web site reflects accurate product information and pricing, sometimes an error can appear on the site. We are not responsible for misrepresentations or errors found on the site.

Slight variance in wood hue, thatch and other related products is common. These materials are not synthetic and their variances add to the desired effect - a beautiful, authentic thatched structure and naturally tropical appearance. Throughout the lifespan of woven thatch, is a gradual change in color, beginning with a greenish/golden hue then to gold and finally to a subtle brown. Palm thatch is from Mexico and reed thatch is made in Africa.

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Guarantees
Where applicable products are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Regarding palapas, we cannot extend a guarantee to kits due to the fact that we have no control over the ground conditions, climatic changes, nor the abilities of the person who is building the palapa. Our experience in California coastal as well as desert areas of California, Nevada, and Arizona, is that properly assembled, the wooden frames last for many years. Our experience in the West Coast, indicates that the general life span of the woven palm (Baja) thatch is from 3 to 5 years and Fiji thatch generally lasts from 8 to 12 years or more. Palapa structural workmanship is guaranteed for 3 years if the palapa has been installed by our company; likewise Fiji thatch is guaranteed for 3 years and Traditional woven (Baja) palm thatch for 1 year. If needed, repairs or a new layer of thatch is dependent upon Tropical Shade Imports' discretion. Self installed products cannot carry our guarantees as there are too many uncontrollable factors that could affect the thatch in any given location (ie - method of installation, proper support to thatch, leaves falling on thatch, weather conditions, etc., etc.). We do, however, offer only the best products available and having been in business since 1986 has given us experience and the business wisdom to understand our customer needs.

Most of our products are handmade, with an intended tropical or rustic appearance, they are nearly, but not exactly alike. Products, such as bamboo, matting, thatch, bar stools, tabletops, tikis, carved poles, fishnets and some others, are not guaranteed. We do, however, take care to only carry a quality product line and we maintain strict quality control on all products.
As we have no control over independent shipper schedules and occasional delays, we cannot guarantee an arrival date for your order.

Order Status
If you have other questions regarding your order you can call us at (858) 272-1598 or email us at tropicalshadeimports@gmail.com.  Otherwise, we will send you an  update, with an invoice, as soon as we have received and processed your order.  We will send a tracking code ASAP, as well.

Tracking an Order
You will receive an email notification with shipper and tracking information once your order is shipped.

Change or Cancel an Order
If your order has not been shipped yet, you may change or cancel your order at anytime. Once it has been shipped, you will be subject to our restocking fee and any shipping charges for any items that are not defective or damaged during shipping. Special or custom orders may only be cancelled within the first 24 hours of placing the order. No returns or exchanges are allowed on special or custom orders beyond the first 24 hours of placing your order.

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FAQs

FAQs