FAQs
1. Are your crocodile and paiche leathers genuine?
Yes. All Summit & Selva products use genuine exotic leather, never embossed or synthetic. We work with responsible, small-batch suppliers and artisan workshops in Bolivia who follow ethical sourcing practices and CITES compliance where required.
2. What is the difference between crocodile flank and crocodile tail?
- Flank: Soft, flexible, organically patterned scales — ideal for wallets, cardholders, folios, and accessories.
- Tail: Structural, evenly shaped rectangular scales — perfect for belts, straps, shell pouches, and watch cases.
- Each has a different look and durability profile, and no two hides are ever identical.
3. What makes paiche leather unique?
Paiche is a large Amazonian fish whose hide creates a lightweight, flexible leather with a distinctive overlapping scale pattern. It is sustainably sourced, as paiche hides are a byproduct of managed fishing and food systems in Amazon communities.
4. Are your alpaca blankets real baby alpaca?
Yes. We use 100% Baby Alpaca fiber, the highest category of alpaca textile. It is lighter, warmer, and softer than sheep wool, and is naturally hypoallergenic due to low lanolin content.
5. Can I request a custom size, color, or leather cut?
Absolutely. We offer custom orders for belts, folios, watch rolls, shotgun shell pouches, wallets, and DIY leather strips.
Provide your sizing, project details, and preferred leather type. Our artisans will handcraft your piece.
6. Do you sell exotic leather by the foot for DIY projects?
Yes. Selected crocodile tails, flanks, and paiche strips are available sold by the foot or by custom measurement. You may order raw material for belt making, crafts, small batch projects, or specialized design.
7. How do I care for exotic leather?
- Avoid prolonged sun, moisture, or heat.
- Clean using a soft, dry microfiber cloth only.
- Do not use household cleaners or alcohol-based products.
- Store in a cool, dry environment and never sharply fold crocodile leather.
8. Are your products mass produced?
No. Every Summit & Selva accessory is artisan-made, professionally cut, stitched, and finished individually. We do not use factories or assembly lines.
9. Where are Summit & Selva products made?
Our products are handmade in Bolivia by master artisans from the Andean Highlands and Amazon Basin. We support fair wages, artisan families, and cultural craftsmanship.
10. Do the scale patterns vary from piece to piece?
Yes — and that is the beauty of exotic leather. Each hide has its own natural scale geometry. Your item will be unique, not identical to an online picture.
11. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, depending on compliance requirements. Some exotic leathers require CITES documentation for export. We will guide you through the process when applicable.
12. Are your products suitable for gifting?
Many of our items — wallets, watch rolls, folios, blankets — are ideal for luxury gifting. We offer presentation-ready packaging for most products.
13. What is your return policy?
We accept eligible returns within 14 days of delivery for items that are unused, unworn, unaltered, and in original packaging, including Summit & Selva dust bags or documentation.
Custom items, personalized orders, clearance items, and products showing signs of wear or damage are non-returnable.
To request a return, email info@summitandselva.com with your:
- Order number
- Name
- Item(s) you wish to return
- Reason for return
Once approved, we’ll provide return instructions. Do not ship items back without authorization.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method once inspected. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect.
14. What if my item arrives damaged or incorrect?
If there is an issue with your order, contact us at info@summitandselva.com within 7 days of delivery with photos of the problem. We will replace or correct the issue at no cost to you.