East Coast Tropics

Information >> FAQ

FAQ

Are you really from Hawaii?
Do you really make your soaps by hand?
So you make your lotions from scratch too?
Why are all your formulations from scratch?
How did East Coast Tropics start?
Why handmade soaps?
Why don't you have more scents available?
Do you have a catalog?
Do you give out free samples?
What are your shipping fees?
Do you accept international orders?
Do you ship outside of the USA?
Is my credit card information secure?
What if I'm not happy with my product?
Do you also sell wholesale?
How do I contact East Coast Tropics?

Are you really from Hawaii?
Absolutely! I'm part Hawaiian and was born and raised in Hawaii ....on the island of Oahu. I moved to the continental USA with my daughter and husband in 1984.

Do you really make your soaps by hand?
Yes! Although our soaps are outsourced, they are carefully made by hand from scratch and in small batches to ensure that you receive the freshest product available. We make our soaps using the "Oven Hot Process" method. We use the best ingredients available...every batch of our soaps contains a blend of Palm, Olive, Coconut or Palm Kernel, Macadamia Nut, Kukui Nut and Castor oils. In addition, each soap is tested to ensure mildness. We love our soaps and use our own soaps everyday! See How Aloha Soaps Are Made

So you make your lotions from scratch too?
Yes again!! :) Like the Aloha Soaps, all lotions are made by hand from scratch and in small batches to ensure that you receive the freshest product available. Our Tropical Hand & Body Lotions are all made with light, but moisturizing oils of Macadamia Nut, Apricot Kernel and Virgin Coconut. In fact, the formula for this lotion was created because of problems caused to my own skin using alcohol-based lotions! Like perfume, any alcohol-based lotion would cause me to break out in a allergic rash.

Why are all your formulations from scratch?
We believe in formulating our own products from scratch! Every batch of soap, lotion and bath product is created in small quantities from scratch. None of our products are created from pre-made bases or mixes.

How did East Coast Tropics start?
My passion for soapmaking started with that first purchase of Melt & Pour glycerin soap base from my local craft store. I moved onto the Cold Process method and eventually the Oven Hot Process method which I enjoy and found to be the easiest of all methods. This is a great hobby and I enjoy making my own handcrafted soaps that are moisturizing for my family and I to use. After being laid off from my job as a Process Engineer due to company downsizing, I made the decision to take my hobby and make it a business. Originally born and raised in Hawaii, I missed the "island ways". And so, it is with this inspiration that I started East Coast Tropics. East Coast Tropics is, indeed, a small company and not a large company trying to look small with handmade soaps!

Why handmade soaps?
Glycerin is naturally produced during the handmade soapmaking process. Glycerin costs more than soap which is why soap companies remove the glycerin. Because Aloha Soaps still contain glycerin, it can retain more moisture than other soaps. To extend the life of your Aloha Soaps, place it in a well-draining soap dish. Keep unused bars in a cool, dry place and use them within a few months of purchase.

Why don't you have more scents available?
Various scents are carefully considered for products at EastCoastTropics.com. I don't stock scents just for the sake of having tropical scents. I carefully choose scents that are an excellent representation of the scents of Hawaii, especially those of the Hawaiian flowers. My products must be high in quality as well as help promote my Hawaiian culture and the traditions of a place that I hold high in value.

Do you have a catalog?
At this time we do not have a catalog of our products. We are primarily an internet business and in order to keep printing costs low, have chosen not to have a catalog.

Do you give out free samples?
Currently, we do not give out free samples. The samples we have available are listed on our website for purchase. They include Aloha Soap samples, Tropical Hand & Body Lotion samples and Volcano Foot Soak samples.

What are your shipping fees?
We currently ship all orders via USPS Priority Mail. The shipping fees are determined by the weight of your order and in accordance to current rates established by the United States Postal Service. All orders subject to a $0.50 Insurance fee. Orders shipped to APO/FPO or military addresses subject to an additional Merchandise Return Reciept fee of $3.

Do you accept international orders?
We can only accept orders within the 48 continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii APO/FPO or military addresses. We cannot accept orders in Canada at this time.

Do you ship outside of the USA?
At this time we ship orders only to the 48 continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, APO/FPO or military addresses.

Is my credit card information secure?
All orders placed on the East Coast Tropics website are encrypted using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. All information is encrypted before being sent to us to ensure your protection.

What if I'm not happy with my product?
If for any reason you are not happy with any East Coast Tropics product, please contact us. We do offer a 100% guarantee on all our products!

Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. Wholesale information is available. If you know of a gift shop that you would like to see carry Aloha Soaps by East Coast Tropics, have them contact East Coast Tropics through our Wholesale Information page. Consignment terms not available.

How do I contact East Coast Tropics?
By email: Email Message
By snail mail: PO Box 6139, Haverhill, MA. 01831-6139 USA

Tropical Skin and Bath Essentials
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