Frequently Asked Questions
Q. In your Contact site is no Phone number shown; why is that?
A. We are not doing business over the Phone, the sound quality of international calls from and to Costa Rica is often poor ; at early stages we prefer to have all in writing. Skype-meetings are possible, though. Once we are loading for you, we provide you with a 24/7 phone contact.
Q. At which INCOTERMS are you delivering?
A. WMSS-Teak delivers in compliance with INCOTERMS 2010 at EXW, FOB, CFR and CIF Terms.
Q. Which payment terms are you offering?
A. This depends on the Terms of Delivery
- EXW : To be paid at the loading yard BEFORE the containers doors are closed and sealed; the container will not be released until your payment has been accredited on our account. Security deposit may be required.
- FOB, CFR, CIF: Letter of Credit, upfront payments may be required.
Q. Why are you asking for upfront-payments if we are working with L/C?
A. WMSS-Teak can ask you for an upfront payment even if we work against L/C because banks in Costa Rica do NOT confirm L/Cs and international banking from here is often slow. This means for us a waiting period of up to 3 weeks until we receive our first payment from your bank. This is in so far not acceptable for us if we ship CFR or CIF.
Q. You have asked us for a security deposit; why?
A. We ask you usually for a security deposit, if:
- You buy at EXW Terms and you don’t have a domestic bank account.
- We are shipping FOB, CFR or CIF and working without L/C.
- You are a new customer.
Q. Are our upfront-payments and security deposits safe?
A. Yes, your funds are 100% safe. They can be deposited into an ESCROW account at the shipping agency which releases payments on your behalf and following your authorization.
Q. When working against L/C, why does WMSS-Teak not pay banking costs outside Costa Rica?
A. First because Costa Rica Banks are not confirming L/Cs and secondly by following INCOTERMS, the risk is passed over to the buyer once the Container has been placed aboard the Vessel. Therefore, our responsibilities are not going beyond the border.
Q. We have no staff in Costa Rica but we need a loading inspection. Can you help us with that?
A. Not a problem; the shipping agency offers an independent loading inspection service.
Q. We have already staff in Costa Rica, can we send you on of our “measurement guys” to inspect the loading?
A. Excellent, they are welcome in our log yards as far they obey and respect the rules there. Please read more about our Log Yard Rules.
Q. We would like to see the Teak before loading; is that possible?
A. Definitely!
Q. We would like to visit you in Costa Rica; can you issue us an Invitation Letter?
A. WMSS-Teak is not issuing anymore Invitation Letters since we have suffered cases of abuse and lost a lot of money with this. We recommend you instead that you apply for a visa for any of the following countries: USA, Canada or apply for a Schengen Visa. Costa Rica accepts these visas.
Q. We would like to establish a branch in Costa Rica; can you help us?
A. Of course, WMSS-Teak can help you to open a company here, rent homes and offices, getting you bank accounts and the residency.
Have you still questions or concerns?
Please contact us!