It is absolutely safe for you to enter your banking information as well as your credit card number as our server is extremely secure. We recognize that Security is of utmost importance in an online transaction and to ensure this we do not collect or store credit card information on our website. At the payment stage the customer is transferred to a separate secure payment website hosted by Axis Bank (See Axis Bank's list of Online Shopping Stores) and MasterCard where the credit card details are collected and authenticated.
Visa and MasterCard offer comprehensive fraud protection, but Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code go even a step further, adding an extra layer of security at the point where you enter credit card information online. This service helps prevent unauthorized online use before it happens by confirming your identity with an additional password.

We use a secure connection to communicate with payment gateways(mastercard, google checkout, paypal) in the backend because these payment gateways mandate it (for eg., http://checkout.google.com/support/sell/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=134466). We currently do not have SSL certification for users because we don't collect credit card details on 20North.com itself. The place where you enter card details(mastercard, google checkout, paypal, etc) is secure.We are working towards making secure connection visible to all our users in the very near future.It is perfectly safe to transact on 20North.com as is.

From 1st August onwards, RBI has made it mandatory for all online transactions to go through an extra step of authentication/validation to make them safer. This extra step of additional authentication will be based on information not visible on the card for all online transactions, along with the Credit/Debit card details. This new tecnology is known as Verified by Visa (VBV) or MasterCard SecureCode (MSC).

VBV or MSC are new services that will let you use a personal password with your Credit/Debit Card, giving you added assurance that only you can use them to make purchases over the Internet. The process is simple to use and secure.

How to get this password?

Each bank has its own process for VBV/MSC registration

1. Go to your bank's website
2. Register your card for VBV or MSC
3. When you register for Verified by Visa, you may be asked to create a Personal Message.
   When you pay online, always look for this Personal Message to ensure that your bank is authenticating you.
4. The bank will issue the password to you

How does Verified by Visa work?

Verified by Visa provides you with a password to protect your online transactions, just like you use your PIN at an ATM. Here are the steps:

1. Select the goods or services you want from an online store and proceed to the payment page.
2. Enter your Card number and the online store will connect with your Bank to check whether your Card is secured with VBV/MSC.
3. The Bank initiates a Verified by Visa pop-up window on your computer screen that includes your Personal Message.
4. Look for and confirm your Personal Message, then enter your password. Your bank will then confirm your identity to the merchant.
5. Your payment is authorized and your order is placed. It's that simple!

Can I provide my credit card account details over the phone?

We will provide this option in the near future.

Do I have to pay Octroi when the goods are delivered to me?

Yes, Octroi (applicable in the state of Maharashtra) is to be paid by the customer at the time of taking delivery.

I just received my credit card bill and I have been billed more than the amount charged by 20North at the time of my purchase. Why?

This is probably due to a "foreign usage" surcharge levied by some credit card issuers and typically happens for a couple of reasons:

1. You used an India-issue credit card as a USD payment method on an international payment gateway like Paypal and Google checkout. 

2. You used a non-India issue credit card as an INR payment method 

When does the money get debited from my account?

We debit the amount as soon as you complete the checkout process on the bank's payment gateway.

Does 20North provide instalment schemes for high priced products?

We do not provide such instalment schemes. However, you can contact your credit card banker to convert high price purchases into EMIs.

Duty Calculation

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What is duty? Who defines the duty charged for different products?

Everything you buy at 20North is imported from the USA into India where all imported products are taxed a customs excise duty. The duty is set by the Indian Customs department and varies based on the product itself. Though the duty calculation is complex our systems automatically calculate the correct duty and include it in the prices that you see on the website.

How can I verify that the duty shown on the product of my choice is calculated correctly? What happens if I feel that duty charged on my purchase was incorrect? Can I claim a refund?

Follow this link http://www.cbec.gov.in/customs/cst-0809/cst-main.htm to the Customs and Excise Database of Government of India where you can check the applicable duty for any product. If you find that the duty you have been charged is more than what is specified in the Customs database, just get in touch with our customer service team. They’ll get to the bottom of the matter immediately and refund you any extra amount you may have paid.

Is there any situation in which paying duty can be avoided?

Generally No. However, some products such as books, computer storage devices and the like are not charged a duty (in which case the product price on our website clearly shows the duty to be zero). The only other exception is that items up to a value of US$200, sent as gifts via an authorized courier can be imported duty free.

Why don’t I pay duty when I buy imported items from a local retailer in India?

When you purchase an imported item from a local retailer in India, the selling price of the product is inclusive of the customs duty paid by the importer of that product.

20North Picks (Featured Products)

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What’s a 20North Pick?

20North picks are arguably the best shopping deals handpicked by us across all the product categories available on our site. We have merchandisers who regularly browse through the innumerable offers from the various merchants. They then select some of the best offers on leading brands available to you at the most competitive prices. Picking a 20North pick is the smartest way to get to know of the best high value deals available on 20North.

Shipping Optimization

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How much time does 20North take to deliver my order?

Following are the different modes of shipping and the estimated time taken for delivery : 

• Standard Air Shipping : 21-30 days*
• Express Shipping : 14 days 
• Duty Free Gift Order : 14 to 20 days*

*Subject to time taken for customs clearance.

How can I reduce my shipping costs?

You have two options in mode of shipping; the Standard Air Shipping Mode and the Express Shipping Mode. The Express Shipping Mode is available only for eligible orders and an express shipping surcharge is applicable for the same. The smartest thing to do is to compare the shipping costs during the checkout process as the final price for shipping is shown in the shopping cart. 

For Express eligible items, 

Choose Express shipping by selecting  on eligible items above

The express shipping surcharge will vary based on the items regardless of them being eligible for Express. 

If the cart weight crosses 13kgs, all Express eligible items will be upgraded to Express shipping free of cost.

How much does 20North charge for shipping from the US?

The shipping costs for a product are decided on a per product basis. This price is decided by the merchant who ships the products from the US. They follow certain parameters like weight, shipping insurance costs and handling charges to arrive at the final US to India shipping cost. 

Do you offer shipping discounts for large orders?

Yes, the more products you add to your shopping cart, your shipping costs will be optimized in a way that you'll pay per less per pound of shipping weight. 
Please note : If the cart weight crosses 13kgs, all Express shipping eligible items will be upgraded to express shipping free of cost.

Returns and Refund

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What do I do if I recieve a faulty or damaged product from 20North?

The 20North return policy is based on a "No-questions asked" philosophy (for eligible products) but with some restrictions that stem from the reality that our products are sourced from merchants located primarily in the US. Our policy is formulated keeping in mind the cost and time involved in the reverse logistics (i.e. the process of shipping returned products back to the US merchants). The policy itself is simple and straight-forward. Read more about our Return and Refund Policy

How does warranty work in India for products sourced internationally?

20North does not provide warranty/support for any product in India. Products covered by international warranties may be serviced by the manufacturers support centers in India. Products not covered by international warranty in India, may still be serviced by the manufacturers support centers in the US but costs of shipping products to/from the US shall be customers' responsibility. But if the product reaches you with physical damage.You can return your products according to our Return and Refund Policy

What is the process for returning an item on 20North?

1. Re-pack the product(s) along with all the paperwork that arrived with the product (invoices, certificates of authenticity, bill of entry) and all original packaging.
2. Return the product immediately, using the included Return Label “Product Returns, 20North Online Pvt Ltd, No.2984, 12th Main, Indiranagar, Bangalore – 560038” and a trackable shipping method (e.g. Blue Dart) such that the returned product is received in our warehouse in Bangalore within 4 days of your receiving the product.
3. Send an email to returns@20north.com within 24 hours of receiving the product that includes the tracking ID of the returned shipment.

How and when will I get my refund?

• In all cases the refund will be credited to the credit card you used to make the purchase and you will receive an email confirming this credit.

 

• In case of any damaged/malfunctioning product that is rejected by you without taking delivery from the courier, no deductions will apply and you will receive a 100% refund of the sale price of the product. Customs duty for any product is non-refundable. The refund will be credited within 2 weeks of receiving your email to returns@20north.com.

 

• For items with "Free Shipping",  a flat restocking fee of 20% of the total value of purchase (including duty) will be applicable.

 

• For items purchased as a "Special Order", a restocking fee varying from 20% to 50% of total purchase value will be deducted. This fee varies due to different return policies of the concerned websites where these products are sourced.
   
  
  
• In case of any returnable product that is returned after taking delivery the amount refunded will be subject to a deduction equal to 2 times the shipping costs paid.

     The payment will be equivalent to the total amount paid by you, minus 2 times the shipping costs and minus the customs duty paid. This amount will be credited to your credit card within 4 weeks of the return being successfully processed.

Do I have to pay for shipping when returning an item to 20North?

Yes, you will have to bear the shipping cost for returning the item to 20North.We urge you to use a trackable shipping method like Blue Dart and also insure the shipment.

My Account

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How do I change my email address, password or account name?

If you have a new e-mail address or wish to change your name on the account, go to the My Accounts page and click on "Edit Profile". To change your password for the account you can click on  "Change Password". You'll need to log in with your current e-mail address and password to access these settings. If you change your e-mail address, all subscriptions and communications preferences will automatically be sent to your new e-mail address.

How do I manage my shipping address book on 20North?

It's easy to manage shipping information in ‘My Account’.

To change your order information:

1. Visit ‘My Account' on 20North.
2. Click on "Address book" under "Settings" on the control panel.
3. Click on the 'edit' , 'delete' buttons to modify or delete addresses.
4. Add new address by using "Add new address" section.

Duty Free Gifting

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Who can send gifts?

Anyone (person or corporate) can send a gift to a person in India - it is not required for the person sending the gift to be a relative of the person receiving the gift. Also the sender does not necessarily have to reside in the country from where the goods have been dispatched.

Is there any restriction on the number of duty free gifts a person in India can recieve?

No, a person in India can receive any number of gifts (from the same person or from different people).

Who can receive duty free gifts?

Any person living in India can receive duty free gifts from abroad. According to the Government of India bonafide gifts up to the value of Rs10,000 are exempt from customs duty.

Why am I charged extra for gift shipments?

To qualify for the duty exemption, gifts must be shipped using an express international courier, which is more expensive than 20North's normal shipping. To cover these extra shipping costs 20North charges extra for duty free shipments. This extra charge varies according to the shipping weight.

Can I buy a product marked with a gift icon as a normal purchase?

Of course, any product on 20North can be part of a normal purchase. If you are not sure about whether or not to purchase as a duty-free gift we will help you make the decision as part of the checkout process.

How can I be sure that duty-free gifts are allowed and the recipient will not be liable for duty in India?

Below is an extract from the relevant Government of India notification. The entire document can be found at http://www.cbec.gov.in/customs/cst-0809/cs-gen-idx.htm.
....the Central Government being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts bonafide gifts as are exempted from any prohibition in respect of the import thereof under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992) and either imported by a courier as defined in the Courier Imports (Clearance) Regulations, 1995, or falling under heading 98.04 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) from the whole of the duty of customs leviable thereon under the said First Schedule and the whole of the additional duty leviable thereon under section 3 of the said Customs Tariff Act : Provided that the value of such bonafide gifts imported by post or as air freight does not exceed rupees ten thousand.

Is there anything special I need to do to buy products as duty-free gifts?

No, you shop as usual and simply add products to your shopping cart. Our system will automatically create gift packages for all products in your cart that are eligible and as part of the checkout process we will guide you through the appropriate steps of making the purchase.

What happens if a Duty-free gift is deemed dutiable by the customs department and charged duty?

Sometimes, (very, very rarely) customs authorities in India may deem an incoming gift as dutiable even though it is meets the specified guidelines for a duty free gift. This is completely at the customs authorities' discretion and typically no clear reason is provided. In such cases the courier delivering the product will collect applicable duty from the gift recipient before delivering the goods. The chances of this happening are extremely small but we want to make you aware that it can happen and in this worst case the recipient will need to pay the applicable duty.

What if I want to send gifts to multiple people?

You will need to go through the checkout process once per gift recipient. You can send multiple items to a recipient with a single checkout but each new gift recipient will require a separate checkout.

How does duty-free gifting work an how does it help me save money?

• According to the Government of India bonafide gifts up to the value of Rs10,000 are exempt from customs duty. Gifts can be sent to persons at any address in India but must be paid in US Dollars using any credit card that supports a USD transaction or a US payment service (such as PayPal, Google Checkout or Amazon Simple Pay).
• All products on 20North that are eligible for a duty free purchase will be clearly marked with a "gift" icon and will show a "Gift Price".  You simply add these products to your shopping cart like any other product and as part of the checkout process we will guide you through making the purchase as a duty free gift.
• You can buy gifts totaling more than Rs. 10,000 as long as long as each individual product costs under Rs.10,000.  Our system will automatically create multiple gift packages for you, ensuring that each of the packages costs Rs 10,000 or less.
• An express handling surcharge is applied per gift package. Our system will ensure that the number of gift packages (and therefore gift surcharges) are minimized. The surcharge will differ based on the products that are purchased.
  
  Click Here to learn more about Duty Free Gifting

 

 

How do I pay for duty free gifts?

Duty-free gifts must be purchased in USD and can be paid for with any credit card (Indian or foreign) that supports USD transactions, or by using international payment services such as Paypal or Google Checkout (you have to register and attach your credit or debit card details with one of these services before you can use them for a payment).

Bank transfers and Mobile Payments cannot be used for purchase of Duty-free gifts.

I checked out one gift order but I got multiple order confirmation emails. Why?

The value of duty free gifts in your cart exceeded Rs. 10,000 so it has been broken down into multiple packages, each of which will be tracked as a separate order.

I just received my credit card bill and I have been billed more than the amount charged by 20North at the time of my purchase. Why?

This is probably due to a "foreign usage" surcharge levied by some credit card issuers and typically happens for a couple of reasons:
1. You used an India-issue credit card as a USD payment method (for a duty free gift purchase). 
2. You used a non-India issue credit card as an INR payment method (for a non-gift purchase).

What products cannot be purchased as duty free gifts?

Any product that does not show the Gift icon and the Gift price cannot be purchased as a duty-free gift. Typically, individual products that costs more than Rs. 10,000 and products sourced from those of our US vendors that cannot guarantee an expedited delivery are ineligible for purchase as duty free gifts.

Why do some products that cost less than Rs, 10,000 not show a Gift Icon & Gift Price and why are such products not available for purchase as duty-free gifts?

We recognize that most gift purchases are occasion-specific and a timely delivery is very important. Only products sourced from those of our US vendors that can guarantee an expedited delivery service are made available for purchase as duty free gifts.

Can I buy products worth more than Rs. 10,000 as duty free gifts?

Yes, as long as no single product costs more than Rs 10,000, our system will automatically create multiple gift packages for you, ensuring that each of the packages costs Rs 10,000 or less.

Is there any restriction on the number of duty free gifts I can purchase?

No, you can buy as many gifts as you want (for the same person or for different people).

Special Orders

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What is a “Special Order”?

If you do not find a product you are looking for on 20North, but find it on another US website, let us know and we will get it for you!

How do I place a Special Order?

• Simply click on the "Special Order" link above the search bar and fill up the required information on the Special Order form.
• Click on "Estimate Price"
• Once you are happy with the "Estimated Price", simply Add to cart and complete your purchase.
  
  Please note:
• Your special order purchase will be automatically canceled if there is a difference between the price, weight or shipping costs you entered in step 3 above and the actual price, weight or shipping costs on the other website. 
• Your special order purchase may be canceled if the item you have ordered goes out-of-stock at the other US website before your order is placed by 20North. 
• Once confirmed by 20North, special orders cannot be canceled or returned by you. 

Can I choose products from any website in the USA?

Yes you can send us a Special Order request for any product that is available on any reputed US website.  Please avoid placing requests for products from individual sellers or websites with questionable credentials.

The website should also be able to accept payments using Credit Cards or Paypal. We are unable to fulfill Special Orders using any other payment method.

Can I buy from Ebay USA?

Yes, but we accept Special orders only for products that are in "Buy Now" state as we do not bid for products. Also we do not accept purchase requests for products from individual sellers or websites with questionable credentials.

If I find a product that is available on 20North but available much cheaper elsewhere, can I place a “Special Order” request for the same?

Yes, you can request such a Special Order but please be aware that additional costs will be added to the base price of this product (customs duty, handling charges, shipping etc). The addition of these costs may result in the “Special Order” product being priced similar or higher to that available on 20North.

Are there any extra charges applicable for the Special Order service?

The price of a “Special Order” product made available on 20North will include the following: Base cost on 3rd party US website + Customs Duty + 20North Handling Charges+ Shipping cost. 20North charges a flat 15% of total value of the purchase (including duty and shipping costs)

What do I do if my “Special Order” product is defective or damaged?

If you happen to receive a “Special Order” product in a defective condition, you can return the same in accordance with our Return and Refund policy.  The refund for a “Special Order” will be subject to an additional re-stocking fee deduction that ranges between 20%-50% of the sale price of the product. This fee varies due to different refund policies of the concerned websites where these products are sourced. E-bay products are non returnable.

I had previously requested for a product as a “Special Order”. I am unable to locate it on 20North using the search bar. Why?

All Special Order products are accessible only on the link sent to you by email. These products cannot be searched for as they are added on demand.  If necessary, you can at anytime send a request to customersupport@20north.com and we will re-send the Special Order link to you.

E-Gift Cards

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What is a 20North E-Gift Card?

20North.com E-Gift Cards can be used to buy any item sold on 20North.com. You can buy E-Gift Cards for any amount between Rs.250/$5 and Rs.50000/$1000, and send them by e-mail anywhere in the world. If you've received an E-Gift Card and enter the claim code on an order or in My Account at 20North.com, we'll keep the balance in Your Account for use on future purchases.

How do I order an E-Gift Card?

20North.com offers a simple and effective way to send E-Gift Cards.

• Ordering Customized E-Gift Cards

1. Visit the E-Gift Card section on your My Accounts page.
2. Click the Send E-Gift card button.

          3.    Enter the details of the E-Gift card you want to purchase. Choose between INR and      USD E-Gift cards, enter the denomination, recipient name, email address etc. 

          4.    Complete your payment process using the USD or INR payment gateway. USD gift cards can be purchased only through international payment gateways like Amazon payments, Paypal etc)

           5.    Review your purchase and the recipient will receive the E-Gift Card within fifteen minutes. 

• Paying for E-Gift Cards in your Shopping Cart:                                                         As with other E-Gift Card purchase options on 20North.com, you cannot use 20North E-Gift Cards to purchase new E-Gift Cards. When an E-Gift Card is in your Shopping Cart along with other items you wish to buy, any existing E-Gift Card balance on Your Account will only be applied to the purchase of eligible items and not to the E-Gift Card.
  You will need to provide a credit card, debit card, or other valid payment method to pay for the order if you have E-Gift Cards in your shopping cart. If you have trouble applying an E-Gift Card balance to an order, please try removing the E-Gift Cards you wish to buy from the order and purchase them separately with a valid payment method.

        We'll send you a confirmation e-mail after you place your order.

When is the E-Gift Card sent?

• E-Gift Cards are generally sent to the recipient within 15 minutes of being ordered.

• Thank You screen: A Thank you screen appears when the recipient clicks on the "Accept" button and lands on 20North.com. This can be used by the recipient to send a "Thank you" note of appreciation to the sender.

Help! My E-Gift Card order did not arrive.

Custom Value E-Gift Cards

If you purchased a customized E-Gift Card that was sent via mail or e-mail and it doesn't arrive, you can follow the instructions below for resending your E-Gift Card. Some e-mail providers give users the option of blocking all e-mail messages that originate outside of their domain. You may want to check with your recipient first to make sure their e-mail is configured to accept e-mails from 20North.com.

To reissue a E-Gift Card you purchased:

1. Visit the E-Gift Card Order Summary in Your Account (http://www.20North.com/account).
2. Sign in using the e-mail address and password associated with your 20North.com account.
3. Click "Resend" button next to the E-Gift Card details on the E-Gift Order Summary.
4. Review the information regarding the E-Gift Card to be reissued, and follow the instructions on the page.

We'll contact you by e-mail once we have cancelled the original E-Gift Card and issued a new one.

How do I use my E-Gift Card?

First, locate your claim code on the e-mail. If you're not ready to make a purchase: You can redeem the E-Gift Card to your account.

1. Go to Your Account.
2. Click "Apply a E-Gift  certificate/card to your account".
3. Sign in with your e-mail address and password.
4. Enter your claim code and click "Redeem now". Your funds will automatically be applied to your E-Gift account. 
5. When you checkout your order, you will have to manually enter the Gift amount you want to redeem against that particular order.

Where do I check my Gift Card balance?

• Your Account: You can navigate to the E-Gift Summary by visiting My Account on 20North.com and clicking on E-Gift Card summary.

I am having trouble using my E-Gift Card to place an order. What am I doing wrong?

Are you receiving an error message that says the E-Gift Card has already been redeemed? Once you've entered the claim code on our site, we'll keep the balance in your account for use on future purchases, and you don't need to enter the claim code again.

To confirm that the funds are already on your account, check your current E-Gift  certificate balance through Your Account. If the funds don't show up there, you might have more than one 20North.com account; please contact us.

If this isn't the problem, check the Terms and Conditions to make sure your order meets the rules and restrictions for paying with an E-Gift card.

What happens to the rest of my E-Gift Card if I do not use it all at once?

Once you've entered the claim code on our site, we'll keep the balance in your account for use on future purchases, so you don't need to enter the claim code again when you place your next order.

When you place your next order, make sure the box on the order form is checked that says "Apply E-Gift Card or promo funds?" If your order total is more than your E-Gift Card funds, you'll need to pay for the rest with a credit card. If your order total is less than the Gift amount you are redeeming, the balance Gift amount will remain in your E-Gift Card account. 

You should see the E-Gift Card funds reflected in the cost summary. If the funds don't show up there, you might have more than one 20North.com account; please contact us.

How do I cancel an E-Gift Card?

To cancel an E-gift Card sent by you, 

1. Visit Your My Account
2. Sign in using the e-mail address and password associated with your 20North.com account.
3. Click on "E-gift Card" summary
4. Click the Cancel Order button.

Please note : You cannot cancel an E-Gift Card that has been accepted by the recipient.

What are the restrictions for using an 20North.com E-Gift Card?

Please read our Terms and Conditions for a full list of rules and restrictions.

Earn King Miles

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How do I earn King Miles on 20North?

You simply have to make a purchase on 20North and make sure you enter your King Club Membership number while checking out on 20North.

How many King Miles do I earn per purchase on 20North?

Your King Miles will be credited to you as shown in the following table. "Your Spends" on 20North is only for the sale price of the product and does not include the customs duty and shipping charged for the product. 

Your spends	Your earnings
Rs. 2500 - Rs. 5000	175 King Miles
Rs. 5000 - Rs. 10000	375 King Miles
Rs. 1000 - Rs. 20000	800 King Miles
Over Rs. 20000	1750 King Miles

When will my King Miles be credited to my King Club account?

Your King Miles for your spends on 20North will be credited to your account 1 week after your order is delivered.