FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Last updated: 17 October 2026
ABOUT SAAM COLLECTION
What is SAAM Collection?
SAAM Collection is a carefully curated collection of lifestyle products from Southern Africa. From distinctive bags and baskets to stationery, home accessories and other products that bring a little extra beauty to everyday life. Most of our products come from South Africa, with others sourced from places such as Eswatini and Madagascar.
But SAAM is about more than beautiful products. We actively seek out artists, makers and small producers who want to make a difference through their work, whether socially, environmentally or both. Every item has a story to tell: about the maker, the materials, the place where it was made or the process behind it. Through SAAM, we bring these stories to the Netherlands, creating space for entrepreneurship, positive impact and meaningful connections.
Where does the name SAAM come from?
SAAM means exactly what it says: together. “Samen” in Dutch.
Together with the makers and brands in South Africa, together with the people who share their stories, and together with you as our customer. Because it’s through these connections that beautiful products, stories and opportunities can travel further.
Why do you sell products from Southern Africa?
Southern Africa is rich in materials, craftsmanship, creativity and entrepreneurship. At the same time, many makers and small businesses remain largely unknown beyond the region. And for too many people, finding work and earning an independent income is still a major challenge.
Through SAAM, we want to give a platform to the people and stories behind the products. That’s why we actively seek out distinctive pieces from makers and small producers who want to make a positive impact through their work. By bringing their products to the Netherlands and generating sales, we aim to support the success and growth of these businesses.
How do you choose the products and brands you sell?
We’re not looking for as many products as possible, but for products that have something to offer.
We consider quality, design, the story behind each product and how it’s made. Wherever possible, we work directly with the maker or brand. We want to know who’s behind a product and where it comes from.
For us, a product should be more than just beautiful to look at. It should have an inspiring story to tell, too.
ABOUT THE MAKERS AND THEIR STORIES
Who makes the products sold by SAAM Collection?
SAAM works with a range of South African brands, designers and makers. These include small businesses, independent designers and companies that collaborate with local artisans.
Every maker has their own story, background and way of working. That’s why many of our products include additional information about the brand and the people behind it.
Are the products fair trade?
We believe makers should be fairly paid for their work and that products should be made under good working conditions.
At the same time, we don’t use the term fair trade as a general marketing label. Not every small-scale or responsibly made product carries an official Fairtrade certification. Instead, we prefer to be as transparent as possible about what we know about the maker, the production process and the product’s origins.
How do I know where a product was made?
We aim to provide clear information about where each product comes from and who made it. As production processes vary from brand to brand, the information available may also differ from one product to another.
If you’re unsure about the origins of a particular product, feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to tell you more about its story.
Why aren’t some products exactly alike?
Many of our products are handmade or made using natural materials. As a result, there may be slight variations in colour, texture, shape or finish.
We don’t see these as imperfections, but as qualities that reflect the human touch behind each product, rather than anonymous mass production.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTS
Are the products sustainable?
For us, sustainability is about the whole story behind a product: its quality, lifespan, materials, how it’s made and the people involved in making it.
That’s why we prefer products that are well made, have their own character and are designed to last, rather than items that simply follow the latest trends.
What materials are the products made from?
This varies from product to product. Our collection includes natural materials such as cotton, wool and mohair. Each product page provides specific information about the materials used and, where applicable, care instructions.
ORDERS
Can I collect my order in person?
Yes, you can collect your order in Oisterwijk. Simply select the ‘Collection in Oisterwijk’ option at checkout. We’ll then get in touch to arrange a suitable time.
As we don’t have a physical shop, we can’t offer fixed collection hours when someone is always available.
Do you deliver outside the Netherlands?
We currently ship to the Netherlands and Belgium.
How quickly will my order be dispatched?
We carefully pack every order and aim to dispatch it as quickly as possible, usually within 1–2 working days.
Occasionally, we may be away for a little longer, for example when visiting our suppliers in South Africa or discovering new products for SAAM Collection. If this happens, we’ll let you know on our website so you know to expect a slightly longer wait for your order.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping to an address in the Netherlands costs €6.95, with free shipping on orders over €100.
Shipping to an address in Belgium costs €11.95, with free shipping on orders over €125.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive an email with tracking information, where available.
RETURNS
How do returns work?
You have the legal right to return your online purchase within the 14-day statutory cooling-off period.
If you return your entire order, you’ll receive a refund for the purchase price, including the original shipping costs. If you return only part of your order, you’ll receive a refund for the returned items.
Return shipping costs are your responsibility. You can also drop off your return in Oisterwijk. Just send us a message to arrange a suitable time. As we don’t have a physical shop, we can’t offer fixed hours when someone is always available.
To register your return, email us at hello@saamcollection.nl. Please send the product back in its original condition and packaging to:
SAAM Collection
Laan van KVL 59
5061 PE Oisterwijk
The Netherlands
Can I exchange a product?
We don’t offer direct exchanges. You can return the item you no longer want and then place a new order. The return procedure and conditions outlined above apply.
QUESTIONS ABOUT A PRODUCT?
I’d like to know more about a product. Can you help?
Of course. We love it when people want to know more about a product, its maker or the story behind it. Feel free to send us your question. We’ll look into it and be happy to share what we know.
I’m looking for something specific. Can you help?
Yes. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, something for your home or a product with a particular story, let us know. We may even be able to take it into account when selecting products for future collections.
Can I buy from SAAM Collection as a business?
Yes. Alongside our webshop, SAAM works with selected shops and other business partners.
If you’re interested in wholesale, a collaboration or stocking SAAM Collection in your shop, please get in touch at hello@saamcollection.nl.
AND PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION…
Why should I buy from SAAM Collection?
Because a beautiful product becomes even more meaningful when you know where it comes from.
At SAAM, you’re not buying an anonymous lifestyle product. You’re buying something with an origin, a maker and a story. And with your purchase, you help those stories travel further.
That’s what SAAM stands for: beautiful things, meaningful stories and connections between Southern Africa and the Netherlands.