Plan Ahead for Holiday Orders 🎄

Every product at Art of Where is custom printed, cut, and sewn to order—that’s what makes each piece special! During the holiday season, our studio gets especially busy, and we want to make sure every order gets the time and care it deserves.

To help your printed products arrive before December 24th, we’ve created suggested order-by dates based on order size and shipping method. These dates account for both production time and shipping time, so please use them as a helpful guide when planning your holiday designs and orders.

These charts can be downloaded and used in your own store listings or promotion.

Keep in mind that these are guidelines, not guarantees. Once your order leaves our studio, delivery times are in the hands of the carriers—and things like weather or high seasonal volumes can sometimes cause delays.

We recommend ordering as early as possible, especially for large or multiple-item orders, to give us the time we need to print, sew, and pack everything with care.

At Art of Where, all our products are made in our Montreal, Canada studio, where your designs are printed and handcrafted on-demand. Ordering early ensures we have the time to bring your ideas to life, so you (and your customers) can unwrap something truly unique this holiday season.

Happy designing!

We want to keep you in the loop about shipping during the Canada Post strike. All new Canadian orders are being shipped with alternative carriers, including UPS, Intelcom, FedEx, and other reliable services, so your custom items are on their way without delay.

For orders already sent with Canada Post, we’re monitoring them closely. At this time, it’s hard to predict if they’ll arrive on schedule or face some delays, but we’re keeping track of every package.

If you have any questions or concerns about your order, please reach out—we’re here to help and make sure your order reaches you as smoothly as possible. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

At Art of Where, we make it easy for artists and businesses to sell custom products without worrying about shipping. That’s why we encourage you to use drop shipping—we print, pack, and ship directly to your customers, so you can focus on designing and growing your business.

But what if you want to keep inventory on hand or ship products yourself? Maybe you want to add a handwritten note, package multiple items together, or use your own branding. If that’s the case, you might be looking for a simple, affordable way to ship orders—especially if many of your customers are in the USA.

This is where Chit Chats comes in.

What is Chit Chats?

Chit Chats is a Canadian shipping service that helps small businesses and independent sellers save on shipping costs. They act as a middleman between you and major carriers like USPS, Canada Post, and Chit Chats Canada Tracked. Here’s what makes them popular with small businesses:

Lower rates to the USA: You can access USPS prices without crossing the border yourself.

Easy customs process: Chit Chats takes care of the paperwork for you.

Multiple shipping options: Choose based on speed and budget.

Tracking included: Most services come with end-to-end tracking so your customers can follow their order.

Convenient drop-off spots: You can drop off at a Chit Chats location or mail your package to them

How it Works

If you want to ship your Art of Where products using Chit Chats, here’s what you’d do:

• Set up your Chit Chats account – It’s free and only takes a few minutes.

• Order your products from Art of Where – Have them shipped to you instead of directly to your customer.

• Create your shipment in Chit Chats – Add your customer’s details, package weight, and shipping option.

• Print your labels and attach them – Chit Chats provides easy-to-print labels for your package.

• Drop off or mail in your package – Take it to a Chit Chats location or partner drop spot.

• Track your shipment – Both you and your customer can follow the package along its journey.

CUSMA certificates in Chit Chats

Almost all Art of Where products qualify for a CUSMA certificate of origin, which means they can be shipped to the USA duty-free under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. If you’re handling your own shipping through Chit Chats, it’s essential to create a CUSMA certificate for each eligible shipment. Certificates are easy to submit and take about 1-2 days to be approved by Chit Chats.

Here are the steps to take when creating your CUSMA Certificates.

*** Go to Settings and choose Shipping. **

• Find the CUSMA section towards the bottom of the page.
  

• Walk through the steps to make a CUSMA certificate request
  

• Exporter and producer information
  You as the person shipping the goods is the Exporter and Art of Where is the Producer.

For the Producer information use:
Producer Name: Kate Parsons
Producer Company Name: Art of Where
Producer Street: 5534 Rue Ferrier
Producer City: Mont Royal
Province: Quebec
Country: Canada
Postal Code: H4P 1M2
Producer Phone: 514-876-9666
Producer Email: info@artofwhere.com

• Certifier Information
  Yourself or the owner of your business must certify the certificate. Enter their info and have them sign the certificate.
  

• Add goods
  Start adding the Art of Where products to the certificate. You'll need to create your own system of SKU's that you'll reference when making your shipments so make it something that is easy to reference. We'll use PILLOW-COTTON for this example.
  

Contact us for our easy reference chart for Chit Chats CUSMA certificates. It has the HTS codes, Unit Value (drop ship price) and the Origin Criteria codes.

• Enter all the Art of Where products you intend to ship with Chit Chats.
  Once done, submit the certificate for reveiw.
  

Applying the certificate to your Shipments

Once your certificates are approved, you can easily apply them to your shipments to remove the tariffs.

When you create your shipment, enter the SKU you created for the product in the CUSMA certificate. Here we're using KIM-1 for a Kimono robe we already certified.

You don't need to fill out the Manufacturer details since they are in the certificate.

When you see the pricing Summary now, you will see the Tariffs are not included.

IMPORTANT!
We must stress, that it's very important that you ensure all information is correct when applying for your CUSMA certificates with Chit Chats. It's a legal document and needs to be accurate. If you're unsure of anything related to creating your CUSMA document, contact Chit Chats customer service.

In conclusion...

For most sellers, drop shipping with Art of Where is the easiest way to sell products without touching inventory. We handle everything from printing to packing to shipping, so your orders get to your customers quickly and efficiently.

But if you want more control over the shipping process—or you ship in bulk—Chit Chats is a fantastic option for saving money and simplifying cross-border shipping.

Either way, you have flexible options to run your business the way you want!

Compliance Basics: Get to know more about complaince and shipping

When you’re creating and selling products that ship worldwide, compliance is a key part. From shipping paperwork to fabric testing, Art of Where takes care of providing the information required to ship your orders smoothly worldwide.

If you're ordering products with us and prefer to ship them yourself instead of drop shipping, here are some key things to keep in mind.

What Information Do Products Need When Shipping Worldwide?

When products are shipped across borders, customs authorities need clear information to classify and process them. This includes:

• Accurate product descriptions (what the item is, what it’s made of, how it’s used).

• Materials and composition (especially important for textiles, apparel, and accessories).

• Country of origin (where the product was made or substantially transformed).

• Declared value (used to determine duties and taxes).

Providing complete and accurate details reduces the chance of delays, rejections, or unexpected fees.

What Are HS Codes?

HS (Harmonized System) codes are international classification numbers used for all traded goods. Every product has a corresponding HS code that customs authorities use to:

• Identify what the product is.

• Apply the correct tariffs and duties.

• Collect trade statistics.

For example, performance clothing, pillows, and vegan leather goods all have different HS codes. Using the right code is essential for smooth international shipping and avoiding compliance issues.

We have a full list of HS codes available for our products so you can ensure you have the right HS code when shipping Art of Where products. Our list pretains for items shipping to the USA. The majority of the time, they'll work for other countries too, but it's important to double check for the country your shipping to. Contact us for the HS codes and we'll share the list with you.

What is the GPSR? Main Points to Know

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is an EU regulation (replacing the older General Product Safety Directive) that sets rules to ensure consumer products are safe before they reach the market. Key points include:

• Products must be safe under normal or foreseeable use.

• Manufacturers and importers are responsible for risk assessment and providing clear product information.

• Products sold online are also covered, meaning e-commerce sellers must follow the rules.

• Authorities can require recalls or corrective actions if products are unsafe.

The GPSR applies to a wide range of consumer goods and is especially important for sellers shipping into the European Union.

Those are some of the basics!

Do you have question about shipping products that you don't see here? Ask us on Instagram or Facebook or contact us and we'll get you an answer.

Canadian-Made and Tariff-Free: Shipping with Art of Where is Still a Breeze

If you've been following the news lately, you may have seen updates about changes to tariffs on imported goods in the U.S. These changes are causing a bit of confusion, especially for small businesses and independent artists who rely on cross-border shipping.

So let’s clear things up!

No Tariffs on USMCA products

At Art of Where, all of our products are classified as Made in Canada under the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) rules of origin. That means when you ship orders to customers in the United States, they qualify for tariff-free shipping. This is unchanged with recent news.

So in it's simpliest form. Your orders shipping to the USA will have:

✅ No surprise fees
✅ No extra duties at the border
✅ Just smooth, worry-free delivery to your U.S. customers

Even though some of the raw materials we use are imported including fabrics and blank garments, they’re transformed into finished goods in Canada, which qualifies them as Canadian-made under USMCA rules. So, you're covered!

Bottom line?

Whether you’re drop shipping your art or stocking your own inventory, your Art of Where orders will continue to cross the border quickly and without added costs. It’s one of the big advantages of working with a Canadian manufacturer—and we’re proud to keep it that way.

If you have questions about shipping or tariffs, we’re happy to help. But for now, go ahead and keep creating—we’ll take care of the rest!

Meet Luxeform
We’re excited to introduce Luxeform, the next generation in performance stretch fabric. Starting July 16, all performance fabric clothing will be made in Luxeform! Read on to get all the details on Luxeform.

What Makes Luxeform Special?
Luxeform is created by bonding two ultra-thin layers into one lightweight, opaque fabric. It features a smooth, ultrafine knit with a silky-soft feel that’s gentle on the skin. With 79% polyester / 21% spandex and 4-way stretch, it’s made to move with you—perfect for activewear, loungewear, and everyday wear.

Responsibly Sourced, Locally Made
Luxeform is OEKO-TEX certified and made in a trusted partner facility in China. All custom printing, cutting, and sewing take place in our Montreal, Canada studio. We're committed to quality production and full transparency as to where we source our fabrics and that all manufacturing is done right here in Canada.

We have heard from some of you that you loved that the signature performance fabric was made here in Canada. We are still sourcing some other fabrics from the same local Montreal company. In order to maintain our pricing and consistency with the performance fabric, we needed to find a new source which is what took us on the hunt that ended in importing Luxeform from our OEKO-TEX certified manufacturer in China. With new technology, acheiving this high opacity double knit fabric is now a possibility that we couldn't pass up.

Why We’re Switching
As of July 16, Luxeform officially replaces our Signature Performance Fabric for all applicable products. While we’ve loved our signature fabric, Luxeform offers superior comfort, stretch, and print quality—making it the clear next step.

Which Products Are Affected?
The following items are now made with Luxeform:

• Yoga Leggings

• Leggings

• Yoga Capris

• Capris

• Athletic Crop Tops

• Bodycon Dress

• Flare Dress

• Fitted Skirt

• Flare Skirt

• Yoga Shorts

• Shorts

• Minishorts

• Youth Leggings

• Baby Leggings

With Luxeform, we’re raising the bar on comfort, quality, and print performance across our performance clothing. We’re proud to keep evolving to support your creative business. Thanks for being part of the journey.

Scarves are the ultimate fashion multitaskers. Whether you’re dressing up an outfit, protecting your hair, or adding a splash of color to your look, a scarf is a small accessory that makes a big impact. At Art of Where, our custom printed scarves come in a variety of luxurious fabrics—including silk habotai, silk charmeuse, poly chiffon, and more—so artists can create wearable works of art that are both beautiful and practical.

If you’re running a drop ship business or looking to add a timeless product to your store, scarves are a smart choice. They’re lightweight to ship, appeal to a wide audience, and make for thoughtful gifts. Here are 10 stylish ways to wear (or style) a scarf that highlight just how versatile this accessory truly is.

1. The Classic Neck Tie
Fold your scarf into a triangle and roll it up before tying it loosely around your neck. This timeless style adds instant polish to a blouse, dress, or t-shirt.

2. Headband or Hair Wrap
Fold a scarf into a long band and tie it as a headband, or use it as a wrap to protect your hair and add flair. Great for both casual days and elevated boho looks.

3. Wrist or Bag Accent
Wrap a scarf around your wrist for an artistic bracelet, or tie it around the handle of a purse or tote to give your accessories a personal touch.

4. The Parisian Knot
Drape the scarf around your neck and loop one end over and under the other. It's chic, effortless, and pairs beautifully with silk scarves.

5. Ponytail Tie
Use a scarf to tie up your ponytail for a pop of color and softness. A lightweight poly chiffon or silk scarf works especially well for this look.

6. Belt or Waist Tie
Thread a scarf through your belt loops or tie it around your waist to cinch a dress or add detail to a simple outfit.

7. Shawl or Shoulder Drape
A larger square or rectangular scarf can double as a shawl. Drape it over your shoulders for an elegant evening look or as a cozy wrap on cooler days.

8. Top or Halter Style
Fashionistas know that scarves can become summer tops. With a simple twist and tie, a silk square scarf transforms into a halter or bandeau-style top.

9. Turban or Full Head Wrap
A bold and empowering way to wear a scarf. This look is ideal for larger scarves and works across many cultures and personal styles.

10. Wall Art or Gift Wrap
Beyond wearing, scarves can be framed as textile art or used as reusable gift wrap—a stylish and eco-conscious way to present a gift.

Why Scarves Are a Must-Have in Your Product Line
Scarves are easy to photograph, easy to ship, and easy to sell. When you offer custom printed scarves through your Art of Where drop ship store, you’re giving your customers access to:

• High-quality, handmade products printed with your original artwork

• A selection of fabrics, including real silk, for a luxurious feel

• A versatile product perfect for gifts, personal use, or display

Whether you're designing for fashion lovers, art collectors, or conscious consumers, scarves are a product that never go out of style.

Ready to create your own line of scarves?
Try out our mobile-friendly Design Lab and start designing your own wearable art today!

At Art of Where, maintaining stable and accessible pricing has always been one of our top priorities. In fact, we haven't increased our prices since August 2022—nearly three years ago. This long-standing commitment reflects our dedication to offering consistent value for your business.

However, due to rising production costs, we will be implementing modest price adjustments on certain drop ship products starting May 22nd, 2025.

Read on to know more about these updates.

Key Details:

Selective Increases: Price increases are limited to select products only.

Regional Variations: Canadian customers will see higher changes in pricing than USA customers due to the current exchange rate.

Underwear Products: These will have the largest increase, as they are the most labor-intensive products we sew.

Performance Clothing: Some styles in the USA will see a price decrease.

Modest Adjustments: In most cases, the increase is small—typically between $1 to $3 per item.

Not Tariff-Related: These adjustments are not related to tariffs but reflect real changes in some material costs and, more significantly, in labor costs.

You can see the full list of pricing with the coming changes here.

We understand that pricing changes are never easy. Please be assured that we've made every effort to keep increases as minimal and targeted as possible. Our commitment to transparency remains steadfast, and we will continue to uphold the quality and service you rely on.

If you are one of our many resellers or stores connected via an integration, we enourage you to review your pricing structure. If we're increasing a price by $1, you might want to consider increasing yours the same amount.

Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the Art of Where community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

We understand that price changes impact your business, and we didn’t make this decision lightly. Our goal has always been to support your success with reliable pricing and top-quality custom products. Keeping our prices unchanged for nearly three years speaks to that commitment.

Thank you, as always, for being part of the Art of Where community.
—
The Art of Where Team

June 16th Update: The launch of Luxeform happens tomorrow! All new orders of clothing in performance fabrics will be made in this exciting new fabric.

June 10th Update: We're delaying the launch date of Luxeform to July 15th due to our stock level. We want to be ready for high-gear production so we're getting extra stock that will only arrive later in June. This gives you some extra time to get a free swatch of Luxform (see below) or place some final orders in our Signature Performance spandex.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Luxeform, the newest addition to our lineup of performance stretch fabrics.

What makes Luxeform special?
This innovative fabric is created by bonding two ultra-thin layers together, resulting in a lightweight material that maintains impressive opacity. It has a fine, smooth knit that gives the surface a polished look and a silky feel that’s incredibly soft against the skin. With a content of 79% polyester/21% spandex and huge 4-way stretch, Luxeform moves with you and adapts to your shape, making it ideal for active lifestyles, loungewear, and everything in between.

Responsibly Sourced and Transparently Made
Luxeform is an OEKO-TEX certified fabric produced in our trusted partner facility in China, ensuring it meets international standards for safety and environmental responsibility. While the fabric is made overseas, all custom printing, cutting, and sewing happens in our Montreal, Canada studio. As with all our products, we're committed to high-quality local production and full transparency about where our materials come from.

Why We're Making the Switch
As of May 16, Luxeform will officially replace our current Signature Performance Fabric across all applicable products. While we've been proud of the performance, reliability, and quality of our signature fabric over the years, Luxeform represents a new generation of textile technology. It’s a clear step forward in comfort, wearability, and print performance, and we’re excited to bring this upgrade to our entire community of creators.

Full Product Transition Begins July 1st (just updated)
Starting July 1st, we’ll be switching over to Luxeform for all of the following performance stretch products:

• Yoga Leggings
• Leggings
• Yoga Capris
• Capris
• Athletic Crop Tops
• Bodycon Dress
• Flare Dress
• Fitted Skirt
• Flare Skirt
• Yoga Shorts
• Shorts
• Minishorts
• Youth Leggings
• Baby Leggings

This upgrade will enhance the comfort, quality, and overall feel of every piece—making your custom printed designs even more appealing to wear and sell.

Experience Luxeform—Free Swatches Available
Curious to feel Luxeform in person? We’re offering free swatches shipped within Canada and the USA to customers who regularly purchase our performance clothing. If you have bought 3 clothing peices in the last 3 months, get a hands-on look at the fabric’s smooth finish, stretch, and excellent print quality. It's the perfect way to explore the Luxeform difference before ordering. Contact us for yours!

Looking to grow your online store’s offerings and boost your sales? Home decor might be the answer. Here are eight compelling reasons why adding our home decor products to your store can help you sell more.

We make pillowcases in a huge range of sizes and fabrics including cotton and velveteen to suit your artwork and style.

1. Home Decor is Always in Demand

People are constantly updating their spaces—whether it’s for a seasonal refresh, a new home, or just a style change. Home decor products like throw pillows, pillowcases, wall art, and tea towels are timeless and practical, making them ideal for both impulse buys and gift-giving. By offering your designs on home-friendly items, you tap into a market that’s always looking for inspiration.

2. Your Art Becomes Part of the Home

When customers buy your home decor, they’re choosing to surround themselves with your art every day. That emotional connection makes home products powerful sales tools. It’s not just a decorative piece—it’s your artwork woven into the daily lives of your customers. This kind of personal connection builds brand loyalty and encourages repeat purchases.

Create a printed bedset including duvet cover and bed pillows in 200 Thread Count cotton sateen.

3. High-Quality Products Made in Canada

All Art of Where home decor items are handmade in our Montreal studio using carefully sourced materials. Our permanent printing methods ensure vibrant, lasting color that holds up over time. Your customers get the quality they expect, and you get peace of mind knowing that your products are ethically made, locally printed, and carefully constructed. Don't forget, all our products enjoy tariff-free shipping in North America currently so your customers won't encounter surprise fees.

4. Easy to Add to Your Existing Shop

If you're already selling products through Art of Where’s drop ship platform with one of our connected integrations like Etsy, Shopify, Big Cartel or Squarespace, adding home decor is seamless. All you need to do is upload your designs and list the products via our store database. We'll take care of the rest—from printing and sewing to packing and shipping when your orders come in automatically. It’s a low-effort, high-reward way to diversify your offerings without increasing your workload.

Deskmats are the perfect desk accessory to customize a workspace.

5. Eye-Catching Visuals for Marketing

Home decor products are naturally photogenic. Styled photos of throw pillows on a couch, tea towels in a kitchen, or printed wall art in a cozy nook make for great content across your social media and website. These visuals not only showcase your art in action, but also help potential buyers envision how your designs will fit into their own homes.

6. Low Overhead, High Margins
When you add home decor products to your online store, you don’t have to worry about large upfront costs or inventory. All our home decor items are printed on demand, which means you only produce what your customers order. This eliminates the need for warehousing and lowers your financial risk. Plus, because these products are handmade and feature custom designs, you can sell them at higher margins, increasing profitability for your business.

7. Increase Average Order Value (AOV)
By adding home decor to your product lineup, you’re giving your customers more options to choose from. This means they’re more likely to add additional items to their cart, boosting your average order value. For example, a customer might come to your store for a custom t-shirt but decide to add a personalized pillow or a unique piece of wall art to their order. The more choices you offer, the more likely customers will make multiple purchases.

Placemats in linen-look polyester are durably, simply gorgeous, and highly affordable.

8. No Sizing Hassles – Easier for Customers to Buy
Unlike clothing, which often requires customers to figure out their size, home decor products are a much simpler purchase. There’s no need to worry about fit or whether the item will be too small or too large. Whether it’s a throw pillow, wall art, or tea towel, customers can easily visualize how it will fit into their space without the complications of sizing. This makes home decor an attractive and hassle-free option for buyers, which can lead to fewer returns and more satisfied customers.

Ready to expand your product line? Explore our full selection of custom home decor products and see how easy it is to add your art to your customers’ homes.

If you’re ordering from the U.S. and eyeing our print on-demand products that are made in Canada, you will be pleasantly surprised at the checkout—no extra customs duties or tariffs will be added to your total. Better yet, your drop ship orders arriving to your customers will not encounter surprise fees upon delivery.

Why? We'll break it down for you.

What Is the De Minimis Threshold?
The de minimis threshold refers to the maximum value of goods that can be imported into a country without incurring duties or taxes. In the United States, this threshold is $800 USD. That means if your order’s value is under $800 and qualifies under de minimis rules, it can be imported duty-free.

But There's a Catch: Country of Origin Matters
Not all products under $800 are automatically duty-free. To qualify, the Country of Origin (COO) of the goods must meet specific criteria. Under trade agreements like CUSMA (also known as USMCA in the U.S. and T-MEC in Mexico), products that originate in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can move between borders more easily—and more affordably.

If a product has a COO of Canada, it qualifies for tariff exemptions when shipped to the U.S., provided it meets the rules of origin under the trade agreement. In most cases, that means the product must be either:

• Wholly obtained or produced in Canada, or

• Substantially transformed in Canada, even if some components or materials are imported.

Why This Benefits U.S. Customers
When you buy a product that’s made in Canada like any of our custom-printed tote bags, headbands, or printed vegan leather purses—you’re not just supporting a North American manufacturer. You’re also skipping surprise fees. There are no tariffs or import duties applied at the border when your order is:

• Valued under $800 USD, and

• Has a Country of Origin of Canada.

That means what you pay at checkout is what you pay, period.

What Are Trump Tariffs?
During his presidency so far, Donald Trump has imposed a series of tariffs on goods imported into the United States, primarily targeting countries like China, and later expanding to include Europe and others. These tariffs were designed to protect American manufacturing by making imported goods more expensive.

These tariffs mostly affect:

• High-volume commercial imports

• Goods above the U.S. de minimis threshold

• Products originating in countries that are not part of a free trade agreement with the U.S.

Currently (and we're writing this on April 14, 2025), almost all Art of Where products are exempt from tariffs. The only products that may have tariffs are coasters and water bottles/tumblers since in these 2 cases, we are printing on a pre-made product origining from China. When you checkout, you'll see a message if there may be tariffs on your order and how much that would be.

What about t-shirts?
While we make several options in all-over print tops, we also offer direct-to-film (DT-film) printing on t-shirts and other premade garments, also called placement prints. In this case, the base garment is coming from various countries including Nicaragua and Bangledesh, and we are doing the printing here in Montreal, Canada. Since these countries still qualify for the di minimus expection, t-shirts and other DT-film printed garments will also ship tariff-free.

Important to note!
If your order is over $800 USD, we will ship it in multiple shipments to keep the value below the $800 USD threshold for the di minimis exception. The ONLY situation in which you might encounter tariffs is if you place an order over $800 USD and need it shipped rush with DHL or another courier service. In this case, it will be stopped at the border and tariffs my apply. We encourage you to place large wholesale orders in advance so we don't need to rush ship them.

Quick Recap:

• U.S. customers don’t pay tariffs on Canadian-made products under $800 USD.

• The product’s Country of Origin must be Canada, not just fulfilled or printed in Canada.

• Canadian-made products = no surprise border fees = happy customers.

• Placement print products that we print with DT-film prints in Montreal, Canada, though made in countries other than Canada still qualify for tariff-free shipping.

• The only 2 Art of Where printed products that might have tariffs are waterbottles/tumblers and coasters. If they do, you'll see the estimated amount when you check out and they would only take effect on May 2, 2025. We'll post again with updates on these 2 products.

Have questions about how our products ship or which items are duty-free? Reach out—we’re always happy to help!

When you see a product labeled Made in Canada, you might assume that every thread, button, and component came straight from within Canadian borders. But the truth behind a product’s Country of Origin (COO) is a little more nuanced—and surprisingly interesting!

What is Country of Origin?
The Country of Origin refers to the country where a product is considered to be made. It plays an important role in customs regulations, trade agreements, product labeling, and consumer trust. But determining where a product is “from” isn't always as straightforward as it seems, especially when a product is made using materials or components sourced globally.

So How is COO Determined?
Each country has its own regulations for determining COO, but in Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Competition Bureau provide guidance. In general, for a product to be considered Made in Canada, it must meet specific criteria:

Substantial Transformation: If a product undergoes significant change in Canada—meaning its form, function, or purpose is altered—it may be considered Canadian-made. Simply assembling parts isn’t enough; the transformation must be meaningful.

Last Substantial Transformation: If a product is made from parts sourced globally, the COO is the country where the last substantial transformation took place.

"Made in Canada" Claim Requirements: To legally use the Made in Canada label, the Competition Bureau requires that:

• At least 51% of the total direct costs of producing or manufacturing the product are incurred in Canada.

• The final substantial transformation must occur in Canada.

• If the product contains imported parts, it must be clearly indicated (e.g. "Made in Canada with imported materials").

Why Some Materials Come from Abroad
While we’re committed to Canadian manufacturing, the reality is that textile production—especially for woven fabrics—is extremely limited in North America. Most large-scale fabric mills simply don’t exist here anymore. That’s why we source some of our base fabrics from overseas, particularly from China, where there is still a strong and specialized textile manufacturing infrastructure. This allows us to access high-quality, consistent materials that would otherwise be unavailable or cost-prohibitive, ensuring we can offer reliable products without compromising on quality or price.

Safe, Certified Fabrics
We take material safety and quality seriously, which is why most of the imported fabrics we use are OEKO-TEX® certified. This globally recognized certification ensures that textiles are tested for harmful substances and meet strict human-ecological safety standards. OEKO-TEX® certification is especially important for products that come into direct contact with skin, giving both us—and our customers—peace of mind. Choosing certified fabrics aligns with our commitment to quality, safety, and responsible sourcing.

An Example
As an example, let’s take our basic tote bag which is made with fabric woven in China, but is printed, cut, sewn, and assembled into a finished bag in our studio. Since over 51% of the production cost happens in Canada and the final transformation (turning fabric into a usable bag) also happens here, the product is labeled Made in Canada with imported materials.

What About T-Shirts or other blank garments?
T-shirts are a different case when it comes to COO. If a blank T-shirt or other pre-made garment is manufactured in another country—say Bangladesh or Honduras—and then printed with artwork in Canada, it does not qualify as Made in Canada. That’s because the final substantial transformation, which includes the actual garment construction (cutting and sewing), was completed elsewhere. Even though the design, printing, and fulfillment may happen in Canada, the COO of the garment remains the country where the T-shirt was originally made. In this case, a more accurate label would be Printed in Canada on imported garment.

Why It Matters
Understanding COO helps consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy. Many people prioritize locally made goods for environmental reasons, ethical labor practices, or simply to support their national economy. Clear labeling allows for transparency—and builds trust.

At Art of Where, we’re proud to make many of our products right here in Canada. While we source some of our materials globally (for quality and availability), the printing, cutting, sewing, and finishing are all done by our skilled team in Montreal. That means our products meet the criteria for Made in Canada, with imported materials, and we’re proud to share that with you!

October 6, 2025

Some USA-destined packages are encountering tariffs. Here's what is being tariffed and how to collect for your drop ship orders.

As part of ongoing changes to U.S. import regulations, we are now required to charge tariffs on certain pre-made apparel products shipped from Canada to the United States. These tariffs apply only to products that do not have a Country of Origin of Canada.

The affected products and their tariff rates are:
34.5%: Premium t-shirt, Slimfit t-shirt, Premium long sleeve t-shirt, Comfort racerback tank top, Premium unisex tank top, Flow racerback tank top

36.5%: Comfort t-shirt, Comfort long sleeve t-shirt, Classic crewneck sweater, Premium crewneck sweater, Premium zipper hoodie, Classic pullover hoodie, Premium pullover hoodie, Flow pullover hoodie, Cropped pullover hoodie, Unisex joggers

50%: Stainless steel waterbottles and tumblers are affected by the tariff on stainless steel

We understand that tariff changes are never welcome news, but please know that this affects only a small portion of our product line. The vast majority of Art of Where products — including all of our cut-and-sew, handmade items — are created in our Montreal studio using Canadian-made or imported fabrics. These unique products have a Country of Origin of Canada (regardless of where the fabric is made)and remain tariff-free for U.S. customers.

If you're selling any of these products in an integrated store (Etsy, Shopify), you will need to update your pricing to reflect the tariffs charged to USA customers. It's important to note that we charge tariffs on the drop ship price paid on Art of Where, not on your retail price. You'll need to adjust how you charge tariffs based on the difference in cost.

We’ll continue to handle all customs paperwork and tariff calculations automatically during checkout. Our goal is to keep the process as transparent and simple as possible. You'll see the tariffs charged as a new line in the checkout.

Just a reminder that tariffs are on pre-made products only shipping to the USA. Everything else we make is free of tariffs to the USA.

Thank you for continuing to support Canadian-made products.

September 26, 2025

All USA-destined orders are being shipped with UPS or Fedex. Shipments to the USA are having some delays.

We have encournted some new issues with orders shipping with USPS labels crossing the border. To correct this, all USA shipments are being sent with UPS or Fedex labels moving forward. For all open orders and some orders sent earlier this week, the labels are being made with UPS. If your order was already packaged with USPS, you'll see the tracking number update once we relabel your package.

The are still some delays with shipping to the USA. Please ask your customers to expect up to an extra week in transit time to be safe. We'll let you know once this returns to normal.

September 10, 2025

Shipments to the USA are going smoothly.

We are continuing to work with our brokerage team to clear your US-destined orders over the border and deliver them to USPS. While we saw some delays over the last couple weeks, shipments are flowing well now. You can contiue to order to USA addresses normally and expect them to start tracking in a reasonable timeframe.

With the ending of the diminimis, we no longer need to be mindful of shipping larger orders in batches of $800 value. If you are placing larger orders with us, we will start sending large orders as 1 shipment instead of over multiple days.

Since shipping to the USA has become much more complex, we are starting to see some fees charged on our goods. While our products qualify for USMCA, some "blanket-tariffs" are being applied to products like T-shirts and waterbottles. Since these fees are minimal and the border clearance system is changing frequently right now, Art of Where is paying any fees.

Can we say our products are tariff-free? Currently all shipments even if they have additional fees, are tariff-free to the receiver and we are not charging these fees either when you order. We're only seeing fees added to about 5% of our products crossing the border and Art of Where is paying them. Since it's an evolving situation, we're not making adjustments until we know what things look like longterm. If we need to adjust pricing because of these fees, we will be transparent about it and keep the impact very minimal.

We have been getting many questions from artists and resellers who would like to have the paperwork to ship AOW products themselves to the USA. Since USMCA certicates are not staightforward to fill out or share, we are working on the best way to do this. We can clear products because we work with brokers. If you don't drop ship with us, we encourage you to try it since this is the only way we can gaurantee that they will clear into the USA without additional charges currently.

We're working on a blog to help you with your own shipping. We'll launch it soon to help answer the questions we've been getting.

Aug 29, 2025

The de minimis ends tomorrow but we're unaffected.
As we mentioned on Aug 27, all Art of Where products will continue to ship to the USA free of tariffs and duties.

We do ask that you allow for extra shipping time on USA bound shipments as there may be delays at the border. We'll be monitoring the situation closely and will update you if delays are longer than a couple of days.

Aug 27, 2025

Tariff-free shipping to the USA continues.
Despite recent shifts in cross-border shipping regulations—beginning August 29, 2025, the U.S. will eliminate the ‘de minimis’ duty-free threshold for low-value imports—rest assured that your orders remain tariff-free.

Because our products are proudly made in Canada and fully certified under the USMCA, they continue to qualify for customs exemption. That means there are absolutely no surprise duties or hidden fees—just seamless delivery, as expected.

Even with the recent changes to tariffs, our imports into Canada remain unaffected. That means the raw materials we rely on to make your products haven’t seen a significant increase in cost. Because of this stability, we’re able to continue offering the same fair pricing without passing on new expenses to you. We only adjust our prices when it’s absolutely necessary, and right now we’re proud to hold steady. Supporting artists, small businesses, and customers with reliable, affordable products is always our priority.

Aug 04, 2025
Despite new updates, Art of Where products continue to ship tariff-free under the USMCA (NAFTA) exception. Our products qualify under USMCA and are exempt from tariffs, including any tariffs specified for Canadian-made products. You can continue to ship to your own address in the USA or drop ship products to the USA and they will not have any added duties or fees.

Remember, we import all orders ourselves over the US border to ship with USPS so we can ensure orders reach your customer safetly and without surprises. We work closely with brokers who have the lastest information regarding shipping and tariffs and we'll keep monitoring everything so you can continue to run your art-based business.

May 02, 2025

The de minimis exceptions has ended for goods from China, but not for any Art of Where products. Our orders continue to ship tariff-free.

As of May 2, 2025, the United States has ended the de minimis exemption for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong. Previously, shipments under $800 from these countries could enter the U.S. duty-free, but they are now subject to tariffs—up to 145% or a $100 flat fee, increasing in June. This change affects major e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu and requires formal customs documentation for all impacted packages. The new policy is intended to boost trade compliance but will likely result in higher costs and longer shipping times for U.S. customers.

This change to the de minimis exemption does not affect any packages shipped from Art of Where. All of our products are made in Canada and shipped directly from our studio, so U.S. customers will not be charged any additional duties, tariffs, or import fees. You can continue to create with confidence knowing there are no surprise costs at delivery. Our shipping process to the USA remains smooth, reliable, and hassle-free.

We work with our own customs brokering service who are responsible for clearing packages at the border and entering them into the USPS system. We expect there will be a period of adjustment over the next couple of weeks as the new clearance system adapts to changes. Please allow for some extra shipping time after packages leave our facilities in Canada.

We're here to help with your concerns! If you have questions about tariffs and shipping, reach out so we can answer them.

April 08, 2025

On April 2nd, 2025, there were new details regarding tariffs for products shipping into the USA. Here's what you need to know about your shipments from Art of Where.

Orders continue to ship tariff-free.
As more news emerges regarding tariffs for products shipping into the USA, our shipments currently remain tariff-free in almost all circumstances. We qualify for tariff-free border crossing for 2 reasons:

1. Almost all of our products qualify for USMCA (NAFTA) exemptions. We'll release the full list soon.
2. Our shipments are mostly considered low value and under the $800 threshold.

If you are placing on order shipping to the USA that is over $800, we will split it into multiple shipments to avoid any duties.

The only circumstance where additional duties may be charged on shipments is in the case of courier shipping like DHL. Courier shipments are usually stopped and tariffed at the border so we recommend ordering in advance so your shipments do not need shipping upgrades and can ship with USPS.

There will be more updates up until May 2nd regarding tariffs so please watch for more news. We work closely with cross border brokers so you can trust the information we release. If you encounter tariffs on any shipments from Art of Where, please get in touch so we can help on a case by case basis.

We're so proud to be printing and making our products from our studio in Montreal. We are a unionized company with a wonderful team that works together each day to make your products come into being. We love producing for our artists based worldwide and we'll keep prioritizing making and delivering affordable custom products that build businesses and bring happiness :)

March 15, 2025

All orders continue to be shipped tariff-free. Rest assured, any recent news regarding tariffs do not affect the products we make.

If you’ve seen recent news about tariffs at the U.S./Canada border, you might be wondering if this will affect your orders from Art of Where. The good news? It won’t! You can continue ordering with confidence, knowing that your purchases will arrive without any unexpected fees.

Why Are There No Extra Fees?
Art of Where makes your products in our Canadian-based studio and imports US orders to New York to ship with USPS. This allows US customers to receive their orders quickly and affordably and applies to both our US customers ordering for within the USA, and our Canadian-based artists shipping to US addresses. The reason why it works so well is US customs regulations include a de minimis exemption, which allows goods valued at $800 USD or less to enter the U.S. duty-free and without additional taxes. Since all our shipments to the U.S. fall within this exemption, there are no tariffs or surprise fees when your order arrives. While there has been recent news of tariffs on Canadian-made goods, they DO NOT affect the de minimis exception, so our shipping process continues as normal.

The one situation where you MIGHT encounter tariffs on orders is if you request us to ship your order with DHL or other courrier services. In this case, the package will be stopped at the border by the service and can incur brokerage and duties. We recommend ordering in advance as much as possible so we can ship your orders with USPS and avoid courrier services.

What If My Order Is Over $800?
For larger orders that exceed the $800 de minimis threshold, we may split your shipment into multiple packages to ensure it remains tariff-free. This way, you can continue to enjoy hassle-free shipping without any additional costs.

We're staying updated so you don't have to
We’re always keeping an eye on shipping regulations and will update our customers if anything changes. But for now, you can order worry-free, knowing that you won’t be paying extra when your package crosses the border. If anything changes in the future, our goal is always to have as little impact on our customers as possible so we promise to you keep you informed and our pricing as accessible as always.

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

At Art of Where, we take pride in being a Canadian-based company, operating out of Montreal, Quebec, for over 15 years. We believe that where a product is made matters—not just for quality, but for sustainability, ethical employment, and reliable service. As a unionized company, we are committed to providing fair wages and stable jobs to our team, ensuring that the people behind our products are valued and supported. We ship worldwide and are fiercely proud to provide products that build buisnesses worldwide.

Why Choose a Canadian Manufacturer?

Working with a Canadian manufacturer like Art of Where offers key benefits for artists and businesses looking for custom, on-demand products. Here’s why partnering with us makes a difference:

High-Quality, Locally-Sourced Materials
Did you know 70% of the fabrics we use in our products are either made in Canada or sourced from Canadian distributors? This ensures quality control, reduces supply chain delays, and supports local textile industries.

Ethical and Fair Working Conditions
As a unionized company, we prioritize ethical labor practices, fair wages, and safe working conditions. When you choose Art of Where, you’re supporting a company that values its employees and their craftsmanship.

Faster Shipping & No Hidden Fees
For customers in Canada, working with a Canadian manufacturer means faster shipping times, no surprise duties, and no border delays. U.S. customers also benefit from smooth cross-border shipping and reliable delivery times. We have a great system for cross-border shipping to the USA, where we import goods directly over the border to ship with USPS. Even though we are based in Canada, we provide quick and reliable shipping to our USA customers or any orders shipping to USA addresses. Through our relationship with shipping professionals, we are able to adjust to any cross-border shipping changes quickly with little impact on our customers.

Sustainable & Responsible Production
Keeping our manufacturing local means reducing the carbon footprint associated with overseas production. We produce on-demand, which minimizes waste and ensures that every product is made with care and purpose.

A Commitment to Our USA Customers
We deeply value our customers in the United States, who make up a significant portion of our community. Our goal is to provide everyone with high-quality, custom-made products without the hassle of long wait times or unexpected costs. By streamlining our cross-border shipping process and maintaining strong relationships with logistics professionals, we ensure that orders shipping to the USA arrive quickly and reliably. We are committed to making it easy and efficient for our American customers to access unique, Canadian-made products that help their businesses thrive. As shipping systems change in the world, we are staying up-to-date on new regulations and incorporating them into our system so they have minor impact to your business and order flow.

A Commitment to Canadian-Made Excellence
By manufacturing in Canada and prioritizing locally sourced materials, we create products that help artists and entrepreneurs build their businesses without compromising on quality, ethics, or sustainability. Whether you’re an artist looking for a trusted print partner or a customer looking for beautifully made custom goods, Art of Where delivers Canadian-made excellence every step of the way.

When you choose Art of Where, you’re not just choosing a product— you’re choosing to support local industries, ethical manufacturing, and a sustainable future. Let’s create something amazing together!

We are temporarily suspending the modal/silk option for scarves due to an issue from the fabric manufacturer. Here's what you can do in the meantime while we work to replace this stock.

We are incredibly proud of the many options we offer for ordering in silk scarves. From 100% silk and silk blends to our polyesters, we've always believed that giving you the most options for your products is how you get exactly what you want from your custom printed products and your ultimately your product line. You have the control over how your products come together.

The modal/silk scarf fabric has always been perfect for people who want added warmth and weight to their scarves while preserving their airiness. Since it's one of our heavier fabrics, it has different properties than the silk habotai or the silk charmeuse.

Unfortunately, we recently received a large restock in the silk/modal fabric that didn't meet our high standards. We tend to restock this fabric in large batches twice per year so when a batch doesn't meet our standards, it has a jarring impact to our supply.

We're actively working with the supplier to correct the issue. In the meantime, we are removing the modal/silk as an option when ordering your scarves. We don't have an exact timeline yet for when it will be replaced, but will announce one when we know more.

We apologize for the impact this may have to your product line. We'd encourage you to review our other fabric options in scarves. If you regularly order the modal/silk, we are happy to send you swatches of our other available fabrics free of charge to help you make the switch. The other fabrics are:

• Silk habotai: 100% silk. Our lightest silk at 8 momme with a matte surface front and back and a high print-through (85-95%) to the backside.
• Silk charmeuse: 100% silk. Our medium weight silk at 12 momme with a shiny front surface and matte back. The print-through is about 70-85% to the backside.
• Satin charmeuse: 100% polyester with a shiny front side and matte back. Excellent durability and wrinkle resistant. The print-through is about 70-85% and is classified as a vegan alternative to silk.
• Matte crepe: 100% polyester with a matte front and back. Excellent durability and wrinkle resistant. The print-through is about 65-75% to the backside and is also a vegan alternative to silk.
• Polychiffon: 100% polyester with a light airy feel and high durability. Polychiffon is a very transparent fabric and has a high print-through of 80-95%.
• Coming soon! Cotton/silk: A 75% cotton/25% silk voile fabric which is medium weight and a gorgeous combination of high quality cotton fibers and silk. With a stiffer finish than the other scarf fabrics, it's perfect for bandanas and robust draped scarves.

If you'd like to know more about the scarf fabric options or get free swatches to help you make your decision, please contact our customer service.

Thank you for your understanding! Quality is hugely important to us since we want your product line to shine and we look forward to resolving the modal/silk as quickly as possible.