FAQ

If you have a question, please consult our list of frequently asked questions before reaching out for assistance.

Orders & Payments

What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept:

  • PayPal (recommended for international orders)
  • Wire Transfer

These methods are available for both domestic and international clients.

For clients in Honduras, we will provide our bank details upon checkout.

For international clients, you’ll receive instructions based on your chosen method after placing your order.

What currency do you charge in?

Our store operates in U.S. Dollars (USD) by default.

  • International Clients: PayPal typically accepts both USD and EUR. If you'd prefer to pay in Euros, please contact us in advance and we will confirm if it's available at the time.
  • Honduras-based clients: Orders are charged in USD, and payment in Lempiras is accepted only using the official daily exchange rate on the day of purchase from the Banco Central de Honduras. No other exchange rates will be honored.
Is it safe to pay online?

Yes.

We use a trusted and secure payment method which is PayPal, which offers buyer protection for international orders.

We do not collect or store your payment details on our website.

When do I pay for shipping?

Shipping is quoted and charged separately after your order, based on your location and the size of your order.

You will receive a follow-up email with your shipping quote and simple instructions for completing the shipping payment.

For more details, see our Shipping & Delivery section.

Can I get an invoice?

Yes.

All clients may request an invoice for their purchase.

Can I pay in cash or in person?

We do not currently accept cash payments.

All orders must be paid digitally via wire transfer or PayPal for both security and record-keeping purposes.

What is your return and exchange policy?

Because our pieces are made to order and handcrafted with care, we do not accept returns or refunds.

However, if your item arrives damaged or has a functional issue, we will happily exchange it for the same item.

Please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order to report the issue and initiate the process.

Do you charge taxes?

All prices on our website are listed before tax.

  • For orders shipped within Honduras: Taxes will apply.
  • For international orders: we do not collect taxes. Any duties, taxes, or import charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Do I have to pay import duties or customs fees?

If you are ordering from outside of Honduras, your country may charge import duties, VAT, or customs processing fees. These are not included in your order and must be paid by you upon delivery if applicable.

We do not control or collect these fees.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we offer international shipping from Honduras to most countries via DHL.

Because shipping costs vary significantly by country, weight, and size, we quote international shipping separately after your purchase to ensure fair and accurate pricing.

If you’re interested in a quote before placing your order, feel free to contact us at [info@bottegamilo.com].

Do you ship within Honduras?

Yes, we offer domestic delivery across Honduras using trusted local courier services.

We currently offer flat-rate delivery to major cities.

Local delivery fees are collected after your order is placed, and we will reach out to coordinate the best delivery method for your location.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping rates depend on the size of your order and your location.

  • For international orders, we work with DHL air express and quote shipping after the order to give you the most accurate rate. You will receive a follow-up email with the cost and payment instructions.
  • For domestic orders, we use flat rates for main cities and quote others individually.
How long does delivery take?

Production times vary depending on the item, but once your order is ready:

  • Domestic deliveries typically arrive within 2–4 business days once shipped.
  • International deliveries depend on destination and DHL transit times, usually 3–7 business days once shipped.

We will email you tracking information as soon as your order ships.

How is shipping handled and charged?

To ensure fairness and accuracy, we do not include shipping fees in the initial checkout.

After you place your order:

  • You’ll receive a follow-up email with your shipping quote (via DHL or local courier).
  • We’ll provide payment instructions to complete the shipping cost as a second, secure payment.

We understand this is not the standard e-commerce experience, but because our products vary in size and are handcrafted to order, this allows us to provide a more accurate, transparent service.

Materials & Care

What materials do you use? Are your pieces solid or plated?

We craft every piece using solid brass, solid bronze, or our own custom alloys — never plated, never hollow.

Our bronze, in particular, is made in-house using a high copper content alloy that results in a deeper tone, superior weight, and long-term durability.

By controlling our own casting metals, we ensure the highest quality from the inside out.

Each piece is poured, cast, and finished by hand — true metalwork in its purest form.

Will my hardware tarnish or change over time?

Yes, and beautifully so.

Brass and bronze are living metals that naturally react to their environment. Over time, they develop a rich patina based on use, air exposure, and touch.

Some clients prefer to maintain a bright polished finish, while others embrace the natural darkening, softening, and tonal shifts as the piece matures.

We consider this a feature, not a flaw. Each item evolves with you.

Do you apply any protective coating or lacquer?

We avoid industrial lacquers, which often peel or yellow over time.

Instead, we offer an hand-applied wax finish that subtly protects the surface without changing the metal's natural beauty.

This coating slows oxidation while allowing the piece to breathe and age gracefully.

You may also request your item uncoated, if you prefer a more dramatic or faster patina process.

How do I clean or maintain my hardware?

Routine care is simple:

  • Wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal polishes unless you want to remove patina.
  • For deeper cleaning, use a small amount of mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.

If your item has a wax coating, avoid scrubbing or harsh chemicals to preserve the protective layer.

Are your products machine-perfect?

No — and that’s intentional.

Our hardware is made by hand, not by automated machines.

That means you may notice the smallest imperfections, tiny surface textures, or slight asymmetries — these are part of the charm.

Each item carries the trace of the artisan’s hand, making it perfectly imperfect and completely unique.

Can I request a specific finish like polished, matte, or aged?

Yes — we offer a range of finish styles, including:

  • Polished (mirror, high shine)

  • Matte (subtle & satin)

  • Raw/uncoated (for fast patina development)

  • Aged or black finishes (available on requests)

If you have a specific preference, just mention it at checkout or email us directly. We’ll confirm what’s possible for your piece.

Can your hardware be used in bathrooms, kitchens, or humid environments?

Yes, brass and bronze are well-suited for humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens.

Moisture, steam, and daily use will naturally accelerate patina development, especially on raw or unfinished pieces.

But rather than damage the hardware, this process creates a rich, evolving surface that reflects the life of the space — often deepening into warm golds, soft browns, or subtle green hues.

If you'd prefer to slow down this transformation, we offer an optional waxed finish that provides gentle protection while still allowing the metal to age beautifully over time.

Customization & Trade

Do you offer custom designs or finishes?

Yes.

All of our pieces are made to order, and we’re happy to accommodate custom finishes, alternative textures, or design modifications whenever possible.

If you need something tailored to a specific aesthetic, function, or material palette, reach out. We treat each request as a design conversation.

Do you work with interior designers and architects?

Absolutely.

We welcome collaboration with design professionals on residential, hospitality, and commercial projects.

We can work from your vision, adjust one of our existing styles, or help you specify hardware that aligns with your overall design language.

Do you offer trade pricing or bulk orders?

We do not offer bulk pricing or mass-market discounts.

Our work is produced on a made-to-order basis. It allows us to maintain high craftsmanship and to ensure attention to detail and consistency to each piece.

We do, however, work closely with designers and project leads to align with their aesthetic and functional needs. Every piece is treated as a unique commission.

Do you have a showroom or physical location?

Not at this time.

We operate entirely digitally, which allows us to keep our focus on design, casting, and craftsmanship — not retail.

That said, we understand the need to touch and feel materials. If you’re working on a project and would like to review a piece or finish in person, we’re happy to arrange samples for review.

Can I request samples for a project?

Yes.

We’re happy to provide samples to interior designers, architects, and trade professionals working on specific projects.

Samples are available upon request and may include a standard piece, a finish swatch, or a simplified prototype — depending on what’s most helpful for your review and selection process.

To request a sample, email us with the project details and shipping address.

Craftsmanship & Process

Who makes your hardware? Where is it produced?

All of our hardware is designed, cast, and finished in-house at our workshop in Honduras.

We do not outsource design, manufacturing, or finishing — every step, from alloy creation to polishing, is handled by our own team of artisans.

This full control allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality, integrity, and craftsmanship in every piece we create.

How long does it take to produce an order?

Our pieces are made to order, and we typically allot approximately 2 weeks for production from the moment your purchase is confirmed.

This lead time serves as a standard reference, but it is not fixed — your piece may be completed sooner, or require more time depending on the complexity of the design and the current production schedule.

Because we don’t mass produce or keep large inventories, every order is individually scheduled into our production calendar and treated on a case-by-case basis.

We’ll always communicate your estimated timeline clearly, and if you're working on a time-sensitive project, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Is mounting hardware included? Can I install it myself?

Yes, we include all necessary mounting hardware with your order unless otherwise specified.

Our pieces are designed for standard installation and can typically be installed with basic tools. If you're working with custom placement or a large project, you may prefer to work with a professional installer.

Let us know if you have special installation needs — we’re happy to assist.

Do I need to take anything into account when installing solid bronze hardware?

Our hardware is crafted from solid bronze, giving each piece a substantial weight and lasting durability. All of our designs are suitable for installation on solid wood or metal cabinets without concern.

  • For MDF, plywood, or softwoods, screw inserts are recommended to ensure long-term stability.

  • For glass or mirrored surfaces, professional installation with through-bolted fittings and washers is advised.

  • Cabinet hinges are engineered to carry the full weight of the door itself, and our hardware — typically ranging between 100–500g — does not exceed normal limits. Larger doors are typically fitted with additional hinges, and our multi-leg hardware designs help distribute weight evenly.

  • For unusually large or heavy custom pieces, we are pleased to provide complimentary consultation to ensure the ideal installation method for your project.
Can I request metric or imperial threading or screws?

Yes.

By default, all of our hardware is produced with metric threading. However, we understand the importance of compatibility with local cabinetry standards — especially in regions like the United States and Canada, where imperial (inch-based) screws are more common.

For that reason, any order shipping to the U.S. or Canada will automatically be produced with imperial threads, unless otherwise requested.

If you're ordering from another region but prefer imperial or have specific thread requirements, just let us know during checkout or contact us beforehand — we’re happy to accommodate.

Are your products sustainable or environmentally responsible?

We produce intentionally, not industrially.

All of our pieces are made to order, which means we create only what’s needed. No mass inventory, no wasteful overproduction.

We also maintain a closed-loop casting process: all excess material from production including cutoffs, is remelted and reused in future castings.

Even our bronze is made in-house from carefully selected raw components and recycled metals, giving us complete control over quality and alloy consistency while minimizing environmental impact.

We avoid industrial lacquers, disposable finishes, and any process that sacrifices longevity for speed.