Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from suppliers about working with GAIA. For additional inquiries, please contact GAIA directly.
Q1: What kind of manufacturing partners does GAIA work best with?
A1: GAIA works best with suppliers who can maintain consistent finishing in small-lot production, communicate feasibility early, and provide itemized quotations with clear assumptions.
Q2: What is GAIA's typical order volume?
A2: Most current partner factories support pilot runs around 5–10 pcs per SKU. GAIA respects each factory's MOQ and mixing rules—suppliers are welcome to propose terms by email for alignment. GAIA can evaluate and accept other MOQ proposals if pricing and lead time are workable.
Q3: What types of products does GAIA focus on?
A3: GAIA's main development focus includes necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. The current catalog also includes pendants and brooches. GAIA may also develop other blessing-related items (e.g., bag charms and desk ornaments) when capabilities align.
Q4: What should suppliers provide so GAIA can request and compare quotations consistently?
A4: GAIA requests suppliers to provide a capability deck (casting/setting/plating), MOQ and mixing rules (by design/size/color/plating), sample and mass lead times with start trigger, Incoterms (EXW/FOB) and ship-from location, and any process constraints affecting feasibility, finishing consistency, or tolerances.
Q5: What lead times does GAIA expect from suppliers?
A5: GAIA confirms lead times per project. Suppliers quote sample and mass-production lead times separately and state the start trigger (e.g., CAD/spec approval, deposit confirmation).
Q6: How does GAIA approve samples?
A6: GAIA approves samples against the finalized specification and the approved sample standard. Any deviation requires written alignment before mass production.
Q7: What quality standards does GAIA expect?
A7: GAIA expects consistency with the approved sample, clean finishing, and compliance with the stated materials and plating system. Suppliers disclose tolerance capability and inspection method in the quotation.
Q8: What is GAIA's gemstone policy?
A8: GAIA uses natural gemstones and semi-precious stones. If a stone has undergone any treatment, enhancement, processing, or optimization, suppliers disclose the exact method in writing before sampling and on the quotation/PI.
Q9: What plating details does GAIA require for quotation comparison?
A9: Suppliers disclose plating stack and thickness (µm) in the quotation. Any nickel-containing steps must be disclosed, and a nickel-free alternative should be proposed if nickel is involved.
Q10: How should suppliers present tooling fees (if any)?
A10: Suppliers quote tooling fees as a separate line item and specify ownership, maintenance responsibility, and whether the fee is refundable or amortized.
Q11: How does GAIA handle IP and confidentiality?
A11: Designs and files provided by GAIA are treated as GAIA's confidential materials. Suppliers do not reproduce, sell, or share GAIA designs with third parties.
Q12: Do blessing rituals affect manufacturing?
A12: Blessing rituals do not affect the manufacturing process. No changes to the production workflow are required.
Q13: How should suppliers contact GAIA?
A13: Suppliers email GAIA with capability deck, MOQ rules, lead times, and an itemized quotation. After receiving complete information, GAIA aims to reply within 48 business hours. Response time can be longer during overseas travel.