Frequently Asked Questions

Traviam is an international furniture, lighting and interiors sourcing company helping clients source premium and custom-made products from China, Italy and Indonesia.

We work with homeowners, architects, interior designers, developers and businesses on residential, hospitality, office and commercial projects.

Our sourcing capabilities include furniture, decorative lighting, modular kitchens, wardrobes, walk-in closets, wall panelling, outdoor furniture, décor and other interior products.

From identifying manufacturers and coordinating customization to production follow-up, quality control and shipment planning, we help simplify international sourcing through a single point of coordination.

China offers access to an extensive manufacturing ecosystem covering furniture, lighting, kitchens, wardrobes, wall panels, outdoor products and interior accessories.

One of the biggest misconceptions about China is that everything manufactured there is cheap.

High-quality products are not necessarily inexpensive. However, when comparing equivalent materials, construction,craftsmanship and finishes, Chinese manufacturers can offer highly competitive pricing.

Beyond price, the real advantage is the extraordinary range of designs, materials, finishes and customization possibilities available.

At Traviam, our focus is on helping you find the right balance of design, quality, customization and value.

For clients planning a dedicated sourcing trip to China, we generally recommend a starting project budget of approximately USD 30,000–50,000.

This is a starting point, not an upper limit. For larger residences, hotels, commercial projects or extensively customized interiors, budgets can go significantly higher.

China offers access to specialized manufacturers capable of producing bespoke furniture and interior products using premium materials, sophisticated finishes and craftsmanship comparable to premium European manufacturers.

For smaller requirements, remote sourcing may also be explored without necessarily travelling to China.

Yes. Traviam can coordinate the sourcing of multiple interior categories for a complete residential or commercial project.

This may include sofas, beds, dining furniture, decorative lighting, chandeliers, modular kitchens, wardrobes, walk-in closets, wall panels, outdoor furniture, rugs, décor and other interior products.

We work with specialized manufacturers across different categories and can consolidate products from multiple suppliers into a coordinated shipment.

This allows clients to source a substantial portion of their interiors through one international sourcing partner rather than managing numerous overseas manufacturers independently.

Yes. We work with specialized custom manufacturers in Dongguan, China, who can develop bespoke products based on reference images, architectural drawings or original concepts.

In most cases, all we need to begin is a reference image and an approximate idea of the dimensions.

Our team can then coordinate with the manufacturer to develop the required proportions, materials, finishes, upholstery and manufacturing details.

Whether you are looking for a custom sofa, bed, dining table, console or another interior element, we explore manufacturing possibilities according to your design and specifications.

The objective is to create products suited to your project rather than restricting your choices to a fixed catalogue.

Yes. Traviam can help source customized kitchens, wardrobes, walk-in closets and architectural wall panelling from specialized Chinese manufacturers.

China offers an extensive range of cabinetry finishes, shutter styles, internal storage systems, hardware, accessories and material options.

Products can be developed according to your architectural drawings, dimensions, design preferences and functional requirements.

For projects already sourcing furniture and lighting from China, including kitchens, wardrobes and wall panels in the same sourcing plan can help maintain a coordinated design language and simplify procurement.

Accurate site measurements and approved technical drawings are essential before manufacturing these products.

Yes. Traviam can assist with sourcing chandeliers, pendant lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and other decorative lighting.

We can source lighting from specialized manufacturers in China, including the Guzhen lighting hub in Guangdong Province.

Depending on the manufacturer, customization may include dimensions, suspension length, metal finish, glass colour,number of light sources and other design details.

Whether you are looking for statement lighting for a double-height residence, decorative fixtures for a hotel or coordinated lighting throughout a home, we can explore suitable manufacturing and customization options.

Electrical compatibility and technical specifications should be confirmed for the destination country before ordering.

Yes. Traviam can help source a wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture, along with handcrafted decorative products, from Bali and Indonesia.

Bali is particularly known for its natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship. We can help source solid wood furniture, rattan and cane pieces, dining tables, chairs, beds, consoles, outdoor lounge furniture, decorative stone furniture and other handcrafted interior and exterior products.

For modular kitchens and wardrobes, we recommend exploring specialized manufacturers in China instead, where there is a much wider range of customization options, finishes, hardware and integrated storage systems.

At Traviam, we help you choose the right sourcing destination for each product category, allowing you to combine the craftsmanship of Bali with the extensive manufacturing capabilities of China.

Yes. Traviam works alongside architects and interior designers as an international sourcing partner.

You can share your furniture schedule, BOQ, architectural drawings, mood boards, reference images, material specifications and approximate budget.

We help identify suitable manufacturers and products that align with your design intent, dimensions, finishes, quality expectations and project requirements.

Architects and designers can also accompany their clients on guided sourcing trips to China, allowing them to evaluate products and finalize selections directly with manufacturers.

Traviam offers both remote sourcing and guided in-person sourcing trips.

If you prefer to travel, we help plan your sourcing itinerary and coordinate visits to suitable showrooms and manufacturers.

You can travel with your family, architect or interior designer to personally evaluate products, materials and finishes.

Alternatively, you can source remotely using catalogues, architectural drawings, reference images, specifications and available material samples.

Once your selections are finalized, our team coordinates the manufacturing, quality-control and shipment process.

Traviam operates on a transparent, project-based fee structure.

Our standard sourcing fee is 5% of the total product invoice value, with the final fee depending on the scale and requirements of the project.

This fee is calculated exclusively on the value of the products being sourced. Freight, customs duties, logistics,installation and other associated expenses are excluded from the sourcing fee calculation.

For clients undertaking a guided sourcing trip to China, flights, accommodation, visas and local transportation are arranged and paid for separately by the client.

Our objective is to provide complete clarity on the costs associated with international sourcing.

Traviam offers two payment options.

You can make payments directly to Traviam, and we will coordinate payments with the manufacturers on your behalf.Alternatively, you can make payments directly to the manufacturers.

Manufacturers typically require a 30–50% advance payment to confirm an order and begin production.

The remaining balance is payable when the goods are ready in China, before dispatch.

Payment terms are finalized at the time of order confirmation. Credit facilities are not available.

Production timelines depend on the product, manufacturer and level of customization.

For existing showroom designs requiring minor changes to materials, upholstery or finishes, furniture production typically takes approximately 30–60 days.

For fully bespoke furniture developed from scratch using reference images, original concepts or architectural drawings, production generally takes approximately 60–75 days after design and specification approval.

Kitchens, wardrobes, wall panels, lighting and other interior categories may have different manufacturing timelines depending on their technical requirements. For highly customized built-in products, production is typically in the range of 60–75 days, subject to final drawings, approvals and material availability.

A project-specific production schedule is established after the products and manufacturers are finalized.

Quality control is an integral part of our sourcing process.

Once manufacturing is complete, our team in China conducts inspections of every item against the approved designs, dimensions, materials, finishes and specifications.

Detailed photographs and videos of each product are shared with you, organized invoice-wise, so you can personally review and verify your order before dispatch.

If you prefer to physically inspect the finished goods, you can also travel to China for a final inspection. Our team can help coordinate your visit.

Any discrepancies identified before shipment are addressed with the manufacturer.

Traviam takes responsibility for resolving issues involving transit damage or manufacturing discrepancies.

To minimize the risk of damage during shipping, we use protective export packaging, including sturdy wooden crates.

If an item arrives damaged or has been manufactured incorrectly, we arrange an appropriate resolution.

Where replacement is required, we arrange for a new piece to be manufactured and shipped to your destination anywhere in the world at no additional cost to you.

Our objective is to ensure that you receive the products you approved without having to independently manage issues with overseas manufacturers.

A complete interior project may involve several specialized manufacturers producing furniture, lighting, kitchens, wardrobes, wall panels and decorative products.

Traviam coordinates the collection and consolidation of products from different suppliers before shipment.

The goods are inspected, packed and prepared for international transportation according to their materials, dimensions and handling requirements.

Protective wooden crates are used to help safeguard the products during transit.

This consolidated approach makes it easier to manage multiple product categories as part of one coordinated sourcing project.

Yes. Traviam offers comprehensive door-to-door sourcing and delivery services for clients in India.

Our agreed door-to-door quotation includes applicable international freight, customs duties, clearance and delivery costs.

Once the products are ready, we coordinate quality inspection, consolidation, shipping, customs clearance and delivery to your project location anywhere in India.

We can also arrange professional on-site installation of furniture, decorative lighting, modular kitchens, wardrobes and wall panelling.

Installation is typically provided on a chargeable basis, with the scope and cost confirmed according to your project requirements.

The typical shipping time from China to India is approximately 30 days after dispatch, excluding manufacturing, customs clearance and final inland delivery.

Yes. Traviam works with clients worldwide and can arrange shipments of furniture, lighting, kitchens, wardrobes, wall panels and other interior products from China.

For international projects outside India, we can supply goods on an FOB (Free on Board) basis.

Our team coordinates manufacturing, product inspection, consolidation and export preparation, with the goods loaded on board the vessel at the agreed Chinese port.

Your nominated shipping or logistics partner can then manage the onward international shipment, destination customs clearance and local delivery.

This allows international clients to access China's manufacturing ecosystem while working with their preferred freight and logistics providers.

Getting started is simple.

Share your project location, approximate budget and the products you are looking to source.

You can also send us your floor plans, BOQ, furniture schedule, architectural drawings, mood boards, Pinterest references or material specifications.

Whether you are furnishing a residence, developing a commercial project or creating fully customized interior products, we will help you determine the appropriate sourcing approach.

You can choose to visit China with Traviam or manage your selections remotely.

Have a project in mind? Get in touch with Traviam and tell us what you're looking to create.