FAQs

  • How do I contact EL MERCADO?

If you have any questions regarding an order, item or the site please contact us at: hola (at) elmercadoymas (dot) com 

 

  • What Payment do you Accept?   

Most Credit Cards accepted. Please email us directly for any questions or issues. 

 

  • Where are you located?

We are an online store only with occasional pop up puestos at local community events. We do not have a brick and mortar store or location. We are based in the East Los Angeles area and the Southwest. 

 

  • Do you make the items?

Yes and no. The answer depends on which item. Some of the items like the Botanica items, most tees etc are designed and or exclusively created by and for EL MERCADO in small batches. Others are imported from Mexico or from artisans across the Americas/Turtle Island and usually focused on supporting Indigenous families and communities in Oaxaca. Chiapas, and Mexico City. 

 

  • Is it fair trade?

Yes and no. All our artisans and creators are paid fairly for their work and are recognized and honored for their creativity. Your purchase helps to sustain families and communities in communities across the Americas and the Southwest. Fair trade is a very specific listing that has detailed information and official regulations. Many of our artisans are family and collectives and are community based and do not have access to become fair trade certified. Feel free to contact us about each artisan and vendor or visit our blog for more information. 

 

  • What size should I get? 

All our tees are Unisex/Men’s sizing unless otherwise noted. If you want a fitted style, size down.

 

  • What Shoe Size do I Get?

Please refer to the size chart below. The sizes are in Women’s size.  If you would like U.S. “Mens” size please go down 2 sizes from the U.S. size. For example US Size 7 Womxn’s is a Size 5 Men’s/Boys. We do not carry ½ or in between sizes. If you wear a half size for example a size 7.5 we recommend you size down to size 7 (only if you are a half size). If you have wide feet we recommend sizing up for extra room and comfort. 

MX 22 = US 5
MX 23 = US 6
MX 24 = US 7
MX 25 = US 8
MX 26 = US 9
MX 27 = US 10

 

  • How do I Care for my clothing?

We sell both handmade and machine embroidered garments.

Handmade: Hand wash in tap cold water with mild soap. Hang on a hanger and let it air dry. Do not iron it. 

 

Machine made: Either hand wash or machine wash in the delicate cycle with colors alike, use mild soap, do not use bleach. You can either use the Dryer in the Delicates Cycle or air dry. You can iron it with low temperature when turned upside down. We usually recommend not to put your tees in the dryer. We always hang dry ours. 

 

HOW DO PRE-ORDERS WORK?

If a style has “PRE-ORDER” in the product name this means they have a minimum wait time of 21-48 business days before the product is shipped. Pre-orders are so that you get the first and usually only piece of this design.  The artisans we work with are creating these items just for you.  We created the Pre-Order option so that you can have it made especially for you. We did not want you to miss out on having your special item(s). Please keep in mind all items are handmade and this waiting period is just an estimation, sometimes they ship before and at times can take longer due to delays in production or customs clearance during transportation from mercados and artisans across the Americas. Once items arrive to us we will ship via USPS and you will receive a tracking number.