About us

At Neko-Chan, we pride ourselves on personal service, and we search the planet to find and bring you the unusual, tools and gifts that enrich the spirit--at extremely competitive prices. It is our goal to always make that extra effort to ensure that you, our customers--the most important people in our business, are happy. A package from Neko-Chan should bring a smile to your face.

Neko Chan Trading Company was founded in 1996 by Carol and Dave Rahbari, a mother and son team who were working as teachers, both of whom were practicing Buddhists. Mom had closed up her condo and traveled for most of 1994, across the southwest U.S, Mexico, Hawaii, and Japan.

In the late summer of 1996, our first Neko-Chan catalog went to the printer, and into the mails in the fall of that year. Our first (very low tech) website went up the following year. The original intention was to make a wide range of spiritual books available, especially in Buddhist studies. As the business took form, we realized that lots of very neat stuff fit nicely with these books, and incense and incense burners were added, then malas and other practice materials. We are a small family business, and we like to deal with small suppliers--families in many cases. As we have shopped for products for the business, we have met some wonderful people, from Tokyo to Seoul, to Bangkok, from Kathmandu to Dharamsala, from the Southwest and the Northwest U.S. and Western Canada where the sweetgrass and sage are harvested. Many of our suppliers have amazing stories, and we are proud to carry their products.

As part of our family, cats have always held top positions in the company. Our Chairman of the Board* is Johnny B Wellington, a portly fellow, part Maine Coon, and much faster than he looks. Our Public Relations Officer is Forrest Muir, an extremely outgoing long haired tuxedo boy who talks nonstop. Murthi rounds out our feline division as Security Consultant. Her paranoia is actually an asset to this post.
Our first Chairman of the Board was Louie (Riley?), who is no longer with us, but was buried with honors beneath the apple tree in the back yard. He was the model for our logo of the kitty holding the world.

OUR NEKO-CHAN GUARANTEE
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Neko-Chan purchase, return the item within 30 days in its original condition for a cheerful and prompt exchange or refund.
If you are unhappy with any of our products or services, please contact us at Customer Service - 1-888-425-2490.

SHIPPING
We generally ship within 2 business days of receipt of your order--often on the same day! If items are not in stock, and a delay is expected, you will be notified by phone or email.

GIFT ORDERS
We give special attention to gift orders. We'll be happy to include your personal message at no extra charge. When your gift is sent, your recipient gets only a packing slip with no prices, and your gift card if applicable.

PHONE ORDERS
You may place orders by phone - 1-888-425-2490. Some of our customers prefer phoning in their orders, even if they are at the site. Yes, we have real people here ready to take your order and answer your questions. (If a cat answers, please be patient.)
You may also FAX your order to 1-734-961-9648 -- credit card orders only.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
On credit card orders outside the U.S, we ship only to the credit card billing address. International Money Orders may also be used. Please contact Customer Service - 1-888-425-2490 - for shipping charges. Rush Service is not available on shipments outside the U.S.