FAQ’s
OUR PRODUCTS
Q: "What are your products made from?"
A: "Our straws and cutlery are plant based. Sugarcane straws are made from sugarcane fiber (bagasse) and cornstarch, coffee ground straws from upcycled coffee grounds and cornstarch, and our black corn products from corn based materials. Everything is biodegradable and compostable, at home and commercially."
Q: "Are your products gluten free?"
A: "Yes. The raw ingredients — coffee grounds or sugarcane fiber, plus cornstarch — contain no gluten. Sugarcane is related to the wheat plant, but it does not contain gluten. The same goes for the coffee ground straws and the black corn straws."
Q: "Will the straws get soggy?"
A: "No. Unlike paper straws, our straws will never get soggy in your drink. Our straws perform best in cold drinks and they will outlast the drink every time. They are heat resistant up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but not recommended for hot drinks."
Q: "How well do they do in hot and cold drinks?"
A: "Our straws perform best in cold drinks and they will outlast the drink every time. They are heat resistant up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but not recommended for hot drinks."
Q: "How long will your drinking straws last?"
A: "Our drinking straws will last well over a year before degrading — about 18 months. They won't quickly break down in your drink like paper straws; they will outlast the drink."
Q: "Are disposable straws edible?"
A: "No, our straws are NOT edible. They are made with real natural ingredients, but they go through a process to make them into a plant based bio plastic that is not meant for ingestion."
Q: "How long does it take for the straws to decompose? Is home compost enough, or do they need a commercial facility?"
A: "Our straws decompose in about 6 months and biodegrade in 18 months. They will start to degrade on their own in about 18 months and will home compost in about 6 months. No industrial facility is required — all of our products are home compostable."
Q: "Is the cutlery compostable AND biodegradable?"
A: "Yes — all of our cutlery is compostable and biodegradable, no industrial facility required."
Q: "How many straws come per case?"
A: "Case counts vary by product and are listed on the wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Would you recommend the 8mm size for cold coffee drinks and smoothies?"
A: "Yes — we recommend the 8mm diameter straws for smoothies, frappuccinos, milk shakes and other thicker cold drinks."
Q: "Do you have short and tall straws, and thicker smoothie straws?"
A: "Yes, we have short and tall straws in different diameters. See our options here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Are your bamboo fiber cups unbleached?"
A: "Yes, the cups are unbleached."
Q: "Are your products certified compostable?"
A: "Yes, if you need a copy of any of our documentation, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Do the straws change the taste of a drink?"
A: "No, all of our products are tasteless and flavorless."
Q: "Do you sell to home users, or wholesale only?"
A: "We are mainly a wholesale distributor but we do have a couple products in lower quantities that a home user can buy."
Q: "What sizes do your straws come in?"
A: "Our straws come in 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm diameters in cocktail and drinking length. Here is the full list on the wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "What's the difference between sugarcane, coffee ground, and black corn straws?"
A: "Materials and look: sugarcane fiber, upcycled coffee grounds, black corn — all compostable; black corn is the black, cocktail-program line."
Q: "How should I store the products?"
A: "Cool, dry place; they keep well over a year in the package."
Q: "Do you carry flexible/bendable straws?"
A: "No, currently we do not carry flexible/bendable straws."
Q: "Are the products food-safe?"
A: "Yes, all of our products are food-safe."
Q: "Can I get custom products, like my logo on straws or cutlery?"
A: "Yes — we create custom restaurant disposables. Contact us for a custom quote here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
PRICES & BULK
Q: "Can you provide quotes for cases of products?"
A: "Yes, we can send you a quote based on single cases and bulk cases of our products. Contact us to get a quote here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Can you send a pricing sheet, or share the costs?"
A: "Yes — we can email you a price list, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact or you can check the wholesale page for pricing on all products here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Are there any bulk rate discounts?"
A: "Yes, we offer bulk rate discounts. Let us know how many cases of which products you are needing and we'll send you a volume based quote. Contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Do you offer partner discounts, or is the price listed on the site the partner price?"
A: "The prices listed on our site are the wholesale 'partner' prices. If you order multiple cases of products, you can save money by taking advantage of our freight pricing tiers. If you need much larger orders, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "What constitutes a bulk order?"
A: "Bulk starts at multiple cases — more than one."
Q: "Could you provide the pricing for the pre-packaged flatware?"
A: "All of our prices for all products are on the wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Could you share the pricing for unwrapped knives, forks and spoons?"
A: "All of our prices for all products are on the wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "What are the prices on the bamboo products?"
A: "All of our prices for all products are on the wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Can you tell me what the pricing will be for cups and lids?"
A: "Currently we are still developing the bamboo fiber cups and lids but if you need a quote contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Is there a minimum order?"
A: "No minimum beyond a single case."
Q: "Can I mix products to reach the free-shipping threshold?"
A: "Yes — you can mix products and if they reach over $350.00 you qualify for free shipping."
Q: "Do your prices include shipping?"
A: "No — shipping is calculated depending on order size. Small orders pay standard UPS ground shipping rates, medium orders that reach over $35 in shipping qualify for $35 flat rate shipping, and large orders over $350.00 product cost receive free shipping."
Q: "How long is a quote good for?"
A: "All price quotes are good for 30 days after receiving it."
Q: "Do you price match?"
A: "We don't price match — our prices are already wholesale partner prices. If you're comparing quotes, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact and we'll put together our best volume quote for you."
ORDERING & CHANNELS
Q: "How do I order — what's the best way?"
A: "The best way to order is through our website wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Would it be easier to order through Sysco?"
A: "Ordering through us would be the easiest, less expensive way, with the best deals to save you money."
Q: "Do you know how much they are from Sysco?"
A: "About 10% to 15% more on Sysco."
Q: "What's the SKU for those on Sysco?"
A: "Sysco product codes are provided by us directly — for the exact SKU you need contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Can we order the product through Sysco?"
A: "You can order most of our products from the Sysco Marketplace, but not all of our products are listed there."
Q: "Should I place my order directly through you or order through the Cycle of Life website?"
A: "The best way to order is through our website wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Do you not do direct ordering?"
A: "We do — you can order directly through our website here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "Do you distribute through Shamrock?"
A: "We currently have no partnership with Shamrock, but you can order direct through our wholesale page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/wholesale-shop"
Q: "How can I try your products before ordering?"
A: "You can request a free sample kit through the Request Straws page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/request-straws"
Q: "Can I set up a standing/recurring order?"
A: "Yes, we have automatic ordering available. For details on how to set it up, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "What comes in a sample kit?"
A: "A variety of straws and other products to test in your own drinks and food items, plus the price list."
Q: "How fast will my sample kit arrive?"
A: "Ships within 24 hours; delivery in about 3–4 days."
Q: "Can I order by phone or text?"
A: "Yes — call or text 918-202-9186; text 'STRAWS' for a bulk quote."
Q: "Do you sell on Amazon?"
A: "Currently we do not sell on Amazon."
Q: "Can I pick up an order locally?"
A: "Yes, you will need to make an appointment by contacting us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
AVAILABILITY
Q: "Do you have bagged bamboo flatware?"
A: "We don't carry bamboo flatware."
Q: "Do you carry boba straws?"
A: "Currently we do not offer boba-sized straws. If you would like a quote, please contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Do you have a bamboo paddle 4-inch option?"
A: "We do not have the 4-inch paddle skewers. If you would like a quote, please contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Do you have compostable to-go containers or ramekins?"
A: "We are currently developing some new biodegradable and compostable to go containers and ramekins. If you would like a quote, please contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "What happens if an item is out of stock?"
A: "We'll offer the closest alternative and/or the restock timing — your call before anything ships."
Q: "When will the bamboo cups and lids be available?"
A: "In development; targeted for the first of the year 2027."
Q: "Do you carry plates and bowls?"
A: "Currently we do not carry plates and bowls."
SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Q: "What is your shipping policy?"
A: "When you order, you will be asked to submit your payment information. Once payment is received, your product will be packaged and shipped out within 24 hours and will arrive at the address you have provided within 3-4 days. Shipping is calculated on smaller orders, a $35 flat rate on medium orders when calculated shipping would run higher, and free on orders over $350 in product. A tracking number will be issued when your package has shipped, for easy tracking."
Q: "Can you tell me what the timeline and costs for shipping are?"
A: "All orders are shipped within 24 hours, except for holidays and Sundays. We use UPS Ground, which normally takes 3-4 business days to deliver. Shipping rates can vary depending on quantity and distance. If you need an exact shipping quote, contact us here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "When did my sample kit arrive?"
A: "The best way to see when your sample kit arrived is to check the tracking number that was sent to you, or you can contact us for the shipping details here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "I can't find my sample kit — can you confirm which address you sent it to?"
A: "We can confirm the address exactly as it was sent. If the kit can't be found, no worries — contact us and we can send a new one to you: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact"
Q: "Do you ship internationally?"
A: "Currently we do not ship internationally, we only ship to the continental United States."
Q: "How do I track my order?"
A: "A tracking number is issued when your package ships and will be available on your order."
Q: "What carrier do you use?"
A: "We use UPS Ground shipping primarily and USPS on occasion."
Q: "Do you ship to Alaska or Hawaii?"
A: "No — continental United States only."
Q: "Can I expedite my shipping?"
A: "Yes, we have the option upon checkout to choose a more expedited shipping method."
RETURNS & PROBLEMS
Q: "What is your return policy?"
A: "We accept all returns within 30 days of delivery. Once your package has been received and inspected, we will issue you a full refund. This process normally takes no more than 24 hours. There is no restocking fee; however, items must be as they were when they were shipped — nothing damaged or missing. It is the buyer's responsibility to pay for the return shipping."
Q: "I accidentally ordered unwrapped straws instead of wrapped. Do you do returns on unopened products?"
A: "Yes — you can return them and we can ship out the wrapped ones for you. A prepaid UPS return label will be sent to you."
Q: "What if my order arrives damaged or is the wrong item?"
A: "Contact us via phone, email or our contact page — we'll take care of it: prepaid return label and the correct product shipped out."
Q: "Can I exchange instead of getting a refund?"
A: "Yes — return the unopened product and we'll ship the replacement."
Q: "What if part of my order is missing?"
A: "Contact us via phone, email or our contact page and we'll make it right."
PAYMENT & SETUP
Q: "Can we add an email address for invoices to our location?"
A: "Yes — just let us know whether it should apply to the current invoice or to future invoices only."
Q: "What payment methods do you accept?"
A: "Most major credit cards on the website; check, ACH, or the payment link on invoices."
Q: "Can I pay by check?"
A: "Yes, on invoiced orders."
Q: "Do you charge sales tax?"
A: "No, currently we do not charge sales tax, but that is subject to change in the future."
"If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page here: https://www.shopcycleoflife.com/contact or email directly cbaker@shopcycleoflife.com"