Returns & refund policy
Your rights, and how returns and refunds work
Quality guarantee
Everything we make, including custom work, is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 6 months from delivery. If something is faulty, you choose a repair, a replacement or a refund.
1. Your rights
Two laws set out your rights when you buy from us: the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act) for orders placed online, and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) for the quality of what you receive. This policy explains those rights and how we handle returns and refunds.
Important: Different rules apply to custom/personalised products versus standard stock items. Please read carefully.
2. Changing Your Mind (7 Days)
For Standard (Non-Custom) Products Only:
Under section 44 of the ECT Act, you may cancel an online purchase of standard items within 7 days of receiving them, without giving a reason.
2.1 Eligibility requirements
- Product must be unused and in original condition
- All original packaging, tags, and labels intact
- No signs of wear, damage, or alteration
- Proof of purchase (invoice or receipt) required
- Returns must be requested within 7 days of delivery
2.2 Products excluded from cooling-off period
NOT ELIGIBLE for cooling-off returns:
- Anything made with your logo, name or design (engraved, debossed, printed or embroidered)
- Anything made to your specifications, including branded corporate merchandise
- Work done on items you supplied to us
Personalised items are excluded by section 42(2) of the ECT Act because they cannot be resold. Faulty items are always covered by our guarantee in section 3.
2.3 Return shipping costs
When you change your mind, you pay the cost of sending the item back. Trade and reseller accounts pay delivery both ways: for goods sent to us, and for the finished order back to you.
3. Defective or Faulty Products
We guarantee everything we make against manufacturing defects for 6 months from delivery, as the CPA (section 56) provides. Custom and personalised work is covered too.
3.1 What's covered
- Manufacturing defects (stitching, material flaws)
- Faulty materials or workmanship
- Products that don't match specifications
- Significant quality issues affecting usability
3.2 What's not covered
- Normal wear and tear from regular use
- Damage from misuse, abuse, or improper care
- Damage from washing/cleaning contrary to instructions
- Modifications or alterations after delivery
- Fading or colour changes from sun exposure
- Minor cosmetic imperfections in leather (natural material variations)
3.3 Reporting process
- Tell Us Promptly: Contact us as soon as you notice the defect, within 6 months of delivery
- Provide Evidence: Email clear photos showing the defect
- Include Details: Order number, product details, description of issue
- Await Response: We reply with what happens next
3.4 Resolution options
For a confirmed defect, you choose:
- Replacement: We'll produce and ship a replacement at no cost
- Repair: We'll repair the product if feasible
- Refund: Full refund including original shipping costs
Return Shipping: For defective products we arrange and cover collection.
4. Wrong or Damaged Items
If you receive the wrong item or your order arrives damaged, we'll resolve it immediately.
4.1 Damaged delivery
- Inspect Upon Delivery: Check packaging and contents when you receive your order
- Report Within 48 Hours: Email us with photos of damaged packaging and products, so we can claim from the courier
- Don't Discard Packaging: Keep all packaging materials for courier inspection if needed
4.2 Incorrect items
- Report Within 48 Hours: Contact us immediately if you received wrong items
- Provide Photos: Photos of the items received and the packaging label
- Don't Return: Wait for our instructions before returning anything
4.3 Our response
For damaged or incorrect orders, we will:
- Arrange collection of the incorrect/damaged items at no cost to you
- Rush production and delivery of the correct items
- Provide a partial refund or discount if you choose to keep slightly damaged items
5. Return Process
Email us with your order number and photos; we reply with what happens next.
Email: hello@retrocraft.co.za
Subject: Return Request - [Order Number]
Include:
- Order number and date of purchase
- Product(s) you wish to return
- Reason for return
- Photos (if applicable)
- Preferred resolution (refund/replacement/repair)
Please wait for our reply before sending anything back.
Inspection & resolution
Once we receive your return:
- Inspection: 2-3 business days to inspect and assess
- Approval: Email confirmation of approved return
- Refund Processing: 7-10 business days to original payment method
- Replacement: Expedited production and shipping of replacement
6. Refund processing
6.1 Refund method
Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase:
- Credit/Debit Card: 7-10 business days (bank processing times vary)
- EFT: 3-5 business days
- Ozow (Instant EFT): 5-7 business days
6.2 Refund amount
6.3 Partial refunds
A partial refund may be issued if:
- Product shows signs of use beyond inspection
- Product returned without original packaging
- Product damaged after delivery (not defective)
- Return initiated beyond stated timeframes
7. Exchanges
We don't offer direct exchanges. If you need a different size, colour, or style:
- Return the original item following our return process
- Place a new order for the desired item
- We'll prioritise production of your new order
For urgent exchanges, contact our team—we may be able to expedite the process.
8. Special cases
8.1 Bulk/corporate orders
Bulk and corporate orders are made to your specification, so they are not returnable for a change of mind. Defects are covered exactly as in section 3. For anything else, we look at each case with you, considering:
- Custom nature of the order
- Production costs incurred
- Resale viability of the products
We recommend ordering samples before placing large custom orders.
8.2 Design errors
Customer-Provided Designs: You are responsible for accuracy of artwork, text, logos, and specifications. We provide proofs for approval before production. Once approved, errors in customer-provided designs are not grounds for return.
RetroCraft Errors: If we produce items that don't match your approved proof due to our error, we'll replace them at no cost.
8.3 Sale items
Items purchased on sale, clearance, or with discount codes are eligible for returns only if defective. Refunds calculated at price paid.
9. Non-returnable items
The following cannot be returned unless defective:
- Custom embroidered or printed products
- Personalised items (names, logos, custom designs)
- Bulk orders manufactured to specification
- Items marked "Final Sale" or "Non-Returnable"
- Products used, worn, washed, or altered
- Items without original tags or packaging
10. Contact us
To start a return or ask a question:
Retro Craft (Pty) Ltd
Email: hello@retrocraft.co.za
Phone: +27 11 974 5971 or +27 11 393 1200
WhatsApp: +27 11 393 1200
Business Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
WhatsApp is the quickest way to reach us.
Questions about returns?
Email us with your order number and photos; we reply with what happens next.
Email us →
