How long do I have to return an item?

Answer: You have 30 calendar days from the delivery date (not order date) to request a return. The 30-day window starts when you receive the item. EU customers have a 14-day cooling-off period where you can return for any reason.

Do I need to create an account to process a return?

Answer: No account needed! Just email us at designdelightstudio24@gmail.com with your order number. We process returns for both guests and registered customers.

What if I don't have my order number?

Answer: No problem! Email us with:

• The email address used for the order
• Name on the order
• Approximate order date
• Item(s) you want to return

We'll look it up for you.

Can I return an item I received as a gift?

Answer: Yes! Gift returns are accepted. If you don't have the order number, ask the gift-giver or email us with the recipient name and we'll help locate the order. Refunds for gifts go to the original purchaser, or we can issue store credit to you.

Can I return items purchased with a discount code?

Answer: Yes! Items purchased with discount codes are returnable (unless marked "final sale" or "clearance"). You'll be refunded the amount you actually paid after the discount was applied, not the full retail price.

Are sale items returnable?

Answer: It depends on the type of sale:

• ✅ Regular sale items (with promo codes): YES, returnable
• ❌ Clearance items: NO, final sale
• ❌ Items marked "final sale": NO, not returnable

The product page and checkout will clearly indicate if an item is final sale.

What does "unused" mean exactly?

Answer: "Unused" means:

• Never worn outside (trying on at home is fine)
• Not washed or dry cleaned
• No odors (smoke, perfume, body odor, etc.)
• No stains, marks, or pet hair
• No signs of wear (pilling, stretching, fading)

Think of it as "could be sold as new" condition.

I tried it on and the tags fell off. Can I still return it?

Answer: This happens! Contact us right away. If you have the tags and can include them in the return package, we may be able to accept it. We evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Take a photo showing the item with the detached tags and email us before returning.

I threw away the original packaging. Can I still return?

Answer: Original packaging is preferred but not strictly required. You can return the item in any clean, sturdy packaging that protects it during shipping. Just ensure the item itself has tags attached and meets all other requirements.

What counts as "proof of purchase"?

Answer: Any of these work:

• Order number (found in confirmation email)
• Order confirmation email
• Shipping confirmation email
• Packing slip (included in package)
• Credit card statement showing the charge

I washed the item once. Can I still return it?

Answer: Unfortunately no. Washed items cannot be returned due to hygiene and resale quality standards. This applies even if the item was washed once. Exception: If the item was defective and washing revealed the defect, contact us with photos and we'll evaluate.

Who pays for return shipping?

Answer:

• We pay: Defective items, wrong items sent, our shipping error (we provide prepaid return label)
• You pay: Change of mind, wrong size ordered, no longer want item, doesn't fit

Return shipping typically costs $5-15 via USPS within the US.

Will I get a prepaid return label?

Answer: You will receive a prepaid return label ONLY if:

• The item is defective
• We sent you the wrong item
• There was a shipping error on our end

For all other returns (change of mind, wrong size, etc.), you're responsible for choosing and paying for return shipping.

What shipping carrier should I use for returns?

Answer: We recommend USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Use a trackable method! Keep your tracking number until your refund is processed. We're not responsible for returns lost in transit without tracking.

Should I insure my return package?

Answer: We recommend insuring returns over $100. If an uninsured return is lost, neither you nor we can recover the value. Most carriers offer insurance for $2-5.

How long does it take to process my return?

Answer:

• Return shipping: 3-7 days (your responsibility)
• Inspection: 1-2 business days after we receive it
• Refund processing: Within 10 business days of approval
• Bank posting: 2-5 business days (your bank's timing)
• Total: 2-4 weeks from when you ship it

What if I sent a return without approval first?

Answer: Items sent back without prior authorization may not be accepted or could face significant delays. Always email us BEFORE shipping. If you already sent it, email us immediately with the tracking number so we can watch for it.

When will I get my refund?

Answer: Refunds are processed within 10 business days after your return is approved. Your bank/card issuer then takes an additional 2-5 business days to post it to your account. Total time: 2-4 weeks from when you ship the return.

What if my refund doesn't show up?

Answer: First, wait the full processing time (10 business days + 5 bank days = 15 business days total). If it's been more than 15 business days since approval, email us at designdelightstudio24@gmail.com with your order number. We'll provide proof of refund from our payment processor.

Can I get my refund on a different card than I used?

Answer: No, refunds must return to the original payment method for security and fraud prevention. This is standard across all e-commerce. Exception: If the original card is closed/expired, contact us for alternative arrangements.

Will I be refunded for shipping costs?

Answer: Original shipping charges are only refunded if:

• The item was defective
• We sent the wrong item
• There was a shipping error on our end

For standard returns (change of mind, wrong size), original shipping is not refunded.

Can I get store credit instead of a refund?

Answer: Yes! Store credit is available upon request and processes faster than refunds (usually within 3-5 business days). Email us when you request your return and ask for store credit. We'll send you a gift code to use on your next purchase.

Can I exchange for a different size?

Answer: Yes! Two options:

Option 1 (Fastest): Return your item and place a new order for the correct size. New item ships immediately while your return processes.

Option 2: Request a direct exchange. We'll hold the new size for you, but it won't ship until we receive your return (takes 2-3 weeks total).

Most customers prefer Option 1 for faster delivery.

What if the new size is out of stock?

Answer: If your desired size is out of stock:

• Return your current item for a full refund, OR
• We'll notify you when the size is restocked
• Exchange for a different item of equal or lesser value

Email us to discuss options!

Can I exchange for a completely different product?

Answer: We only exchange for the same product in a different size/color. For different products, return your original item and place a new order. This ensures you get exactly what you want without delays.

I ordered the wrong size. Can I still return?

Answer: Yes! Even if you ordered the wrong size, you can still return. As long as the item is unused with tags, return it within 30 days. You'll be responsible for return shipping costs (not considered our error).

The item doesn't look like the photos. Can I return it?

Answer: Yes! We photograph products to show accurate colors and details, but monitor displays vary. If you're unhappy with how it looks in person, return it within 30 days. Note: Slight color variations due to screen settings are normal.

The item arrived damaged in shipping. Is this returnable?

Answer: Yes, and we'll provide free return shipping! Take photos of:

• Damaged outer packaging
• Damage to the item itself
• All packaging materials

Email these photos within 7 days of delivery to designdelightstudio24@gmail.com. We'll provide a prepaid return label and send a replacement or issue a full refund (your choice).

Can I return a clearance item?

Answer: No. Items marked as "clearance" are final sale and cannot be returned. This will be clearly indicated on the product page and at checkout. Exception: Defective clearance items are returnable.

What happens to returned items? Do you resell them?

Answer: Yes! Items that meet our quality standards are:

• Professionally cleaned and inspected
• Retagged and repackaged
• Returned to inventory for resale

This reduces waste and aligns with our sustainability mission. Items that can't be resold are recycled or donated.

I'm in the EU. What are my return rights?

Answer: Under EU consumer protection law, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. You can return items within 14 days of receipt for ANY reason, no questions asked. Items must be unused with tags. You pay return shipping (unless defective). Refund issued within 14 days of receiving your return.

I'm outside the US. Can I return?

Answer: Yes! Our 30-day policy applies worldwide. International considerations:

• You pay return shipping (can be expensive internationally)
• Use trackable shipping (2-4 weeks transit time)
• Customs/duties are non-refundable (paid to your government)
• We provide international return address upon request

Will I get refunded for customs or import duties?

Answer: No. Customs duties, taxes, and import fees are paid to your government, not to us. We cannot refund these. This applies to both the original order and any returns.

Are returns bad for the environment?

Answer: Returns do have environmental impact (shipping emissions, packaging), but we minimize this by:

• Offsetting all return shipping emissions (carbon-neutral)
• Reselling returned items instead of discarding
• Using recyclable/compostable packaging
• Providing accurate product information to reduce returns

Do you donate or recycle items that can't be resold?

Answer: Yes! Items that don't meet resale quality standards are:

• Donated to local shelters and charities
• Recycled through textile recycling programs
• Upcycled into new products when possible

We never send items to landfills. Zero waste is our goal!

I can't find my order confirmation email. What do I do?

Answer: Check your:

1. Spam/junk folder (emails sometimes go here)
2. Promotions tab (if using Gmail)
3. All folders for emails from designdelightstudio24@gmail.com

Still can't find it? Email us with your name and email address used for the order. We'll resend the confirmation and look up your order number.

How do I track my return package?

Answer: Use the tracking number from your shipping receipt on the carrier's website (USPS.com, UPS.com, FedEx.com). Once tracking shows "delivered," email us if you don't hear from us within 2-3 business days.

How quickly will I get a response to my return request?

Answer: We respond to all return requests within 24-48 hours (business days, Monday-Friday). If you don't hear back within 48 business hours, check your spam folder or email us again.

Can I call you about a return?

Answer: We currently handle returns via email only (designdelightstudio24@gmail.com). This allows us to keep records of all return requests and provide you with written confirmation and tracking.

What's your customer service hours?

Answer: We respond to emails Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Emails received after hours or on weekends will be answered the next business day. Holiday hours may vary.