Customer Return & Exchange Policy

5-Day Return Window & Eligibility Criteria – Define what qualifies for returns and the strict timeframe
Custom & Personalized Item Exceptions – Clarify non-returnable products to protect custom work
Customer-Paid Return Shipping Policy – Clear statement on shipping cost responsibility
Return Process Step-by-Step – Instructions for initiating and completing returns
Damage & Defect Handling – How you'll address quality issues that are your responsibility
Exchange Options & Store Credit – Flexible alternatives to full refunds

Understanding the 5-Day Return

Window & What Qualifies

When I craft each piece, I put time, care, and intention into it. I want you to love what you receive, but I also need to protect the sustainability of this small business. Here's how returns work:

The 5-day window starts the moment your package is delivered. This is tracked through shipping confirmation, so I recommend opening your order as soon as it arrives. After 5 days, all sales are final—no exceptions.

What can be returned:

Ready-made jewelry pieces (non-personalized necklaces, bracelets)
Standard resin art pieces without customization
Candles that are unused and in original packaging
Ceramics that arrive in perfect condition

Items must be:

Unworn and unused (jewelry cannot show signs of wear)
In original packaging with all tags attached
Free from damage, alterations, or missing components
Accompanied by your original order confirmation

I inspect every return personally. If items show wear, damage, or missing parts, I cannot process the return, and the item will be shipped back to you at your expense.

Custom & Personalized Items: No Returns

This is where I have to draw a firm line. Custom and personalized pieces cannot be returned or exchanged. Here's why:

When you order a personalized resin clock with your chosen flowers, a custom engraved cheese board, or a jewelry piece with specific bead combinations, I'm creating something specifically for you. I can't resell these items to another customer.

Non-returnable items include:

Any resin piece with custom text, names, dates, or personalized engravings
Custom jewelry designs with specific stone or bead requests
Personalized wooden boards with laser engraving
Resin clocks with customer-selected flower arrangements
Any piece made to custom specifications or measurements

Before you finalize a custom order, I'll send you a design proof or detailed description. This is your opportunity to request changes. Once you approve and I begin production, the order is final.

If you're unsure whether your piece qualifies as "custom," reach out before ordering. I'm happy to clarify.

Customer-Paid Return Shipping: Here's Why

You are responsible for all return shipping costs. This is non-negotiable for standard returns, and here's my reasoning:

As a solo maker, I keep my prices accessible by carefully managing every cost. If I absorbed return shipping on every return, I'd have to raise prices across the board—which would punish the 95% of customers who love their pieces and never return anything.

What this means for you:

You pay to ship the item back to me (typically $6-$25 depending on item size and your location)
You choose your shipping carrier and service level
You're responsible for insuring high-value returns
I'm not responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit

Original shipping fees are also non-refundable. You paid for the service of getting the item delivered to you, and that service was completed.

The only exception: If the item arrives damaged or defective due to my error, I'll cover return shipping costs. See the "Damage & Defect Handling" section below for details.

This policy allows me to keep creating handcrafted pieces at fair prices while still offering returns for customers who genuinely need them.

How to Initiate a Return: Step-by-Step Process

If you're within the 5-day window and have an eligible item, here's exactly what to do:

Step 1: Contact me immediately Email me at [your email] with:

Your order number
Photos of the item (in packaging if possible)
Brief reason for the return
Your preferred outcome (refund, exchange, store credit)

Step 2: Wait for return authorization I'll review your request within 1-2 business days. If approved, I'll send you:

A return authorization number (required for processing)
My return shipping address
Instructions for safe packaging

Do not ship anything back without authorization. Unauthorized returns will not be processed, and I'm not responsible for items sent back without approval.

Step 3: Package and ship the item at your expense

Use the original packaging when possible
Include your return authorization number inside the box
Ship via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx) at your cost
Keep your tracking number—you'll need it
Consider insuring high-value items (optional but recommended)

Remember: You pay for return shipping. Budget for this cost when deciding whether to return an item.

Step 4: Refund processing Once I receive and inspect your return (typically 3-5 business days after it arrives), I'll process your refund to the original payment method.

Your refund includes:

The item price only

Your refund does NOT include:

Original shipping fees (non-refundable)
Return shipping costs you paid (your responsibility)

Refunds typically appear within 5-10 business days depending on your bank.

Damaged or Defective Items: I'll Make It Right

If something arrives broken or defective due to a crafting error, that's on me, not you. Different rules apply here:

Contact me within 48 hours of delivery with:

Photos clearly showing the damage or defect
Description of the issue
Your order number

I'll cover return shipping if the issue is my fault:

Jewelry arrives broken
Resin pieces have cracks
Ceramics arrive shattered (and packaging shows carrier damage)
Candles arrive damaged
Item doesn't match what you ordered

I'll provide a prepaid return label or reimburse your return shipping costs. Then I'll offer a replacement, full refund (including original shipping).

Carrier damage: If the box arrives visibly damaged, photograph it immediately before opening. This helps me file claims with the shipping company and get you a replacement faster.

This is the ONLY scenario where I cover return shipping. For standard returns (change of mind, doesn't fit your style, etc.), you pay return shipping as outlined above.

Exchanges

If you love the piece but want a different size, color, or style, I can arrange an exchange. You'll pay:

Return shipping to send the original item back to me
Any price difference if the new item costs more
Shipping for the replacement item to be sent to you

Exchanges follow the same 5-day window and eligibility rules as returns. You're responsible for shipping costs in both directions unless the exchange is due to my error.

Conclusion

This return policy reflects the reality of running a small, handcrafted business while still prioritizing your satisfaction. The 5-day window gives you time to inspect your piece, try it on, and make sure it's right for you—but it also protects me from extended return periods that aren't sustainable for a solo maker.

You pay return shipping costs because absorbing these expenses would force me to raise prices for everyone. This keeps my handcrafted pieces accessible while still offering the option to return if something truly doesn't work for you. The only exception is when I make an error or something arrives damaged—then it's my responsibility to make it right, including covering shipping.

Custom work is final because it's made specifically for you and can't be resold. I put the same care into every piece, whether it's a $45 necklace or a $550 resin clock, and I need policies that let me continue doing this work sustainably.

Original shipping fees are non-refundable because that service was provided—your item was delivered to you. The cost of that service doesn't disappear just because you changed your mind.

I'll always make defects right because quality matters to me. If I made a mistake or something arrived damaged due to my packaging, I'll cover all costs to fix it.

This policy is designed to be fair, clear, and honest. It protects both of us: you get a reasonable window to evaluate your purchase, and I get to continue creating beautiful pieces at prices that make sense. If you ever have questions or concerns that fall outside these guidelines, reach out. I'm a real person running a real business, and I'm always willing to have a conversation.