Return & Cancellation Policy
Thank you for shopping with TheEthiopianStore. Every garment we create is handmade with care and tailored to our customers' preferences. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please review our policy below.
Order Cancellation
Cancellation Within 24 Hours
You may cancel your order within 24 hours of purchase for any reason. No questions will be asked, and no cancellation fee will apply.
Cancellation After 24 Hours
After the initial 24-hour period, cancellation requests must be submitted by contacting our customer support team.
Please note:
- Cancellation requests after 24 hours may be subject to a flat $35 cancellation fee.
- Approval is at our discretion and depends on the production status of the order.
- Once an order has entered production or has been shipped, we may be unable to approve the cancellation.
Custom Orders
Custom orders cannot be cancelled once the order has been placed.
A custom order is any product modified at the customer's request, including changes to:
- Design
- Embroidery pattern
- Color
- Fabric
- Style
- Other product specifications
Size customization alone is not considered a custom order.
Return Period
Eligible items may be returned within 14 days of the delivery date for a refund or exchange.
Return Eligibility
To qualify for a return, all of the following conditions must be met.
1. Original Condition
Items must be returned in their original condition.
Returned items must be:
- Unworn
- Unused
- Unwashed
- Free from stains, odors, makeup, perfume, alterations, or damage
- Returned with all original tags, packaging, and accessories
Items that do not meet these requirements may not qualify for a refund or exchange.
2. The Item Must Not Be a Custom Order
Products customized at the customer's request are not eligible for return or exchange.
This includes modifications to:
- Design
- Embroidery pattern
- Color
- Fabric
- Style
- Other product specifications
Size customization only does not make an order a custom order.
Because custom-made garments are produced specifically to the customer's requirements, they cannot reasonably be resold. For this reason, custom orders are non-returnable.
3. The Item Must Not Be a Wedding Dress or Couples' Outfit
Wedding dresses and couples' outfits are not eligible for return or exchange.
These garments are handmade specifically for each customer based on their measurements, customization requests, and design selections. Due to their personalized nature, they cannot reasonably be resold.
For the purpose of this policy:
-
Wedding Dresses include all products listed in our Wedding Dresses collection.
-
Couples' Outfits include all products listed in our Couples' Outfits collection.
4. The Order Must Not Be a Rushed Order
Rushed orders are not eligible for return or exchange.
An order is considered a rushed order when the requested delivery date is 12 days or more earlier than the latest estimated delivery date shown on the product page.
This policy ensures our artisans have sufficient time to:
- Complete each garment to our quality standards
- Perform thorough quality inspections
- Make any necessary adjustments before shipment
Because rushing production limits our ability to maintain our quality standards, rushed orders cannot be returned.
Estimated delivery times are displayed on every product page. If you require an earlier delivery date, please contact us before placing your order so we can determine whether an expedited timeline is possible.
5. The Order Must Not Be a Bulk Order
Bulk orders are not eligible for return or exchange.
A bulk order is any order containing more than one quantity of the same product.
Because these orders are often produced specifically for larger quantity requests, they cannot reasonably be resold if returned.
6. Import Duties, Taxes & Customs Charges
The buyer is solely responsible for paying any import duties, customs fees, taxes, tariffs, or other charges imposed by the destination country.
If a shipment is returned because the buyer refuses to pay these charges or fails to complete customs clearance, TheEthiopianStore will not issue a refund.
Please review our Shipping Policy for additional information.
Return Shipping
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs, regardless of the reason for the return.
- All returned items must be shipped back to our facility in Ethiopia.
How to Return an Item
- Contact us at contact@ethiopian.store to request return authorization and instructions.
- Ship the item within the 14-day return period.
- Share your tracking number with us once your package has been shipped.
- Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you of the outcome and process your refund or exchange if approved.
Refunds
If your return is approved:
- Your refund will be issued to your original payment method.
- Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
- If requested, we will provide a receipt showing the original shipping cost via email or WhatsApp (when available).
Please allow up to 10 business days after approval for the refund to be processed. Your bank or credit card provider may require additional time before the funds appear in your account.
If more than 15 business days have passed since your refund was approved, please contact us at:
contact@ethiopian.store
Exchanges
We gladly accept eligible exchanges.
Please contact us before sending your item so we can confirm availability.
The buyer is responsible for any shipping costs associated with an exchange.
Non-Returnable Items
The following items cannot be returned or exchanged:
- Custom orders (excluding size-only customization)
- Wedding dresses
- Couples' outfits
- Rushed orders
- Bulk orders
- Products requested that are not listed on our website (special-order items)
- Items that have been worn, washed, damaged, altered, or used by the customer
- Items returned without their original tags, packaging, or accessories
- Orders returned because the buyer refused to pay customs duties, taxes, tariffs, or import fees
European Union 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
If your order is shipped to a country within the European Union (EU), you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days of receiving it, without providing a reason, in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws.
To qualify for a return under this right, the item must be:
- Unworn and unused
- In its original condition
- Returned with all original tags, packaging, and accessories
- Accompanied by proof of purchase
Exceptions: Under Article 16(c) of the EU Consumer Rights Directive, the 14-day cooling-off right does not apply to goods that are made to the consumer's specifications or are clearly personalized. As a result, this right does not apply to:
- Custom orders (including changes to the design, embroidery pattern, color, fabric, style, or other product specifications)
- Wedding dresses
- Couples' outfits
- Products specially made or personalized for the customer
Please note that size customization alone is not considered personalization under our policy. Products customized only to the customer's measurements remain subject to the return eligibility requirements outlined in this policy unless they fall within another non-returnable category.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this policy or need assistance with a return or exchange, please contact us at:
Email: contact@ethiopian.store
Thank you for choosing TheEthiopianStore.