Refund Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions for returns, exchanges, and refunds for products purchased from Elite Hats Collection. Please read this policy carefully before making a purchase.

1. General Return Policy

1.1 Return Window

We accept returns within 30 days from the date of delivery. To be eligible for a return, items must meet the conditions outlined in this policy.

1.2 Condition Requirements

To qualify for a return or exchange, products must be:

• Unworn and unused: Products must not show any signs of wear, use, or alteration
• In original condition: Products must retain all original tags, labels, and packaging
• Clean and undamaged: Products must be free from stains, odors, damage, or modifications
• Complete: All accessories, documentation, and original packaging must be included

1.3 Non-Returnable Items

The following items cannot be returned or exchanged:

• Custom-made or personalized hats
• Sale or clearance items marked as "Final Sale"
• Products damaged due to misuse, neglect, or accidents
• Products altered or modified after purchase
• Products without original tags or packaging
• Products purchased from unauthorized retailers or third parties
• Gift cards or promotional items

2. How to Initiate a Return

2.1 Step-by-Step Return Process

To initiate a return, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Us

Contact our customer service team within 30 days of receiving your order:

• Phone: +2639394520346
• Include your order number, product details, and reason for return

Step 2: Receive Return Authorization

Our team will review your request and provide you with:

• A Return Authorization Number (RAN)
• Return shipping instructions
• Return address details
• Any additional requirements specific to your return

Step 3: Prepare Your Return

• Carefully repack the item(s) in original packaging
• Include all tags, labels, accessories, and documentation
• Write your Return Authorization Number clearly on the outside of the package
• Include a copy of your order confirmation or invoice

Step 4: Ship Your Return

• Use a trackable shipping method
• Keep your shipping receipt and tracking number
• Ship to the return address provided by our customer service team

2.2 Return Shipping Costs

Return shipping costs depend on the reason for the return:

Return Reason	Shipping Cost Responsibility
Change of mind / No longer wanted	Customer pays return shipping
Wrong size ordered	Customer pays return shipping
Defective or damaged product	Elite Hats Collection pays return shipping
Wrong item shipped	Elite Hats Collection pays return shipping
Product not as described	Elite Hats Collection pays return shipping

3. Refund Processing

3.1 Inspection Process

Once we receive your return, we will:

• Inspect the product within 3-5 business days
• Verify that return conditions are met
• Send you an email notification regarding approval or rejection

3.2 Refund Timeline

If your return is approved:

• Refund will be processed within 5-7 business days
• Refund will be issued to your original payment method
• You will receive an email confirmation when the refund is processed
• Allow an additional 5-10 business days for the refund to appear in your account (depending on your bank or card issuer)

3.3 Refund Amount

Your refund will include:

• Full product purchase price
• Original shipping costs (if the return is due to our error)

Your refund will NOT include:

• Return shipping costs (unless the return is due to our error)
• Original shipping costs (if returning due to change of mind)
• Any customs duties or taxes you paid (for international orders)

3.4 Partial Refunds

In certain situations, only partial refunds may be granted:

• Products showing obvious signs of use
• Products not in original condition
• Products with missing tags or packaging
• Products returned more than 30 days after delivery

4. Exchanges

4.1 Exchange Policy

We offer exchanges for:

• Different sizes of the same product
• Different colors of the same product (subject to availability)
• Defective products

4.2 Exchange Process

To request an exchange:

• Contact our customer service team within 30 days of delivery
• Specify the product you wish to exchange and your preferred replacement
• Follow the return process outlined in Section 2
• We will ship the replacement item once we receive and approve your return

4.3 Exchange Shipping Costs

• Customer pays return shipping for size/color exchanges
• We provide free shipping for the replacement item on size/color exchanges
• Elite Hats Collection pays all shipping costs for defective product exchanges

4.4 Product Availability

Exchanges are subject to product availability. If your requested replacement is unavailable, we will:

• Contact you to discuss alternative options
• Offer a similar product if available
• Process a full refund if you prefer

5. Defective or Damaged Products

5.1 Reporting Defects

If you receive a defective or damaged product:

• Contact us immediately, preferably within 48 hours of delivery
• Provide photos clearly showing the defect or damage
• Include your order number and product details
• Describe the issue in detail

5.2 What Qualifies as Defective

Defective products include items with:

• Manufacturing defects (stitching errors, material flaws)
• Structural issues affecting wearability
• Incorrect sizing or labeling
• Damage that occurred before delivery

5.3 What Does NOT Qualify as Defective

• Natural variations in handcrafted materials (color, texture)
• Minor cosmetic imperfections characteristic of handmade products
• Damage caused by misuse or improper care
• Normal wear and tear from use
• Damage caused during return shipping without proper packaging

6. Wrong Item Received

If you receive the wrong item:

• Contact us immediately with your order details
• Provide photos of the item received
• Do not use or remove tags from the incorrect item
• We will arrange for pickup or provide a prepaid return label
• We will ship the correct item at no additional cost
• If the correct item is unavailable, we will provide a full refund

7. International Returns

7.1 International Return Policy

International customers may return products following the same conditions as domestic returns, with these additional considerations:

• Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility (except for defective items or our errors)
• Returns must be shipped to our designated return address
• Customs forms must accurately declare the returned item
• We recommend using trackable international shipping

7.2 Customs and Duties

• Elite Hats Collection is not responsible for customs duties, taxes, or fees paid on the original order
• These charges are non-refundable
• You may be responsible for additional customs charges on returned items
• Check with your local customs office before returning international orders

7.3 International Refund Processing

• Refunds are processed in USD (United States Dollars)
• Currency conversion fees charged by your bank are not refundable
• International refunds may take 10-15 business days to appear in your account

8. Cancelled Orders

8.1 Cancellation Before Shipping

You may cancel your order before it ships:

• Contact us as soon as possible with your order number
• If the order has not been processed, we will cancel it and provide a full refund
• If the order has been processed but not shipped, we may be able to cancel it
• Once shipped, standard return procedures apply

8.2 Cancellation After Shipping

If your order has already shipped:

• You can refuse delivery and the package will be returned to us
• A full refund will be processed once we receive the returned package
• Alternatively, accept delivery and follow standard return procedures

9. Store Credit

9.1 Store Credit Option

Instead of a refund, you may choose to receive store credit for:

• The full value of your return
• An additional 10% bonus credit (e.g., $100 return = $110 store credit)
• No expiration date on store credit
• Use on any future purchase

9.2 How to Request Store Credit

When initiating your return, inform our customer service team that you prefer store credit instead of a refund. We will issue a unique store credit code after approving your return.

10. Special Circumstances

10.1 Lost or Stolen Packages

For packages marked as delivered but not received:

• Check with neighbors, building management, or family members
• Verify the delivery address on your order confirmation
• Contact us within 48 hours of the delivery date
• We will investigate with the shipping carrier
• If the package cannot be located, we will either reship the order or provide a refund

10.2 Damaged in Transit

If your package arrives damaged:

• Photograph the damaged packaging immediately
• Inspect the product for damage
• Contact us within 48 hours with photos
• We will file a claim with the carrier and send a replacement or provide a full refund

10.3 Warranty Claims

Elite Hats Collection products are covered by our quality warranty:

• Manufacturing defects are covered for 12 months from purchase date
• Normal wear and tear is not covered
• Damage from misuse, accidents, or improper care is not covered
• Contact us with photos and a description of the issue
• We will repair, replace, or refund at our discretion

11. Gift Returns

11.1 Returning a Gift

If you received an Elite Hats Collection product as a gift:

• Returns are accepted following standard return conditions
• Refunds will be issued as store credit (not to the original payment method)
• Provide the gift receipt if available
• If no gift receipt is available, refund will be issued at current selling price

11.2 Gift Exchanges

• Gifts can be exchanged for different sizes, colors, or products of equal value
• If exchanging for a more expensive item, pay the difference
• If exchanging for a less expensive item, receive the difference as store credit

12. Contact Us

13. Policy Updates

Elite Hats Collection reserves the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.

Thank you for choosing Elite Hats Collection. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.