Return & Refund Policy

Absolutely. For an Indian online saree business, your Return & Refund Policy should be simple, customer-friendly, but also protect you against returns for normal handloom/textile variations.

Here are the key points you can include:

Return & Refund Policy

1. Return Window
   
   • Returns will be accepted within 3–7 days of delivery.
   • The customer must contact us within the specified period to request a return.
2. Eligibility for Return
   
   • The saree must be unused, unworn, unwashed and undamaged.
   • It should be returned with the original packaging, tags and any accompanying items.
   • Sarees that have been altered, stitched, fall/pico-ed, washed or used will not be eligible for return.
3. Damaged or Incorrect Product
   
   • If the customer receives a wrong, damaged or defective product, they should contact us within 24–48 hours of delivery.
   • Ask customers to provide clear photographs and/or an unboxing video showing the issue and packaging.
4. Colour Variation
   
   • Slight differences between the actual colour and the colour displayed on a screen may occur due to lighting, photography and individual screen settings.
   • Minor colour variation alone will generally not qualify as a defect.
5. Handloom & Handcrafted Variations
   
   • Handloom sarees may have slight irregularities, weaving variations, texture differences or tiny imperfections due to their handmade nature.
   • These are considered characteristics of the craft and not manufacturing defects.
6. Products on Sale
   
   • Clearly state whether sale, discounted or promotional products are non-returnable.
   • If you want to offer returns on sale items, specify the same separately.
7. Exchange
   
   • You can offer one exchange per order, subject to availability.
   • Alternatively, you can make certain products return-only or non-exchangeable.
8. Return Shipping
   
   • For a customer-requested return due to a change of mind, you can specify who bears the return shipping cost.
   • For a wrong, damaged or defective product, the business should generally bear the return shipping cost.
9. Refund Method
   
   • Refunds can be processed after the returned product is received and inspected.
   • Refunds may be issued to the original payment method or, where appropriate, as store credit.
   • For COD orders, clearly explain how refunds will be processed.
10. Refund Processing Time

• Mention a definite timeframe, for example: “Refunds will be processed within 5–7 business days after the returned product passes inspection.”
• Bank/payment-provider processing may take additional time.

11. Non-Returnable Items
    Consider making these non-returnable:

• Customised or specially ordered sarees
• Sarees that have been altered or stitched
• Used, washed or damaged sarees
• Products without original tags/packaging
• Gift cards, if applicable
• Clearance/final-sale items, if applicable

12. Cancellation

• State when an order can be cancelled—for example, before dispatch.
• Once an order has been dispatched, cancellation may no longer be possible.

13. Unaccepted/Unclaimed Parcels

• State what happens if a customer refuses delivery or does not accept the parcel.
• You may specify that return shipping/handling charges may be deducted from the refund, subject to your terms and applicable law.

14. How to Request a Return
    Keep the process very clear:

• Contact customer support through WhatsApp/email.
• Provide order number.
• Mention the reason for return.
• Attach photographs/video where required.
• Wait for return approval before sending the product back.

15. Important disclaimer

• Your policy should say that returns/refunds are subject to the applicable consumer laws and regulations in India. Don’t word the policy as though your terms can override statutory consumer rights.

A particularly important point for a saree business

I would strongly recommend separating “manufacturing defect” from “natural handloom variation.” For example, a tiny difference in weaving, slub, texture or motif placement can be normal in a handloom saree, whereas a significant tear or major weaving defect is different.

If you’re setting up your saree business now, I can also draft a complete, professional Return, Refund & Exchange Policy for an Indian saree website, including COD, damaged parcels, handloom variations, colour differences, cancellations, shipping charges and WhatsApp return requests, ready to paste onto your website.