Refund and Returns Policy

Refund & Returns Policy

At Colophon, we take pride in the curation and quality of our archive. We meticulously document the condition of every publication, noting any wear or aging inherent to rare and vintage print. However, if you are not entirely satisfied with your acquisition, we are here to help. Our policy complies fully with the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act).

1. South African Customers

1.1 Change of Mind (Cooling-Off Period) In accordance with the ECT Act, you are entitled to cancel your purchase without reason within 7 days of receiving your order. The item must be returned in the exact condition in which it was received. You are responsible for the direct cost of return shipping. Once we receive and inspect the item, we will refund the purchase price within 30 days. Original shipping fees are non-refundable unless the entire order is returned.

1.2 Defective or Incorrect Items Please note that natural wear on vintage items does not constitute a defect. However, if you receive an item that is materially different from its description or damaged in transit, please notify us at [insert email address] within 48 hours of delivery. We will arrange for the collection of the item at our expense. You may choose a full refund, store credit, or a replacement (if a duplicate archival copy is available).

2. International Customers

We deeply value our global collectors. Due to the complexities of international logistics, the following terms apply to all cross-border orders:

2.1 International Returns You must initiate a return on an international order within 14 days of delivery. Books must be returned in their original, protective packaging to ensure safe transit. The customer is responsible for all return shipping costs. We strongly recommend using a premium, trackable service (e.g., DHL, FedEx), as we cannot process a refund for items lost in return transit.

2.2 Customs & Duties on Returns Please clearly mark your return package as “RETURNED GOODS” to avoid double taxation. If Colophon is charged import duties or taxes to receive your returned item, this exact amount will be deducted from your final refund.

2.3 Unclaimed Packages If a package is returned to us because it was unclaimed, or because the customer refused to pay local import duties, we will refund the cost of the book minus the original shipping fees and any return penalties charged to us by the courier.

3. Non-Returnable Items

The following items cannot be returned unless materially defective:

Digital downloads
Gift cards
Items explicitly marked as “Final Sale” or “As Is” where specific defects were disclosed prior to purchase

4. How to Log a Return

To initiate a return, email us at [Insert Email] with your Order Number and the reason for the return. If the item arrived damaged, please attach clear photographs of both the book and the external packaging. We will promptly provide you with our return address and further instructions.

Shipping & Delivery Policy

At Colophon, we understand that print archives are fragile artifacts. We take the utmost care in packaging your order to ensure it arrives in the exact condition it left our facility. We ship domestically across South Africa and internationally to collectors worldwide.

1. Order Processing

All orders are processed and dispatched within 1–3 business days of payment confirmation. If there is a significant delay in the shipment of your order (due to severe weather, holiday volumes, or logistical constraints), we will contact you immediately via email.

2. Domestic Shipping (South Africa)

We utilize reliable door-to-door courier services (e.g., The Courier Guy) to ensure your books are tracked and secure.

Estimated Delivery: 2–5 business days, depending on your location. Major metropolitan centers are generally faster, while regional or outlying areas may require additional time. Tracking: Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a shipment confirmation email containing your tracking number. Delivery Address: Our couriers cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes. Please provide a physical street address where someone is available to sign for the parcel during business hours.

3. International Shipping

We are proud to share South African independent publishing with the global market. We utilize premium courier networks (such as DHL Express or FedEx) for all international orders to guarantee speed and tracking reliability.

Express Delivery: Estimated 5–10 business days. Standard Delivery: Estimated 14–21 business days (where applicable). Please note that unforeseen delivery delays can occasionally occur due to customs processing in your destination country.

4. Customs, Duties, and Taxes (DDU)

Colophon ships all international orders on a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis. The price you pay at checkout covers the item and the shipping courier cost only; it does not include local import duties or taxes.

All customs fees, tariffs, and taxes imposed during or after shipping are the sole responsibility of the customer. If a customer refuses to pay these local fees and the package is consequently returned to us, the return shipping costs and any associated penalty fees will be deducted from the final refund.

5. Damages & Lost Packages

Damages: We package our books in sturdy, protective archival materials. However, if your order arrives damaged, please save all packaging materials and the damaged goods, and contact us immediately at [Insert Email] to file a claim. Lost Packages: If your package is lost by the courier, we will assist you in tracking it or filing a formal claim. For international orders, please note that once the package clears customs in your destination country, the local delivery partner assumes logistical responsibility.