Shipping policy

 MANDATE STORE - SHIPPING & DELIVERY POLICY

Effective Date: July 23, 2025
Last Updated: July 23, 2025

1. PROCESSING TIME

Order Processing

  • Standard Processing: 24 hours from order confirmation

  • Processing Window: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM (SAST)

  • Weekend Orders: Orders placed on weekends processed the following Monday

  • Holiday Processing: Extended processing times during public holidays

Factory Processing

  • Manufacturing Time: All items processed within 24 hours at our facility

  • Quality Control: Each order undergoes quality inspection before shipment

  • Custom Orders: Special requests may require additional processing time

  • Rush Processing: Expedited processing available for urgent orders

Order Confirmation

  • Email Confirmation: Confirmation sent immediately upon successful payment

  • Processing Notification: Email sent when order enters production

  • Shipping Notification: Tracking information provided when order ships

  • Delivery Updates: Real-time tracking updates throughout delivery process

2. SHIPPING METHODS & CARRIERS

International Carriers

  • Primary Carriers: FedEx and DHL for worldwide shipping

  • Carrier Selection: Optimal carrier chosen based on destination and speed

  • Service Levels: Standard, Express, and Priority shipping options available

  • Carrier Switching: We reserve the right to use alternative carriers when necessary

Domestic Shipping (South Africa)

  • Local Carriers: PostNet, Aramex, and regional courier services

  • Same-Day Delivery: Available in select Johannesburg areas

  • Next-Day Delivery: Available for most major South African cities

  • Regional Coverage: Extended delivery times for remote areas

Shipping Options

  • Standard Shipping: 5-10 business days international, 2-5 days domestic

  • Express Shipping: 2-5 business days international, 1-2 days domestic

  • Priority Shipping: 1-3 business days international, same/next day domestic

  • Economy Shipping: 10-21 business days for cost-conscious customers

3. SHIPPING COSTS & PRICING

Cost Calculation

  • Dynamic Pricing: Shipping costs calculated based on destination, weight, and method

  • Real-Time Rates: Live shipping rates provided during checkout

  • Package Dimensions: Rates based on actual package size and weight

  • Insurance Included: Basic shipping insurance included in all rates

Domestic Shipping Rates (South Africa)

  • Standard: R50-R150 depending on location

  • Express: R150-R300 for expedited delivery

  • Same-Day: R300-R500 (Johannesburg metro area only)

  • Free Shipping: Available on orders over R1,500

International Shipping Rates

  • Africa: $15-$35 depending on country and service level

  • Europe/UK: $25-$50 depending on service level

  • North America: $30-$60 depending on service level

  • Asia/Australia: $35-$70 depending on service level

  • Other Regions: Rates calculated at checkout

Additional Fees

  • Remote Area Surcharge: Applied to difficult-to-reach locations

  • Fuel Surcharge: Variable surcharge applied by carriers

  • Handling Fee: R25 fee for orders under R500

  • Insurance Upgrade: Optional additional insurance available

4. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DETAILS

Customs & Duties

  • Customer Responsibility: All international duties, taxes, and customs fees

  • Customs Forms: Accurate customs declarations completed for all shipments

  • Declared Value: Items declared at actual purchase value

  • Customs Delays: Delivery times may be extended due to customs processing

Restricted Countries

  • Shipping Restrictions: Some countries may have shipping restrictions

  • Prohibited Items: Certain items may be prohibited in specific countries

  • Documentation Requirements: Additional documentation may be required

  • Customs Regulations: Customers responsible for understanding local customs laws

International Delivery Times

  • Standard International: 7-14 business days after shipment

  • Express International: 3-7 business days after shipment

  • Priority International: 1-4 business days after shipment

  • Customs Processing: Additional 1-5 days for customs clearance

Currency & Conversion

  • Local Currency: Shipping costs displayed in customer's local currency

  • Exchange Rates: Conversion rates updated daily

  • Payment Processing: Final charges may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations

  • Refund Currency: Refunds issued in original transaction currency

5. TRACKING & DELIVERY UPDATES

Tracking Information

  • Tracking Numbers: Provided within 24 hours of shipment

  • Multiple Channels: Tracking available via email, SMS, and website

  • Real-Time Updates: Live tracking updates throughout delivery process

  • Delivery Confirmation: Confirmation provided upon successful delivery

Notification System

  • Email Notifications: Automatic updates sent to order email address

  • SMS Updates: Optional SMS notifications for delivery updates

  • Push Notifications: App notifications for mobile users

  • Account Dashboard: Tracking information available in customer account

Tracking Statuses

  • Order Confirmed: Payment processed, order being prepared

  • In Production: Item being manufactured/prepared for shipment

  • Shipped: Package handed to carrier for delivery

  • In Transit: Package moving through carrier network

  • Out for Delivery: Package on delivery vehicle

  • Delivered: Package successfully delivered to recipient

6. DELIVERY PROCESS

Delivery Attempts

  • Delivery Attempts: Up to 3 delivery attempts by carrier

  • Delivery Instructions: Special delivery instructions can be provided

  • Safe Place: Packages may be left in safe location if authorized

  • Signature Required: High-value orders may require signature confirmation

Delivery Locations

  • Residential Delivery: Standard delivery to home addresses

  • Business Delivery: Delivery to business addresses during business hours

  • PO Box Delivery: Limited carriers deliver to PO boxes

  • Alternative Locations: Packages can be held at carrier facilities

Delivery Issues

  • Failed Delivery: Packages returned to sender after failed delivery attempts

  • Incorrect Address: Customer responsible for providing accurate delivery address

  • Access Issues: Customer responsible for ensuring delivery access

  • Package Theft: Customer responsible for package security after delivery

7. DELIVERY TIMEFRAMES

Domestic Delivery (South Africa)

  • Major Cities: 1-3 business days (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban)

  • Secondary Cities: 2-5 business days

  • Rural Areas: 3-7 business days

  • Remote Locations: 5-10 business days with possible surcharges

International Delivery by Region

  • SADC Countries: 3-7 business days

  • Rest of Africa: 5-10 business days

  • Europe/UK: 5-12 business days

  • North America: 7-14 business days

  • Asia/Australia: 7-15 business days

  • South America: 10-21 business days

Expedited Delivery

  • Express Domestic: Next business day to major cities

  • Express International: 2-5 business days to major destinations

  • Priority Shipping: Fastest available option for urgent orders

  • Rush Processing: Same-day processing for urgent orders (additional fee)

8. SPECIAL SHIPPING CIRCUMSTANCES

Holiday Shipping

  • Holiday Deadlines: Specific deadlines published for holiday delivery

  • Extended Processing: Longer processing times during peak seasons

  • Carrier Schedules: Delivery affected by carrier holiday schedules

  • Rush Options: Priority shipping recommended during holiday seasons

Weather & Natural Disasters

  • Weather Delays: Severe weather may cause delivery delays

  • Natural Disasters: Force majeure events may suspend shipping services

  • Communication: Customers notified of weather-related delays

  • No Liability: Not liable for delays due to weather or natural disasters

High-Value Orders

  • Signature Required: Orders over $500 require signature confirmation

  • Insurance Coverage: Full insurance coverage for high-value shipments

  • Adult Signature: Age verification required for certain jurisdictions

  • Secure Delivery: Additional security measures for valuable shipments

9. SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS

Product Restrictions

  • Fabric Restrictions: Some countries restrict textile imports

  • Material Limitations: Certain materials may be prohibited in some regions

  • Documentation Required: Additional documentation for restricted items

  • Alternative Options: Alternative shipping methods for restricted products

Geographic Restrictions

  • Sanctioned Countries: Shipping not available to sanctioned countries

  • Remote Locations: Some extremely remote areas not served

  • Military Addresses: Special procedures for military/diplomatic addresses

  • Restricted Zones: Certain zones may have shipping limitations

Prohibited Items (General)

  • Hazardous Materials: No hazardous or dangerous goods

  • Perishable Items: No perishable or temperature-sensitive items

  • Illegal Items: No items prohibited by local or international law

  • Counterfeits: Only authentic Mandate Store products shipped

10. PACKAGING & HANDLING

Packaging Standards

  • Protective Packaging: All items securely packaged to prevent damage

  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable packaging materials when possible

  • Discreet Packaging: Unmarked packages for customer privacy

  • Brand Presentation: Premium unboxing experience for customers

Package Contents

  • Invoice/Receipt: Order summary included with shipment

  • Care Instructions: Product care information included

  • Return Instructions: Return process information provided

  • Marketing Materials: Promotional materials may be included

Package Security

  • Tamper-Evident: Packaging designed to show tampering

  • Theft Prevention: Secure packaging to prevent theft

  • Damage Protection: Adequate protection against shipping damage

  • Quality Assurance: Final quality check before packaging

11. DELIVERY PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

Lost Packages

  • Investigation Process: Full investigation initiated for lost packages

  • Carrier Claims: Insurance claims filed with shipping carriers

  • Customer Support: Dedicated support for delivery issues

  • Resolution Timeline: Lost package claims resolved within 10 business days

Damaged Packages

  • Photo Documentation: Customers should photograph damaged packages

  • Immediate Reporting: Report damage within 24 hours of delivery

  • Carrier Claims: Damage claims filed with shipping carriers

  • Replacement Process: Replacement items sent immediately upon confirmation

Wrong Address Delivery

  • Address Verification: Customers responsible for accurate addresses

  • Correction Fees: Additional fees for address correction after shipment

  • Redelivery Costs: Customer responsible for redelivery costs

  • Prevention: Address verification during checkout process

Delivery Delays

  • Delay Notifications: Customers notified of significant delays

  • Tracking Updates: Regular updates on delayed shipments

  • Compensation: Shipping refunds for significant delays caused by our error

  • Alternative Solutions: Rush replacement orders for critical delays

12. SHIPPING INSURANCE

Standard Coverage

  • Basic Insurance: Included with all shipments up to $100

  • Coverage Details: Protection against loss and damage during transit

  • Claim Process: Simple claim process for insured losses

  • Claim Timeline: Insurance claims processed within 14 business days

Additional Insurance

  • Upgrade Options: Additional insurance available for high-value orders

  • Full Coverage: Insurance up to full order value available

  • Premium Calculation: Insurance premium based on declared value

  • Peace of Mind: Complete protection for valuable shipments

Claim Requirements

  • Documentation: Photos and documentation required for claims

  • Reporting Timeline: Claims must be reported within 48 hours

  • Investigation: Carrier investigation required for insurance claims

  • Resolution: Claims resolved and compensation provided promptly

13. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Accurate Information

  • Complete Addresses: Provide complete and accurate shipping addresses

  • Contact Information: Ensure phone numbers and email addresses are current

  • Special Instructions: Provide any necessary delivery instructions

  • Address Verification: Verify addresses before completing orders

Delivery Preparation

  • Availability: Ensure someone available to receive packages

  • Access: Provide access to delivery location

  • Identification: Have identification ready for signature-required deliveries

  • Package Security: Secure packages after delivery

Communication

  • Delivery Issues: Communicate delivery problems promptly

  • Address Changes: Request address changes before shipment

  • Delivery Preferences: Communicate any delivery preferences

  • Tracking Monitoring: Monitor tracking information regularly

14. SHIPPING POLICY UPDATES

Policy Changes

  • Modification Rights: Shipping policies may be updated periodically

  • Customer Notification: Significant changes communicated to customers

  • Effective Date: Changes effective from published date

  • Order Application: Policies in effect at time of order apply to that shipment

Rate Updates

  • Dynamic Pricing: Shipping rates may change based on carrier rate changes

  • Fuel Adjustments: Rates may include carrier fuel surcharges

  • Seasonal Adjustments: Rates may be adjusted during peak shipping seasons

  • Advance Notice: Major rate changes communicated in advance when possible

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

Shipping Support

  • Email: shipping@mandate.store

  • Response Time: 24-48 hours for shipping inquiries

  • Phone Support: Available during business hours

  • Order Tracking: Real-time support for tracking issues

Emergency Shipping

  • Urgent Orders: Priority support for urgent shipping needs

  • Rush Processing: Same-day processing available for emergencies

  • Weekend Support: Limited weekend support for urgent issues

  • Holiday Support: Emergency support during holidays

For all shipping-related questions and concerns, contact shipping@mandate.store

We are committed to providing reliable, fast, and secure shipping services to ensure your Mandate Store products reach you in perfect condition.