Refund policy
Key considerations specific to disposable containers
Why standard return policies don't fully apply:
- These are hygiene/food-contact products — most retailers (and consumers) understand that opened or used disposable containers generally can't be returned for health/safety reasons, similar to food, cosmetics, or undergarments.
- Bulk/wholesale orders (common in this niche) often have different terms than single-unit consumer orders.
Suggested policy structure
1. Unopened/unused items
- Accept returns within a defined window (commonly 14–30 days) if the packaging is unopened, sealed, and in original condition.
- Customer typically pays return shipping unless the error was yours.
2. Opened/used items — generally non-returnable
- Standard practice: no returns once a box/case has been opened due to hygiene and food-safety concerns.
- Exception: defective or damaged product (see below).
3. Damaged or defective items
- Always accept returns/refunds/replacements for items damaged in transit or defective from manufacturing.
- Require photo evidence within a short window (e.g., 48–72 hours of delivery) to streamline claims.
- Cover this at no cost to the customer (free replacement or refund, no return shipping charge).
4. Wrong item shipped
- Full refund or replacement, free return shipping, and no restocking fee.
5. Bulk/wholesale orders
- Often subject to stricter terms: no returns on custom/bulk orders over a certain quantity unless defective, since these are frequently special-ordered or made-to-spec.
- Consider a restocking fee (commonly 10–20%) for large non-defective returns you do choose to accept.
6. Refund timing
- Specify how refunds are issued (original payment method) and processing time (commonly 5–10 business days after the return is received/inspected).
7. Non-returnable categories to state explicitly
- Custom-branded/printed containers
- Clearance or final-sale items
- Opened cases/bulk packs