Refund policy

Refunds & Returns Policy African Beach Culture (ABC)

We want you to love your purchase. This policy explains how returns, exchanges and refunds work at African Beach Culture (ABC) and summarises your rights under South African law (CPA & ECTA). Nothing in this policy limits your statutory rights.

Please note this website is managed by South Easter Agency

Contact: info@southeaster.co.za

1) What you can return (summary)

  • Change-of-mind (online purchases): You may cancel/return within 7 days of delivery (ECTA “cooling-off” right). Items must be unused, in original condition and packaging, with all tags, cases, inserts and protective films/seals intact.

  • Defective/faulty goods: If a product is defective, not of good quality, not fit for purpose or not as described, you have up to 6 months from delivery to return it under the CPA. You may choose a repair, replacement, or refund after our assessment.

  • Incorrect/short-shipped items or damaged on arrival: Report within 48 hours of delivery for a free replacement or refund.

2) Items that cannot be returned

To protect our customers and products, we cannot accept returns where:

  • Sunglasses show any signs of wear (e.g., scratched lenses, bent temples/bridge, missing or damaged protective films), or are missing the case/microfibre cloth supplied.

  • Any item is not in its original, resellable condition (marks, odours, pet hair, makeup, sunscreen, or other residue).

  • Hygiene-sensitive items (e.g., headwear that’s been worn) are returned used.

  • Final sale/clearance items are marked “non-returnable” at checkout (defects still covered under CPA).

  • Returns are made after the time windows set out in this policy.

Tip: When trying on sunglasses, keep protective films on (if present) and handle by the temples to avoid smudges/scratches.

3) Return windows & who pays shipping

Scenario Notify us by Condition of item Return shipping
Change-of-mind (ECTA) Within 7 days of delivery Unused, all packaging & inserts intact Customer pays
Defective / not as described (CPA) Within 6 months of delivery Any condition (don’t attempt repairs) ABC pays
Wrong item / damaged on arrival Within 48 hours of delivery Keep all packaging ABC pays

Where ABC pays, we’ll issue a prepaid courier label or arrange a collection.

4) How to start a return

  1. Email info@southeaster.co.za with your order number, photos, and reason for return.

  2. We’ll reply with the next steps and (if applicable) a return label/collection date.

  3. Pack items securely with all original packaging, cases, inserts and gifts.

  4. Once received, we’ll inspect the item within 2–4 business days and action your choice of repair/replacement/refund (where applicable).

5) Refunds, repairs & replacements

  • Defective goods (CPA, 6 months): You may choose repair, replacement or refund. If a repair fails, you may request a replacement or refund.

  • Change-of-mind (ECTA, 7 days): Refunds are processed to the original payment method for the product price. Original shipping fees are non-refundable, and return shipping is for your account.

  • Timing: Please allow 5–10 business days after approval for funds to reflect (bank/issuer dependent).

  • Exchanges: Where stock allows, we can exchange for a different colour/style once your return is approved and received.

6) Condition standards for sunglasses

To qualify for return (where permitted):

  • Lenses: No scratches, chips, cracks, coating damage or cleaning swirls.

  • Frames/temples: No bends, stress marks or wear.

  • Accessories: Case, cloth, tags, inserts and any gifts must be included.

  • Packaging: Manufacturer box and inner packaging intact.

If inspection shows customer-caused damage or wear, we may decline the return and ship back to you.

7) Order issues we’ll fix fast

  • Transit damage / manufacturing defect discovered on delivery (send photos of the box/product within 48 hours).

  • Wrong item shipped.

  • Missing items (short shipment).

We’ll replace or refund and cover all courier costs.

8) Sale items, bundles & gifts

  • Sale/clearance items: Only defect-related returns are accepted unless stated otherwise.

  • Bundles: Return the entire bundle unless the issue is with a specific item (defect).

  • Free gifts/promos: If returning a qualifying order, include the gift or we’ll deduct its value from the refund.

9) International orders

  • Returns are accepted under the same conditions, but return shipping, customs and duties are for the customer’s account unless the item is defective/wrong.

  • Refunds exclude original shipping and any non-recoverable taxes/duties.

10) Fair-use & fraud prevention

We reserve the right to refuse returns that show excessive wear, repeated abuse of policy, or fraudulent behaviour. This does not affect your statutory rights.

11) Warranties & aftercare

  • Clean lenses only with the supplied microfibre cloth; avoid paper tissues/abrasives.

  • Do not leave sunglasses in high heat (car dashboards) as warping may occur.

  • For accidental damage outside the CPA period, contact uspaid repairs/replacement parts may be available at fair rates.