Refund & Return Policy

Last Updated: 1/3/2026

At AfrikWave Marketplace, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. This policy outlines our return and refund procedures for different types of products and services.

1. General Return Policy

You may return most items within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, provided they meet our return conditions:

• Items must be unused and in original condition
• Original packaging must be intact
• All tags, labels, and accessories must be included
• Proof of purchase (order number) is required

2. Product Category Specific Policies

2.1 Physical Products

2.2 Food Items (Home-Cooked Meals)

2.3 Digital Products & Services

2.4 Handmade & Artisan Items

3. Non-Returnable Items

The following items cannot be returned unless defective or damaged:

• Perishable food items (unless quality issue)
• Personal care and hygiene products (opened)
• Custom or personalized items
• Digital downloads after access is granted
• Gift cards and vouchers
• Final sale or clearance items (marked as such)
• Intimate apparel (unless unopened)

4. How to Request a Return

To initiate a return:

1. Contact the Seller: Go to your order history and click "Request Return"
2. Provide Details: Select reason for return and provide photos if applicable
3. Wait for Approval: Seller has 48 hours to approve or deny the return request
4. Ship the Item: Pack securely and ship to the provided address within 7 days
5. Track Your Return: Provide tracking number and keep proof of shipment

5. Refund Processing

5.1 Refund Timeline

• Inspection: Seller inspects returned item within 3 business days
• Approval: Refund approved if item meets return conditions
• Processing: Refund processed within 5-7 business days
• Bank Processing: May take 3-10 business days to appear in your account

5.2 Refund Method

Refunds are issued to the original payment method:

• Credit/Debit card: Refunded to original card
• Digital wallets: Refunded to wallet account
• Store credit: Optional for faster processing

5.3 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be issued if:

• Item shows signs of use or wear
• Packaging is damaged or missing
• Tags or labels have been removed
• Return is outside the standard window (case-by-case basis)

6. Damaged or Defective Items

If you receive a damaged or defective item:

1. Report the issue within 48 hours of delivery
2. Provide clear photos of the damage or defect
3. Keep all packaging materials
4. We will arrange for pickup at no cost to you
5. Full refund or replacement will be issued immediately

Note: Return shipping is free for damaged or defective items.

7. Wrong or Missing Items

If you receive the wrong item or an item is missing from your order:

• Contact us within 48 hours with your order number
• Provide photos if you received the wrong item
• We will send the correct item at no additional cost
• You may keep or return the wrong item (at our discretion)
• No return required for missing items—we will ship immediately

8. Return Shipping Costs

9. Exchanges

We do not offer direct exchanges. If you need a different size, color, or variant:

1. Return the original item for a refund
2. Place a new order for the desired item
3. Some sellers may offer direct exchanges—contact them directly

10. Buyer Protection Program

AfrikWave offers buyer protection for eligible purchases:

• Item Not Received: Full refund if item never arrives
• Significantly Not as Described: Refund if item materially differs from listing
• Unauthorized Purchases: Full refund for fraudulent transactions

File a claim through your order history within 30 days of expected delivery date.

11. International Returns

For international orders:

• Same return policy applies
• Buyer typically responsible for return shipping costs
• Customs duties and taxes are non-refundable
• Returns may take longer to process
• Contact seller before returning to confirm return address

12. Cancellations

12.1 Before Shipment

You can cancel your order before it ships:

• Go to order history and click "Cancel Order"
• Full refund issued within 3-5 business days
• Some custom/made-to-order items cannot be cancelled once production begins

12.2 After Shipment

Once shipped, follow standard return procedures upon delivery.

13. Questions or Disputes

If you have questions about returns or refunds:

• Contact the seller through your order page
• If unresolved, contact our support team
• We offer mediation services for disputes
• File a buyer protection claim if necessary

14. Contact Us

For assistance with returns and refunds:

• Email: returns@afrikwave.com
• Support: support@afrikwave.com
• Help Center: Visit Help Center