Shop & Ship Policies
Just the Basics . . .
- Order Processing
- Custom Orders
- Cancellations
- Customs and Import Taxes
- Shipping Delays and Estimated Arrivals
- Product Returns
- Refunds
- Late or Missing Refunds
- Exchanges
ORDER PROCESSING
All pre-made, ready-to-ship items in my shop usually get processed, packaged and shipped out within 24-48 hours. On rare occasions this process can get delayed a little (weather, internet problems, family emergencies, out of town for the weekend - you know, life in general!), and if that happens, I will get in contact with you as soon as possible to let you know of the delay and what date I plan to have your order shipped by.
Custom orders take some time to make before they get shipped, and those listings will have those timeframes included in the item description. If there are delays due to the reasons listed above, or because I've run out of beads and am waiting for more to finish your custom order, I will keep in communication with you all throughout the crafting process so you know what's up!
CUSTOM ORDERS
I take custom orders on a first-come, first-serve basis as my busy schedule allows. If there is a waiting list or longer waiting period before I can get to your order, I will let you know up front so that you can decide whether you want/can wait that long for your item. I will work with you through phone/email to create the design and plan the colors that you want, before requesting payment for the project. Once designing is done and finalized, payment is required to start beading, and at that point no cancellations will be accepted.
For custom items that are quoted to cost under $200, the full cost of the item must be paid up front before any work begins. For items $200-$500, half is due to start the project, and the other half is due before the finished product will ship to you. For projects over $500 (like full-size cradleboards, more elaborate pipebags, large phone cases, dance pieces, etc.) a 25% down payment is required to start, and the rest of the balance can be negotiated on a payment plan; item must be paid in full before it will be shipped out.
Practically all beaded products that I carry in my shop can be custom ordered with the design/colors you would like. On rare occasions, some items cannot be remade or custom ordered – i.e., the design’s focal piece, inlay, or other special materials were limited and no longer in stock. Please feel free to shoot me a message through our Contact Us page with any questions and ideas, and we will work through it with you!
My beadwork is very important to me, and symbolizes my heritage and the constant reclaiming of my peoples’ culture, autonomy and dignity. Therefore, I will not consider any custom order requests that include:
- Vulgar language or imagery
- Scenes that depict stereotyped or hurtful images against any culture (i.e., half-naked Native women in headdresses, dehumanizing phrases that contribute to MMIW, anti-Asian or anti-immigrant slogans, etc)
- Words, phrase, symbols or images that are linked with gangs, hate groups, or political entities that disrespect Indigenous or women’s rights (the only symbol that could fall under this category for some, but I will consider depending on your project, is the 'swastika' symbol – even though it is linked to the Nazis in modern times, for centuries before it was a powerful peace and enlightenment symbol among Indigenous and Buddhist cultures!)
You're probably already wondering at this point if I've actually had requests for such things in custom beadwork, and I'm sorry to say that yes, I have actually heard many of these over the years when people reached out to me with custom order requests!
As a business owner, artist, and social justice activist, I absolutely have the right to refuse service to anyone, and to refuse to create any piece of art that I believe would cause harm in the community. If you are unsure if your design might fall under one of these categories, PLEASE contact me, and we can take a look at it and help you make an informed choice!
CANCELLATIONS
I don't accept order cancellations. But please contact me immediately if you have any problems or concerns!
CUSTOMS AND IMPORT TAXES
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply to their home country. I cannot be responsible for shipping delays due to customs - they happen occasionally, but are not usually severe. If your item has been held up for longer than a week, I recommend contacting your country's shipping office to see if there are fees or other problems that may be holding you package up.
SHIPPING DELAYS & ESTIMATED ARRIVALS
While my shop system makes sure your order gets shipped within 24-48 hours, and I make sure the proper postal service has been selected so you receive your order within the dates you requested, please note that once I've dropped your package off with the carrier service, the actual time it takes for it to arrive at your door is completely out of my control. Bead BeCharmed is not responsible for lost or stolen packages, incorrect addresses, or any unforeseen fees that may accrue (including customs). It is the buyer's responsibility to input the correct shipping address during checkout.
I've found that while the majority of packages arrive on time and within that Estimated Arrival window, occasionally there is one that decides to take a scenic side-trip and get delayed somewhere :) While I am happy to do what I can to rectify this, it usually is up to the customer to contact the carrier and track down where the package went to. I'm unable to get much information from the carrier once i've shipped your order. If you need help with this or need a tracking number again, or any other information, please let me know and I'll do everything I can.
PRODUCT RETURNS
I gladly accept returns and exchanges for some items. In order to do so, you MUST contact me within 15 days of order date, and ship the item(s) in question back to me, in unused and brand-new condition, within 20 days of delivery.
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. Tracking is required to be provided on returning items, and return shipping costs are non-refundable. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in product value.
I cannot issue any refunds, whole or partial, until I have received the returned item(s) and determined the sellable condition of the item to be satisfactory.
! ! Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrived damaged in transit or completely defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale (sale prices and orders are final)
- Print-on-Demand Apparel - returns are generally not accepted, and will typically only be granted in cases of damaged items. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure correct sizes/colors/quantities are being ordered BEFORE submitting payment.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase from your order. A printout of the order confirmation email is good, so long as it shows date of sale, order total, the items that were ordered, and your contact information.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable):
- Supplies with obvious signs of use and/or damage
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
REFUNDS
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 5 business days.
LATE OR MISSING REFUNDS
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. Remember that this processing time can often (annoyingly) get delayed by holidays and other federal events.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at beadbecharmed@yahoo.com or us our Contact Us form on the website's main page.
EXCHANGES
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at beadbecharmed@yahoo.com or through the Contact Us link on the website's main page, and be sure to reference your order number in the message!
Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns! I answer as quick as I can, and work hard to make your shopping experience here at Bead BeCharmed Designs an amazing one!
Pilameyah!