Wildebees Returns, Exchanges & Refunds Policy

1. General

All goods and services supplied by Wildebees are subject to availability. In the unlikely event that an item is unavailable after an order has been placed, Wildebees will provide one of the following remedies:

• Replacement with a similar item; or
• Store credit to be used online or at the Official Wildebees Store in Bredell.

This policy operates in addition to your rights under South African law, including:

• Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act 68 of 2008)
  https://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Consumer_Protection_Act.pdf
• Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (ECTA)
  https://www.gov.za/documents/electronic-communications-and-transactions-act

2. Refunds

a. Defective or Incorrect Items (CPA-Compliant)

If an item is:

• Defective;
• Unsafe;
• Not fit for its intended purpose; or
• Incorrectly delivered,

you are legally entitled under CPA Sections 55–56 to request, at your choice:

• A full refund;
• A replacement; or
• Repair of the item.

Timeframe:
Defective goods may be reported within 6 months of delivery.

Condition:
Items must be returned with:

• Original packaging;
• All tags attached;
• No signs of wear, washing, polishing, alteration, or misuse.

Wildebees reserves the right to inspect and verify the defect before approving a refund, replacement, or repair.

b. Online Purchases – Cooling-Off Period

In terms of ECTA Section 44, customers may cancel an online purchase within 7 calendar days of delivery for any reason (change of mind).

Conditions:

• Items must be returned in original, resalable condition.
• Return courier costs are for the customer’s account unless otherwise agreed.
• Refunds are processed only after the returned item has been received and inspected.

Legal exclusions (ECTA Section 44(2)):
The cooling-off right does not apply to:

• Custom-made or made-to-order goods;
• Goods sealed for health or hygiene reasons (e.g. underwear);
• Goods that have been personalised or altered.

3. Exchanges

a. Defective or Incorrect Items

If an item is defective or incorrectly supplied:

• Wildebees may arrange courier collection or accept in-store return.
• Once inspected and verified, a replacement will be issued where possible.
• If a replacement is not reasonably available, a refund will be processed in line with the CPA.

b. Change of Mind / Size Exchanges (Voluntary Store Policy)

Wildebees offers a voluntary exchange policy for size or style changes.

 Important legal notice:
South African law does not obligate retailers to accept returns or exchanges for change of mind.

At our discretion, we may allow:

• An exchange for a different item; or
• Store credit.

 No cash refunds are offered for change-of-mind returns.

Conditions:

• You must contact us within 24 hours of receiving your order (store policy).
• Items must be unused, unworn, unwashed, unpolished, and in original packaging with tags.
• Any price difference will be credited or billed accordingly.

In-store exchanges:
Only available at the Official Wildebees Store in Bredell, by prior arrangement via
? info@wildebees.com

4. Sale Items

• Sale or promotional items are not eligible for exchange or refund due to change of mind.
• Exception: Sale items that are defective or incorrectly delivered will be handled strictly in accordance with the CPA.

5. Abuse of Returns Policy

Repeated abuse of this policy (including but not limited to ordering multiple sizes with no intention to keep items) may result in:

• Refusal of future exchanges or returns; and/or
• Refusal of service.

This is permitted under CPA Sections 4 and 48, which protect suppliers against unfair or abusive conduct.

? CPA reference:
https://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Consumer_Protection_Act.pdf

6. Processing Time

• Refunds are generally processed within 7–10 business days after approval.
• All returns are processed on Monday mornings.
• It may take an additional 3–5 business days for funds to reflect, depending on the customer’s bank.
• Exchanges are processed once returned items have been inspected and approved.

7. Non-Returnable & Non-Refundable Items

a. Underwear & Intimate Apparel

For health and hygiene reasons, Wildebees does not accept returns, exchanges, or refunds on underwear or intimate apparel under any circumstances.

This is permitted under ECTA Section 44(2)(d).

b. Custom-Made, Special Orders & Handmade Items

Items that are:

• Custom-made;
• Produced to customer specifications;
• Made to order; or
• Individually handmade,

are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund for change of mind.

Minor variations inherent to handmade products do not constitute defects, provided the item remains wearable and fit for purpose.

Legal basis: ECTA Section 44(2)(a) and CPA Sections 55–56.

c. Altered, Branded or Personalised Items

No refunds or exchanges will be accepted for items that have been:

• Altered or resized;
• Branded, embroidered, printed, or personalised;
• Modified after delivery.

This is supported by CPA Section 55(6).

8. Legal Protections for Wildebees

• Wildebees is not liable for damage caused by misuse, neglect, alteration, or failure to follow care instructions.
• Refunds or exchanges will only be processed where legal or policy conditions are met.
• Customers are responsible for accurate return information and return shipping costs unless otherwise agreed.

9. Contact Information

For returns, exchanges, or refunds:

Email: info@wildebees.com
Phone:  011 979 3060
Store: Official Wildebees Store – Bredell