1. The “No Refund, Only Exchange” Model (Strong Seller Protection)
Source: Celeste Home Fashion & Saya This eliminates cash outflow. The customer never gets money back; they only get another product.
Policy Text: “[Company Name] has a ‘no refund’ policy. We offer exchanges for items purchased from our online store under certain conditions. Refunds may only be done in exceptional cases wherein the product received does not match the original specifications AND there is no replacement available. Refund amount is issued in the form of a cross-cheque (15 working days). Shipping/handling costs are non-refundable.”
2. The “Customization Exclusion” Clause (Critical for Furniture)
Source: Celeste Home Fashion, Profine, House of Zunn This is your strongest weapon. Most furniture is made-to-order, which legally exempts you from returns.
Policy Text: “Return and exchange is not applicable on made-to-order/customized furniture items. Customization items in design, color, or dimensions are not returnable and refundable in any case. Only ready stock items in our standard color range may be eligible for exchange. For custom orders, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Once you place your order for custom merchandise, you have 72 hours to cancel. After 72 hours, your deposit is nonrefundable.”
3. The “Post-Delivery Signature” Bar (Absolute Liability Shield)
Source: Profine This is the most aggressive seller-favorable clause in the search results. It completely cuts off liability after signature.
Policy Text: “The delivery challan shall be signed by the customer mentioning that the goods are completely received and in perfect condition. Any complaint after the signature regarding damage, incorrect or incomplete delivery shall not be entertained in any case of repair or replacement. Customers will be solely responsible if any product is damaged, lost, or stolen at customer’s premises or site.”
4. The “Ultra-Short Reporting Window” (24-Hour/4-Day Rule)
Source: Diseno, Profine, Enza Home, Diamond Home Short windows shift the burden of immediate inspection onto the customer.
Policy Text: “All complaints regarding defective/damaged/incorrect goods must be reported within [24 hours/4 days] of delivery. Any claims received after this window, or if the product is not in original condition, has been used, or damaged not due to our handling, will not be eligible for return or exchange. Once the furniture is installed, it cannot be returned.”
5. The “Change of Mind / No Tolerance” Clause
Source: Diseno, Diamond Home You do not accept returns just because the customer “doesn’t like it.”
Policy Text: “All sales are final. No returns or refunds will be applicable if you receive the product as shown on the website in perfect condition. Change of mind is not applicable. We reserve the right to refuse service/returns to anyone, for any reason, at any time.”
6. The “Restocking Fee” Penalty
Source: House of Zunn If you are forced to accept a return (e.g., stock item), you penalize the customer.
Policy Text: “A restocking fee will apply, starting at 25% of the purchase price, for any items not returned in original condition or outside the stated time frame.”
7. The “Customer Pays Shipping” Rule (Both Ways)
Source: House of Zunn, Diseno, Saya You never absorb logistics costs.
Policy Text: “The customer is responsible for all shipping costs associated with returns/exchanges, including the return shipping of the original item AND the shipment of the replacement item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.”
8. The “Color Variation / Natural Wood” Disclaimer
Source: Diamond Home, Celeste Home Fashion Prevents returns based on “the product doesn’t look like the photo.”
Policy Text: “Due to differences in monitors/screens or lighting during photoshoots, exact textures/colors may vary slightly from the image. Please note: Natural wood may show changes in appearance over time due to humidity/climate. These natural changes are not considered defects and add to the unique character of the product.”
