<h1>Delivery &amp; Returns Policy</h1>

<p>
  At <strong>African Creates</strong>, every rug is carefully prepared, packed, and shipped with attention to detail.
  Because many of our rugs are handmade to order, production and delivery times vary depending on the type and size of rug purchased.
</p>

<h2>1. Order Processing &amp; Production Times</h2>

<h3>Rugs in Stock</h3>

<p>
  Rugs listed as <strong>in stock</strong> are already made and ready to be prepared for shipment.
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Processing and dispatch time: approximately <strong>3–10 business days</strong>.</li>
  <li>Once your order has shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Custom &amp; Made-to-Order Rugs</h3>

<p>
  Our custom Moroccan rugs are individually handmade by skilled Moroccan artisans.
  Production times depend mainly on the size and complexity of the rug.
</p>

<p><strong>Estimated production times:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Custom rugs up to 6 x 9 ft:</strong> up to <strong>3 months</strong>.</li>
  <li><strong>Custom rugs starting from 8 x 10 ft up to 20 x 26 ft:</strong> up to <strong>6 months</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  These production times are estimates. Handmade production may occasionally require additional time depending on the design,
  materials, size, artisan workload, or other circumstances related to the handmade process.
</p>

<p>
  Because each custom rug is individually produced specifically for the customer, we appreciate your patience while our artisans complete your piece.
</p>

<h2>2. Shipping &amp; Delivery</h2>

<p>
  African Creates ships worldwide.
</p>

<p>
  Once your rug is ready and has been dispatched, you will receive an email containing your
  <strong>tracking number and shipping information</strong>.
</p>

<p>
  International delivery times vary depending on the destination, shipping carrier, customs procedures, and local delivery services.
</p>

<p>
  Please note that delays caused by customs authorities, shipping carriers, weather conditions,
  or other circumstances outside the control of African Creates are not considered part of the production time.
</p>

<h2>3. Customs Duties &amp; Import Taxes</h2>

<p>
  International customers may be required to pay customs duties, import taxes, VAT, brokerage fees,
  or other charges imposed by the destination country.
</p>

<p>
  Unless otherwise specifically stated at checkout, any applicable customs duties, taxes,
  or import-related charges are the responsibility of the customer.
</p>

<p>
  African Creates does not control customs authorities and cannot guarantee whether additional charges will be imposed.
</p>

<h2>4. Tracking Your Order</h2>

<p>
  Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing your tracking information.
</p>

<p>
  If you have questions regarding your shipment, please contact us at
  <a href="mailto:sales@africancreates.com">sales@africancreates.com</a>.
</p>

<p>
  Please include your order number whenever possible so that we can assist you more quickly.
</p>

<h2>5. Returns</h2>

<p>
  For eligible products, returns are accepted within <strong>30 days of delivery</strong>.
</p>

<p><strong>To qualify for a return:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li>The item must be unused and in its original condition.</li>
  <li>The rug must not have been washed, altered, damaged, stained, or modified.</li>
  <li>The item should be returned in suitable protective packaging.</li>
  <li>You must contact African Creates before sending the item back.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping unless the product was received damaged,
  defective, or an incorrect item was sent by African Creates.
</p>

<p>
  Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless the return is the result of an error on our part.
</p>

<h2>6. Custom &amp; Made-to-Order Rugs</h2>

<p>
  Because custom and made-to-order rugs are individually produced according to the customer's selected size,
  design, colors, or specifications, <strong>custom orders are final and are not eligible for return or cancellation
  due to a change of mind, size preference, color preference, or other personal preference.</strong>
</p>

<p>
  Custom rugs may only be eligible for return, replacement, repair, or another appropriate resolution
  if the rug arrives damaged, defective, or materially different from the agreed order specifications.
</p>

<p>
  Due to the handmade nature of Moroccan rugs, slight variations in dimensions, colors, patterns,
  wool texture, or weaving are natural characteristics of handmade craftsmanship and are not considered defects.
</p>

<h2>7. How to Request a Return</h2>

<p>
  Before returning any item, please contact
  <a href="mailto:sales@africancreates.com">sales@africancreates.com</a>.
</p>

<p><strong>Please provide:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li>Your order number.</li>
  <li>The reason for the return.</li>
  <li>Photos of the rug where relevant.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  Once your return request has been reviewed and approved, we will provide you with the return instructions.
</p>

<p>
  <strong>Please do not send a return without first contacting us.</strong>
</p>

<h2>8. Damaged, Defective or Incorrect Items</h2>

<p>
  If your order arrives damaged, defective, or you receive an incorrect item,
  please contact us as soon as possible after delivery.
</p>

<p>
  Email <a href="mailto:sales@africancreates.com">sales@africancreates.com</a> and include:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Your order number.</li>
  <li>Clear photos of the rug.</li>
  <li>Photos of the packaging if the package was damaged during transportation.</li>
  <li>A brief description of the issue.</li>
</ul>

<p>
  We will review the situation and work with you toward an appropriate solution,
  which may include repair, replacement, exchange, or refund depending on the circumstances.
</p>

<p>
  Please retain the original packaging while your claim is being reviewed.
</p>

<h2>9. Refunds</h2>

<p>
  Once an approved return has been received and inspected, we will notify you regarding the status of your refund.
</p>

<p>
  Approved refunds are normally processed within <strong>7–10 business days</strong> after inspection of the returned item.
</p>

<p>
  Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
</p>

<p>
  Depending on your bank or payment provider, additional time may be required before the refund appears in your account.
</p>

<p>
  Original shipping charges and return shipping costs are generally non-refundable unless the return is caused
  by an error, damage, or defect attributable to African Creates.
</p>

<h2>10. Exchanges</h2>

<p>
  If you would like to exchange an eligible in-stock rug, please contact us before returning the item.
</p>

<p>
  Depending on availability, we may assist you with an exchange or ask you to return the original rug and place a new order.
</p>

<p>
  Custom and made-to-order rugs cannot normally be exchanged because they are individually produced according to the customer's specifications.
</p>

<h2>11. Contact Us</h2>

<p>
  If you have any questions regarding your order, production timeline, delivery, or return, please contact us:
</p>

<p>
  <strong>Email:</strong>
  <a href="mailto:sales@africancreates.com">sales@africancreates.com</a><br>
  <strong>Website:</strong>
  <a href="https://www.africancreates.com">www.africancreates.com</a>
</p>

<p>
  We are happy to assist you throughout the ordering and delivery process.
</p>