Shipping & Returns

# Shipping & Returns

## Shipping Information

### Processing Times

**In-Stock Items**
- Orders placed Monday-Friday before 2pm EST ship same day
- Orders placed after 2pm EST or on weekends ship next business day
- Processing time: 1-2 business days

**Dropship Items**
- Ship directly from our trusted partner warehouses
- Processing time: 5-15 business days
- Tracking information provided once shipped

*Product pages indicate shipping type. Contact us if you need items by a specific date.*

### Shipping Methods & Rates

**Standard Shipping** (3-7 business days)
- Orders $75+: FREE
- Orders under $75: $6.95

**Expedited Shipping** (2-3 business days)
- Flat rate: $14.95
- Available for in-stock items only

**Express Shipping** (1-2 business days)
- Flat rate: $24.95
- Available for in-stock items only
- Order by 2pm EST for next-day processing

**Bridal/Event Rush Orders**
- Contact us for custom shipping options
- Available for select in-stock bridal gowns
- Additional fees may apply

### Tracking Your Order

Once your order ships, you'll receive:
- Shipping confirmation email with tracking number
- Updates on delivery status
- Estimated delivery date

Track your package at:
- USPS.com for USPS shipments
- UPS.com for UPS shipments
- Or log into your account to view order status

### International Shipping

We currently ship within the United States only. International shipping may become available in the future.

### Shipping Restrictions

We cannot ship to:
- P.O. Boxes for expedited/express orders
- APO/FPO addresses (contact us for options)

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## Returns & Exchanges

### Return Policy

We want you to love your purchase! If you're not completely satisfied, we accept returns within **14 days** of delivery.

**Return Requirements:**
- Item must be unworn, unwashed, and unaltered
- Original tags must be attached
- Item must be in original packaging (if applicable)
- Return initiated within 14 days of delivery
- Must be in pristine, resalable condition

**Restocking Fee:**
A **15% restocking fee** applies to all returns (excluding defective or incorrect items). This covers processing, inspection, and relisting costs.

### Non-Returnable Items

The following items are **final sale** and cannot be returned:
- Items marked "Final Sale" at checkout
- Clearance items
- Items worn, washed, altered, or without original tags
- Items returned after 14-day window

### How to Return an Item

**Step 1:** Log into your account at [everafterventures.com/account]
**Step 2:** Select the order and click "Return Items"
**Step 3:** Choose items to return and select reason
**Step 4:** Print your prepaid return label (if eligible)
**Step 5:** Pack items securely with original tags attached
**Step 6:** Drop off at USPS or UPS location within 5 business days

**Don't have an account?** Email support@everafterventures.com with your order number.

### Return Shipping Costs

**Customer-Paid Returns:**
- Changed your mind: $6.95 return shipping + 15% restocking fee (deducted from refund)
- Doesn't fit: $6.95 return shipping + 15% restocking fee
- No longer needed: $6.95 return shipping + 15% restocking fee

**Example Calculation:**
$100 dress return = $100 - $15 restocking fee (15%) - $6.95 return shipping = **$78.05 refund**

**Free Returns (No Restocking Fee):**
- Defective or damaged items
- Wrong item shipped
- Item significantly different from description

### Exchanges

**We do not offer size or style exchanges due to limited inventory.**

This is why we provide detailed [Size Guides](/pages/size-guide) and [Bridal Size Guides](/pages/bridal-size-guide) for every brand. Please measure carefully before ordering.

If an item doesn't fit or you want a different style:
1. Return the original item for a refund (15% restocking fee applies)
2. Place a new order for the correct size or style

**Pre-Purchase Sizing Help:**
Contact us BEFORE ordering if you need sizing assistance. We're happy to help you find the right size the first time!

### Refunds

**Refund Timeline:**
- Returns processed within 3-5 business days of receipt
- Refund issued to original payment method
- Allow 5-10 business days for refund to appear in your account

**Refund Amount:**
- Full merchandise price
- Minus 15% restocking fee (if applicable)
- Minus return shipping cost (if customer-paid)
- Original shipping fees are non-refundable (unless due to our error)

**No Restocking Fee Applied When:**
- Item is defective or damaged
- We shipped the wrong item
- Item is significantly different from description

### Damaged or Defective Items

Received a damaged or defective item? We're sorry! Contact us immediately:

1. **Email:** support@everafterventures.com
2. **Include:** Order number, photos of damage/defect, description
3. **Response:** We'll respond within 24 hours with a solution

We'll provide:
- Free return shipping label
- Full refund or replacement
- Expedited shipping on replacement (if available)

### Wrong Item Received

If you received the wrong item:
1. Contact us within 3 days of delivery
2. We'll send the correct item immediately
3. Provide a free return label for the wrong item

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## Special Circumstances

### Bridal & Wedding Orders

**Timing:** Order bridal gowns 8-12 weeks before your event to allow for shipping and alterations.

**Returns:** Wedding dresses are returnable within 14 days if unworn and unaltered. Standard 15% restocking fee applies. Try on carefully indoors with clean hands.

**Alterations:** Once altered, items cannot be returned. We strongly recommend confirming fit BEFORE any alterations.

**Sizing Assistance:** Contact us with your measurements before ordering. We'll help you select the correct size to avoid returns.

### Event Deadlines

Need something by a specific date? Contact us **before ordering** to confirm delivery timeframes. We'll work with you to meet your deadline!

### Lost or Stolen Packages

If tracking shows "delivered" but you haven't received your package:
1. Check with neighbors, front desk, or household members
2. Check all possible delivery locations (side doors, garage)
3. Wait 24 hours (sometimes marked delivered early)
4. Contact the carrier to file a claim
5. Email us if still unresolved after 48 hours

We'll work with you to resolve lost package issues.

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## Contact Us

**Questions about shipping or returns?**

Email: support@everafterventures.com  
Phone: [Your Phone Number]  
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST

**Need to initiate a return?**
[Start a Return](/account/returns)

**Track your order:**
[Order Tracking](/account/orders)