Returns & Refund Policy

You may request a return within 5 calendar days of receiving your order, provided the item meets all of the following conditions:

• Is unused, unworn, and unwashed
• Is in its original condition with no signs of use, odour, or alteration
• Has all original tags still attached and intact
• Is returned in its original packaging where reasonably possible
• Is accompanied by proof of purchase (order confirmation email or invoice)

Returns requested outside the 5-day window will not be accepted unless the item is defective or the return is due to our error. The 5-day period begins from the date of confirmed delivery, not the date of dispatch.

Carpe Outdoorsman reserves the right to inspect all returned items before approving a refund or exchange. Items that do not meet the above conditions will be returned to the customer at their expense and no refund or exchange will be issued.

If you ordered the incorrect size or colour, we'll gladly exchange it, subject to stock availability.

Customer-initiated exchanges (wrong size/colour ordered by customer):

• The customer is responsible for the cost of returning the original item.
• We recommend using a tracked courier service (see Section 7).
• Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we will dispatch the replacement.
• Any price difference between the original and replacement item must be paid before the replacement is dispatched.

If the requested replacement size or colour is unavailable, you may choose one of the following:

• Store Credit (never expires)
• A refund to your original payment method
• An alternative product of equal value, where available

Our-error exchanges (wrong item sent, damaged item, defective product):

• Carpe Outdoorsman will cover all return and replacement shipping costs.
• See Sections 4 and 5 for full details on these scenarios.

Once we receive your returned item, it will be inspected within 2–3 business days. You will be notified of the outcome via email.

If the return is approved:

• Refunds will be processed using your original payment method.
• Please allow 5–10 business days for the refund to reflect in your account, depending on your bank or payment provider. This timeline is outside of our control once processed.
• Shipping costs are non-refundable unless the return is a direct result of our error or a confirmed manufacturing defect.

If the return is declined:

• You will be notified with a reason.
• The item will be returned to you at your own cost.
• No refund or exchange will be issued for items that fail inspection.

Refunds will not be issued for:

• Items returned outside the 5-day window (unless defective)
• Items that show signs of use, washing, or damage not present at the time of delivery
• Items missing original tags or packaging
• Returns initiated without prior contact with our team

Please inspect your parcel carefully upon delivery before signing or accepting it from the courier.

• Wrong item received
• Item arrived damaged in transit
• Incomplete order (missing items)
• Item differs significantly from what was ordered

When contacting us, please include:

• Your order number
• A clear description of the issue
• Clear photographs of the incorrect or damaged item(s)
• Photographs of the outer and inner packaging, if damage appears transit-related

Failure to report damaged or incorrect items within 48 hours may affect your eligibility for a replacement or refund, as courier claims have strict reporting windows.

If the issue is verified, Carpe Outdoorsman will cover all replacement shipping costs and arrange for the correct or replacement item to be sent at no additional charge to you.

Where a manufacturing defect is confirmed, we may:

• Replace the product (subject to stock availability)
• Issue a full refund, including original shipping costs
• Offer store credit, at the customer's preference

The following are NOT considered manufacturing defects and are not eligible for returns or refunds under this section:

• Normal wear and tear from regular use
• Damage resulting from misuse or use beyond the product's intended purpose
• Accidental damage (tears, burns, impact damage, etc.)
• Damage caused by improper washing, use of harsh detergents, or ignoring care label instructions
• Unauthorised alterations, repairs, or modifications to the product
• Neglect or improper storage

The following products cannot be returned or exchanged unless they are confirmed defective at the time of delivery:

• Gift cards
• Clearance or final sale items (marked as such at the time of purchase)
• Items that have been worn, washed, or damaged after delivery
• Hygiene-sensitive items (e.g., underlayers, buffs, neck gaiters) once opened or used
• Items returned without prior authorisation from our team

Unless the return is due to our error or a confirmed manufacturing defect, the customer is responsible for all return shipping costs.

We strongly recommend:

• Using a reputable, tracked courier service for all returns
• Keeping proof of postage and your tracking number until the return is resolved

Carpe Outdoorsman cannot be held responsible for parcels lost, damaged, or delayed during return transit. If a returned parcel does not reach us, we are unable to process the refund or exchange. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the parcel is adequately packaged and insured where appropriate.

Do not return any item without first receiving return instructions from our team. Items returned without prior authorisation may be refused or returned to the sender.

Where preferred by the customer, approved returns may be issued as Store Credit instead of a refund.

Store Credit:

• Never expires — use it at any time on any future purchase
• Can be applied to any product in our store
• Cannot be exchanged for cash
• Is non-transferable
• Will be issued in South African Rand (ZAR) to the value of the approved return

Items purchased during a sale or promotional period are subject to the following conditions:

• Sale items may be exchanged for a different size only, where stock is available.
• Clearance or final sale items are sold as-is and are not eligible for returns or refunds, unless the item is confirmed defective at the time of delivery.
• Promotional discount codes or bundle savings cannot be carried over to an exchanged item — the replacement will be priced at its current listed value, and any price difference must be paid before dispatch.

At this time, Carpe Outdoorsman only ships within South Africa. We do not offer international shipping.

If you are based outside of South Africa, we unfortunately cannot process your order. We hope to expand our shipping reach in the future — keep an eye on our website for updates.