Refund Policy

Effective Date: February 9, 2026
Essence of Melanin
Owned and operated by 8x10designs, Duchess Arrita Robinson
Email: hello@essenceofmelanin.com
Phone: 484-378-9108

Overview

At Essence of Melanin, we take pride in delivering high-quality custom graphic designs on premium products. Due to the personalized, made-to-order nature of our products, we maintain a strict refund policy to ensure fairness while protecting the integrity of our custom work.

Please read this policy carefully before placing your order, as all sales are considered final once production begins.

Digital Products

All digital product sales are final and nonrefundable. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Digital downloads
  • Digital art files
  • Printable designs
  • Digital graphics
  • Electronic templates

Once a digital product has been delivered to your email or made available for download, no refunds, exchanges, or chargebacks will be issued under any circumstances. Please ensure you review product details, file formats, and specifications before completing your purchase.

Physical Products

Made-to-Order Policy

All physical products are custom-made specifically for you after your order is placed. We do not maintain an inventory of pre-made items. Because of this:

  • Production begins immediately after your order is confirmed
  • Orders cannot be canceled once production has started
  • All sales are final unless the product arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect

When Refunds or Replacements Are Available

We will provide a replacement or refund only in the following circumstances:

1. Damaged Products

Products that arrive with physical damage due to shipping or handling. You must:

  • Contact us at hello@essenceofmelanin.com within 7 days of delivery
  • Provide clear photographic evidence showing the damage
  • Include photos of the product, packaging, and shipping label
  • Provide your order number

2. Defective Products

Products with manufacturing defects, including:

  • Misprints or printing errors
  • Incorrect colors are significantly different from the product preview
  • Defective materials (tears, holes, structural issues)

You must:

  • Contact us within 7 days of delivery
  • Provide clear photos showing the defect
  • Include your order number

3. Wrong Item Received

If you receive an item that does not match your order confirmation. You must:

  • Contact us within 7 days of delivery
  • Provide photos of the item received
  • Include your order number

What Is NOT Eligible for Refund

Refunds or replacements will not be provided for:

  • Customer remorse or change of mind after ordering
  • Incorrect size ordered by the customer (please review size charts carefully before ordering)
  • Color variations due to different monitor displays or lighting conditions
  • Minor print placement variations (slight shifts in design placement are normal in print-on-demand)
  • Slight color variations between the digital preview and final product (digital screens display colors differently than printed materials)
  • Texture or material expectations not matching your personal preference
  • Orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer
  • Lost or stolen packages after confirmed delivery by the carrier (we are not responsible once the carrier confirms delivery)
  • Packages refused by the customer or returned to the sender
  • Delayed shipping due to carrier delays beyond our control
  • Products used, worn, washed, or altered in any way
  • Minor variations in color, placement, or sizing are inherent to the print-on-demand process

Inspection Period

You have 7 days from the date of delivery to inspect your order and report any issues. Claims submitted after 7 days will not be eligible for refund or replacement.

Proof of Defect Required

All refund or replacement requests must include clear photographic evidence. We reserve the right to deny requests that do not provide sufficient proof of damage, defect, or error.

Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Well-lit, in-focus photos showing the entire product
  • Close-up photos clearly showing the specific issue
  • Photos of packaging if damage is shipping-related
  • Photos of the shipping label showing the correct delivery address

Refund Process

If your refund request is approved:

  1. Replacement: We will send a replacement product at no additional cost (this is our preferred resolution)
  2. Refund: If a replacement is not possible or preferred, we will issue a refund to your original payment method within 7-10 business days of approval

We do not offer partial refunds. Approved claims receive either a full refund or a replacement.

Return Shipping

Customers are not required to return defective, damaged, or incorrect items unless specifically requested by our team. If a return is requested, we will provide a prepaid return shipping label.

We do not accept unauthorized returns. Items returned without prior approval will not be refunded.

Order Accuracy

It is your responsibility to ensure all order details are correct before completing your purchase, including:

  • Product type and color
  • Size selection
  • Shipping address
  • Design customization (if applicable)

We are not responsible for errors made by the customer during checkout. Please review your order carefully before submitting payment.

Production Timeline

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 3-7 business days. Production times may vary based on product type and order volume. Once an order enters production, it cannot be modified or canceled.

Fraudulent Claims

We take fraudulent refund claims seriously. Any attempt to obtain a refund through false claims, deceptive chargebacks, or misrepresentation of product condition may result in:

  • Denial of current and future refund requests
  • Account suspension
  • Reporting to payment processors and relevant authorities

Chargebacks

Initiating a chargeback without first contacting us is considered fraudulent activity. If you have an issue with your order, please contact us at hello@essenceofmelanin.com so we can resolve it directly.

Unjustified chargebacks may result in:

  • Permanent ban from future purchases
  • Legal action to recover costs
  • Reporting to fraud prevention agencies

Contact for Refund Requests

All refund or replacement requests must be submitted via email to:

Email: hello@essenceofmelanin.com
Subject Line: “Refund Request – Order #[Your Order Number]”

Include in your email:

  • Your full name
  • Order number
  • Description of the issue
  • Clear photos showing the problem
  • Preferred resolution (replacement or refund)

Phone inquiries: 484-378-9108 (email preferred for documentation purposes)

Response Time

We will respond to all refund requests within 2-3 business days. Please allow adequate time for our team to review your claim and photographic evidence.

Modifications to This Policy

Essence of Melanin reserves the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your purchase constitutes acceptance of the Refund Policy in effect at the time of your order.

Final Note

By placing an order with Essence of Melanin, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Refund Policy. All products are made to order with care and attention to quality. We appreciate your understanding of our policies, which allow us to continue providing custom, culturally authentic designs at accessible prices.

Questions? Contact us at hello@essenceofmelanin.com or 484-378-9108

Last Updated: February 9, 2026