Shipping 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, all products are custom-made to order. This means your items are created specifically for you after you place your order, ensuring the highest quality and personalization. Please review this shipping policy carefully to understand our processing and delivery timelines.

Processing Time

Production Timeline

  • Standard Processing: 3-7 business days
  • Production begins immediately after your order is confirmed and payment is received
  • Orders cannot be canceled or modified once production has started

Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding major US holidays.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Processing time may vary based on:

  • Product type (apparel, accessories, home goods, etc.)
  • Current order volume
  • Product complexity
  • Seasonal demand

We do not guarantee specific production timelines but will make every effort to meet the standard 3-7 business day window.

Shipping Methods and Delivery Times

Once your order is produced, it will be shipped using one of the following methods:

Domestic Shipping (United States)

Standard Shipping

  • Delivery Time: 5-10 business days after shipment
  • Cost: Calculated at checkout based on order total and destination
  • Tracking: Provided via email once shipped

Expedited Shipping

  • Delivery Time: 2-5 business days after shipment
  • Cost: Calculated at checkout based on order total and destination
  • Tracking: Provided via email once shipped

Total Delivery Time = Processing Time (3-7 days) + Shipping Time (2-10 days)

Example: Standard order placed Monday could arrive 8-17 business days later (approximately 1.5-3.5 weeks)

International Shipping

We currently ship to select international destinations.

  • Processing Time: 3-7 business days
  • Shipping Time: 10-30 business days (varies by country)
  • Customs: Customer is responsible for all customs fees, duties, and taxes
  • Tracking: International tracking may be limited depending on destination country

International customers should expect 2-6 weeks total delivery time.

Shipping Carriers

We use trusted shipping carriers including:

  • USPS (United States Postal Service)
  • UPS (United Parcel Service)
  • DHL (for international orders)
  • Other regional carriers as needed

We select the carrier based on the most efficient and cost-effective option for your location.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on:

  • Destination address
  • Package weight and dimensions
  • Shipping method selected
  • Current carrier rates

Free shipping promotions may be offered periodically. Details will be clearly stated during checkout.

Order Tracking

Tracking Information

  • You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order ships
  • Tracking updates may take 24-48 hours to appear in the carrier’s system
  • You can track your package directly through the carrier’s website using your tracking number

Tracking Issues

If your tracking information is not updating:

  • Wait 48 hours after receiving your tracking number
  • Check the carrier’s website directly (not third-party tracking sites)
  • Contact us if tracking shows no movement for 5+ business days

Shipping Address

Your Responsibility

  • Verify your shipping address carefully before completing your order
  • Ensure the address includes apartment/unit numbers if applicable
  • Double-check for typos or errors
  • Provide a phone number for delivery notifications

Address Changes

  • Orders cannot be rerouted once shipped
  • Address changes must be requested within 2 hours of placing your order
  • Contact hello@essenceofmelanin.com immediately if you need to update your address
  • We cannot guarantee address changes after production begins

Incorrect Address Consequences

We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by the customer. If a package is returned to sender or lost due to an incorrect address:

  • Customer is responsible for reshipment fees
  • Refunds will not be issued
  • A new order may need to be placed at full price

Delivery Issues

Lost or Stolen Packages

  • If tracking shows “delivered” but you did not receive the package:
    • Check with neighbors, building management, or household members
    • Verify the delivery address on the tracking information
    • Check all possible delivery locations (porch, mailbox, garage, etc.)
    • Wait 24 hours in case of delayed delivery scan

Essence of Melanin is not responsible for packages marked as delivered by the carrier. We recommend:

  • Filing a claim with the shipping carrier
  • Contacting your local post office or carrier depot
  • Filing a police report if you suspect theft

Packages Refused or Returned to Sender

  • If you refuse delivery or a package is returned to sender:
    • No refund will be issued
    • Customer is responsible for original shipping costs
    • Customer must pay reshipping fees for redelivery
    • Refusal without valid reason may result in account restrictions

Damaged Packages

If your package arrives visibly damaged:

  • Do not refuse the package
  • Accept delivery and document the damage with photos
  • Contact us at hello@essenceofmelanin.com within 7 days
  • Include photos of the damaged packaging and product
  • We will work with you to resolve the issue

Shipping Delays

Carrier Delays

We are not responsible for shipping delays caused by carriers, including but not limited to:

  • Weather events (hurricanes, snowstorms, floods, etc.)
  • Natural disasters
  • Carrier staffing issues
  • Peak season delays (holidays, major shopping events)
  • Customs processing delays (international orders)
  • Transportation disruptions

Holiday Shipping

During major holidays and peak shopping seasons:

  • Processing times may be extended
  • Carrier delays are more common
  • We recommend ordering early to ensure timely delivery

We will notify customers of any significant delays affecting their orders.

International Shipping Details

Customs and Duties

International customers are responsible for:

  • All customs fees, duties, and import taxes
  • Complying with their country’s import regulations
  • Any additional charges imposed by customs authorities

We do not collect or pay customs fees. These charges are determined by your country’s customs office and are beyond our control.

Customs Delays

International packages may be held in customs for inspection, which can delay delivery by days or weeks. We cannot expedite customs processing.

Prohibited Countries

We do not ship to countries under US trade embargoes or sanctions. Restricted destinations may change based on US law.

Package Protection

We recommend purchasing shipping insurance or package protection for high-value orders. Contact us for information about available protection options.

Without insurance, we cannot replace items lost or stolen after carrier confirms delivery.

Order Tracking and Updates

You can check your order status by:

  • Reviewing your order confirmation email
  • Clicking the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email
  • Contacting us at hello@essenceofmelanin.com with your order number

We do not provide daily shipping updates. Please allow adequate time for delivery before contacting us.

Contact for Shipping Questions

For questions about shipping or to report delivery issues:

Email: hello@essenceofmelanin.com
Phone: 484-378-9108
Subject Line: “Shipping Inquiry – Order #[Your Order Number]”

Please include:

  • Your order number
  • Tracking number (if available)
  • Description of the issue
  • Preferred resolution

Policy Updates

This Shipping Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our shipping practices, carrier partnerships, or legal requirements. The effective date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.

By placing an order with Essence of Melanin, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Shipping Policy.

Last Updated: February 9, 2026